Asignificant Correlation Research Articles

ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENT OF THE VERTEBRAL LEVEL OF TUFFIERS LINE IN ELDERLY WOMEN (A COMPARITIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY)

Background:Sometimes , generalizing the vertebral level which is determined by palpation in patients across all the age groups may be inaccurate. This study has aimed to compare the vertebral level intersected by the Tuffiers line in elderly women versus adult womenutilizing an ultrasound in the left lateral decubitus flexed position, to provide a more precise understanding of the potential age-related differences . Methods:We enrolled 50 female patients over the age of 65 (elderly group) and 50 female patients between ages 20-50 (control group) who had been scheduled to undergo surgeries under spinal Anaesthesia. Using ultrasound, we marked the L2–L5 lumbar spinous processes and intervertebral spaces. The most cephalad part was labeled as 1 and the most caudal part was labeled 11. We then identified to which line of these vertebral levels Tuffiers line crossed using an ultrasound. Results:In the elderly group, the median vertebral level of Tuffiers line was found to be located at L2-L3 (median value = 3), whereas in the control group, it was situated at the lower part of L4 (median value = 8). Moreover, asignificant correlation was found between the vertebral level of Tuffiers line and age, weight and BMI in the elderly group (P < 0.001), indicating a significant association between these factors. Conclusions:The ultrasound measurement in the left lateral decubitus flexed position revealed that the Tuffiers line was situated more cranially (towards the head) in elderly women compared to the control group. This indicates that the needle may inserted at a higher level than anticipated, indicating the importance of careful level determination during spinal Anaesthesia in elderly women to avoidcomplications.

Applying chemical shift images (in-phase/opposed phased) for differentiating low-grade from high-grade glioma and comparison with magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Grading gliomas is essential for treatment decisions and patient prognosis. In this study we evaluated the in-phase and out-of-phase sequences for distinguishing high-grade (HGG) from low-grade glioma (LGG) and the correlation with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) results. This observational study comprised patients with brain tumors referred to our center for brain MRS. The gold standard for diagnosis was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) glioma classification. Astandard tumor protocol was accomplished using a1.5‑T MRS scanner. Before contrast medium administration, extra in- and out-phase sequences were acquired. Three 20-30-mm2 oval regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the solid component and the signal loss ratio (SLR) was calculated with the following formula: SLR tumor = (SI In phase - SI Opposed phase)/ SI In phase Correlations and comparisons between groups were made using the Pearson, chi-square and, independent samples t tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In total, 20 patients were included in the LGG and 13were included in the HGG group. The mean SLR in the HGG and LGG groups was 3.66 ± 2.12 and 1.63 ± 1.86, respectively (p = 0.01). There was astatistically significant correlation between lipid lactate (0.48, p = 0.004) and free lipid (0.44, p = 0.009) concentrations on MRS with SLR. The SLR is asimple, rapid, and noninvasive marker for differentiating between LGG and HGG. There is asignificant correlation with both the concentration and presence of free lipid and lipid-lactate peaks in MRS.

Broström ankle ligament repair augmented with suture tape : Results of magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

The Broström procedure is an established procedure in cases of primary lateral ankle ligament repair (LALR). To improve postoperative stability an augmentation device, InternalBrace™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL) has been introduced. This study evaluates remodelling of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in patients undergoing atape augmented Broström technique as well as clinical outcomes. In this study 32patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) receiving augmented LALR were included. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at aone-time postoperative visit between 12and 18months. A3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to evaluate the morphology of the ATFL. Statistical analysis was completed with the free software and environment Rversion3.6.3 (Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ, USA) and P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean follow-up time was 15.3 ± 1.8months with areturn to sport time of 4.0 ± 2.4months. The average AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score) score was 94.4 ± 7.2, the FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score) demonstrated 87.3 ± 10.4 points and the FFI (Foot Function Index - 2scores (pain and function score)) was 22.9 ± 20.1 and 15.4 ± 10.4, respectively. The MRI findings demonstrated an average length of the ATFL of 18.6 ± 4.3 mm and the width was 3.6 ± 0.9 mm. Aclear differentiation between the ATFL and the augmentation device could be shown in 28cases. The Fisher's exact test could not depict asignificant correlation between the presence of abone marrow edema and the tension of the augmentation device with alevel of significance of α = 0.05. An anatomical healing tendency of the ligament repair and good integrity of the augmentation device could be shown based on MRI findings. The lateral ligament repair augmented with suture tape is an effective and safe procedure regarding surgical treatment in chronic lateral ankle instability producing good clinical outcome.

