Perceptions and Anxiety Level of Students during Administration of Local Anesthesia

Objective: To assess perceptions and anxiety levels of dental students during administration of local anesthesia Study Design & Setting: This comparative cross sectional study was conceived in Foundation University Dental College and conducted in multiple institutes after endorsement from the ethical committee of the university from August – October 2021. Methodology: The questionnaire comprised of three sections which included demographic profile section, perceptions, and experience of administration of mandibular, maxillary, or inferior alveolar nerve block on the 5-point Likert’s scale and comparative anxiety analysis before, during or after local anesthetic administration with interval scale of anxiety response. Results: It was found that 311 (81.8%) dental students/professionals were anxious (cumulative response of “little nervous” and above) before administrating local anesthesia injection. It was found that students were significantly more anxious during and after local anesthesia administration as compared to clinical practitioners (p<0.001). About 89% of the responders agreed to the usefulness of video demonstration while 98% agreed to the usefulness of hands-on practice of local anesthesia administration techniques Conclusion: Students were significantly more anxious during and after local anesthesia administration as compared to clinical practitioners. Video demonstration and hands-on practice are useful adjuvants in the reduction of local anesthesia administration anxiety

Recommend-Response and Complications Comparing Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Parathyroidectomy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Dialysis Patients

Introduction : To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound(US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods In this retrospective study, we divided patients into PTX (n=53) and RFA (n=47) groups. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients achieved the target range of iPTH concentrations(124-558pg/mL) and the long-term prognosis. The secondary outcomes were the differences in the changes of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus over time and the incidence of adverse events. Results There was rarely difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Primary outcomes: The iPTH concentrations of 25.8% of patients in the PTX group and 51.3% of the RFA group were within the recommended range at the endpoint (P=0.031). Survival analysis revealed that the difference in all-cause mortality and cumulative response rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.902, P=0.141, respectively). Secondary outcomes: The iPTH concentrations in PTX group and RFA group dropped sharply after treatment and were 82.30±163.21pg/mL and 279.96±306.57pg/mL (P<0.001). There was no difference in the trend of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels between the two groups over time(P>0.05). In addition, the incidence of infection and the hospital stay in the RFA group were significantly less. And preoperative bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentration was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia. Conclusion US-guided RFA was minimally invasive and no less than PTX in terms of cumulative response rate and complications in the treatment of severe SHPT in maintenance dialysis patients and may be used as an alternative technique to PTX, which need further studies to confirm.

Cerebral Chronological Corollary Perusal for Blitzing Fire Paroxysm and Pipeline Attrition in Nigeria

Attrition and paroxysm of highly inflammable petroleum products in storage tanks, pipelines and/or haulage trucks is increasingly becoming a scourging socio-environmental quandary with a detrimental effect on the Nigerian economy. Non availability of a holistic response time analytic master plan is a major enigma while industrial disaster managers perhaps are the major culprits since they are mostly not time cognizant for spry and pragmatic delivery of service. The aim of this exposition is to ruminatively carry out cerebral chronological corollary perusal for blitzing fire paroxysms and pipeline attrition in Nigeria on Microsoft excel spread sheet. Comprehensive data validation was done for all models by substituting all solutions of matrix into the predicted time response model. Results of predicted time response model in minutes for case A gave; 101x1 + 79x2 + 59x3 + 45x4 + 24x5 = 358. The predicted time response model for case B gave 78x1 + 56x2 + 43x3 + 30x4 + 13x5 = 260. The predicted time response model for case C gave; 74x1 + 56x2 + 42x3 + 29x4 + 10x5 = 252. Results of these models shows that the average cumulative response time dropped from 3.58 minutes to 2.52 minutes from case A to case C while the coefficients all reduced in their values from model A to C. Improving the source of data gathering and computational processes is recommended for enhancement of this study.

