Analysis of the Association between Galectin-3 Concentration in Tears and the Severity of Dry Eye Disease: A Case-Control Study

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of dry eye disease (DED) and galectin-3 concentration (gal-3) and its cleavage (gal-3C) in tear fluid. Twenty-eight DED patients and 14 controls were recruited at Keio University Hospital. The lissamine green conjunctival staining (LG) score, fluorescein corneal staining (FL) score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, and ocular symptoms questionnaire score (dry eye questionnaire score, DEQS) were evaluated. Furthermore, the correlation between these parameters and the concentrations of gal-3 in tears (ng/µg) and the detection rate of gal-3C (%) were analyzed. Gal-3 concentration in tears was positively correlated with the LG score (R = 0.60, p < 0.01), FL score (R = 0.49, p < 0.01), and DEQS (R = 0.45, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with the TBUT score (R = −0.40, p < 0.01) and Schirmer’s I value (R = −0.36, p < 0.01). The detection rate of gal-3C in tears was significantly associated with the severity of DED, especially with the LG (p < 0.01) and FL (p < 0.01) scores. Therefore, the concentration of gal-3 and the detection rate of gal-3C in tears had a significant relationship with the severity of ocular surface barrier disruption.

Psychiatric well-being among men leaving prison reporting a history of injecting drug use: A longitudinal analysis

Background: Community reintegration from prison is typically stressful, with several health and social outcomes impacting psychiatric well-being during this time, often exacerbated among individuals with histories of drug use. Longitudinal data was used to assess change in psychiatric well-being over 2 years following release from prison among men who reported a recent history of injecting drug use. Methods: Data for this study come from the Prison and Transition Health cohort study of 400 men recruited in prison prior to release and followed up over three time points. Psychiatric well-being was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. We calculated change in individual General Health Questionnaire scores between interviews and identified covariates associated with General Health Questionnaire score using linear mixed-effects regression. Results: Data from 690 follow-up interviews among 326 participants were included in analyses. There was considerable variation in individuals’ General Health Questionnaire scores. Moving accommodation frequently and frequent illicit drug injections were associated with an increase in General Health Questionnaire score (i.e. decline in psychiatric well-being). Two or more prior adult imprisonment episodes, social supports and past month primary healthcare attendance were associated with a decrease in General Health Questionnaire score. Conclusion: Our findings identify health, social and structural influences on psychiatric well-being after release from prison that can inform re-entry programmes to support community reintegration.

Engagement with Search-Based Advertising on Search Engine Results Pages Varies Based on the User’s Prior Knowledge and Screen Size

A Review of: Schultheiß, S., & Lewandowski, D. (2021). How users’ knowledge of advertisements influences their viewing and selection behavior in search engines. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 72(3), 285–301. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.24410 Abstract Objective – To examine how users’ understanding of ads on search engine results pages (SERPs) influences their viewing and selection behaviour on computers and smartphones. Design – Mixed methods approach consisting of pre-study interview, eye-tracking experiment, and post-study questionnaire. Setting – Usability lab at a university in Germany. Subjects – 50 students enrolled at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences and 50 non-students recruited in Hamburg. Methods – After giving informed consent and receiving payment, participants provided information on demographics as well as how they use search engines as part of a pre-study interview. For the eye-tracking experiment, each participant completed 10 tasks each on a desktop computer and smartphone. Both the device condition order and task order were randomized. Tasks were broken down into five informational tasks (e.g., how do I build a desktop computer?), three transactional tasks (e.g., how would I go about buying a refrigerator?), and two navigational tasks (e.g., I need to go to the Apple website). The software displayed clickable screenshots of SERPs, and all clicks were recorded. iMotions eye-tracking software recorded eye fixations on areas of the page featuring organic search results and paid ads. A post-experiment questionnaire asked participants about Google’s business model and probed them about the extent to which they were able to differentiate between organic results and ads. Answers to the questionnaire were weighted and normalized to form a 0–100 scale. Main Results – The first set of research hypotheses examining the correlation between participants’ knowledge of ads and viewing and clicking behaviour was partially confirmed. There was no significant correlation between participants’ questionnaire score and visual fixations on ads, but there was a significant negative correlation between questionnaire score and the number of clicks on ads. Users with questionnaire scores in the bottom quartile paid significantly less attention to organic results than those in the top quartile, but users in the top quartile still fixated on ads and did so comparably to users in the bottom quartile. The second set of research hypotheses examining the relationship between viewing and clicking behaviour and device (desktop versus mobile) was also partially confirmed. Users on a smartphone had significantly higher fixation rates on ads than users on a desktop computer, although click rates on ads did not differ significantly between the two conditions. Conclusion – Knowledge about ads on SERPs influences selection behaviour. Users with a low level of knowledge on search advertising are more likely to click on ads than those with a high level of knowledge. Users on smartphones are also more likely to pay visual attention to ads, probably because the smaller screen size narrows content “above the fold.”