Prehospital care of anaphylactic reactions by the air rescue and ground-based emergency services Dresden : An analysis of treatment and outcome

Anaphylaxis can lead to alife-threatening situation. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and emergency treatment is indicated. Immediate treatment with intramuscular adrenaline (or intravascularly with sufficient medical expertise) in anaphylaxis with cardiovascular and/or respiratory symptoms is recommended by various guidelines. Previous studies have shown that anaphylaxis is often not treated according to guidelines and that adrenaline in particular is rarely administered. The aim of the study was to investigate the data on emergency treatment and outcomes of patients with anaphylaxis by the air rescue and ground-based emergency services Dresden. Moreover, the results of the air- and ground-based services were compared. The focus was on administration of adrenaline and outcomes. Data from the ground-based emergency service Dresden (from 2012 to 2016) and the air rescue service Dresden (from 2008 to 2015) related to anaphylactic reactions were analyzed retrospectively. The severity of the anaphylaxis, the emergency medication administered, further monitoring, and outcomes were analyzed. Data from 152adults/29children were analyzed for air rescue and 1131adults/223 children for the ground-based emergency service. Adults with gradeII-IV anaphylaxis received adrenaline in 19% (air rescue) and 7% (ground rescue) of cases. Children with gradeII-IV anaphylaxis received adrenaline in 7% (air rescue) and 8% (ground rescue) of cases. Immediate drug therapy led to an improvement in general condition in 96-98% (air rescue) and 72-77% (ground-based emergency service) of cases. Asignificant correlation was found between the administration of adrenaline and the improvement in outcome in the ground-based emergency cohort. Guideline-compliant first-line therapy with adrenaline was not performed in the majority of the cases analyzed in this study. The significant effect of adrenaline on outcome demonstrated in this study emphases the need to improve the emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions.

Pharmacokinetics ofpraziquantel and its metabolites ingrass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) following the oral administration ofasingle bolus.

The study aimed toevaluate and compare the routes and rates ofthe depletion ofthe antiparasitic praziquantel (PZQ), aderivative ofpyrazinoisoquinoline, following its oral administration ingrass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Wefocused onthe depletion ofPZQ and its major metabolites - cis-hydroxy praziquantel (CPZQ) and trans-hydroxy praziquantel (TPZQ), inwater, the plasma, hepatopancreas, kidney, muscle, and skin, following asingle oral administration ofPZQ inaconcentration of50mg/kg. Fish were sampled before the drug administration and then eight times inthe course ofthe 30-day-long experiment. Our results indicate the rapid absorption and elimination ofPZQ and its metabolites inall the analysed matrices. The most PZQ-burdened tissue was the hepatopancreas, the gill and the skin. Inall the samples, the concentration ofthe drug and its metabolites consistently declined over time. The residue ofthe parent compound was detected for the longest time inall thetissues. During the study, asignificant (P<0.01) correlation was found within the concentration ofPZQ, CPZQ, and TPZQ inthe water and all the biological matrices. Itwas also found that the PZQ residue was not detected below the maximum residue levels (i.e., 20μg/kg) until 16 days after exposure inthe muscle and skin.

The role of life events in obsessive-compulsive disorders

Background: A small number of studies are available to assess the role of stressful life events (SLEs) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The previous studies have reported contradictory results and they have methodological limitations. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of our study are (i) to find out the frequency of life events in patients with OCD in comparison to their matched healthy controls and (ii) to find out the impact of life events on the severity of the disorder. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients fulfilling Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th edition (DSM-V) criteria of OCD were rated with Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). A group of 60 normal controls were also rated on PSLES. Finally, both groups were compared in terms of life events. Results: The frequency of life events, past 1 year (t=5.307, P=0.006) and lifetime (t=11.527, P&lt;0.001), were significantly higher in the patient group in comparison to controls. PSLES scores showed asignificant correlation with Y-BOCS total scores, Y-BOCS obsession scores, and HAM-A scores. There was a positive correlation between past 1 year PSLES score and HAM-D scores. Step-wise linear regression analysis showed PSLES scores significantly positively predicted Y-BOCS total score, Y-BOCS obsession score, and Y-BOCS compulsion score. Conclusion: Life events were significantly more frequent in OCD patients both past 1 year and lifetime, as compared to healthy controls. The severity of obsessive compulsive symptoms was found to be directly proportional to the number of SLEs experienced in the past 1 year and lifetime.

