A framework to select tuning parameters for nonparametric derivative estimation.

In this paper, we propose a general framework to select tuning parameters for the nonparametric derivative estimation. The new framework broadens the scope of the previously proposed generalized C p $C_p$ criterion by replacing the empirical derivative with any other linear nonparametric smoother. We provide the theoretical support of the proposed derivative estimation in a random design and justify it through simulation studies. The practical application of the proposed framework is demonstrated in the study of the age effect on hippocampal gray matter volume in healthy adults from the IXI dataset and the study of the effect of age and body mass index on blood pressure from the Pima Indians dataset.

Histological evaluation of the surgical margins of oral soft tissue incisions using a dual-wavelength diode laser and an Er, Cr:YSGG laser; an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared a dual-wavelength diode laser and an Er, Cr:YSGG laser in oral soft tissue incisions to determine the most effective and safest laser system at the histopathological level. METHODOLOGY: The (810 and 980 nm) dual-wavelength diode laser was used at 1.5 W and 2.5 W (CW) power settings, and the (2780 nm) Er, Cr:YSGG laser was used at 2.5 W and 3.5 W (PW) power settings. Both laser systems were used to incise the tissues of freshly dissected sheep tongue pieces to obtain the following histopathological criteria: epithelial tissue changes, connective tissue changes, and lateral thermal damage extent by optical microscopy. RESULTS: The epithelial and connective tissue damage scores were significantly higher in the dual-wavelength diode laser groups than in the Er, Cr:YSGG laser groups (P<0.001), and there was a significant difference between some groups. The extent of lateral thermal damage was also significantly higher in the diode laser groups than in the Er, Cr: YSGG laser groups (P<0.001), and there was a significant difference between groups. Group 2 (2.5 W) of the diode laser was the highest for all three criteria, while group 3 (2.5 W) of the Er, Cr:YSGG laser was the lowest. CONCLUSION: The Er, Cr:YSGG laser with an output power of 2.5 W is, histologically, the most effective and safest laser for oral soft tissue incision. The dual-wavelength diode laser causes more damage than the Er, Cr:YSGG laser, but it can be used with a low output power and 1 mm safety distance in excisional biopsy.

Ultrasonographic analysis of palatal donor site healing accelerated with platelet-rich fibrin following subepithelial connective tissue harvesting.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) contains a variety of growth factors and bioactive molecules that play crucial roles in wound healing and angiogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PRF on tissue thickness and vascularization of the palatal donor site by ultrasound (USG) following subepithelial connective tissue harvesting. METHODOLOGY: A subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palatal region with a single incision for root coverage in 20 systemically healthy patients. In the test group (n = 10), the PRF membrane was placed at the donor site, whereas no material was applied in the control group (n=10). Palatal tissue thickness (PTT) and pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated by USG at baseline and on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 30th, and 90th days after surgery. The early healing index (EHI) was used to evaluate donor site healing for 30 days. RESULTS: PTT was significantly higher in the PRF group on the 3rd and 14th days after surgery when compared to the controls. In the PRF-treated group, PI levels were significantly higher than in the controls, especially on the 14th day. PTT increased significantly 90 days after surgery compared to the test group baseline, but controls showed a significant decrease. The PRF group showed statistically significant improvements in EHI scores compared to controls on days 3, 7, and 14. This study found a negative correlation between PI values and EHI scores on postoperative days three and seven in the test group. CONCLUSION: USG is a non-invasive, objective method to radiographically evaluate the regenerative effects of PRF on palatal wound healing after soft tissue harvesting. To overcome graft inadequacy in reharvesting procedures, PRF application may enhance clinical success and reduce possible complications by increasing tissue thickness and revascularization in the donor area.

Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber and choroidal layers in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A controlled study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate retinal nerve fiber and choroidal layer alterations in adolescents with anorexia nervosa using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Thirty patients with anorexia nervosa and 30 healthy adolescents aged 12-18 years were included in this study. Their age, sex, body mass index, anorexia nervosa type, disease duration, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography data were recorded. RESULTS: Central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the temporal and inferior regions were significantly lesser in patients with anorexia than in healthy controls (p<0.05). Moreover, significant choroidal thinning around the foveal and subfoveal regions in patients with anorexia was observed (p<0.05). In addition, a statistically significant relation between the increase in disease duration and the thinning of the inferior retinal nerve fiber layer was detected (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The retinal nerve fiber layer and choroidal layer thicknesses were lesser in patients with anorexia than in healthy controls. Screening for retinal indices might prevent the development of irreversible retinal pathologies in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. In addition, thinning of the retinal nerve fiber and choroidal layers could reflect structural or functional changes in the brain of adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Comparison of HIF-1α and survivin levels in patients with diabetes and retinopathy of varying severity.

PURPOSE: This study measured serum hypoxia--inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) and survivin levels in patients with diabetes and investigated their association with the severity of retinopathy. METHODS: This study included 88 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent routine eye examinations. Three groups were created. Group 1 consisted of patients without diabetic retinopathy. Group 2 included patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Group 3 included patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. To measure serum HIF-1α and survivin levels, venous blood samples were collected from patients. RESULTS: The mean HIF-1α levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 17.30 ± 2.19, 17.79 ± 2.34, and 14.19 ± 2.94 pg/ml, respectively. Significant differences were detected between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.01) and between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.01). The mean survivin levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 42.65 ± 5.37, 54.92 ± 5.55, and 37.46 ± 8.09 pg/ml, respectively. A significant difference was only detected between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that serum HIF-1α and survivin levels are increased in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy compared to those in patients without diabetic retinopathy.

Association Between Articular Eminence Structure and Joint Spaces in Temporomandibular Joints with Anterior Disc Displacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association among the joint spaces, articular eminence morphology, and disc displacement is not well documented in the literature. This study aims to evaluate and compare the joint spaces and the articular eminence structure (eminence height [Eh] and inclination [Ei]) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) with anterior disc displacements and joints with normal disc position. METHODS: The study groups consisted of 75 TMJs of 39 patients. The disc status of TMJs was diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, and the measurements were performed on CBCT. Three groups, that is, normal disc position (NDP) group, anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) group, and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) group, were established. Anterior, superior, posterior joint spaces (AJS, SJS, and PJS, respectively), articular Eh, and articular Ei were measured. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of data. Intergroup comparisons of categorical variables were assessed with Fisher-Freeman-Halton test. For comparison of continuous variables parameters, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Statistical significance level was determined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were not found in intergroup comparisons for PJS. However, the difference between groups was found to be significant for AJS, SJS, Eh, and Ei. Intergroup comparisons were performed for these parameters. No significant difference was found between the NDP group and the ADDWR group for AJS, SJS, Eh, and EI. The mean AJS, SJS, Eh, and Ei values in ADDWoR were found to be significantly lower compared to the corresponding values in both NDP and ADDWR groups. CONCLUSION: Decreased AJS and SJS when TMJ is evaluated with CBCT may be an indicator of ADDWoR. Authors suggest that narrowed articular Ei and reduced articular Eh can be one of the predisposing factors for anterior disc displacement.

Impacto de la implementación de un método de traspaso de información estandarizada interdisciplinar en sala de partos y unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios / Impact of the implementation of a standardised interdisciplinary information transfer method in the Delivery room and Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit

Objetivo Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir la implementación de la metodología estandarizada en la transferencia de información en sala de partos y unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios en un hospital de tercer nivel de Barcelona e identificar el impacto de esta implementación en los factores que actúan como facilitadores y barreras en el procedimiento. Método Estudio cuasiexperimental tipo pretest-postest sin grupo control en la unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios y sala de partos del servicio de Medicina Maternofetal de un hospital de tercer nivel de Barcelona. El personal sanitario autocumplimentó un cuestionario ad hoc antes y después de implementar la metodología estandarizada IDEAS en el servicio durante 2019 y 2020. Se evaluó la autopercepción personal en el procedimiento de transferencia de información. El test de Wilcoxon por pares se utilizó para la comparación antes y después. Resultados El uso de una metodología estandarizada ha mostrado un impacto en la mejora de la transmisión de la información. Se detectaron diferencias significativas antes y después de la intervención en las siguientes dimensiones: ubicación, personas implicadas, periodo de tiempo del procedimiento, estructurada ordenada y clara y tiempo suficiente para preguntas (p<0,001); mientras que no se observaron diferencias en transmisión al profesional referente, actuaciones bien definidas y realización de un resumen. Conclusiones Existen factores, como aspectos estructurales, organizativos y falta de tiempo, que dificultan la comunicación efectiva, por tanto, actúan como barreras en la transferencia de información. La implementación de una metodología con las personas implicadas, el tiempo y el espacio adecuado permite mejorar aspectos en la comunicación en el equipo multiprofesional y, por tanto, la seguridad del paciente. (AU)

Aim This study aims to describe the implementation of the standard methodology for information transfer in the labour ward and Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and to identify the impact of this implementation on the factors that act as facilitators and barriers in the procedure. Method Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study without a control group in an Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and delivery room of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service of a tertiary hospital in Barcelona. Healthcare staff self-completed an ad hoc questionnaire before and after implementing the standardised IDEAS methodology in the service during 2019 and 2020. Personal self-perception in the information transfer procedure was assessed. The Wilcoxon pairwise test was used for comparison before and after. Results The use of a standardised methodology has shown an impact on improving the transmission of information. Significant differences were detected before and after the intervention in the following dimensions: location, people involved, time period of the procedure, structured, orderly and clear, and sufficient time for questions (p<0.001); while no differences were observed in: transmission to the referring professional, well-defined actions, and completion of a summary. Conclusions There are factors such as structural and organisational aspects and lack of time that hinder effective communication and therefore act as barriers to the transfer of information. The implementation of a methodology with the health professionals involved, the time and the appropriate space allows for the improvement of communication aspects in the multiprofessional team and, therefore, patient safety. (AU)

Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of virgilite-based occlusal veneers with varying thickness.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: CAD/CAM occlusal veneers have been developed for minimally invasive prosthetic restoration of eroded teeth. Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance are crucial for the long-term survivability and clinical success of such restorations. Virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is a newly introduced material with claims of high strength. However, constructing occlusal veneers from this material of varying thickness has not been investigated. PURPOSE: The current study aimed to assess the impact of CAD/CAM occlusal veneer thickness and materials on marginal adaptation and fracture resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two occlusal veneers were constructed and divided into two groups (n = 16) based on the CAD/CAM material into Brilliant Crios and CEREC Tessera. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 8) according to the thickness: 0.6 and 0.9 mm. Occlusal veneers were bonded to epoxy resin dies. The marginal gap was evaluated before and after thermodynamic aging. Fracture resistance and failure mode were evaluated for the same samples after aging. Marginal adaptation was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Fracture resistance was analyzed using Weibull analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The marginal gap was significantly increased following thermodynamic aging for tested groups (P < 0.001). CEREC Tessera showed a significantly higher marginal gap than Brilliant Crios before and after aging for both thicknesses (P < 0.05). CEREC Tessera recorded lower significant fracture load values compared to Brilliant Crios (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both CEREC Tessera and Brilliant Crios demonstrated clinically accepted marginal gap values. All groups showed fracture resistance values higher than the average masticatory forces in the premolar region except for 0.6 mm CEREC Tessera. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Reinforced composite occlusal veneers demonstrated more favorable outcomes in terms of marginal gap and fracture resistance at both tested thicknesses compared to virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Additionally, caution should be exercised during the construction of occlusal veneers from virgilite-based lithium disilicate glass-ceramic with reduced thickness.

