The Effectiveness of Microneedling Therapy on The Severity of Acne Scars According to Goodman and Baron: A Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The emergence of acne scars due to skin damage in the acne healing process and causes psychological effects. The management of acne scars can be done in several methods. Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique compared to other therapeutic modalities in acne scars. The resulting wound is micro-sized, and promotes the growth of growth factors and collagen production. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using microneedling as an acne scar treatment option. A systematic review and meta-analysis were qualitatively and quantitatively conducted from RCTs, assessing the effectiveness of microneedling in reducing the severity of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron in the treatment of acne scars. Methods: Medline Pubmed, PMC, Scopus, Google Scholar, and JDC library, eligible search. Ten studies (n=514) were analyzed qualitatively with 2 studies (n=53 subjects) and quantitatively analyzed by 2 studies (n=90 subjects). Both analyzes were included in the meta-analysis. The mean age of the participants was 40.5 years. The application of microneedling intervention as monotherapy or a combination in patients with acne scarring was followed for at least 16 weeks, the results obtained were the mean reduction in the degree of acne scarring after microneedling. Result: The combination of microneedling treatment obtained a qualitative decrease in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron with a Z value (-4.299) and P=<0.001 lower than the control (PRP) with a significant difference. The quantitative decrease in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron obtained a Z value (-4.681) and P=<0.001 lower than the control (PRP) with a significant difference. Quantitative reduction in the degree of acne scars according to Goodman and Baron on single therapy between treatment and control with a value of Z (-3.536) and P=<0.001 lower than control (fractional CO2) with a significant difference. The results of the degree of acne scars in the group treated with microneedling alone or in combination were lower than the control group. The mean before and after therapy compared to the control there was a significant difference. Conclusion. The results of a systematic review, concluded that the group treated with microneedling had a decrease in the degree of acne scarring according to Goodman and Baron with P=<0.001 compared to before treatment. The decrease was shown in the difference in Z values, which was significantly greater than the control given other therapies. Microneedling therapy can be an alternative therapy option for acne scar patients who are unresponsive to previous therapy or in conditions where there are contraindications to other therapies.

AYUSHMAN BHARAT - PMJAY

A pre-experimental study to assess effectiveness of folk media on the knowledge and perception regarding Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY among selected population of U.P. was conducted with the objective to assess the effectiveness of folk media on the knowledge and perception regarding Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY among selected population of U.P. Pre experimental research design was adopted and non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample. A structured questionnaire of 25 questions and perception likert scale of 10 items was prepared to assess the knowledge and perception of population regarding Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY. A structured knowledge questionnaire and structured perception scale on Ayushman Bharat -PMJAY (pre-test) was administered to the group, followed by administration of folk media on the Day-1. Then on Day-7, post-test was conducted. Data obtained were analyzed and interpreted by using both descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequency, percentages, mean, and S.D. score. Findings showed that: majority of population i.e. 47 (78.33%) were having good knowledge whereas 12 of these samples (20%) were having excellent knowledge and 1 of these samples were having poor knowledge. It was evident from the results that the mean post-test knowledge and practice score were more than mean pre-test scores. Findings showed that folk media was effective to gain knowledge and favorable perception regarding Ayushman Bharat -PMJAY. majority of samples i.e. 48 (40%) were having favorable perception and only 12(60%) samples were having neutral perception. The calculated Z value (2.10) for knowledge and the calculated Z value (4.06) for perception is greater than the tabulated Z value (1.645) at 0.05 level of significance at (df =59) which concluded that the Folk Media was effective in improving the knowledge and perception towards Ayushman Bharat -PMJAY among selected population of U.P.Chi square test was done showed that there was significant association between the mean post-test knowledge score with selected demographic variables. It was also showed that there was a significant association between the mean post-test perception score with selected demographic variables. The Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation was computed (r = 0.19) which indicate no relationship between the knowledge post-test scores and perception post-test scores regarding Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY among selected population of U.P.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiple MRI Parameters in Dealing With Incidental Thyroid Nodules