AGE-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF RETINAL VESSELS IN AGING (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Изменения калибра сосудов сетчатки и топография микрососудистого русла отражают кумулятивный ответ на старение, влияние факторов сердечно-сосудистого риска, воспаление, эндотелиальную дисфункцию. Для систематического обзора исследований характеристик сосудов сетчатки при увеличении возраста и старении мы провели поиск публикаций (2003-2020 гг.). В обзоре представлены свидетельства уменьшения калибров артериол и венул сетчатки при старении; обратная связь с возрастом найдена в этнически гетерогенных популяциях в широком возрастном диапазоне (4-9-я декады). Возрастная динамика артериовенозного отношения (AVR) оценивается менее последовательно. Имеются данные о потере сложности микроциркуляторного русла сетчатки в пожилом возрасте, что может снижать функциональную активность микроциркуляции, но количество исследований недостаточно для системных выводов. Популяционные работы по данной теме в России практически отсутствуют. Иcследования микрососудистого русла сетчатки при старении на основе автоматизированного анализа современного спектра показателей в российской популяции актуальны и предоставят новые данные. The changes of retinal vascular caliber and microvascular topography reflect the cumulative response to ageing, the influence of cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction. With objective to perform a systematic review of the studies which evaluate retinal vessels in ageing, we conducted the search of published reports (2003-2020). The review provided the evidence of narrowing of the caliber of retinal arterioles and venules in ageing; inverse relationship has been found in ethnically heterogeneous populations in a wide age range from 4th to 9th decade. The age dynamics of arteriovenous ratio (AVR) is evaluated less consistently. The available data showed the loss of complexity of the retinal microcirculatory bloodstream in elderly age, which might lead to a decrease in functional activity of microcirculation; however the studies are limited for systematic conclusions. The large population studies in Russia on this topic are practically absent. The researches of the microvascular retinal bloodstream in aging using the automatic analysis of the modern range of indicators, are relevant in the Russian population and will provide new data.

Exploring Philosophy of Co-Movements Between Stocks and Macroeconomic Variables

This study's background is to explore how significant are macroeconomic variables (MEV) in explaining stock movements in the developing economy for every sector and each firm of those sectors. To overcome the deficiencies of traditional index base studies, which provide only cumulative impact and response of MEV and Stock movements, fill the gap of existing literature that is not available for all Pakistan stock exchange (PSX). Panel ARDL Model with Co-Integration is using to achieve this objective. The results show that the overall sector response for changing independent variables was different from the firms from the same sectors in many cases. These results show superiority over the conventional method of using a stock index as the dependent variable, which shows only cumulative response, which was not comprehensive for taking the right portfolio and designing policy for economic development. This study has general applicability to developing economies.JEL Classification: E4, F3, G1, M1How to Cite:Ilyas, U., Ullah, M., & Gulzar, M. (2021). Exploring Philosophy of Co-Movements Between Stocks and Macroeconomic Variables. Etikonomi, 20(1), 67 – 76. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.17614.

COMT Genotype and Efficacy of Propranolol for TMD Pain: A Randomized Trial

Propranolol is a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist that is efficacious in reducing facial pain. There is evidence that its analgesic efficacy might be modified by variants of the catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT) gene. We tested the hypothesis in a subset of 143 non-Hispanic Whites from a randomized controlled trial of patients with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Patients were genotyped for rs4680, a single nucleotide polymorphism of COMT, and randomly allocated to either propranolol 60 mg twice daily or placebo. During the 9-wk follow-up period, patients recorded daily ratings of facial pain intensity and duration; the product was computed as an index of facial pain. Postbaseline change in the index at week 9 (the primary endpoint) was analyzed as a continuous variable and dichotomized at thresholds of ≥30% and ≥50% reduction. Mixed models for repeated measures tested for the genotype × treatment group interaction and estimated means, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence limits (95% CLs) of efficacy within COMT genotypes assuming an additive genetic model. In secondary analysis, the cumulative response curves were plotted for dichotomized reductions ranging from ≥20% to ≥70%, and genotype differences in area under the curve percentages (%AUC) were calculated to signify efficacy. Mean index reduction did not differ significantly ( P = 0.277) according to genotype, whereas the dichotomized ≥30% reduction revealed greater efficacy among G:G homozygotes (OR = 10.9, 95%CL = 2.4, 50.7) than among A:A homozygotes (OR = 0.8, 95%CL = 0.2, 3.2) with statistically significant interaction ( P = 0.035). Cumulative response curves confirmed greater ( P = 0.003) efficacy for G:G homozygotes (%AUC difference = 43.7, 95%CL = 15.4, 72.1) than for A:A homozygotes (%AUC difference = 6.5, 95%CL = -30.2, 43.2). The observed antagonistic effect of the A allele on propranolol’s efficacy was opposite the synergistic effect hypothesized a priori. This unexpected result highlights the need for better knowledge of COMT’s role in pain pathogenesis if the gene is to be used for precision-medicine treatment of TMD (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02437383).

The Effects of Moderate and Severe Salinity on Composition and Physiology in the Biomass Crop Miscanthus × giganteus

Saline land represents a growing resource that could be utilised for growing biomass crops, such as Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deu.), for eliminating competition with staple food crops. However, the response mechanisms to different salinity regimes, in relation to the impact on quality of the harvested biomass and the combustion properties are largely unknown. Herein, the focus was on the salt-induced compositional changes of ion flux and compartmentalization in the rhizome, stems, and leaves in relation to their impact on salinity tolerance and the combustion quality through investigating the photophysiological, morphophysiological, and biochemical responses of M. × giganteus to moderate and a severe salinity. Severe salinity induced an immediate and sustained adverse response with a reduction in biomass yield, photoinhibition, and metabolic limitations in photosynthesis. Moderate salinity resulted in a slower cumulative response with low biomass losses. Biomass composition, variations in ion compartmentalisation and induction of proline were dependent on the severity and duration of salinity. Ash behaviour indices, including the base percentage and base-to-acid ratio, indicated lower corrosion potential and lower risk of slagging under salinity. Understanding the impact of salinity on the potential for growth on saline land may identify new targets for breeding salinity-tolerant bioenergy crops.

