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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Psychometric evaluation of the patient-reported experience of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia (PRECIS) scale

J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2024 Jun 17;8(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s41687-024-00731-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) represents a distinct, persistent, and core group of schizophrenia symptoms. Cognitive symptoms have been shown to have an impact on quality of life. There are several published CIAS measures, but none based on direct patient self-report. It is important to capture the patient’s perspective to supplement performancebased outcome measures of cognition to provide a complete picture of the patient’s experience. This paper describes additional validation work on the Patient-Reported Experience of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia (PRECIS) instrument.

METHODS: Data from two large, international, pharmaceutical clinical trials in medically and psychiatrically stable English-speaking patients with schizophrenia and 88 healthy controls were analyzed. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in one trial (n = 215), using the original 35-item PRECIS. The factor structure suggested by EFA was further evaluated using item response theory (IRT; Samejima’s graded response model), and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Both EFA and CFA results were tested in a second trial with similar inclusion/exclusion characteristics (n = 410). Additional statistical properties were evaluated in healthy controls.

RESULTS: EFA suggested that the best solution after item reduction suggested a factor structure of 6 factors based on 26 items (memory, communication, self-control, executive function, attention, sharpness of thought), supporting a total score, with an additional 2-item bother score (28 items in all). IRT analysis indicated the items were well-ordered within each domain. The CFA demonstrated excellent model fit, accounting for 69% of the variance. The statistical properties of the 28-item version of the PRECIS were confirmed in the second trial. Evidence for internal consistency and test-retest reliability was robust. Known-groups validity was supported by comparison of healthy controls with patients with schizophrenia. Correlations indicated moderate associations between PRECIS and functioning instruments like the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS), but weak correlations with performance-based outcomes like MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).

DISCUSSION: Using two clinical trial samples, we identified a robust factor structure for the PRECIS and were able to replicate it in the second sample. Evaluation of the meaningful score difference (MSD) should be repeated in future studies, as these samples did not show enough change for it to be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides strong evidence for the reliability and validity of the PRECIS, a 28-item, patient-reported instrument to assess cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. The correlation with functioning and the weak correlation with performance on cognitive tasks suggests that patient reports of cognitive impairment measure a unique aspect of patient experience.

PMID:38884842 | DOI:10.1186/s41687-024-00731-x

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Application for Diagnosis of Oral Lesions and Assisting Young Oral Histopathologist in Deriving Diagnosis from Provided Features – A Pilot study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1136-S1139. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1287_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: AI in healthcare services is advancing every day, with a focus on uprising cognitive capabilities. Higher cognitive functions in AI entail performing intricate processes like decision-making, problem-solving, perception, and reasoning. This advanced cognition surpasses basic data handling, encompassing skills to grasp ideas, understand and apply information contextually, and derive novel insights from previous experiences and acquired knowledge. ChatGPT, a natural language processing model, exemplifies this evolution by engaging in conversations with humans, furnishing responses to inquiries.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to understand the capability of ChatGPT in solving doubts pertaining to symptoms and histological features related to subject of oral pathology. The study’s objective is to evaluate ChatGPT’s effectiveness in answering questions pertaining to diagnoses.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done using an AI-based ChatGPT application that provides free service for research and learning purposes. The current version of ChatGPT3.5 was used to obtain responses for a total of 25 queries. These randomly asked questions were based on basic queries from patient aspect and early oral histopathologists. These responses were obtained and stored for further processing. The responses were evaluated by five experienced pathologists on a four point liekart scale. The score were further subjected for deducing kappa values for reliability.

RESULT & STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A total of 25 queries were solved by the program in the shortest possible time for an answer. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods and the responses were represented using frequency and percentages. Both the responses were analysed and were statistically significant based on the measurement of kappa values.

CONCLUSION: The proficiency of ChatGPT in handling intricate reasoning queries within pathology demonstrated a noteworthy level of relational accuracy. Consequently, its text output created coherent links between elements, producing meaningful responses. This suggests that scholars or students can rely on this program to address reasoning-based inquiries. Nevertheless, considering the continual advancements in the program’s development, further research is essential to determine its accuracy levels in future versions.

PMID:38882904 | PMC:PMC11174333 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1287_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Dental Attrition and its Association With the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction and Radiographic Condylar Changes – An Observational Study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1531-S1534. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1202_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

To determine the level of dental attrition and its relation to signs of TMJ dysfunction adding to condylar alterations analyzed by conventional TMJ Tomography and to propose the correlation between dental attrition and signs of TMJ dysfunction and condylar changes. Patients for the study were selected from the regular outpatient Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology, Rajah Muthiah Dental College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, with performed criteria. The radiographic examination of TMJ is performed by the PLANMECA OPG machine using the tomographic program. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test to determine the relation between attrition and temporomandidular disorders [TMD] signs and symptoms. The study group comprises 60 subjects who are having dental attrition, and they are divided into three groups according to their age: Group I, 20-40 age; Group II, 41-60 age; Group III, more than 60 age 80% of the samples had one or more tooth with significant attrition with grades of two or more on a 0-4 scale The prevalence of changes in condylar morphology was more in individuals above 40 yrs (33.33%) as compared to those below the age of 40 with a total prevalence of 41.67%. The most common symptom reported is tooth sensitivity, joint sounds, and muscle tenderness. The last reported are scalloped tongue, buccal mucosa ridging, referred pain, and limitation of mouth opening. Out of the 25 subjects who showed condylar changes, 10 subjects had symptoms of TMD. The symptoms reported are strain in the mouth opening, tenderness in jaw movements, and TMJ clicking sounds. Attrition is not a predictable sign of TMJ dysfunction, yet a finite association was defined between attrition and signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Studies involving larger samples compared with additional radiographic modalities are recommended.

