scholarly journals Smile Attractiveness Evaluation of Patients Selected for a U.S.-Based Board Certification Examination

Author(s):  
Jen Soh ◽  
Zheng Dong Wang ◽  
Wei Bing Zhang ◽  
Chung How Kau

Abstract Objectives The aims of the study were to assess smile attractiveness of a collection of 68 smiling photographs of successfully treated cases submitted to the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) clinical examination and identify variables that influence the assessment. Materials and Methods A panel of 81 non-Caucasian assessors from various clinical disciplines were instructed to score the smile attractiveness on a visual analog scale from 1 (least attractive) to 10 (most attractive) and to select which components contributed to a lesser attractive smile. The mean, standard deviations (SDs), and quartiles of the smile attractiveness were obtained with descriptive statistics. Multilinear regression analysis was performed to investigate the scores of the perceived quality of smile attractiveness when the clinical disciplines and gender of the assessors were the factors taken into consideration. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to establish the relationship between smile attractiveness and the achievement of a perfect smile. Results The mean (SD) rating of each clinical photograph of the anterior occlusion on smiling ranged from 3.11 (1.47) as the least attractive smile to 7.59 (1.45) as the most attractive smile. The overall mean (SD) score for smile attractiveness was 5.30 (1.10). Problems associated with teeth, gingiva, and lips corresponded with a reduction of the smile attractiveness score by 1.56, 1.82, and 1.47, respectively. Gender was not associated with smile attractiveness ratings. Orthodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists demonstrated no difference in the ratings, while plastic surgeons were more critical than orthodontists regarding smile attractiveness. Conclusions The study suggested that only 2 out of 68 AOB validated treatment finishes had a perfect and attractive smile.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110073
Author(s):  
Richard M Elias ◽  
Karen M Fischer ◽  
Mustaqeem A Siddiqui ◽  
Trevor Coons ◽  
Cindy A Meyerhofer ◽  
...  

Previous studies show that patient complaints can identify gaps in quality of care, but it is difficult to identify trends without categorization. We conducted a review of complaints relating to admissions on hospital internal medicine (HIM) services over a 26-month period. Data were collected on person characteristics and key features of the complaint. The complaints were also categorized into a previously published taxonomy. Seventy-six unsolicited complaints were identified, (3.5 per 1000 hospital admissions). Complaints were more likely on resident services. The mean duration between encounter and complaint was 18 days, and it took an average of 12 days to resolve the complaint. Most patients (59%) had a complaint in the Relationship domain. Thirty-nine percent of complaints mentioned a specific clinician. When a clinician was mentioned, complaints regarding communication and humaneness predominated (68%). The results indicate that the efforts to reduce patient complaints in HIM should focus on the Relationships domain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1079.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii

Background:Boolean remission criteria is one most popular and stringent criteria in treating patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it may guarantees a stable clinical course after attaining remission.Objectives:Impact of time span from initiation to achieving Boolean remission on maintaining disease activity, daily activities, and quality of life after attaining Boolean remission was investigated from daily clinical practice data.Methods:685 patients with RA since August 2010 under the T2T strategy were treated. They were monitored for their TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, CRP, and disease activity indices such as CDAI, SDAI, DAS28, and Boolean criteria at every visit. HAQ-DI score, pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS), and EQ-5D were also monitored, and the quality of life score (QOLS) calculated from EQ-5D was determined at every visit from the time of diagnosis (baseline).Of 685 patients, 465 patients had achieved Boolean remission >1 times, and were consecutively followed up for >3 years. These patients were enrolled in the study. Time span from the first visit to first Boolean remission was calculated. The relationship between the time span and each of background parameters, and the relationship between the time span and each of the mean values of the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at the first Boolean remission and thereafter was evaluated statistically.Patients were subsequently divided into the G ≤ 6 and G > 6 groups based on the achievement of first Boolean remission within two groups: time span G ≤ 6 months and G > 6 months. The two groups were compared with regard to the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at first visit and at the time of first Boolean remission, and the mean values of these parameters after remission were evaluated statistically. Moreover, changes of these parameters and the mean Boolean remission rate after the first remission, and SDAI remission rate at the first Boolean remission to thereafter were compared between the two groups statistically.Results:Out of 465 patients, females comprised 343 (73.7%), and the mean age was 67.8 years (range, from 21–95 years). The mean disease duration at first visit was 6.1 years (range, from 1 months–45 years). The mean follow up length was 88.1 months (range: 36–122 months; median: 85 months) and mean time span from the first visit to the first Boolean remission was 8.1 months. The mean SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, and the QOLS at first visit were 13.3, 0.467, 33.2, and 0.834, respectively. Among the study parameters, PS-VAS and QOLS were significantly correlated with the time span. For parameters at the first Boolean remission, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, and QOLS demonstrated significant correlation with the time span, whereas SDAI, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS after the Boolean remission demonstrated significant correlation with the time span.The comparison between the G ≤ 6 and the G > 6 groups revealed that the disease duration, HAQ score, and PS-VAS at baseline in the G > 6 were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, and QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group at baseline. Similarly, the HAQ score and PS-VAS at the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, whereas QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group demonstrated no significant difference compared with that in the G > 6 group.The mean value of the SDAI score after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group. Similarly, the SDAI score, HAQ score, and PS-VAS after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were also significantly higher than those in the G ≤ 6 group, and the mean value of the QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group. The Boolean remission rate and SDAI remission rate after the first Boolean remission were significantly higher in the G ≤ 6 group than those in the G > 6 group.Conclusion:Attaining Boolean remission ≤ 6 months for RA has significant benefit for more stable disease control, that leads good maintenance of ADL.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-394
Author(s):  
Kawoun Seo

