Wilcoxon Test Research Articles

Image quality comparison of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs of the same post-hip arthroplasty patients: multi-rater assessments including PI-QUAL version 2.

To compare the image quality of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs of the same post-hip arthroplasty patients, with a specific focus on the degree of susceptibility artifacts. This single-center retrospective study included post-hip arthroplasty patients who underwent 1.5T prostate MRIs between 2021 and 2023, as well as comparative 3T prostate MRIs. Three blinded abdominal radiologists retrospectively reviewed their diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI, 50s/mm2), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE) to evaluate the image quality. The degree of susceptibility artifacts was categorized using a three-point scale, with 3 indicating the least artifact and 1 indicating the most. Image quality was also evaluated using Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) version 2. The median of the three raters' scores was compared between 1.5T and 3T prostate MRIs using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The inter-rater agreement was evaluated using the multi-rater generalized kappa. Twenty pairs of 1.5T and 3T prostate MRI examinations from 20 unique patients were included. The DWI susceptibility artifact score at 1.5T was significantly higher than at 3T (mean score ± standard deviation, 2.80 ± 0.41 vs. 2.35 ± 0.93, p = 0.014). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the susceptibility artifact scores in T2WI and DCE, or in the PI-QUAL score. The inter-reader agreement in the susceptibility artifact score was moderate (multi-rater generalized kappa: 0.60) in DWI, perfect in T2WI (not applicable), andsubstantial (0.65) in DCE. The inter-reader agreement wasfair (0.27) in the PI-QUAL score. Using 1.5T scanners may be preferable to reduce susceptibility artifacts from hip prostheses in DWI.

Using ChatGPT to Improve Readability of Interventional Radiology Procedure Descriptions.

This project examines ChatGPT's potential to enhance the readability of patient educational materials about interventional radiology (IR) procedures. The descriptions of IR procedures from the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) were used as the original text. Readability scores were calculated using three metrics: Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Gunning Fog (GF), and the Automated Readability Index (ARI) using an online calculator ( https://readabilityformulas.com ). FRE is scored on a scale of 0-100, where 100 indicates easy-to-read texts, and GF and ARI represent the grade level required to comprehend the text. The DISCERN instrument measured credibility and reliability. ChatGPT was prompted to simplify the texts to a fifth-grade reading level, with subsequent recalculation of readability and DISCERN scores for comparison. Statistical significance was determined using a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Articles were subsequently organized by subgroups and analyzed. 73 interventional radiology procedures from CIRSE were analyzed. The original FRE score was 47.2 (Difficult), improved to 78.4 (Fairly Easy) by ChatGPT. GF and ARI scores dropped from 14.4 and 11.2 to 7.8 and 5.8, respectively, after simplification, showing significant improvement (p < 0.001). However, the average DISCERN score decreased from 3.73 to 2.99 (p < 0.001) post-ChatGPT simplification. This study shows ChatGPT's ability to make interventional radiology descriptions more readable but highlights its struggle to maintain the original's reliability, suggesting the need for human review and prompt engineering to enhance outcomes. Level 6.

Intradevice Repeatability and Interdevice Comparison of Two Specular Microscopy Devices in a Real-Life Setting: Tomey EM-4000 and Nidek CEM-530.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare two commercially available specular microscopes (Tomey EM-4000 and Nidek CEM-530) in a real-life clinical setting in terms of intra- and interdevice variability. The study was conducted on all patients seen in a clinical practice specializing in anterior segment pathologies, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Materials and Methods: In total, 112 eyes of 56 patients (age 23-85 years old) were included in the study. Each eye was measured three times with each device (for a total of six measurements), and results for central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) were recorded. The results were then evaluated with the D'Agostino-Pearson normality test and compared with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, t-test, ANOVA or Mann-Whitney test for intra- and interdevice variability. Results: Both specular microscopes produced very reliable reproducible intradevice results: The Tomey EM-4000 measured an ECD of 2390 ± 49.57 cells/mm2 (mean ± standard error of mean); the range was 799-3010 cells/mm2. The determined CCT was 546 ± 5.104 µm (mean ± standard error of mean [SEM]); the range was 425-615 µm. The measurements with the Nidek CEM-530 revealed an ECD of 2417 ± 0.09 cells/mm2 (mean ± SEM); the range was 505-3461 cells/mm2 (mean ± SEM). The mean CCT detected was 546.3 ± 4.937 µm (mean ± SEM); the range was 431-621 µm. The interdevice differences were statistically significant for both parameters, ECD (p = 0.0175) and CCT (p = 0.0125) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The Nidek CEM-530 and the Tomey EM-4000 both produced reliable and reproducible results in terms of ECD and CCT. The absolute measurements were statistically significantly different for CCT and ECD for both devices; the Nidek produces slightly higher values.