VASCULAR MECHANISMS OF TRITERPENOID SAPONINS ISOLATED FROM Passiflora quadrangularis L.

Background: Passiflora quadrangularis L. has antihypertensive and anxiolytic properties observed in experimental models. Objectives: The aim of this work was to establish the vascular effects exerted by two known monodesmosidic triterpene saponins, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloleanolic acid (Compound 1) (not previously described for this plant) and, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid (Compound 2), isolated from the ethanolic extract of Passiflora quadrangularis L. leaves. Methods: The structural elucidation was achieved by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Aortic rings from Wistar rats, previously stimulated with phenylephrine (PE, 1µM) and washed, were exposed to cumulatively concentrations of compound 1 and compound 2 (10 to 400 µM). Ethanolic extract from leaves of P. quadrangularis L. (10 to 320 µg/mL) and clonidine (1nM to 100µM) were also used for comparison. Concentration-response curves of compounds 1 and 2 were examined in presence and absence of: endothelium, the alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine (1 and 100 µM), the alpha non-selective antagonist phentolamine (1µM), the alpha-1 antagonist prazosin (1µM) and the calcium channel blocker verapamil (10 and 100 µM). In addition, a cumulative response curve of acetylcholine (ACh, 10nM to 10µM) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1nM to 100µM) were assayed in rings precontracted with compounds 1 and 2 (400 µM). Results: Compounds 1 and 2 elicited a vasoconstriction response in intact aorta rings in a similar way (pEC50: 3.92±0.01 and 4.09±0.01, respectively), the effect that did not change in denuded rings (pEC50: 3.90±0.01 and 4.11±0.01). The potency order (pEC50) of compounds 1 and 2 decreased according to the following: verapamil (3.53±0.01 and 3.90±0.02; p<0.05) < yohimbine (3.65±0.01 and 3.94±0.02; p<0.05) < prazosin (3.86±0.01 and 4.30±0.02) < phentolamine (4.05±0.02 and 4.05±0.01). SNP but not ACh, was able to decrease the vasopressor effect of compounds 1 and 2 (pIC50: 8.61±0.01 and 8.24 ± 0.15, respectively). Conclusions: Compounds 1 and 2 are key metabolites responsible for the ex vivo vasoconstrictor response induced by P. quadrangularis L. Activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels and/or α2-adrenergic receptors stimulation could be mechanisms implicated.

Spatial Resistivity Mapping of Ureje Dam Floor, Southwestern Nigeria

Ureje Dam, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed drastic reduction in the water storage capacity of its reservoir. It became imperative to determine the possible cause(s) of the reduction in storage capacity. Geophysical investigation involving the vertical electrical sounding technique of the electrical resistivity method was conducted in the upstream part of the dam. Five lithologic units that include the mud/suspended materials, such as sandy clay, clay, weathered/fractured bedrock and fresh bedrock, were delineated. The respective resistivity and thickness range of the units are 2–19 ohm-m; 147–206 ohm-m, 2–38 ohm-m; 47–236 ohm-m and 455–1516 ohm-m and 0.4–1.9 m; 0.5–2.5 m; 1.0–12.2 m; 7.3–16.4 m and ∞. The thickness of suspended materials, resistivity/thickness of weathered layer and the presence of near-surface impervious layer were used as the main indices for the spatial demarcation of the dam axis in terms of vulnerability to loss of impounded water. Using the cumulative response of the indices, the study concluded that the eastern to southeastern parts of the dam axis showed the highest indications of vulnerability to loss of impounded water.

Predicting Maximum and Cumulative Response of A Base-isolated Building Using Pushover Analysis

The evaluation of the maximum and cumulative response is an important issue for the seismic design of new base-isolated buildings. This study predicts the maximum and cumulative response of a 14-story reinforced concrete base-isolated building using a set of pushover analyses. In the proposed pushover analysis method, the maximum and cumulative responses of the first and higher modes are evaluated from the nonlinear analysis of equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) models. Then, the maximum local responses are predicted by enveloping the two pushover analysis results by referring to the contribution of the first and higher modal responses, while the cumulative strain energies of the lead-rubber bearings and steel dampers are predicted from the cumulative response of the first mode. The results reveal that the responses predicted by the proposed set of pushover analyses have satisfactory accuracy.