Impacto de la implementación de un método de traspaso de información estandarizada interdisciplinar en sala de partos y unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios / Impact of the implementation of a standardised interdisciplinary information transfer method in the Delivery room and Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit

Objetivo Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir la implementación de la metodología estandarizada en la transferencia de información en sala de partos y unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios en un hospital de tercer nivel de Barcelona e identificar el impacto de esta implementación en los factores que actúan como facilitadores y barreras en el procedimiento. Método Estudio cuasiexperimental tipo pretest-postest sin grupo control en la unidad de cuidados obstétricos intermedios y sala de partos del servicio de Medicina Maternofetal de un hospital de tercer nivel de Barcelona. El personal sanitario autocumplimentó un cuestionario ad hoc antes y después de implementar la metodología estandarizada IDEAS en el servicio durante 2019 y 2020. Se evaluó la autopercepción personal en el procedimiento de transferencia de información. El test de Wilcoxon por pares se utilizó para la comparación antes y después. Resultados El uso de una metodología estandarizada ha mostrado un impacto en la mejora de la transmisión de la información. Se detectaron diferencias significativas antes y después de la intervención en las siguientes dimensiones: ubicación, personas implicadas, periodo de tiempo del procedimiento, estructurada ordenada y clara y tiempo suficiente para preguntas (p<0,001); mientras que no se observaron diferencias en transmisión al profesional referente, actuaciones bien definidas y realización de un resumen. Conclusiones Existen factores, como aspectos estructurales, organizativos y falta de tiempo, que dificultan la comunicación efectiva, por tanto, actúan como barreras en la transferencia de información. La implementación de una metodología con las personas implicadas, el tiempo y el espacio adecuado permite mejorar aspectos en la comunicación en el equipo multiprofesional y, por tanto, la seguridad del paciente. (AU)

Aim This study aims to describe the implementation of the standard methodology for information transfer in the labour ward and Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and to identify the impact of this implementation on the factors that act as facilitators and barriers in the procedure. Method Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study without a control group in an Intermediate Obstetric Care Unit and delivery room of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Service of a tertiary hospital in Barcelona. Healthcare staff self-completed an ad hoc questionnaire before and after implementing the standardised IDEAS methodology in the service during 2019 and 2020. Personal self-perception in the information transfer procedure was assessed. The Wilcoxon pairwise test was used for comparison before and after. Results The use of a standardised methodology has shown an impact on improving the transmission of information. Significant differences were detected before and after the intervention in the following dimensions: location, people involved, time period of the procedure, structured, orderly and clear, and sufficient time for questions (p<0.001); while no differences were observed in: transmission to the referring professional, well-defined actions, and completion of a summary. Conclusions There are factors such as structural and organisational aspects and lack of time that hinder effective communication and therefore act as barriers to the transfer of information. The implementation of a methodology with the health professionals involved, the time and the appropriate space allows for the improvement of communication aspects in the multiprofessional team and, therefore, patient safety. (AU)

Lung Cancer Screening in People With COPD: The Pamplona-IELCAP Experience

Introduction The Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommends lung cancer screening for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but data is lacking regarding results of screening in this high-risk population. The main goal of the present work is to explore if lung cancer screening with Low Dose Chest Tomography (LDCT) in people with COPD, allows lung cancer (LC) diagnosis in early stages with survival compatible with curative state. Methods This is a post hoc exploratory analysis. Pamplona International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (P-IELCAP) participants with a GOLD defined obstructive pattern (post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.70) were selected for analysis. The characteristics of those who developed LC and their survival are described. A Cox proportional analysis explored the factors associated with LC diagnosis. Results Eight hundred and sixty-five patients (77% male, 93% in spirometric GOLD stage 1+2) were followed for 102±63 months. LC prevalence was 2.6% at baseline, with an annual LC diagnosis rate of 0.68%. Early-stage tumors predominated (74%) with a median survival (25–75th percentiles) of 139 (76–185) months. Cumulative tobacco exposure, FEV1%, and emphysema were the main predictors of an LC diagnosis. Eight (11%) patients with COPD had a second LC, most of them in early stage (92%), and 6 (8%) had recurrence. Median survival (25–75th percentiles) in these patients was 168 (108–191) months. Conclusions Lung cancer screening of selected high-risk participants with COPD allowed the LC diagnosis in early stages with survival compatible with curative state (AU)