Multimodal Deep Learning-based Radiomics Approach for Predicting Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

A retrospective analysis. This research sought to develop a predictive model for surgical outcomes in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) using deep learning and machine learning (ML) techniques. Determining surgical outcomes assists surgeons in communicating prognosis to patients and setting their expectations. Deep learning and ML are computational models that identify patterns from large datasets and make predictions. Of the 482 patients, 288 patients were included in the analysis. A minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was defined as gain in Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of 2.5 points or more. The predictive model for MCID achievement at 1 year post-surgery was constructed using patient background, clinical symptoms, and preoperative imaging features (x-ray, CT, MRI) analyzed via LightGBM and deep learning with RadImagenet. The median preoperative JOA score was 11.0 (IQR: 9.0-12.0), which significantly improved to 14.0 (IQR: 12.0-15.0) at 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The average improvement rate of the JOA score was 44.7%, and 60.1% of patients achieved the MCID. Our model exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 and the accuracy of 71.9% in predicting MCID at 1 year. Preoperative JOA score and certain preoperative imaging features were identified as the most significant factors in the predictive models. A predictive ML and deep learning model for surgical outcomes in OPLL patients is feasible, suggesting promising applications in spinal surgery. 4.

Comparison of virtual clinical scenario and role play in learning oral pathology among dental students.

In oral pathology, virtual clinical scenario illustrating dentist-patient interactions can be utilized by both students and health professionals to deliver/gain knowledge and make clinical diagnosis of oral lesions. Role play is also an educational technique which is designed to engage and motivate students in classrooms. This study aimed to compare usefulness of virtual clinical scenario and role play in learning oral pathology among second-year dental students. The students were randomly divided to one of the two groups: virtual clinical scenario group (n = 50) and role play group (n = 50). Virtual clinical scenario group was provided with virtual clinical cases of oral lesions through Google Forms whereas role play group was exposed to virtual clinical cases of oral lesions through role playing activity. Both groups underwent assessments before and after the intervention. Students' perceptions on usefulness of both techniques in terms of diagnosis, visual parameters and impact on learning were evaluated by feedback questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-test and post-test scores. Additionally, the scores and students' responses from both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. A P-value of < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Students in both groups showed significantly higher post-test scores compared to their pre-test scores (P < 0.001). However, the role play group outperformed the virtual clinical scenario group, with a significantly higher post-test score (P = 0.04). Furthermore, feedback concerning role play was significantly higher than that for the virtual clinical scenario across multiple aspects (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that role play emerges as the preferred method, significantly enhancing dental students' learning experiences in oral pathology.

Development and validation of an automated Tomotherapy planning method for cervical cancer