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the mediating effects of acceptance action on the relationship between diabetes self-stigma and quality of life in diabetes patients.Methods: For this study a descriptive research approach was used. Patients (237) with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus from a doctor of endocrinology were included. Data collection was done from March 26, to March 28, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, and hierarchecal multiple regression.Results: The mean scores for diabetes self-stigma, acceptance action and quality of life were 2.67±0.71, 4.12±0.38, and 3.26±0.48, respectively. Acceptance action was found to partial mediate the relationship between diabetes self-stigma and quality of life (z=-4.20, p<.001), and its explanatory power was 17.6%.Conclusion: To improve the quality of life among patients with diabetes in diabetes self-stigma situations, it is necessary to improve their acceptance action and develop step-by-step and differentiated acceptance action enhancement programs through multidisciplinary collaboration.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Uzark ◽  
Cynthia Smith ◽  
Sunkyung Yu ◽  
Janet Donohue ◽  
Katherine Afton ◽  
...  

Objective: Transition is defined as “the process by which adolescents and young adults with chronic childhood illnesses are prepared to take charge of their lives and their health in adulthood”. We previously reported common knowledge deficits and lack of transition readiness (TR) in 13-25 year olds with congenital or acquired heart disease. The aims of this study were to re-evaluate TR in these patients at follow-up (F/U) and to examine the relationship between changes in TR and quality of life (QOL). Methods: Patients (n=106) completed the TR Assessment and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) utilizing an e-tablet, web-based format at a routine F/U clinic visit. Changes from initial to F/U scores were evaluated. Results: Median patient age was 18.7 yrs at a median F/U time of 1.02 yrs. Average perceived knowledge deficit score (% of items with no knowledge) at F/U was 18.0 ± 15.2%, decreased from 24.7 ± 16.5%, p<.0001. On a 100-point scale, the mean score for self-efficacy increased from 71.4 ± 17.0 to 76.7 ± 18.2 (p=.004) and for self-management increased from 47.9 ± 18.4 to 52.0 ± 20.7 (p=.0004). While physical QOL did not change, the mean psychosocial QOL score increased significantly from 80.2 ± 13.3 to 82.5 ± 12.0, p=.02. A decrease in knowledge deficit score at F/U was significantly associated with an increased psychosocial QOL score, p=.03. An increase in self-efficacy score was associated with an increase in psychosocial QOL score (p=.04), especially social QOL (p=.02). Among patients who reported receiving specific information after initial TR assessment, knowledge deficits decreased related to medication (p=.002), symptoms to call for (p=.02), how to contact heart doctor (p=.02), and health insurance (p=.10). Self-efficacy scores improved in patients reporting receipt of information regarding how to contact the heart doctor (p=.06) and how to communicate with healthcare team (p=.05). Conclusion: While deficits in knowledge and self-management skills persist, TR assessment and recognition of deficits can improve transition readiness with improved psychosocial QOL. Routine TR assessment is important to identify transition needs. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between TR and outcomes in young adults with heart disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 1223-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Jeynes