Identifying patterns to uncover the importance of biological pathways on known drug repurposing scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Drug repurposing plays a significant role in providing effective treatments for certain diseases faster and more cost-effectively. Successful repurposing cases are mostly supported by a classical paradigm that stems from de novo drug development. This paradigm is based on the "one-drug-one-target-one-disease" idea. It consists of designing drugs specifically for a single disease and its drug's gene target. In this article, we investigated the use of biological pathways as potential elements to achieve effective drug repurposing. METHODS: Considering a total of 4214 successful cases of drug repurposing, we identified cases in which biological pathways serve as the underlying basis for successful repurposing, referred to as DREBIOP. Once the repurposing cases based on pathways were identified, we studied their inherent patterns by considering the different biological elements associated with this dataset, as well as the pathways involved in these cases. Furthermore, we obtained gene-disease association values to demonstrate the diminished significance of the drug's gene target in these repurposing cases. To achieve this, we compared the values obtained for the DREBIOP set with the overall association values found in DISNET, as well as with the drug's target gene (DREGE) based repurposing cases using the Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS: A collection of drug repurposing cases, known as DREBIOP, was identified as a result. DREBIOP cases exhibit distinct characteristics compared with DREGE cases. Notably, DREBIOP cases are associated with a higher number of biological pathways, with Vitamin D Metabolism and ACE inhibitors being the most prominent pathways. Additionally, it was observed that the association values of GDAs in DREBIOP cases were significantly lower than those in DREGE cases (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biological pathways assume a pivotal role in drug repurposing cases. This investigation successfully revealed patterns that distinguish drug repurposing instances associated with biological pathways. These identified patterns can be applied to any known repurposing case, enabling the detection of pathway-based repurposing scenarios or the classical paradigm.

Data Distribution: Normal or Abnormal?

Determining if the frequency distribution of a given data set follows a normal distribution or not is among the first steps of data analysis. Visual examination of the data, commonly by Q-Q plot, although is acceptable by many scientists, is considered subjective and not acceptable by other researchers. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with Lilliefors correction (for a sample size ≥ 50) and Shapiro-Wilk test (for a sample size < 50) are common statistical tests for checking the normality of a data set quantitatively. As parametric tests, which assume that the data distribution is normal (Gaussian, bell-shaped), are more robust compared to their non-parametric counterparts, we commonly use transformations (e.g., log-transformation, Box-Cox transformation, etc.) to make the frequency distribution of non-normally distributed data close to a normal distribution. Herein, I wish to reflect on presenting how to practically work with these statistical methods through examining of real data sets.

Effectiveness of Metaverse Space-Based Exercise Video Distribution in Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In response to the serious lack of physical activity among young adults, recent attempts have been made to encourage young people to exercise through exercise video distribution. However, merely distributing videos does not lead to improved physical activity levels. Metaverse space, which enables web-based interaction through avatars, allows users to watch exercise videos in the same space as other avatars. OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether exercise video distribution using metaverse space is effective in improving physical activity levels, along with mental health and locomotive function, among young people. METHODS: In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial participants were recruited using printed poster displays. A total of 48 young adults aged between 18 and 30 years were assigned to 3 groups of 16 each: the metaverse, YouTube, and control group. To encourage exercise, the metaverse group was given an exercise video each week with a load of around 4-8 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs) for 8 videos delivered in the metaverse space. The YouTube group was sent a URL on YouTube every week to view exercise videos with the same content as the metaverse group. The control group was given no special instructions. The intervention period was 8 weeks. Pre- and postintervention physical activity, well-being, locomotive syndrome risk tests, and social capital were measured. Although this study was not blinded to the participants, the measurers did not know to which group the participants belonged. Mixed model repeated-measures analyses and a post hoc Wilcoxon signed rank sum test were performed to detect the effects of the intervention in all groups. RESULTS: The results of the mixed model repeated-measures analyses showed a significant interaction between groups and before and after the intervention for total physical activity (metaverse group: pre 737.1, SD 609.5 METs/week, post 1575.4, SD 1071.8 METs/week; YouTube group: pre 661.7, SD 710.7 METs/week, post 911.9, SD 1103.3 METs/week; and control group: pre 930.6, SD 665.1 METs/week, post 844.7, SD 701.8 METs/week; P=.04) but none for the indicators of well-being (P=.40), locomotive function scale (P=.17), and social capital (P=.23). A post hoc test showed a significant increase in physical activity in the metaverse group before and after the intervention (P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that delivering exercise videos through metaverse space can increase physical activity in young adults by providing a gathering space for individuals similarly motivated for exercise practice. This way, the sense of isolation during exercise is reduced compared with merely distributing videos on YouTube. The use of metaverse space in health promotion is likely to spread, and this study provides a useful reference for its exploration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06019156; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT06019156.