Association between systemic sclerosis and venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis: ameta-analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the published data pertaining to the correlation between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). We conducted manual searches and explored MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to review papers reporting the risk of VTE in patients with SSc. Ameta-analysis was performed exploring the relative risks (RRs) of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and VTE in these individuals. Six trials that included 41,105 patients with SSc were eligible for inclusion. Ameta-analysis of the six included studies revealed astatistically significant correlation (RR 2.372, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.608-3.500, p < 0.001) between the risk of VTE and SSc. Regional subgroup study revealed astrong correlation between SSc and VTE risk in Americans, Europeans, and Asians. Additionally, asignificant correlation between SSc and PE risk was observed (RR 3.154, 95% CI = 1.320-7.539, p = 0.010). Finally, the meta-analysis revealed asubstantial correlation (RR 5.190, 95% CI = 1.513-17.01, p = 0.009) between the risk of DVT and SSc. This meta-analysis showed that SSc is linked to an increased risk of DVT, PE, and VTE. This finding underscores the importance of close monitoring for the emergence of these conditions in patients with SSc.

Does Accidental Hypothermia Increase Morbidity and Mortality in Mature Neonates?

Accidental hypothermia in mature neonates requiring hospitalization is a clinical complication that has not been studied in detail. In the present study, the effect of accidental hypothermia on common morbidity in neonates in the postnatal period was investigated. We did temperature measurements in 616 mature neonates after birth, after transfer to the maternity ward and at check-up at age of 48-72 hours of life. Additionally, nurses checked temperature until discharge at every diaper change in 302 of all included neonates who were small for gestational age (SGA) or whose mothers had green fluid or premature rupture of membranes (PROM). We investigated if there was a correlation between infection, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, SGA, gestational diabetes, PROM, green amniotic fluid, positive GBS status of the mother, and accidental hypothermia in the first 48-72 hours of life. Mature neonates showed transient accidental hypothermia in the first 24 hours of life. No significant correlation between infection (p=0.571), hyperbilirubinemia (p=0.837), hypoglycemia (p=0.072), and accidental hypothermia could be seen. There was a significant correlation between SGA (p=0.020), PROM (p=0.008), and accidental hypothermia, while hyperthermia was associated with infection (p=0.009) and green amniotic fluid (p=0.004). SGA and PROM represent perinatal risk factors for postnatal transient accidental hypothermia in mature neonates. Increased morbidity or mortality associated with postnatal accidental hypothermia has not been demonstrated.Akzidentelle Hypothermie bei Reifgeborenen, die einer Hospitalisierung bedürfen, ist eine bisher nicht näher analysierte klinische Komplikation. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Abhängigkeit einer akzidentellen Hypothermie von typischen Erkrankungen der Postnatalperiode untersucht. Wir führten bei 616 Reifgeborenen Temperaturmessungen nach Geburt, nach Verlegung auf die Wochenstation und bei der Vorsorgeuntersuchung U2 durch. Zusätzlich kontrollierten wir bei 302 der 616 Neugeborenen mit Small for gestational age (SGA), grünem Fruchtwasser oder vorzeitigem Blasensprung (PROM) die Temperatur bei jedem Windelwechsel bis zur Entlassung. Wir untersuchten, ob es einen Zusammenhang zwischen Infektion, Hyperbilirubinämie, Hypoglykämie, SGA, Gestationsdiabetes, PROM, grünem Fruchtwasser, positivem GBS-Status der Mutter und akzidenteller Auskühlung innerhalb der ersten 48-72 Lebensstunden gab. Reifgeborene zeigten in den ersten 24 Lebensstunden transiente akzidentelle Hypothermien. Es konnte kein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen Infektion (P=0.571), Hyperbilirubinämie (p=0.837), Hypoglykämie (p=0.072) und akzidenteller Hypothermie festgestellt werden. Es bestand ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen SGA (p=0.020), PROM (p=0.008) und akzidenteller Hypothermie, während Hyperthermie war mit Infektion (p=0.009) und grünem Fruchtwasser (p=0.004) assoziiert war. SGA und PROM stellen perinatale Risikofaktoren für postnatale transiente, akzidentelle Hypothermien bei Reifgeborenen dar. Eine erhöhte Morbidiät bzw. Mortalität im Zusammenhang mit postnataler akzidenteller Hypothermie konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden.