PMID:38882902 | PMC:PMC11174308 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1202_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Whole-Slide Imaging (WSI) Versus Traditional Microscopy (TM) Through Evaluation of Parameters in Oral Histopathology: A Pilot Study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1685-S1689. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1042_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: histopathology plays a pivotal role in clinical diagnosis, research, and medical education. In recent years, whole slide imaging (wsi) has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional microscopy for pathological examination. This study aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of wsi and traditional microscopy(tm) in various aspects of histopathology practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, total of 30 cases comprising of oral premalignant and malignant cases which were diagnostically challenging was considered from the archives of the institute for validation. The slides were scanned with slide scanner and were evaluated by histopathologists. The comparative parameters which were noted were diagnostic discordances, number of fields observed to reach the diagnosis and time taken.

RESULTS: The mean time taken by the pathologists to reach the diagnosis was significantly less in whole slide imaging technique. The average number of fields observed was higher by using wsi that too in a lesser time compared to tm, the results were found to be statistically significant with p=0.001.however the diagnostic disparity were seen to be maximum for verrucous lesions both in wsi and tm.

CONCLUSION: wsi has facilitated the specialty with rapid mode of diagnosis in a more efficient and error less manner. It has also aided in case banking as well as research possibilities. Hence with the advent of telepathology it is very much necessary to get trained with wsi as early as possible so that the professionals can render correct diagnosis.

PMID:38882897 | PMC:PMC11174336 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1042_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Canal-Centering and Apical Transportation Ability of Similar Cross-Section NiTi Instruments Working with Different Kinematics-Micro-CT-based In Vitro Analysis

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1365-S1368. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_377_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the canal-centering and apical transportation ability of endodontic file systems working with different kinematics but of similar cross section.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human maxillary first molar mesiobuccal (MB) roots were assigned to three experimental groups based on instrumentation techniques: Reciproc Blue (RB), Mtwo (M2), and OneShape (OS). Pre- and post-instrumentation micro-computed tomographic analysis was performed. Centering ability and apical transportation were analyzed at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm short of the apex. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: OS showed better canal-centering ability than RB and M2 at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm. No significant difference among the tested groups was observed during the assessment of apical transportation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The systems evaluated safely prepared curved MB canals with minimal canal transportation. OS showed superior canal-centering ability compared to the other two groups.

PMID:38882893 | PMC:PMC11174255 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_377_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Knowledge and Awareness of Detecting Oral Premalignant Lesions among Dental Students, Interns, and Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1605-S1611. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_895_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

Oral malignant lesions are the most common malignancy of which majority are diagnosed in advanced stages in Saudi Arabia. Patients with oral malignant lesion are first seen by general dental practitioners and dental students. Multiple surveys have been conducted and published to assess the students, interns, and dentists’ awareness and attitude toward oral premalignant lesions worldwide. However, little is known about this issue in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of detecting oral premalignant lesions among dental students, dental interns, and practitioners in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted and electronically distributed. The questionnaire comprised of three sections including demographic variables, knowledge of risk factors of oral malignancy, and six clinical case scenarios. Descriptive statistics were used, and the results were reported using cross-tabulation and the Chi-square test. A 300 participants answered to the questionnaire, and 83% of respondents strongly agreed that smoking is a risk factor for oral malignancy. However, there was some uncertainty in responses for some more specific oral-related factors, such as a sharp-edged tooth and irritation from dental restoration. Furthermore, the knowledge and awareness of detecting frankly benign and frankly malignant lesions such as fibroma and squamous cell carcinoma are higher comparing to potentially malignant lesion, i.e. lichen planus. Knowledge and awareness of detecting oral premalignant lesions vary based on malignancy factors and by participants academic level. Fibroma and SCC are detected easily among all participants. However, lichen planus was the hardest to diagnose among oral lesions.

PMID:38882888 | PMC:PMC11174288 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_895_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of Different Root Canal Sealers on Post Operative Pain in Single Visit RCT – A Comparative Study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1679-S1684. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_423_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate and compare three different root canal sealers (Endo-Sequence BC, Bio Root RCS and Zinc Oxide Eugenol) on post operative pain in single visit root canal therapies.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: 60 subjects with age ranging from 18-60 years were randomly selected depending upon the inclusion criteria. The subjects were then divided into three groups with 20 patients in each. In all the patients’ single visit root canal treatment was done followed by obturation using different sealers. In Group I Endo- Sequence sealer was used, in Group II Bio-Root RCS and in Group III Zinc Oxide Eugenol sealers were used respectively.