Variations and thicknesses of anterior belly of the digastric muscle: an ultrasonographic study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the anatomy and anatomical variations of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. METHODS: Hundred and fifty one ultrasonographic images of the digastric muscle pairs were evaluated in Near East University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. Morphological variations were recorded using the classification of the digastric muscle into 12 types by Kim et al. For the analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used, and for the correlational analysis, Spearman's rho test was applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests. RESULTS: Seventy female and 81 male patients aged 19-60 years were evaluated. Type 1 digastric muscle was observed in 145 of 151 patients, Type 2 in 3 patients, and Type 7 in 3 patients. The thicknesses of the right and left digastric muscles were measured, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups when the genders were compared. It was observed that both right and left digastric muscle thicknesses were higher in males than females. There was a statistically significant positive high correlation between right and left digastric muscle thicknesses (p = 0.000; r = 0.736). No statistically significant difference was found between genders (p = 0.596) in terms of anatomical variations. CONCLUSION: Considering that the variations of the digastric muscle may have a clinical significance role, the normal anatomy and variations of this muscle should be well known by maxillofacial surgeons and radiologists.

Usefulness, Reliability, Quality, and Content of Portuguese Language YouTube Videos on COVID-19

Abstract Objective: To investigate the usefulness, reliability, quality, and content of Portuguese-language YouTube videos on COVID-19. Material and Methods: Three keywords selected on Google Trends were searched on YouTube, and the 60 first videos listed with each term were analyzed. Two calibrated researchers evaluated the reliability (DISCERN Modified Scale), the quality (Global Quality Score - GQS), and the usefulness of videos for the users (COVID-19 Specific Score - CSS). The number of views, likes, and engagement were also analyzed. The data were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation (α=5%). Results: 59 videos were included. The average scores of quality, reliability, and usefulness were 3.0 (±1.1), 3.2 (± 0.8), and 1.5 (± 0.9), respectively. Two-thirds of the videos (64.4%) had low/moderate quality, and the majority (76.2%) were about signs and symptoms. The numbers of views (p=0.005), likes (p=0.006), and engagement (p=0.014) were significantly higher in moderate/good quality videos. The number of comments (p=0.007), duration of videos (p=0.004), and the DISCERN score (p<0.001) were significantly higher in videos made by health professionals. The general quality of the videos was positively correlated to the CSS scores, number of views, likes, and engagement (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most videos had moderate quality and reliability and low usefulness for the users.

Burnout among Dental Students of Private and Public Dental Colleges in Pakistan - A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of burnout among dental students of public and private institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at five public and private dental institutions from June 2021 to May 2022. A validated twelve-item closed-ended Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire was distributed among the dental students of two private and two public institutes in Pakistan. The research questions focused on demographic information and students' academic experiences. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: A total of 274 dental undergraduate students - second (42.3%), third (35.4%), and final (22.3%) academic year participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.9, with the range of 20-26 years. Most participants were females (74.1%) compared to the males (25.9%). The findings for burnout syndrome among dentistry students and students in the private and public sectors were not significant. Conclusion: In the current study, burnout levels among dental undergraduates, both private and public, were low.