Electronics Student Worksheet Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills for Grade IV Elementary School

The Student Worksheets (LKPD) available so far only contain black and white writing. In addition, the pictures and questions presented did not attract students' interest in learning. Therefore, it is necessary to develop LKPD that can attract students' learning interests. This study aims to develop Electronic LKPD (E-LKPD) thematic learning based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). This research is a type of development research (RnD). The development model uses the ADDIE model which consists of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation stages. The E-LKPD product that has been developed is then tested on validators, teachers, and students to determine the effectiveness of its use. Data analysis techniques were carried out descriptively, qualitatively, and quantitatively. Validation is carried out by three validators, namely content, material, and language validators. The research instrument is a teacher response questionnaire for practicality and a student response questionnaire for attractiveness. The average validation result of media experts is 3.6 with the "very valid" category, while the material expert is 3.83 with the "very valid" category and the linguist is 2.83 in the "valid" category with revisions. The results of the analysis of the practicality of the E-LKPD can be assessed from the results of the teacher's questionnaire score obtained a score of 3.43 in the "very practical" category while the results of the analysis of the attractiveness of the E-LKPD obtained from the results of the student questionnaire score with a score of 3.19 in the "good" category. Based on the trial, it was concluded that the results of developing the E-LKPD product for HOTS-based thematic learning were valid, practical, and interesting to use in learning in grade IV elementary schools.

Notched and Nonnotched Stimuli Are Equally Effective at the Mixing Point Level in Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Relief

Background Broadband noise (nonnotched) and notched noise are common sound sources in sound therapy for tinnitus relief. Studies on sound therapy using nonnotched or notched stimuli have reported large and small tinnitus improvements depending on the participant. However, the more effective sound source remains unclear given the among-study methodology differences. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the tinnitus relief effects of sound therapy using stimuli with different spectral characteristics. Research Design This was a prospective study involving within-subject (baseline vs. 12-month follow-up) measurements for two groups (notched noise group vs. broadband noise group). Study Sample We enrolled 30 adults with subjective and tonal tinnitus (notched noise group: 16, broadband noise group: 14). Intervention The participants underwent 3-hour daily sound therapy using either notched noise or broadband noise for 12 months. The stimulus level for sound therapy was set to each participant's mixing point. Data Collection and Analysis Tinnitus loudness and the Korean version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire score were measured at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up time point. Results Both groups showed a significant improvement in tinnitus loudness and the Korean version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire score. Conclusions Notched and nonnotched stimuli are equally effective at the mixing point in sound therapy for tinnitus relief. Individuals with difficulties in tinnitus frequency measurement could easily undergo sound therapy using nonnotched stimuli.

OP0305 VALIDATION OF THE PSORIASIS EPIDEMIOLOGY SCREENING TOOL (PEST) AND THE NEW EARLY ARTHRITIS FOR PSORIATIC PATIENTS (EARP) IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION - PILOT STUDY

Background:Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis (JPsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with irreversible joint damage among the pediatric population, which is associated with psoriasis in most cases.While there are few validated screening tools for diagnosis of arthritis for adult patients with psoriasis, those screening tools were never evaluated in children.Objectives:The aims of this study were to evaluate two screening tools among pediatric patients with psoriasis.Methods:Thirty-nine patients with the diagnosis of psoriasis were administered two screening questionnaires: the new Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (EARP) questionnaire and the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire.All patients were evaluated by a rheumatologist for the diagnosis of JPsA, and the accuracy of the two questionnaires compared.Results:The 4/39 (10.1%) patients diagnosed with JPsA had a PEST questionnaire score of ≥ 3, compared to a median PEST score of the patients without the diagnosis of JPsA of 0 (0-2). Thus both the sensitivity and specificity of the PEST in diagnosing JPsA were 100%.For the EARP questionnaire, 8/39 patients had a screening questionnaire score of ≥ 3, suggestive of JPsA, four were true positive, and four false positive. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of EARP in diagnosing JPsA were 100% and 89%, respectively.Conclusion:Both the PEST and EARP questionnaires were easy to use and had high sensitivity for pediatric population with psoriasis, however the PEST questionnaire had a higher specificity than the EARP.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

