Correlational Study Research Articles

Therapeutic adherence in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP) is effective in improving sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic adherence in a sample of patients with OSAS from the Pneumology ward of the "Cardinal Massaia" Hospital in Asti. A sample of 221 patients with OSAS were collected and retrospectively analyzed from January 2019 to December 2021. Ventilation hours during device titration (T1), possible second titration (T2) and one-year control (T3) were considered. The use of the CPAP device equal to or greater than 4h/night was considered as therapeutic adherence. Age, gender, severity of OSAS, smoking, interface used and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were considered. The analysis data showed that the percentage of adhesion during T1 was 84%. Only 9% needed T2, with 84% adherence. At T3 the adherence was 86%. Correlation studies showed that only smoking had a positive correlation with adherence, while OSAS severity, gender, ESS score, interface used and age had no statistically significant correlation. It was important to understand that OSAS is a disease with prolonged treatment, which affects the life of the person and his family. Therefore, the concept of assistance network was born, which sees the healthcare operators, the person and his family as the main actors involved in a care process.

The mediating effects of resilience in the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome in China.

Posttraumatic growth has a positive impact on patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with acute coronary syndrome in China report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth. Additionally, there is a dearth of research exploring the associations between resilience, social support, and posttraumatic growth in this specific patient population. This study examined whether resilience serves as a mediator between social support and posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome who had been discharged for 1 to 6 months and were being followed up in clinics. A descriptive correlational study design was utilized. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 121 patients with acute coronary syndrome who had been discharged for 1 to 6 months from cardiovascular clinics of a tertiary care hospital in Jiangsu Province, China. The research instruments included the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The data were collected between August 2022 and November 2022 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses to determine the mediating effects. The level of posttraumatic growth among patients with acute coronary syndrome attending follow-up clinic visits was moderate (Mean = 60.58, SD = 14.13). Resilience had a direct and positive impact on posttraumatic growth (β = 0.361, p <0.001). Moreover, resilience fully mediated the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth (indirect effect = 0.203, 95% CI [0.076, 0.331]; direct effect = 0.162, p = 0.101). Patients with acute coronary syndrome in China experience moderate posttraumatic growth after discharge. Resilience mediates the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth. Therefore, nursing interventions focusing on promoting social support and resilience should be developed to encourage posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

High-speed bioimpedance-based gating system for radiotherapy: Prototype and proof of principle.

To investigate a novel bioimpedance-based respiratory gating system (BRGS) designed for external beam radiotherapy and to evaluate its technical characteristics in comparison with existing similar systems. The BRGS was tested on three healthy volunteers in free breathing and breath-hold patterns under laboratory conditions. Its parameters, including the time delay (TD) between the actual impedance change and the gating signal, temperature drift, root mean square (RMS) noise, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were measured and analyzed. The gate-on TD and the gate-off TD were found to be 9.0±2.0ms [mean±standard deviation (M±SD)] and 7.2±1.3ms, respectively. The temperature drift of the BRGS output signal was 0.02 Ω after 30 min of operation. RMS noise averaged 0.14±0.05 Ω (M±SD) for all subjects and varied from 0.08 to 0.20 Ω with repeated measurements. A significant difference in SNR (p<0.001) was observed between subjects, ranging from 4 to 15. The evaluated bioimpedance-based gating system showed a high performance in real-time respiratory monitoring and may potentially be used as an external surrogate guidance for respiratory-gated external beam radiotherapy. Direct comparison with commercially available systems, 4D correlation studies, and expansion of the patient sample are goals for future preclinical studies.

CRISPR screen of venetoclax response-associated genes identifies transcription factor ZNF740 as a key functional regulator

BCL-2 inhibitors such as venetoclax offer therapeutic promise in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancers, but drug resistance poses a significant challenge. It is crucial to understand the mechanisms that regulate venetoclax response. While correlative studies have identified numerous genes linked to venetoclax sensitivity, their direct impact on the drug response remains unclear. In this study, we targeted around 1400 genes upregulated in venetoclax-sensitive primary AML samples and carried out a CRISPR knockout screen to evaluate their direct effects on venetoclax response. Our screen identified the transcription factor ZNF740 as a critical regulator, with its expression consistently predicting venetoclax sensitivity across subtypes of the FAB classification. ZNF740 depletion leads to increased resistance to ventoclax, while its overexpression enhances sensitivity to the drug. Mechanistically, our integrative transcriptomic and genomic analysis identifies NOXA as a direct target of ZNF740, which negatively regulates MCL-1 protein stability. Loss of ZNF740 downregulates NOXA and increases the steady state protein levels of MCL-1 in AML cells. Restoring NOXA expression in ZNF740-depleted cells re-sensitizes AML cells to venetoclax treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dual targeting of MCL-1 and BCL-2 effectively treats ZNF740-deficient AML in vivo. Together, our work systematically elucidates the causal relationship between venetoclax response signature genes and establishes ZNF740 as a novel transcription factor regulating venetoclax sensitivity.