Use of Stroboscopic Goggles in Suture Training Improves Precision and Accuracy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify the impact of intermittent visual occlusion via stroboscopic goggles on suture accuracy and precision. METHODS: This crossover study recruited and randomized 72 graduate students to train with stroboscopic goggles early or late in structured suture practice. Participants completed assessments of 10 running sutures with 2 training sessions between baseline and follow-up assessments. The procedure was repeated after crossover. Suture photos were analyzed using ImageJ. Total error among all measurements represented accuracy; standard deviation of error represented precision. Intra- and inter-group trends were identified with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Both groups significantly improved in accuracy in the sessions immediately following goggle use, but the group that used goggles later in training continued improving in accuracy and precision while the group that trained with stroboscopic goggles early plateaued. CONCLUSIONS: Using stroboscopic goggles showed quantifiable benefit for augmenting suture training with greatest effect after initial skill acquisition is completed.

Prediction of learning curves of wired and wireless intraoral scanners.

This clinical study aimed to predict the learning curve of wireless and wired intraoral scanners (IOSs) and to compare the reduction patterns of working time. Overall, 14 participants were enrolled in the study. The intraoral scanning procedure was repeated four times, each using wireless and wired IOSs (i700; MEDIT). The work time from the first to the 600th iterations was predicted using the Wright model. Regarding statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U-test was performed for comparison between wireless and wired IOSs and between groups with and without an IOS usage experience, and the Friedman test was performed to evaluate the time reduction (α = 0.05). There was a significant difference between wireless and wired IOSs in the first (P = 0.008) and the third (P = 0.035) iterations. Moreover, the time for 600 iterations was statistically significantly different between wireless and wired IOSs (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference after the sixth iteration (e.g., seventh iteration: P = 0.062). In wireless IOS, no significant difference was found between participants with and without an IOS usage experience after the 34th iteration (P = 0.053). The difference in the learning effect between wireless and wired IOSs can be overcome by initial learning; however, an IOS usage experience can affect the learning time of wireless IOSs.

Evaluación de la fragmentación del sueño en niños con trastorno del espectro autista / Assessment of sleep fragmentation in children with autism spectrum disorder

Introducción: la interrupción en la continuidad del sueño se puede evaluar mediante el índice de fragmentación del sueño (IFS), esta medida ha resultado de utilidad en la evaluación de las personas con distintos trastornos del sueño. En el trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se presentan problemas con la estructura del sueño, pero el IFS no se ha evaluado en este tipo de población. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las características del IFS en un grupo de niños con TEA y en un grupo de niños con desarrollo típico. Métodos: se realizaron registros de polisomnografía en 19 niños con TEA de edad promedio 10,1 (±2,5) años y en 19 niños con desarrollo típico de edad promedio 10,8 (±2,5) años. En ambos grupos mediante la prueba U de Mann Whitney se compararon el IFS, el tiempo total de sueño, los porcentajes de las fases de sueño, la cantidad de vigilia después del inicio del sueño, la latencia para iniciar a dormir y la latencia al sueño MOR. Resultados: de las variables del sueño evaluadas, en el grupo con TEA el porcentaje de sueño MOR fue significativamente menor, mientras que la latencia al sueño MOR fue significativamente mayor. Conclusiones: la fragmentación del sueño no es una característica propia del TEA. La variación significativa en el sueño MOR aporta evidencia a favor de la hipótesis de la deficiencia del sueño MOR en el TEA.(AU)

Introduction: Disruption in sleep continuity can be assessed by the sleep fragmentation index (SFI), a measure that has proven useful in the evaluation of individuals with various sleep disorders. Problems with sleep structure are present in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the SFI has not been evaluated in this type of population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the SFI in a group of children with ASD and in a group of typically developing (TD) children. Methods: Polysomnography recordings were performed in 19 children with ASD of mean age 10.1 (± 2.5) years and in 19 children with TD of mean age 10.8 (± 2.5) years. In both groups, the Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the SFI , total sleep time, percentages of sleep stages, wake after sleep onset, sleep onset latency and REM sleep latency. Results: Of the sleep variables evaluated, in the ASD group the percentage of REM sleep was significantly lower, while REM sleep latency was significantly higher. Conclusions: Sleep fragmentation is not a characteristic feature of ASD. Significant variation in REM sleep provides evidence in favor of the hypothesis of REM sleep deficiency in ASD.(AU)