PurposeThis study aimed to develop an automated Tomotherapy (TOMO) planning method for cervical cancer treatment, and to validate its feasibility and effectiveness.Materials and methodsThe study enrolled 30 cervical cancer patients treated with TOMO at our center. Utilizing scripting and Python environment within the RayStation (RaySearch Labs, Sweden) treatment planning system (TPS), we developed automated planning methods for TOMO and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) techniques. The clinical manual TOMO (M-TOMO) plans for the 30 patients were re-optimized using automated planning scripts for both TOMO and VMAT, creating automated TOMO (A-TOMO) and automated VMAT (A-VMAT) plans. We compared A-TOMO with M-TOMO and A-VMAT plans. The primary evaluated relevant dosimetric parameters and treatment plan efficiency were assessed using the two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test for statistical analysis, with a P-value < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.ResultsA-TOMO plans maintained similar target dose uniformity compared to M-TOMO plans, with improvements in target conformity and faster dose drop-off outside the target, and demonstrated significant statistical differences (P+ < 0.01). A-TOMO plans also significantly outperformed M-TOMO plans in reducing V50Gy, V40Gy and Dmean for the bladder and rectum, as well as Dmean for the bowel bag, femoral heads, and kidneys (all P+ < 0.05). Additionally, A-TOMO plans demonstrated better consistency in plan quality. Furthermore, the quality of A-TOMO plans was comparable to or superior than A-VMAT plans. In terms of efficiency, A-TOMO significantly reduced the time required for treatment planning to approximately 20 min.ConclusionWe have successfully developed an A-TOMO planning method for cervical cancer. Compared to M-TOMO plans, A-TOMO plans improved target conformity and reduced radiation dose to OARs. Additionally, the quality of A-TOMO plans was on par with or surpasses that of A-VMAT plans. The A-TOMO planning method significantly improved the efficiency of treatment planning.

EFFECTIVENESS OF RED BETEL (PIPER CROCATUM) EXTRACT ON LEUCORRHEA IN WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE

Introduction: Reproductive health problems exist in Asia; 76% of women experience vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge symptoms are also experienced by women of childbearing age (around 31.8%). Women of childbearing age are more at risk of fluor albus, which can be a trigger for reproductive organ infections. One of the treatments is to use betel leaves, which contain natural antiseptics and antibiotics. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of red betel leaf extract (Piper crocatum) against leucorrhea in women of childbearing age. Method: This research method uses a quasi-experiment design with one pre-and post-test design technique group. The research was conducted at the Independent Midwife Practice in Bandung City. The population in the study were all women of childbearing age in Bandung City. The sample consisted of women of childbearing age, according to the inclusion criteria of 36 people. The data obtained were primary data from the measurement of vaginal pH with Neco test litmus paper. The data analysis used was the Wilcoxon test to test the difference in pH scores before and after the intervention. Result: The results showed a significant difference in the use of 0.5% red betel leaf extract in women of childbearing age before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Red betel leaf extract 0.5% is effective in reducing the incidence of leucorrhea. There is a decrease in vaginal pH before and after the use of red betel leaf extract 0.5% by 1.78 (p &lt;0.05).

A rhinopithecus swarm optimization algorithm for complex optimization problem

This paper introduces a novel meta-heuristic algorithm named Rhinopithecus Swarm Optimization (RSO) to address optimization problems, particularly those involving high dimensions. The proposed algorithm is inspired by the social behaviors of different groups within the rhinopithecus swarm. RSO categorizes the swarm into mature, adolescent, and infancy individuals. Due to this division of labor, each category of individuals employs unique search methods, including vertical migration, concerted search, and mimicry. To evaluate the effectiveness of RSO, we conducted experiments using the CEC2017 test set and three constrained engineering problems. Each function in the test set was independently executed 36 times. Additionally, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test to analyze the performance of RSO compared to eight well-known optimization algorithms: Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO), Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Atomic Retrospective Learning Bare Bone Particle Swarm Optimization (ARBBPSO), Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer (GTO), and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO). The results indicate that RSO exhibited outstanding performance on the CEC2017 test set for both 30 and 100 dimension. Moreover, RSO ranked first in both dimensions, surpassing the mean rank of the second-ranked algorithms by 7.69% and 42.85%, respectively. Across the three classical engineering design problems, RSO consistently achieves the best results. Overall, it can be concluded that RSO is particularly effective for solving high-dimensional optimization problems.

Comparing the Tactical Behavior of Young Soccer Players in Full- and Small-Sided Games