Background: Different MRI parameters have been studied for evaluating thyroid nodules. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 imaging sequences with considerable efficacy in evaluating soft tissue tumors merit further assessment for thyroid nodules investigation.Method: In this study, patients with thyroid nodules indicative of fine-needle aspiration and cytology (FNAC) underwent MR imaging studies. The T2 signal intensity(SI), T2 signal intensity ratio (SIR), Z value, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the thyroid nodule were obtained for every patient. Regarding the FNAC results, the nodules were divided into malignant and benign groups. The two groups' MRI parameters were compared using a two samples independent t-test and the cut-off values estimated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristics plot.Results: The T2 values, SIR, Z values, and ADC values were significantly higher in the benign group than malignant. The cut-off points of 230 (AUC= 0.759), 3.38 (AUC=0.754), 37(AUC=0.759), and 1.73(AUC=.690) were obtained for T2values, SIR, Z value, and ADC values, respectively.Conclusion: T2 values, SIR, Z values, and ADC values are reliable parameters in discriminating benign from malignant thyroid nodules, and cut-off points of 230, 3.38, 37, and 1.73 could be reliable cut-off points for each parameter, respectively. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.

THE INFLUENCE OF USING SHOPEEPAY AND SHOPEE PAYLATER FEATURES ON SHOPEE USER PURCHASING DECISIONS DURING THE COVID- 19

A process of buying and selling products, information and services that is carried out electronically by utilizing a computer network is often known as E-commerce and providing ease of payment, namely by using the ShopeePay and Shopee PayLater features. This study aims to find out which independent variables are variables that can influence purchasing decisions for Shopee users and find out which factors are more dominant in influencing purchasing decisions for Shopee users on the use of Shopeepay and Shopee PayLater features. Moreover, the trend of consumer behavior in the future also can be explored from the Zscore. The research method used is the method of Discriminant Analysis. The data collection technique was carried out by surveying 55 respondents through questionnaires. From the equation formed, consumers' tendency to buy or not to make purchases through Shopee E-Commerce is determined by the Customer Satisfaction variable in the transaction. Furthermore, from the Z value, the group that does not make purchases (0) has a Z value = 0.214, while the group that often makes purchases (1) has a Z = -0.207 value. From the equation formed, consumers' tendency to buy or not to make purchases through Shopee E-Commerce is determined by the Customer Satisfaction variable in the transaction. Moreover, from the Z value, the group that does not make purchases (0) has a Z value = 0.214, while the group that often makes purchases (1) has a Z = -0.207 value. From the equation formed, consumers' tendency to buy or not to make purchases through Shopee E-Commerce is determined by the Customer Satisfaction variable in the transaction. Furthermore, from the Z value, the group that does not make purchases (0) has a Z value = 0.214, while the group that often makes purchases (1) has a Z = -0.207 value.

Rainfall and Temperature Trends in Jagtial District of Telangana State

Aims: To investigate and assess the significance of the potential trend of two variables viz. rainfall, temperature in Jagtial district of Telangana state. Place and Duration of Study: Data of Daily rainfall and temperature data of 39 years (1980-2019) collected from the meteorological observatory at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial. Methodology: In this study, trend analysis has been carried out on monthly, seasonal and annual basis using the data period between 1980 to 2019 for rainfall and temperature. Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate test were applied to identify the existing trend direction and magnitude of change over time. Results: The rainfall seasonal trend analysis indicates that pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon and winter period showed a negative rainfall trend with z statistics of-1.47, -2.51, -0.55 and-1.38 respectively. However, the annual rainfall showed a negative trend with a z value of -2.53. In the case of Sen’s slope shows that negative trend in monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall. But the significant rising trend of monthly, seasonal average temperature is noticed from 1980 onwards. The annual average maximum temperature in the Jagtial showed an increasing trend (Z value +5.03). An increasing trend in the all seasons will lead to increase in annual mean temperature. The results of minimum temperature shows a rising trend and falling trend observed Monthly. However annual mean minimum temperature in the Jagtial District showed an increasing trend (Z value 0.10). In the case of maximum temperature for the observed period, it showed rising trend (Sen's slope = 0.63) while the minimum temperature trend showed no trend (Sen's slope = 0.02). Conclusion: Time series was carried out using nonparametric M–K test and Sen's slope estimator, which are widely used tests for conducting trend analysis. Therefore, its take into think about the rainfall variability in particular and temperature variability in general of the area into their climate change adaptation approach.

