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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Self-Perception of Cognitive-Communication Functions After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2023 Jan 16:1-24. doi: 10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00101. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A mixed-method approach was used to investigate the lived experiences of adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The study aimed to understand the perceived relationship between cognitive-communication problems, thinking and communication concerns, and neurobehavioral symptoms. We hypothesized that individuals with cognitive-communication problems would attribute their problems with communication to their mTBI history and their self-perceived problems would be correlated with symptomatology.

METHOD: The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and an online cognitive-communication survey was used to conduct a study of 30 adults with mTBI history. Quantitative survey and NSI scores were analyzed with content analysis and correlational statistics.

RESULTS: The average NSI Total score was 17 with the following subscale scores: somatic (5), affective (8), and cognitive (3.9). Participants reported problems with expressive communication (56%), comprehension (80%), thinking (63%), and social skills (60%). Content analysis revealed problems in the following areas: expression (e.g., verbal, and written language), comprehension (reading and verbal comprehension), cognition (e.g., attention, memory and speed of processing, error regulation), and functional consequences (e.g., academic work, social problems, and anxiety and stress). A Pearson correlation indicated a statistically significant relationship (p < .01) between the Communication Survey Total and the Total, Somatic, Affective, and Cognitive subscales.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a multifactorial basis of cognitive-communication impairment in adults with mTBI. We show that those with mTBI history perceive difficulties with cognitive-communication skills: conversations, writing, and short-term memory/attention. Furthermore, those with mTBI perceive their cognitive-communication problems after injury have impacted their vocational, social, and academic success.

PMID:36645876 | DOI:10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00101

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Demand-avoid-withdraw processes in adolescent dating aggression

Aggress Behav. 2023 Jan 16. doi: 10.1002/ab.22070. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We conducted an observational study of a collection of interactive processes known as “demand-withdraw” in relation to adolescent dating aggression. Couples (N = 209) aged 14-18 years participated in a challenging observational laboratory assessment to measure demands (i.e., pressures for a change), as well as demand → partner withdraw and demand → partner avoid sequences. Actor and partner effects were disentangled via dyadic data analyses. The results indicated a fairly consistent pattern in which demand → withdraw and demand → avoid sequences led by either partner were positively associated with both partners’ physical and psychological aggression (measured via a dual informant questionnaire method). Further, higher quality demands (i.e., pressures for change that were specific and encouraged both members of the dyad to increase a given behavior) were inversely associated with aggression. Yet, all of the above associations were attenuated to the point of statistical nonsignificance after controlling for hostility. These results suggest two primary possibilities. The associations of demand → withdraw and demand → avoid sequences with dating aggression may be spurious, with the sequences merely markers for hostility, a known correlate of dating aggression. Alternatively, hostility may mediate the relations of demand → withdraw and demand → avoid sequences with dating aggression. Further research is required to test these competing explanations. Implications for preventive intervention are discussed.

PMID:36645870 | DOI:10.1002/ab.22070

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A Total of 1,132 All-Ceramic Single-Tooth Restorations Show Acceptable Survival Rates up to 15 Years in a Non-University Setting

Int J Prosthodont. 2022 Nov-Dec;35(6):815-823. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7986.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term survival of IPS Empress 2 and IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent) restorations in a non-university setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study design was used to evaluate the survival rate of 1,132 Empress 2 and IPS e.max restorations placed in 251 patients with regard to patient age, gender, tooth type, tooth vitality, material, restoration form (inlay vs partial crown vs crown), cementation mode (self-adhesive vs non-self-adhesive), and bruxism activity. Kaplan-Meier and regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Of the 1,132 restorations, a total of 15 (IPS e.max = 3, Empress 2 = 12) failed. The overall survival rate for all restorations was 98.7% after 15.4 years. A significantly reduced survival rate was found for nonvital teeth (P = .002), patient age > 60 years (P = .002), crowns (vs inlays and partial crowns; P = .002), and self-adhesive resin materials (P = .018).

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, glass-ceramic single-tooth restorations made of Empress 2 and IPS e.max show good survival rates up to a period of 15 years.

PMID:36645866 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.7986

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Nonthermal Plasma Treatment Can Eliminate Sandblasting Procedure For Zirconia-Resin Cement Bonding

Int J Prosthodont. 2022 Nov-Dec;35(6):752-760. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7302.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment, alone or combined with sandblasting and/or primer application, on the bonding of zirconia ceramics to resin cement. Materıals and Methods: A total of 420 discs of Y-TZP (2 x 15 x 12 mm) were prepared and randomly divided into 10 groups according to surface treatment, as follows: Z (control), SB (sandblasting), Pr (primer), SBPr (sandblasting + primer), P (NTAP), SBP (sandblasting + NTAP), PrP (primer + NTAP), SBPrP (sandblasting + primer + NTAP), PPr (NTAP + primer), and SBPPr (sandblasting + NTAP + primer). After surface treatments, the surface roughness values were evaluated using a profilometer, and the contact angle measurements were performed using a goniometer. Surface characterizations of the groups were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Shear bond strength tests were performed after adhesive cementation in 20 specimens per group, with half (n = 10) subjected to thermocycling (5,000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C). The failure mode was recorded by examining each specimen using a stereomicroscope. One-way and two-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test (α = .05) were used to analyze the data statistically.