ABSTRACT The objective was to assess and compare the tactical conduct of players aged U-8, U-10, and U-12 during full- and small-sided games, focusing on tactical modeling and interaction dynamics. Each age group comprised three teams (n = 180; 60 per category; 20 per team), engaging in a tournament where teams faced each other once in both formats − 18 matches; 3 per category in each format. Full-sided games (GK + 10 vs.10 + GK; 100 × 68 m) and small-sided games (U-8: GK + 4 vs. 4 + GK (36 × 20 m); U-10: GK + 7 vs. 7 + GK (52.5 × 34 m); U-12: GK + 10 vs. 10 + GK (68 × 45 m). Standard playing times (3 periods of 12 minutes (U-8s); 3 periods of 15 minutes (U-10s); and 3 periods of 20 minutes (U-12s), with a 5-minute break. Variables were examined using descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval), with paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests employed for inter-format comparisons. Despite players benefiting from more time and space in full-sided games (increased ball receptions and overall ball involvement), results from small-sided games indicate three key advantages: 1) More goals (U-8s: z = –3.44, p = .050) and shots on target (U-8: z = –3.25, p = .001; U-10: z = –2.72, p = .007); 2) Game space management—ball circulation in larger amplitude (U-10: t = –4.20, p = .001; U-12: t = –4.35, p < .001); and with more transitions (U-10: t = –3.60, p = .002; U-12: t = –4.16, p = .001) and 3) Fast decision-making—larger ball velocity circulation (U-08: t = –3.54, p = .003; U-10: t = –5.13, p < .001; U-12: t = –5.80, p < .001).

Assessment of Ammonia Concentrations and Climatic Conditions in Calf Housing Using Stationary and Mobile Sensors.

In calf fattening, housing climate conditions are essential for optimal performance and welfare. Validated methods to measure the long-term housing climate are lacking. The present study investigated climate parameters for 14 weeks in Swiss calf fattening housing with two different ammonia (NH3) sensors: six stationary sensors (Dräger Polytron 8100) were installed at animal level and four mobile sensors (Dräger x-AM 5100) were attached to the calves' heads. Temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were recorded by two stationary data loggers (testo 160 IAQ). Data were analyzed descriptively, and 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of mobile and stationary sensors were compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired data. The 4 h mean values of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations and the 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of stationary and mobile sensors were analyzed by ANOVA in two linear models. The overall 4 h mean of maximum NH3 concentrations ranged between 5.9-9.4 ppm for measurements of stationary sensors and between 11.3-14.7 ppm for measurements of mobile sensors. The NH3 concentrations measured by mobile sensors showed significantly higher peak values and more fluctuations. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between the NH3 concentrations measured by either sensor and CO2 concentrations (p < 0.01 (mobile sensors); p < 0.0001 (stationary sensors), temperature values (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)), and relative humidity (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)). The measurements of the implemented method showed that corresponding housing climate parameters fluctuated strongly, and NH3 reached high peak values. Validated measurement methods might allow for a detailed assessment of the housing climate in practice, and for further research on suitable management methods for housing climate optimization in the future.

Clinical Benefit of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty over Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty When Using Mobile-Bearing Implants.

Background and Objectives: As a treatment modality for advanced knee osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty is well established and has been performed on many patients over time. To improve surgical outcomes, fixed-bearing implant insertion with robotic-assisted TKA has been introduced; however, the insertion of mobile-bearing (MB) implants with the same method is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term postoperative follow-up outcomes of MB implant insertion using a robotic-assisted TKA system and conventional TKA. Materials and Methods: We investigated functional improvement in the knees of 60 patients who underwent the insertion of MB implants using either robotic-assisted TKA or conventional TKA. Isokinetic muscular function, range of motion, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were measured 6 months after surgery. The statistical analysis of outcome measurements was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Some isokinetic muscular functions, as well as Knee Society Scores (pain and function) and VAS scores, were significantly higher in patients who underwent MB insertion with robotic-assisted TKA than in those who underwent conventional TKA. Conclusions: When an MB implant is inserted using a robotic-assisted TKA system, a better surgical outcome can be expected.