Kinetics And Thermodynamic Properties of Trametes Polyzona WRF03 Laccase

The effect of thermal treatment on the activity of laccase from Trametes polyzona WRF03 was studied at pH and temperature ranges of 3.0 to 6.5 and of 40 to 70 oC respectively. Kinetic data revealed that the heat inactivation of Trametes polyzona WRF03 laccase (TpL) was pH dependent and followed first-order kinetics. There was a positive correlation between activation energy (Ea) for thermal inactivation of TpL and the reaction pH. Highest activation energy, Ea, value of 175.49 kJ/mol was obtained at pH 6.0. On the contrary, the z-value decreased with a lowest value of 12.37 oC at pH 6.0. The high Ea value and low z-value were indicative of the thermo-stable nature of TpL which suggests that pH 6.0 had a compensatory stabilizing effect on TpL against its thermal denaturation. There was a gradual decrease in the enthalpy of denaturation (∆Ho) and Gibb’s free-energy with every 10 % rise in temperature within the investigated pH range, suggesting that TpL was more stable at 40 oC. Positive values of entropy of inactivation (ΔSº) at each temperature indicated that there was no aggregation during the inactivation processes. Thus, these results provided useful information about the behaviour of TpL under certain pH and temperature combination with respect to biotechnological application. Thus, the kinetic and thermodynamic data could be used to design a model to predict the thermal inactivation of TpL during industrial application.

Is project-based transdisciplinary assessment effective in reducing the Mathematical anxiety of pre-service Biology teacher?

Mathematical anxiety is a constant obstacle experienced by pre-service Biology Teachers in developing their quantitative abilities. Project-based transdisciplinary assessment is one type of transdisciplinary application that has not been widely explored to solve this problem. Project-based transdisciplinary assessment in form of mini-research with the topic “Data Collection on local wisdom in each area”. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of implementing project-based transdisciplinary assessment on reducing mathematics anxiety among 23 pre-service biology Teachers. This study used a pre-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design with one non-randomized group. The pre-test and post-test were carried out using the AMAS (Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Statistical results of this study show no significant difference in mathematics anxiety before and after the implementation of the project-based transdisciplinary assessment with a z value of-0.163 and a p-value of 0.87. Based on the aspect of mathematics anxiety, there is also no significant difference in mathematics learning anxiety and mathematics evaluation anxiety when compared before and after the implementation of project-based transdisciplinary assessment with each z value = -0.664, p = 0.506 and z = -0.931 and p = 0.352. The implication of this research is the need for a continuous, collaborative and institutional effort in the transdisciplinary application so as to improve the quantitative abilities of pre-service Biology Teachers.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with a Large Ischemic Volume at Presentation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and a large ischemic core (LIC) at presentation are uncertain. We aimed to obtain up-to-date aggregate estimates of the outcomes following MT in patients with volumetrically assessed LIC. We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-conformed, PROSPERO-registered, systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that included patients with AIS and a baseline LIC treated with MT, reported ischemic core volume quantitatively, and included patients with a LIC defined as a core volume ≥50 mL. The search was restricted to studies published between January 2015 and June 2020. Random-effects-meta-analysis was used to assess the effect of MT on 90-day unfavorable outcome (i.e., modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 3–6), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) occurrence. Sensitivity analyses were performed for imaging-modality (computed tomography-perfusion or magnetic resonance-diffusion weighted imaging) and LIC-definition (≥50 or ≥70 mL). We analyzed 10 studies (954 patients), including six (682 patients) with a control group, allowing to compare 332 patients with MT to 350 who received best-medical-management alone. Overall, after MT the rate of patients with mRS 3–6 at 90 days was 74% (99% confidence interval [CI], 67 to 84; Z-value=7.04; I2=92.3%) and the rate of 90-day mortality was 36% (99% CI, 33 to 40; Z-value=–7.07; I2=74.5). Receiving MT was associated with a significant decrease in mRS 3–6 odds ratio (OR) 0.19 (99% CI, 0.11 to 0.33; P<0.01; Z-value=–5.92; I2=62.56) and in mortality OR 0.60 (99% CI, 0.34 to 1.06; P=0.02; Z-value=–2.30; I2=58.72). Treatment group did not influence the proportion of patients experiencing sICH, OR 0.96 (99% CI, 0.2 to 1.49; P=0.54; Z-value=–0.63; I2=64.74). Neither imaging modality for core assessment, nor LIC definition influenced the aggregated outcomes. Using aggregate estimates, MT appeared to decrease the risk of unfavorable functional outcome in patients with a LIC assessed volumetrically at baseline.