Reconstructive techniques for lower eyelid and canthal defects after tumor resection.

This prospective study aims to evaluate the demographic and histopathological characteristics of patients who underwent resection of malignant skin tumors of the lower eyelid. It also seeks to assess the size of the defect and outline the management strategies for reconstructing anterior and posterior lamellae. The study enrolled 87 patients treated between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The article outlines areconstructive strategy based on the defect characteristics. The most prevalent type of tumor was basal cell carcinoma (86%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (8%), malignant melanoma (5%), and Merkel cell carcinoma (1%). There was aslight male preponderance (52%). No significant difference was found in the incidence of lower eyelid malignant tumor between the sex subgroups (p=0.97). The mean age of the patients was 73.52 years (SD=10.582; range 37-92 years). No statistically significant difference in laterality (p=0.108) was observed. Alarger tumor size was significantly associated with ahigher tumor grade (p=0.008; r=0.926). Asignificant correlation was identified between the tumor location and the size of the excision (p<0.001). Furthermore, asignificant correlation was identified between the histopathological types of tumors and the excision area (p=0.016). Reconstruction of the anterior lamella in small- and medium-sized defects was achieved by using local randomized flaps (61%), primary closure (29%), and skin grafts (10%). For large-sized defects, the anterior lamella was reconstructed by flap (88%) or skin graft (22%). Altogether, posterior lamella was replaced in 25 cases (29%) of all defects using nasal chondromucosa (40%), conchal cartilage (28%), buccal mucosa (8%), periosteal flap (12%), Hewes flap (8%) and Hughes flap (4%). Advanced techniques are necessary when reconstructing alarger lower lid area. In such cases, various subunits must be reconstructed separately to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, the choice of reconstructive technique mainly depends on the extent of the lid resection (Fig. 9, Ref. 44). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: defects, eyelid, malignant neoplasms, reconstructive surgical procedures, resection.

Relationship of intensive care scoring systems with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume values.

We evaluated the relationship between NLR, PLR, and MPV values and scoring systems frequently used in intensive care units in our study. In our retrospective study, patients aged 18 years and over who received treatment in the intensive care unit for at least 48 hours were included. Demographic data, such as age, gender, APACHE II, SOFA and GCS scores, expected mortality, and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were recorded. There was asignificant positive correlation between MPV values and APACHE, SOFA, and expected mortality rates, and asignificant negative correlation between GCS values. It was also found to be significant that as the P/L ratio increased, APACHE, SOFA scores, and expected mortality rates decreased and GCS increased. In 30-day and 1-year mortalities, MPV values and CRP/albumin ratios were higher, and calcium values were significantly lower. The N/L ratios were also significantly higher in 1-year mortality. In our study, asignificant correlation was found between APACHE, GCS, SOFA, expected death rates and MPV and P/L rates. In conclusion, we suggest that in addition to intensive care scoring systems, the N/L ratio, P/L ratio, MPV, and CRP/albumin ratios can be used in the prognosis of patients (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 18).

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Cytokeratin 17 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which makes up 80–90% of all malignant neoplasms of the mouth, is the mostcommon type of oral cancer. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in diagnostic pathology by aiding in identifying andclassifying tumors IHC is utilized to study the distribution and localization of specific proteins. Identifying diagnostic markers forOSCC is essential for early diagnosis and patient-specific treatment. Cytokeratins (CK) are a family of intermediate filamentspredominantly expressed in epithelial cells. The study aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical expression cytokeratin 17 in 50cases of microscopically confirmed OSCC. The present study was observational, with retrospective and prospective sampling.The study was carried out for two years, from 2020 to 2022. The present study was designed to determine CK 17 expressionby IHC and to correlate CK 17 expression with Broders grading of OSCC and other clinical pathologic parameters.Immunostaining for CK 17 was performed. The statistical analysis was done by chi-square test. In this study, there was asignificant correlation between CK 17 expression and Broders grading, and CK 17, when correlated with other clinic pathologicparameters, showed no significant correlation. It was concluded that Cytokeratin17 expression could correlate with theBroders' Grading, thus contributing to early detection and more accurate determination of tumor aggressiveness to determineappropriate therapy.

Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in Germany : Treatment reality, potential needs, possible quality indicators and open questions

In 2020 in Germany, 21,753 patients were hospitalized with the main diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation (MR), whereby 6050 isolated mitral valve (MV) operations, 4977 combined MV operations and 6011 transcatheter MV interventions were performed. In the last 10years there was anearly linear increase of MR-related hospitalizations and transcatheter MV interventions, whereas the numbers of isolated MV operations remained stable and the number of combined MV operations decreased. Due to demographic change and age distribution of MR patients, an increased need for minimally invasive transcatheter MV procedures can be expected in the future. In 2020 the 6011 transcatheter MV interventions were performed at approximately 180 centers in Germany. According to aretrospective analysis of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) hospital data up to 2017, two thirds of all 158 centers which provided transcatheter MV repair in Germany at that time carried out no more than 25procedures per year. Asignificant correlation between hospital intervention volume and intrahospital mortality has not yet been found for transcatheter MV repair; however, registry data from Germany, Italy and the USA consistently confirm that centers with a high intervention volume achieve a better reduction of mitral regurgitation, which could directly translate into long-term survival. Thresholds of 20 or 50procedures per year were suggested as predictive for abetter procedural result in terms of MR reduction. Such analyses should be implemented in considerations regarding the appropriate number of transcatheter MV centers for Germany.

Neuro-otological manifestations in Fabry disease-aretrospective single center study

Fabry disease (FD) is one of the X‑linked lysosomal storage diseases that can affect any organ. They have aspecific lysosomal dysfunction in common, which results in substrate accumulation in lysosomes instead of metabolite degradation. Due to the deficiency/absence of α‑galactosidase, globotriaosylceramides (Gb3) are deposited in lysosomes of the organs. In addition to acroparesthesia, angiokeratomas, autonomic dysfunction, vortex keratopathies, ischemic cerebral or cardiac complications and chronic renal failure, also vestibulocochlear dysfunctions with sudden or progressive asymmetric hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo may be observed. In this retrospective study, 33patients (men = 16 and women = 17) with FD were evaluated. All patients presented to us in interdisciplinary cooperation as part of routine examinations by the specialized center for lysosomal storage diseases of the in-house department of nephrology. This presentation is carried out as ascreening examination independent of neuro-otological symptoms. The mean age at diagnosis was 34.76 (±11.55) years. The first presentation in our ENT department was at 40.45 (±11.71) years. We were able to demonstrate asignificant correlation between neurological symptoms or apoplexy and hearing loss (p = 0.001) and between cardiac manifestations and hearing loss (p = 0.024). Hearing loss is apotential symptom of Fabry disease and is not limited to the classic male phenotype. Due to possible positive correlations with neurological and cardiological manifestations of the disease, routine ENT screening examinations should be carried out to be able to identify and treat neuro-otological deficits at an early stage. In addition, FD should also be considered and tested as adifferential diagnosis, especially in younger patients with sudden unilateral or bilateral hearing loss and afamily history.

Perception of facial and dental asymmetries and their impact on oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of facial and dental asymmetries in children and adolescents and how these asymmetries affect their psychosocial and emotional well-being. The study included 66children and adolescents (7-15years) with adeviation between the maxillary and mandibular dental midlines of > 0.5 mm. The soft tissues of the face were scanned using stereophotogrammetry. Psychosocial and emotional impairments were assessed using the German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ-G8-10 and 11-14). The mean midline deviation of the study group was 2.3 mmwith no significant gender differences. Girls perceived facial asymmetry significantly more often than boys (p < 0.01). However, stereophotogrammetry showed no significant differences in facial morphology between subjects who perceived their face as asymmetrical and those who perceived it as symmetrical. Interestingly, we observed asignificant correlation between the deviation of the dental midline and the lateral displacement of gonion (p < 0.05) and cheilion (p < 0.01). Psychosocial and emotional impairment was significantly higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation with the measured facial asymmetries. In contrast, the CPQ subscale score was 2.68points higher in individuals with adental midline shift ≥ 3 mm (p < 0.01), independent of age and gender. Although girls perceived facial asymmetries more strongly than boys do, this perception could not be objectified by extraoral measurements. Amidline shift of 3 mm or more had anegative impact on the oral health-related quality of life of affected children and adolescents.

Comparison of speech perception in bimodal cochlear implant patients with respect to the cochlear coverage.