Association of Serum Proteases and Acute Phase Factors Levels with Survival Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial burden on global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in screening methodologies, its incidence remains high, necessitating continued efforts in early detection and treatment. Neoplastic invasion and metastasis are primary determinants of CRC lethality, emphasizing the urgency of understanding underlying mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the potential of serum biomarkers in predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients, with a focus on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA), antitrypsin activity (ATA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C (CC). We recruited 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls, assessing demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and 7 serum biomarker levels, including (1) CB, (2) LE, (3) TSA, (4) LASA, (5) ATA, (6) CRP, and (7) CC. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests and MANOVA for continuous variables. Student's t-test was used for dependent samples, while non-parametric tests like Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied for variables deviating from the normal distribution. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was utilized to examine variable correlations. Survival analysis employed the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test for comparing survival times between groups. Significant associations were observed between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), and TSA (p = 0.008) levels and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Dukes' classification stages also showed a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were found for LASA, ATA, CRP, and CC. Multivariate analysis of LE, TSA, and ATA demonstrated a notable correlation with survival (p = 0.041), notwithstanding ATA's lack of significance in univariate analysis (p = 0.13). CB, LE, and TSA emerged as promising diagnostic markers with prognostic value in CRC, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional prognostic indicators.

Psychometric Properties of Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test in an Italian Population with Parkinson's Disease.

Assessment of upper limb function is critical in the rehabilitation process of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), and universally validated outcome measures are needed to allow comparisons across the practice. Moreover, the study of psychometric properties of the same tool on different clinical populations guarantees the possibility of reliably evaluating the same rehabilitation treatment in people with different clinical conditions. The aim of this research was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian adaptation of the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) in individuals with PD. The reliability and validity of the test were assessed in accordance with international standards. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was determined via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity and cross-cultural validity of the test were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient with three assessment tools on upper limb function, independence, and quality of life, with hand grip power measured by a dynamometer and an Italian pangram. Finally, responsiveness after a one month of rehabilitation treatment was measured using the Wilcoxon rank test. Fifty-two Italian people with PD were recruited. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.556 (non-dominant hand) to 0.668 (dominant hand); ICC values ranged from 0.754 to 0.988. Construct validity showed that several statistically significant correlations were detected. Wilcoxon's test showed that the assessment tool can detect a change in this population after treatment. The JTHFT is a reliable, valid, and respondent tool to evaluate the upper limb and hand functionalities in PD patients. It should be added to the toolkit for measuring upper limb performance in this population, adding value to clinical evaluation and ensuring comparable results for different clinical populations and different countries.

Reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of the Chinese Version of the Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People (APAFOP-C)

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is essential in mitigating frailty syndrome, and it is necessary to measure PA in older adults with frailty. Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People (APAFOP) is a suitable patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for assessing PA among older adults with frailty. This study aimed to determine the reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of the Chinese version of the APAFOP (APAFOP-C).MethodsThis cross-sectional validation study was designed to measure the reliability and criterion validity of the APAFOP-C with 124 frail community-residing older adults. APAFOP-C was completed twice within an interval of 7–17 days to determine test-retest reliability. The investigator triangulation method was used to investigate inter-rater reliability, and a pedometer was used as the reference measurement to assess the criterion validity. Reliability and criterion validity were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Pearson correlation coefficient for normally distributed variables, Spearman correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon signed-rank test for skewed variables, and the minimal detectable change at 95% level of confidence (MDC95). Agreement assessment was conducted using Bland-Altman plots for inter-rater reliability and criterion validity. Kendall’s W test assessed absolute agreement among three raters in inter-rater reliability. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate whether any particular day was more representative of certain daily activities.ResultsTotal PA on any arbitrarily chosen day illustrates daily activity (Z= -0.84, p = 0.40). The APAFOP-C exhibited strong-to-very strong test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.73–0.97; Spearman ρ = 0.67–0.89), and the total PA score demonstrated MDC95 < 10%. Inter-rater reliability was also strong-to-very strong (ICC2,1=0.96–0.98; Spearman ρ = 0.88–1.00), and moderate criterion validity when compared with total PA score on pedometer readings (Spearman ρ = 0.61). Limits of agreement among different raters regarding the APAFOP-C and the pedometer were narrow.ConclusionThe APAFOP-C was found to have limited but acceptable psychometric properties for measuring PA among community-dwelling older adults with frailty in China. It was a feasible comparative PROM for assessing PA worldwide. Practitioners can develop individualized exercise programs for frail older adults and efficiently track changes in PA utilizing the APAFOP-C.

Effects of Chitosan as a Novel Obturation Material for Pulpectomized Teeth on Periapical Inflammation, Periodontal Ligament Widening, and Hard Tissue Resorption: A Preliminary Exploratory Study on Dogs.