Prominent prolapsing Chiari network: presentation and prognosis in paediatric patients

Chiari network is an infrequently visualized web-like structure in the right atrium that is usually thin and small. Rarely, it can be prominent and elongated with protrusion into the right ventricle during diastole and complications have been reported. Thirty-eight patients (median age 2.5 years) with prolapsing Chiari network were identified and associated cardiac abnormalities documented. Echocardiographic right and left heart parameters were measured and compared to normative data. At presentation, the extent of Chiari network prolapse below the tricuspid annulus was 9.1 ± 3.5 mm (mean ± standard deviation), mean pulmonary valve annulus diameter z-value was reduced (-0.91 ± 0.64), and mean aortic valve z-value was enlarged (+0.97 ± 0.87). Fourteen patients exhibited no other cardiac abnormality. Eight were noted to have atrial septal defects, eight demonstrated supraventricular dysrhythmias, six had mild to moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, and one patient each had an atrial septal aneurysm, severe pulmonic valve stenosis, small perimembranous ventricular septal defect, bicuspid aortic valve, and mild right upper pulmonary vein stenosis. Fourteen patients (37%) were seen in follow-up from 1 to 8.5 years later (median 3.2 years). During that time, the magnitude of prolapse across the tricuspid valve decreased by up to 7 mm (median 2 mm). Interventions were required in three patients, but many associated cardiac abnormalities resolved spontaneously with growth. Thus, the presence of a prolapsing Chiari network has a substantial risk of associated CHDs. However, the extent of Chiari network prolapse gradually decreases and many related abnormalities resolve during growth.

Precipitation Trends in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna River Basin, South Asia: Inconsistency in Satellite-Based Products

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river basin is the world’s third largest. Literature show that changes in precipitation have a significant impact on climate, agriculture, and the environment in the GBM. Two satellite-based precipitation products, Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR) and Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP), were used to analyze and compare precipitation trends over the GBM as a whole and within 34 pre-defined hydrological sub-basins separately for the period 1983–2019. A non-parametric Modified Mann-Kendall test was applied to determine significant trends in monsoon (June–September) and pre-monsoon (March–May) precipitation. The results show an inconsistency between the two precipitation products. Namely, the MSWEP pre-monsoon precipitation trend has significantly increased (Z-value = 2.236, p = 0.025), and the PERSIANN-CDR monsoon precipitation trend has significantly decreased (Z-value = −33.071, p < 0.000). However, both products strongly indicate that precipitation has recently declined in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons in the eastern and southern regions of the GBM river basin, agreeing with several previous studies. Further work is needed to identify the reasons behind inconsistent decreasing and increasing precipitation trends in the GBM river basin.