A meta-analysis, including 13 studies, was undertaken on the relationship between the exercise of student prayer and academic and behavioral outcomes in urban schools. Analyses both with and without sophisticated controls (e.g., socioeconomic status, race, and gender) were used. Additional analyses were done to determine whether the effects of prayer differed by the quality of the study. The results indicated that the exercise of prayer is associated with better levels of student outcomes. Moreover, the effects of prayer were greater for high-quality studies. The significance of these results is discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-663
Author(s):  
Ayla Hendekçi ◽  
Sonay Bilgin

This study was conducted to determine the quality of life and difficulties of adolescents in school age. This descriptive study was conducted in a city center three secondary School. Similarly from each school 114,114,116 people participated in the study, 4 students could not be included in the study due to insufficient data and the study was completed with 344 students. Questionnaire developed by the researcher, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used for data collection. Research was completed in line with the ethical principles. According to the evaluations, it was observed that 50.6% of the students was 13 years old, 52% was male, and 53.5% was in the seventh grade. The total score average for PedsQL was 81.58 ± 13.65, and the mean total score for SDQ was 25.02 ± 4.813. A positive and significant correlation was found between “behavioral problems” subscale score of the SDQ and all subscales of PedsQL except the “physical health” subscale as well as the positive and significant correlation between the mean total scores of PedsQL and SDQ. It was observed that the quality of life of the students is affected negatively as the difficulties experienced during adolescence increase. Some recommendations were made to reveal the problems experienced by school-age adolescents and to increase their quality of life.


Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Christopher Bolinger ◽  
James Dembowski ◽  
Kimberly Mory

A retrospective study of 1489 hospital records examined the relationship of speech-language pathologist (SLP) consults for dysphagia to age and gender in pneumonia patients from an acute care setting. Age and gender disparities exist in healthcare. The research sought to determine if disparities existed in the presence/absence of SLP dysphagia consults related to age and gender. Results suggested SLPs were consulted on a greater percentage of geriatric patients overall; however, there were differences in the number of consults for each pneumonia type. More males and geriatric patients were seen than females and non-geriatric adults, respectively. Results may be used to address local hospital policies and protocols and thus increase quality of care by improving morbidity and mortality outcomes of geriatric patients with pneumonia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilhan İlgüy ◽  
Mehmet İlgüy ◽  
Erdoğan Fişekçioğlu ◽  
Semanur Dölekoğlu ◽  
Nilüfer Ersan

Aim. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between articular eminence inclination, height, and thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) according to age and gender and to assess condyle morphology including incidental findings of osseous characteristics associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods. CBCT images of 105 patients were evaluated retrospectively. For articular eminence inclination and height, axial views on which the condylar processes were seen with their widest mediolateral extent being used as a reference view for secondary reconstruction. Condyle morphology was categorized both in the sagittal and coronal plane.Results. The mean values of eminence inclination and height of males were higher than those of females (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the RGF thickness in relation to sagittal condyle morphology. Among the group of OA, the mean value of the RGF thickness for “OA-osteophyte” group was the highest (1.59 mm), whereas the lowest RGF values were seen in the “OA-flattening.”Conclusion. The sagittal osteoarthritic changes may have an effect on RGF thickness by mechanical stimulation and changed stress distribution. Gender has a significant effect on eminence height (Eh) and inclination.


2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 977-995 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCIE BAKER ◽  
EYAL GRINGART

ABSTRACTGiven global population ageing and the fact that Australia is experiencing a significant increase in the proportion of older adults in its population, research into ageing issues has become a national priority. Whilst body image and self-esteem have been empirically linked, the relationship among older adults has been neglected. This study investigated several body-image variables and their relationship to self-esteem in a sample of 148 men and women aged 65–85 years who were living independently in the Perth Metropolitan Area of Western Australia. They completed the ‘Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale’ and the ‘Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire’. The results indicated, contrary to a common misconception, that body-image concerns are significant to self-esteem in older adulthood, but that these vary by age and gender. Whilst women appear to develop various strategies to counter the effects of ageing, men seem to be more negatively affected, particularly in relation to body functioning. The findings shed light on the meaning of body image in older adulthood. A better understanding of the meaning of body image, of the factors that influence the meaning, and of how these relate to older adults' self-esteem may help older adults develop a positive body image that will contribute to psycho-social strengths and enhance their quality of life.


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