RESULTS: statistically significant results were obtained on comparing the efficacy of three groups with Group I proving to be much effect among the three.

CONCLUSION: within the limitation of the study it can be concluded that though all the sealers were effective in reducing post-operative pain, patients with Endo Sequence BC sealers evaluated statistically significant results.

PMID:38882873 | PMC:PMC11174161 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_423_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Direct Digital and Conventional Intraoral Peri-apical Radiographs in Identifying Interdental Bone Loss: An Observational Study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1390-S1392. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_622_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of conventional two-dimensional radiography is crucial in making the diagnosis of periodontitis. Radio-visiography (RVG) is one of the digital imaging modalities that have received significant recognition as a replacement for film-based radiography due to its improved image quality, quick turnaround time, and minimal radiation dose. In order to compare the diagnostic efficacy of Direct Digital and Conventional Intraoral Peri-apical Radiographs in identifying Interdental Bone Loss, the present investigation was carried out. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 96 patients prospectively. Radiographs were exposed using a Gendex Oralix AC machine. Statistical data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software using appropriate statistical tests. For both age categories, the radiographic method yielded a higher mean score than the periodontal probe method. The mean scores were noted to be higher following surgery. The radiographic approach recorded a greater mean score when gender groups were compared than the periodontal probe, which had a lower mean score. The mean scores after surgery were noted to be lower than the radiography approach and higher than the periodontal probe. The results demonstrate the radiographic technique’s significant advantage over clinical tests in determining furcation regions as well as its superior accuracy in spotting periodontal disintegration over clinical probing.

PMID:38882871 | PMC:PMC11174274 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_622_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Assessment of Remineralization Ability of Different Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion of Primary Teeth – A Comparative Study

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1594-S1597. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1090_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The current study’s aim was to evaluate the potential of various fluoride varnishes to remineralize artificial enamel lesions on primary teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the study, 90 deciduous molar teeth that were implicated for extraction were taken. A window region with a size of 3 × 3 mm was located in the middle of the tooth’s coronal surface. The remaining portion was given a coat of nail polish and given time to dry. A demineralizing solution was used to create the artificial enamel lesion. The samples were randomized into three experimental groups at random, with 30 samples in each group. Group 1: Application of Clinpro White Varnish, Group 2: Application of Duraphat Varnish, and Group 3: Application of MI Varnish. After 14 days, samples from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy at a magnification of 1000× to determine whether remineralization had occurred. Microhardness was also determined using a microhardness tester.

RESULT: Before the intervention, the mean demineralized enamel lesion in the Clinpro White Varnish group was 134.44 ± 0.04, in the Duraphat Varnish group was 133.76 ± 0.12, and in the MI Varnish group was 133.89 ± 0.08. After intervention, the maximum remineralized area was found in the MI Varnish group (82.74 ± 0.18) followed by the Clinpro White Varnish group (101.43 ± 0.16) and the Duraphat Varnish group (104.11 ± 0.10). After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference found between the groups. After the intervention, the maximum microhardness mean value improved in the MI Varnish group (257.03 ± 1.09 to 261.18 ± 1.20) followed by Clinpro White Varnish (258.78 ± 1.64 to 260.10 ± 1.22) and Duraphat Varnish group (255.24 ± 1.51 to 258.02 ± 0.89).

CONCLUSION: According to the findings of the current investigation, all of the varnishes utilized in this in vitro experiment are capable of correcting early enamel defects on primary teeth. However, MI Varnish group was very effective compared to the Clinpro White Varnish group and the Duraphat Varnish group.

PMID:38882862 | PMC:PMC11174162 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1090_23

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Awareness of Side Effects of Corticosteroids among Users and Nonusers in Saudi Arabia

J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Apr;16(Suppl 2):S1612-S1618. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_925_23. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that are used to reduce inflammation and inhibit the immune system in a variety of disorders, including allergies, asthma, systemic lupus erythematous, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, and swollen joints or muscles. The goal of this study was to assess the level of awareness and sources of information about the side effects of corticosteroids among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using an electronic questionnaire. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: The study included 755 participants from Saudi Arabia (67.3% females and 32.7% males). Around 26.8% reported using corticosteroids, and 73.9% were aware of the side effects of glucocorticoids. Among steroid users (202 participants), the most common conditions were allergies (36.1%), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (21.8%), and skin diseases (27.7%). The majority of respondents (57.9%) used steroids for less than 2 weeks, and topical application (52.5%) was the most common form. Only 30.7% received information about side effects at the time of prescription. The most reported side effects were truncal obesity, moon face, skin thinning, bruising, and slower wound healing.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of promoting awareness and knowledge regarding the side effects of corticosteroids in Saudi Arabia. While overall awareness levels were relatively satisfactory, specific side effects require further attention in educational efforts.

PMID:38882861 | PMC:PMC11174157 | DOI:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_925_23