The hearing success of patients with bimodal fitting, utilizing both acochlear implant (CI) and ahearing aid (HA), varies considerably: While some patients benefit from bimodal CI and HA, others do not. This retrospective study aimed to investigate speech perception in bimodally fitted patients and compare it with the cochlear coverage (CC). The CC was calculated with the OTOPLAN software, measuring the cochlear duct length on temporal bone CT scans of 39patients retrospectively. The patients were categorized into two groups: CC ≤ 65% (CC500) and CC > 65% (CC600). Monaural speech intelligibility for monosyllables at asound pressure level (SPL) of 65 dB in afree-field setting was assessed before and after CI at various time points. The two groups, one with preoperative HA and one with postoperative CI, were compared. Additionally, speech intelligibility was correlated with CC in the entire cohort before CI and at the last available follow-up (last observation time, LOT). Overall, there was no significant difference in speech intelligibility between CC500 and CC600 patients, with both groups demonstrating aconsistent improvement after implantation. While CC600 patients tended to exhibit earlier improvement in speech intelligibility, CC500 patients showed aslower initial improvement within the first 3months but demonstrated asteeper learning curve thereafter. At LOT, the two patient groups converged, with no significant differences in expected speech intelligibility. There was no significant relationship between unimodal/unilateral free-field speech intelligibility and CC. Interestingly, patients with aCC of 70-75% achieved the highest speech intelligibility. Despite of the lack of asignificant correlation between CC and speech perception, patients appeared to reach their maximum in unimodal/unilateral speech perception primarily at acoverage level of 70-75%. Nevertheless, further investigation is warranted, as CC500 was associated with shorter cochlear duct length, and different types of electrodes were used in both groups.

Co-occurrence of acrocentric chromosome associations with dicentric chromosomes in irradiated human lymphocytes.

The occurrence of acrocentric chromosome association (ACA) after radiation exposure is an interesting cytogenetic endpoint, known to show adose-dependent increase in irradiated lymphocytes suggesting its potential use in radiation biodosimetry. Here, an attempt was made to study the complexity and correlation of the occurrence of ACA with dicentric chromosomes (DC) in lymphocytes exposed to gamma radiation. Ninety metaphases each with DC and without DC were chosen randomly from lymphocytes irradiated with different doses (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Gy) of gamma radiation. ACA along with chromosomal types of aberrations were scored and analyzed for complexity and co-occurrence, retrospectively. The number of associations between 2and ≥ 3acrocentric chromosomes showed an increase with each irradiation dose. Concomitantly, the total number of chromosomal type of aberrations showed an increase in number at each radiation dose studied. The number of DC showed an increase, however, metaphases containing 1DC decreased while ≥ 2DC increased as the radiation dose increased. The number of tricentric chromosomes increased at doses higher than 2 Gy. Importantly, the association of DC with an acrocentric chromosome was noticed at doses 2 Gy and above. Asignificant (p < 0.05) increase was noticed in ACA frequency in 1DC and ≥ 2DC metaphases at 1and 2 Gy, in 1DC at 3 Gy, and in ≥ 2DC 4and 5 Gy compared to the frequency in no DC metaphases. When average ACA frequency was plotted against DC frequency, asignificant (p = 0.0009) correlation was observed, producing regression equation y = 0.9025x + 0.1283; R2 = 0.9522. The present analysis showed increasing ACA complexity with increasing radiation dose. Furthermore, ahigher frequency of ACA in cells with 1DC or ≥ 2DC compared to the ACA in cells without DC from the same sample of irradiated lymphocytes demonstrated the co-occurrence of ACA and DC in the same cells.

Spatiotemporal psychopathology-German version of the Scale for Space and Time Experience in Psychosis (STEP) : Avalidated measurement instrument for the assessment of spatial and temporal experience in psychotic disorders

Historical authors (e.g., Ludwig Binswanger and Eugène Minkowski) postulated that the experience of patients with schizophrenia is characterized by time fragmentation. From aclinical perspective, patients with schizophrenia also suffer from difficulties in spatial perception (e.g., abnormalities in the experience of interpersonal distance and spatial orientation). Although these changes can lead to aserious detachment from reality, to considerable suffering of the affected persons and to difficulties in the therapeutic process, the abnormal experience of space and time in psychotic disorders has not yet been sufficiently investigated. One possible reason is the lack of appropriate and standardized instruments that quantify the experience of space and time in patients with psychotic disorders. Based on an innovative concept, the so-called spatiotemporal psychopathology (STPP), aclinical rating scale for the systematic-quantitative assessment of spatial and temporal experience in patients with psychotic disorders was developed. This article presents the German version of the Scale for Space and Time Experience in Psychosis (STEP). The original English version of the STEP measures different spatial (14phenomena) and temporal (11phenomena) phenomena in 25items. The STEP shows both ahigh internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and asignificant correlation with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; p < 0.001). In summary, the German version of the STEP scale presented here represents an important instrument in the German-speaking countries for the assessment of spatial and temporal experience in patients with psychotic disorders.