Long-Term Out come Evaluation in Patient Undergoing Deep Hypo-thermic Circulatory Arrest in Aortic Arch Surgery

Background: Aortic dissection is usually associated with low survival rates due to high prehospital and perioperative mortality, in addition with increased risk of postoperative complication in survivals. Since 1985, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is often used in aortic arch surgery with main advantage to provide bloodless surgical field while protecting brain tissue during hypothermia. Nevertheless, it still raises concern of increasing neurologic sequelae and a potential decrease of long-term quality of life. The aim of study: To evaluate the effect of DHCA used in aortic surgery on long-term quality of life. Methods: In this observational case series we included a total of 24 patients who had aortic arch surgery requiring DHCA in the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital Cardiac Surgery center, from January 2019 to December 2020. Seven patients were excluded due to intrahospital death. For the rest of the patients Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using RAND SF36 questionnaire and MMSE test. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, surgery type, duration of circulatory arrest, rectal and bladder temperatures were collected and analyzed using the SPSS 23 Statistics software IBM SPSS Statistics 21 (IBM Corporation, NY, USA). Statistical significance was assumed as two- tailed p <0.05. Results: A total of 17 patients were analyzed, we had 12 (71%) males and 5 (29%) females. A mean age was 60.71 (±13.8 SD) years, leading co-morbidity was hypertension – 11 (64.7%). There were 6 (35.3%) elective and 11 (64.7%) acute surgeries. Stan-ford A dissection (82.4%) constituted the main part of all cases. A 94.7% had aortic arch replacement. Most common postopera-tive complication was wound infection- 29.4%. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping and reperfusion time was 212 (±38.3, SD), 124 (±33.8, SD) and 70.2 (±32.9, SD) minutes, respectively. Core temperature during DHCA was 23.2 Cº (±3.2, SD) and a rewarming rate was 0.12 (±0.07, SD) Cº/min. No significance correlation between RAND SF36 questionnaire score (QoL questionnaire) and lowest DHCA temperature, aortic cross - clamping, reperfusion time, CPB time was observed, respectively - p=0.367, p=0.544, p=0.619, p=0. We found statistically significant moderate strength correlation between QOL and rewarming rate (r=0.550; p=0.022). Mean RAND SF36 questionnaire score was 71.9±10. and mean MMSE score was 27.9±5,3. Conclusions: We found no correlation between quality of life and lowest temperature during surgery, aortic cross- clamping time, reperfusion time, however we found positive moderate strength correlation between rewarming rate and quality of life. Patient quality of life after surviving aortic arch surgery and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest compared to general healthy population quality of life is slightly reduced. Mini-mental state exam and RANDO short form health survey can be useful scoring system to evaluate patient quality of life.

Incisor Molar Hypomineralization and Quality of Life: A Population-Based Study with Brazilian Schoolchildren

Aim. To assess the impact of incisor molar hypomineralization (MIH) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) according to the perception of students and their parents/caregivers. Materials and Methods. This is a cross-sectional population-based study with 463 Brazilian students aged 11–14 years. OHRQoL was measured using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (B-CPQ11-14ISF: 16) applied to students and the short version of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (B-P-CPQ) applied to parents/caregivers. The diagnosis of MIH followed the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria modified in 2019. Caries experience (ICDAS II), malocclusion (DAI), and socioeconomic and demographic factors were assessed as confounding factors for impact on OHRQoL. Cluster analysis was carried out to dichotomize the negative impact into greater and lesser impact. The chi-square test and Poisson regression were performed ( p < 0.05 ) to verify associations between quality of life and MIH, adjusted for confounding variables. Results. The prevalence of MIH was 10.8%. Multivariate regression demonstrated that caries experience was the only oral disease that impacted OHRQoL according to students’ self-perception in the functional limitation domain (PR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.20–2.77) and in the total questionnaire score (PR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.00–2.51). However, according to the perception of parents/caregivers, in addition to caries experience, which affected OHRQoL in the oral symptoms (PR = 3.57; 95% CI = 1.71–7.414) and emotional well-being domains (PR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.08–2.69), as well as in the total B-P-CPQ score (PR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.01–2.76), malocclusion also affected OHRQoL in the social well-being domain (PR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.07–2.10) and in the total questionnaire score (PR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.11–2.15). Conclusion. According to students and their parents/caregivers’ perception, incisor molar hypomineralization did not influence OHRQoL of the studied sample.