RESULTS: Untreated zirconia surfaces (without sandblasting) were found to have a higher wettability and oxygen ratio after NTAP treatment. The clinical application order of NTAP is an important factor, and the best combination for bonding quality was NTAP treatment followed by primer application on untreated zirconia (group PPr), rather than on a sandblasted surface. Conclusıon: NTAP application may be a promising surface treatment method for adhesive cementation of zirconia ceramics as an alternative to sandblasting. To achieve strong adhesion, NTAP should be applied before primer aplication.

PMID:36645863 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.7302

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Correlation Between the Tragus-Incisal Distance and Interocclusal Rest Distance

Int J Prosthodont. 2022 Nov-Dec;35(6):724-729. doi: 10.11607/ijp.7825.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate correlations of arch size and sex with the interocclusal rest distance (IORD), as well as to estimate proportional variance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 participants were examined. The participants, 38 men and 68 women, were aged 22 to 30 years, were fully dentate, had no signs of abnormal abrasion, and had intact posterior occlusal contacts. Measurements of interocclusal rest distance and tragus-incisal distance were recorded, and the rest angle created between the tragus-incisal distance in maximum intercuspation and in resting vertical dimension were calculated according to the cosine formula. Correlation between the size of the mandible (tragus-incisal distance, mean of left and right sides) and the IORD were calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Correlations for sex (calculated separately for male and female) and rest angle were also assessed.

RESULTS: The mean (SD) tragus-incisal distance values were 123.38 (6.77) mm for all participants, 120.01 (4.64) mm for women, and 130.72 (5.24) mm for men. The mean (SD) IORD values were 2.76 (1.3) mm for all participants, 2.13 (0.9) mm for women, and 3.87 (1.17) mm for men. The mean (SD) rest angle values were 1.26 (0.55) degrees for all participants, 1.02 (0.41) degrees for women, and 1.7 (0.49) degrees for men. Pearson correlation coefficient between IORD and tragus-incisal distance was significant (P < .05). According to t test, there was a significant difference between men and women for IORD, tragus-incisal distance, and rest angle (P < .01).

CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between IORD and arch size. A statistically significant difference was found between men and women for IORD and arch size values.

PMID:36645862 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.7825

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Predoctoral Student Performance in a Restorative Dentistry Course During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Int J Prosthodont. 2022 Nov-Dec;35(6):718-723. doi: 10.11607/ijp.8053.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare predoctoral student performance in restorative dentistry related to curricular changes implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate the impact of remote education on performance in didactic and preclinical examinations and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 172 students, all members of the DMD graduating classes from 2017 to 2021. Scores in the Final Restorative Treatment (FRTx) course, subdivided into didactic and preclinical lab work, and the OSCEs were assessed and compared between pre-pandemic students and during-pandemic students.

RESULTS: Performance in the preclinical lab exercises was statistically significantly higher in the during-pandemic cohort than in the pre-pandemic cohort after adjusting for students’ gender and admission scores. Performance in restorative dentistry as measured by the OSCE was not statistically different among during-pandemic students compared to the pre-pandemic students. It was observed that students were more efficient and engaged during the more limited lab sessions with the increased student-to-faculty ratio that allowed for more feedback.

CONCLUSION: Although virtual education cannot replace in-person experiences, this model served students satisfactorily during the COVID-19 pandemic, with added support structures such as flexible scheduling, interactive sessions, and additional small-group discussions to maintain academic performance in predoctoral education.

PMID:36645861 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.8053

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Feasibility of telemedicine in the management strategy of patients with lymphoma amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, a prospective study

JMIR Form Res. 2023 Jan 3. doi: 10.2196/34128. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In March 14, 2020, the state of alarm and was declared in Spain due to the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Beyond this date, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country changed the practice of oncologic care.

OBJECTIVE: Since recurrent hospital visits were potential risk factors for contagion, the aims of this prospective observational study was to analyze the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in the health care of patients with lymphoma.

METHODS: All data were obtained from the electronic medical record (EMR). Variables such as age, sex, matter of the visit, use of patient’s portal, changes in management, impact in clinical trials and suffering from COVID-19 contagion were recorded.