Entrepreneurship Education and Student Intention to Launch a Business: Does Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Skills Acquisition Act as a Mediator?

This paperexamined the mediating roleof entrepreneurship knowledge and skill acquisition (EKSA) in the interaction between entrepreneurship education (EE) and students' intention to launch a business (SILB), in the case of Nigeria. A quantitative correlational design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire for data collection was validated once by three experts, two from the field of business education and one from the field of measurement and assessment. Pearson's correlation statistic, linear regression statistic and bias-corrected bootstrapping technique were performed to analyse the data collected from a randomly selected sample of 412 university students. The results of the Pearson’s correlation analysis showed asignificant correlation among EE, EKSA and SILB. The results of the linear regression analysis also indicated asignificant association among EE, EKSA and SILB. The results of the bias corrected bootstrapping technique also showed that EKSA mediates the association between EE and SILB. The results showed the extent of association between EE and SILB and offer some logical implications for curriculum designers, university students anduniversity administrators. This study contributed significantly to EE, EKSA and SILB literature.

The clinical importance of the critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Injury of the bile duct during cholecystectomy (CHE) is a severe complication. The critical view of safety (CVS) can help to reduce the frequency of this complication during laparoscopic CHE. So far, no scoring of CVS images with a grading system is available. The CVS images of 534 patients with laparoscopic CHE could be structurally analyzed and assessed with marks from 1(very good) to 5(insufficient). The CVS mark was correlated with the perioperative course. Additionally, the perioperative course of patients after laparoscopic CHE with and without aCVS image was investigated. In 534 patients 1or more CVS images could be analyzed. The average CVS mark was 1.9, whereby 280 patients (52.4%) had a1, 126 patients (23.6%) a2, 114 (21.3%) a3 and 14 patients (2.6%) a4 or5. Younger patients with elective laparoscopic CHE had CVS images significantly more frequently (p ≤ 0.04). The statistical examination with Pearson's χ2-test and the F‑test (ANOVA) showed asignificant correlation between improving CVS marks and reduction of surgery time (p < 0.01) and the hospitalization time (p < 0.01). For senior physicians the quota of CVS images ranged from 71% to 92% and the average marks from 1.5 to 2.2. The marks for the CVS images were significantly better for female than male patients (1.8 vs. 2.1, p < 0.01). There was a relatively broad distribution of marks for CVS images. Injuries of the bile duct can be avoided with a high degree of certainty with marks 1‑2 for the CVS image. The CVS is not always adequately visualized in laparoscopic CHE.

Analysis of risk factors for systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Our aim was to determine the risk factors of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), identify those with ahigh risk of SIRS, and help reduce SIRS occurrence. Aretrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the clinical data of patients who underwent TAVR from January 2014 to December 2019 atatertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province. The study included 156 men and 94women. Patients were divided into SIRS and non-SIRS groups. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative indices of the two groups were recorded. The data of the two groups were compared, and univariate analysis was performed. All statistically significant factors were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis to clarify the risk factors of SIRS after TAVR. Overall, 30 patients developed SIRS after TAVR, with an incidence rate of 12%, an odds ratio (OR) of 0.571, and a95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.469-0.694 (p = 0.000). There was asignificant correlation between SIRS and glucose (OR: 0.823, 95%CI: 0.678-1.000, p = 0.049), albumin (OR: 0.938, 95%CI: 0.881-0.998, p = 0.044), brain natriuretic peptide (OR: 1.000, 95%CI: 1.000-1.000, p = 0.010), sex (OR: 0.412, 95%CI: 0.190-0.892, p = 0.025), and history of hypertension (OR: 0.375, 95%CI: 0.169-0.819, p = 0.014). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that age (OR: 1.190, 95%CI: 1.073-1.319, p = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI; OR: 0.559, 95%CI: 0.447-0.698, p = 0.000) were independent risk factors for postoperative SIRS in patients with TAVR. The incidence of SIRS after TAVR was 12%. There was asignificant correlation between SIRS and albumin, glucose, and hypertension. The independent risk factors for SIRS after TAVR were age and BMI.