Objectives: This preliminary animal study was conducted to assess the effects of chitosan as a novel obturation material for pulpectomized teeth on periapical inflammation, periodontal ligament (PDL) widening, and hard tissue resorption. Materials and Methods: Forty premolar root canals in two mature dogs were obturated with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and an experimental 3% chitosan paste (n=20 in each group). The teeth were then restored with amalgam. After 28 days, the dogs were sacrificed, and histopathological assessment was performed. The amount of resorbed obturation material, degree of inflammatory response, degree of PDL widening, and the number of bone/cementum/dentin resorption defects were recorded under ×40 and ×200 magnifications. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, one-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Fisher's exact test (α=0.05). Results: Bone, cementum, and dentin resorption were seen in 6, 10, and 1 chitosan-obturated canals and 14, 15, and 0 ZOE-obturated canals, respectively. Only the bone resorption defects were significantly fewer in the chitosan group (P=0.026). Mild, moderate, and severe inflammation were observed in 17, 3, and 0 chitosan-obturated canals, and 7, 9, and 4 ZOE-filled canals, respectively (P=0.004). Mild, moderate, and severe PDL widening were seen around 15, 5, and 0 chitosan-filled canals and 7, 12, and 1 ZOE-filled canals, respectively (P=0.025). Conclusion: The 3% chitosan was superior to ZOE in terms of causing less inflammation and PDL widening. It also decreased bone resorption and acted similar to ZOE in terms of dentin and cementum resorption.

تطبيق الطريقة القياسية ببطاقة الكلمة لترقية قدرة الطلاب في تدريس النحو (دراسة تجريبية في المدرسة الثانوية بمعهد باب النجاح)

Babun Najah Islamic boarding school is one of the modern Islamic boarding schools in Banda Aceh, based on first observations at the Babun Najah Islamic Boarding School, researchers found problems in learning nahwu using the istira'iyah method, namely a method that starts from explaining examples and then drawing conclusions from the results of discussions regarding these examples, but this method is not suitable for some students, so making it difficult for students to understand nahwu and unable to understand the rules of nahwu well. Therefore, the researcher wants to conduct research on the topic "Application of the Qiyasiyah Method with Word Cards to Improve Students' Ability in Learning Nahwu (Experimental Study at the Babun Najah Islamic Boarding School Tsanawiyah)" The aim of this research is to identify the effectiveness of applying the qiyasiyah method using word cards to improve students' abilities in learning nahwu. The research methodology in this thesis is the Pre-Experiment Designs method with One Group Pre-Test Post-Test Designs, and the population in this thesis is third grade Tsanawiyah students, totaling 104 students, and the sample here is class 3-C students, totaling 30 students. Researchers used two tests to collect data. Pre-test and post-test. The examiner will test the results with the normality test, homogeneity test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test using SPSS 20. The pre-test post-test results show significance results with a value of 0.001 &lt; 0.05 which indicates that the hypothesis (Ha) is accepted and (H0) rejected.

TICRR as a potential prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma: A comprehensive analysis using TCGA database.

To investigate the role of TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator (TICRR) in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze the relationship between clinical characteristics and TICRR expression in LUAD from TCGA dataset. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regressions were used to assess the impact of TICRR impact on prognosis. ROC curves and nomograms were generated to further evaluate the relationship between TICRR expression and the risk of LUAD. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on TCGA dataset, and ssGSEA was employed to investigate the association between TICRR and immune infiltrates. The results showed that high TICRR expression was significantly associated with various clinical factors including gender, age, pathological stage, T stage, N stage, M stage, outcome of primary therapy and smoking status. ROC curves also demonstrated that TICRR was a promising biomarker for molecular pathology diagnosis in LUAD patients (AUC = 0.952). Further analysis using gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and GSEA revealed an abnormal correlation between TICRR expression and cell division. Interestingly, ssGSEA analysis showed that TICRR expression correlated with multiple immune cell types, such as Th2 cell, TFH cell, mast cell, iDC, eosinophils, and dendritic cell. Lastly, the KM-plotters indicated that LUAD patients with high TICRR expression obtained worse life expectancy (P < .001). TICRR has proven to be a valuable tool in predicting disease progression and prognosis in patients with LUAD, thereby establishing itself as a fitting biomarker for forecasting overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients.