RESULTS: 290 patients were attended in the lymphoma clinic accomplishing 437 appointments. The median age was 66 years (range 18-94) and 157 (54.13%) were male. Of them, 214 patients (73.79%) had only 1 visit to the clinic. Only 23 patients (7.93%) didn’t have access to patient’s portal. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 78 patients (26.89%) remained in active treatment, 35 patients (12.06%) suffered from delayed in their treatments and 6 patients (2.06%) suffered from treatment discontinuation. During the follow-up, only 8 patients (2.75%) suffered from COVID-19 (7 cases with confirmed PCR test and 1 case with clinical suspicion). Despite the implementation of telemedicine strategies to avoid visit to hospital, 66 patients (22.75%) had in-person visits to the lymphoma clinic. Patients who attended in-person consultation were younger than those who preferred telemedicine consultation (62 vs 66 years) and had less use of patient’s portal (7.58% vs 9%), although these differences didn’t reach statistical significance. Patients who atttended in-person visits used to have only 1 visit to hospital (43.93% vs 82.58%, P<.0001). Regarding the matter of in-person consultation, more patients were on active treatment in comparison with those using telemedicine resources (56.06% vs 18.30%, P<.0001). Patients with preference for telemedicine strategies had more surveillance visits (65.62% vs 36.36%, P<.0001). With regards of treatment modifications, more treatment delays (12.94% vs 9.09%) and more definite treatment discontinuations (2.67% vs 0%) were seen in patients using telemedicine resources when compared to patients attending in-person visits, although these differences didn’t reach statistical significance. Regarding the type of therapy, patients attending in-person visits were more likely to receive an intravenous treatment rather than those on telemedicine (62.16% vs 40.47%, P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine such as patient’s portal are feasible strategies in the management of patients with lymphoma during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a reduction of in-person visits to hospital and a very low contagion rate.

PMID:36645838 | DOI:10.2196/34128

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome

Somatosens Mot Res. 2023 Jan 16:1-7. doi: 10.1080/08990220.2023.2165054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effect of deep tissue massage (DTM) on the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) number, neck range of motion (ROM), pain, disability and quality of life in patients with Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS).

METHODS: The study involved patients with MPS between the ages of 20-57. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hotpack and ultrasound were applied to 40 patients in the control group. The study group was also administered DTM for 12 sessions in addition to TENS, hotpack and ultrasound applications. Neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) for a neck disability, universal goniometer for neck ROM, MTrP count using manual palpation, Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life and severity of neck pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS: It was found that the DTM group has statistically more improvement than the control group for VAS, NPDS and SF-36. Moreover, although there was a significant improvement in favour of the study group for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck ROM, there was no significant difference in flexion measurements between the study and control group.

CONCLUSION: In addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, DTM is effective on neck ROM, pain, disability and quality of life. Therefore, DTM treatment is a safe and inexpensive treatment method that can be applied in patients with MPS.

PMID:36645811 | DOI:10.1080/08990220.2023.2165054

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Paediatricians as champions for ending folic acid-preventable spina bifida, anencephaly globally

BMJ Paediatr Open. 2022 Dec;6(1):e001745. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001745.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:36645786 | DOI:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001745

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Survival and neurodevelopmental impairment of outborn preterm infants at 5.5 years of age: an EPIPAGE-2 prospective, matched study using multiple imputation

BMJ Paediatr Open. 2022 Dec;6(1):e001619. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001619.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether birth outside a level-3 centre (outborn) is associated with a difference in the combined outcome of mortality or moderate-to-severe neurological impairment at 5.5 years of age compared with birth in a level-3 centre (inborn) when antenatal steroids and gestational age (GA) are accounted for.

DESIGN: Individual matched study nested within a prospective cohort. Each outborn infant was matched using GA and antenatal steroids with a maximum of four inborns. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate ORs before being adjusted using maternal and birth characteristics. Analyses were carried out after multiple imputation for missing data.

SETTING: EPIPAGE-2 French national prospective cohort including births up to 34 weeks GA inclusive.

PATIENTS: Outborn and inborn control infants selected between 24 and 31 weeks GA were followed in the neonatal period and to 2 and 5.5 years. 3335 infants were eligible of whom all 498 outborns and 1235 inborn infants were included-equivalent to 2.5 inborns for each outborn.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 5.5 years.

RESULTS: Chorioamnionitis, pre-eclampsia, caesarian birth and small-for-dates were more frequent among inborns, and spontaneous labour and antepartum haemorrhage among outborns. There was no difference in the main outcome measure at 5.5 years of age (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.44); sensitivity analyses suggested improved outcomes at lower GAs for inborns.

CONCLUSION: In this GA and steroid matched cohort, there was no difference in survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment to 5.5 years of age between inborn and outborn very preterm children. This suggests steroids might be important in determining outcomes.

PMID:36645784 | DOI:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001619