Molecular Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Bottleneck in Hair Goat Reared in Türkiye

Objective: Being the most preferred and geographically distributed in Türkiye, the Hair goat was screened at a molecular level to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure via microsatellite DNA markers. This paper also aimed to investigate the effects of genetic bottleneck to evaluate whether the Hair goat has maintained its effective population size in recent past. Material and Methods: A total of 411 Hair goats were sampled from farms participating in the "Hair Goat Breeding" project, initiated by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies in Aydın and Denizli provinces. Sampled animals were genotyped with 18 microsatellite loci to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic bottleneck. Results: A total of 341 different alleles were observed across 18 microsatellite loci in which the highest number of alleles (26) and effective alleles (10.18) were detected in INRA005 and HSC loci, respectively. The average observed heterozygosity (0.73) was lower than the expected value (0.83), whereas all loci turned out to be highly informative (PIC&amp;gt;0.50). Factorial correspondence analysis separated animals into two groups, while a genetic admixture was detected between these groups. STRUCTURE analysis, on the other hand, confirmed that 411 animals were derived from three ancestral populations in which the third group is drawn due to admixed individuals. The Wilcoxon test and mode-shift indicator detected a lack of genetic bottleneck indicating that Hair goats reared in Türkiye have maintained their effective population size in recent past. Conclusion: This study validates that used microsatellite markers are highly polymorphic and could be utilized for revealing genetic diversity in different local goat breeds. The findings recovered in this study could be integrated into breeding and conservation programs, while further studies should adopt SNP array technologies and next-generation sequencing platforms to reveal deeper knowledge about the genetic diversity and population structure of Anatolian goat breeds.

Analysis Of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) Product Launch On Telecommunication Stock Returns In Indonesia

This research evaluates the possibility of a Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) strategy in the telecommunications sector, particularly in light of the significant increase in data consumption globally. Based on a report from Ericsson Mobility and market analysis, FMC services are expected to contribute around 10-20% to the total revenue of telecommunications companies. The success of this strategy in Western Europe and the vast potential in the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia, confirm this. This study is conducted using a comparative descriptive method on the stock returns of FMC players in Indonesia, thus aiming to prove whether FMC events can affect the dynamics of the telecommunications market in Indonesia and enrich investors' understanding of the potential of FMC on the financial performance of telecommunications companies, this can subsequently be manifested in the market's stock performance of telecoms business. The importance of analyzing changes in stock returns for investors of FMC operators in Indonesia, such as XL, SmartFren, and Telkomsel, both before and after the launch of FMC products, is a particular focus. In this case, the paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test methods assess significant differences between the means of two paired samples. The findings of this study offer practical guidance for investors looking at FMC strategies as information for making more informed investment decisions and improving their portfolio performance.

The Effect of Providing Brochure Media, Educational Video, and Power point on Knowledge Food Processing Sanitation Hygiene (Studi on Roadside Traders in East Telukjambe District, Karawang)

Introduction: Fulfillment of nutrients to obtain energy to support life and daily activities can be done through food consumption. Food should have a good impact on the body because the nutritional content can be dangerous if it is contaminated with harmful substances, one of which is snack food. To increase understanding of sanitary hygiene in food processing among traders, promotive efforts are therefore made through increasing knowledge in educational activities Objective: This research aims to determine the effect of providing educational media, namely Brochures, Educational Videos, Powerpoint regarding knowledge and practices of food hygiene and sanitation to traders in Teluk Jambe Timur Karawang District. Method: The method used in this paper is quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test group design. The total sample of respondents in this study was 45 respondents who were selected by purposive sampling including three groups with educational treatment using brochure media, educational video media, and Powerpoint media. Statistical test data analysis was carried out with the Wilcoxon. Result: The results of the Wilcoxon test showed differences in knowledge regarding food processing hygiene and sanitation before and after education using brochure media (p-value = 0.001), video media (p-value = 0.004) and Powerpoint media (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: The three media education, video media gave higher results compared to the other two media on the effect of increasing knowledge about food processing hygiene and sanitation.