The Relationship between Incorrect Body Posture in Elementary School Children on Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition of spinal deformity characterized by abnormal lateral curvature. The factor that is thought to play a role in the development of idiopathic scoliosis is incorrect body posture. This research is a correlation study which aims to determine the significant relationship between incorrect body posture and the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children. This research approach uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive quantitative research type with a correlational model. Research data was obtained through questionnaires, documentation and measurements using a scoliometer. The population in this study were all sixth grade students at SDIT Bangkinang Elementary School, totaling 35 students. Independent variable is a sitting position using the Questionnaire on Body Awareness of Postural Habits in Young People (Q BAPHYP) measurement tool. The dependent variable is scoliosis measured using the Adam's Forward bending test. Data analysis techniques are descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. After analyzing the research results, it shows that incorrect body posture has a significant relationship with the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children as proven by the results of data analysis, p= 0.000 or p&lt; 0.05. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship between incorrect body posture and the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in elementary school children.

Sense of Coherence: A Predictor of Quality of Life in Caregivers of Cancer Patients

Background: The caregivers of cancer patients go through numerous changes in their lives, caused by the complexity of cancer care, which then influence their quality of life (QoL). In this context, the sense of coherence (SoC) has been introduced as individuals' capacity to adapt to complex situations. Objectives: This study aimed at examining the relationship between QoL and SoC among the caregivers of cancer patients. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed on the caregivers of cancer patients referred to a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. In total, 200 eligible caregivers, selected by purposive and convenience sampling from September to December 2022, completed the research instrument comprised of a researcher-made demographic-clinical information form, the SoC Scale (13-item), and WHOQoL-BREF. The data were analyzed by the SPSS 20 software. To investigate the relationship between caregivers’ SoC and QoL, first, the correlation was determined, and afterward, the significant variables were analyzed, using multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean score of QoL among the caregivers was 52.12 ± 14.45. In this way, the highest and lowest values were associated with the domains of physical health and social relationships, receiving the mean scores of 55.19 ± 11.46 and 38.40 ± 10.08, respectively. The overall mean score of SoC was also equal to 49.71 ± 9.34. As well, the results of the study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between SoC and QoL (r = 0.585, P &lt; 0.001) as well as its 3 domains. Considering the demographic and clinical factors, the regression outcomes revealed that SoC was a predictor of QoL in the caregivers of cancer patients (P &lt; 0.001, Β = 0.65). Among the demographic factors, a significant correlation was accordingly observed between age, marital status, income level, employment status, and QoL and some of its domains (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: It was argued that SoC could be a positive predictor and a protective factor for QoL among the caregivers of cancer patients. In this vein, it was recommended to give a boost to the SoC dimensions during oncology and palliative care via an interdisciplinary approach and a variety of interventions. Upon developing QoL in the caregivers, QoL among the cancer patients could be then promoted.

Influence of the Addition of Palm Kernel Shell and Ash on Concrete Performances: Study of Correlations between Intrinsic Material Properties

Sustainable development objectives in the construction sector is currently hampered by the high cost of materials (cement, aggregates) and the environmental impact of waste in some developing countries. The obtained results in this work on the influence of ash (PKSA) and palm kernel shell (PKS) used as a partial addition of cement and aggregates in concrete composition, enable their valorization as local materials to manufacturing the lightweight concrete with low-cost. This is an interesting contribution to the development of sustainable construction and environmental protection. The used palm kernel shells are produced in the palm oil industry in Republic of Congo. The highest values for density Cd(2348kg/m3), compressive strength Cs(27MPa) and splitting tensile strength Ts(2.4MPa) for concrete using PKSA were obtained at 2.5%. Those for concrete using PKS were obtained at 5 %, i.e. Cd(2165kg/m3), Cs(22MPa) and Ts(1.90MPa). the increase in concrete properties with PKSA compared to PKS is explained by the pozzolanic reaction of the palm kernel ash, which acts as a hydraulic binder. Correlations between fundamental concrete properties reliably describe the influence of PKS and PKSA, with a coefficient of determination R2 (0.9) superior at 0.5; the obtained mathematical models to prediction the concrete properties are a significant contribution for engineers. PKS is a concrete plasticizer, PKSA is a concrete setting and hardening accelerator. The production of low-carbon concrete with PKSA addition is a major step forward for the concrete industry.

Parathyroid adenoma : radiologic features and correlation study with 99mTc-sestamibi spect findings

Parathyroid adenoma : radiologic features and correlation study with ^99mTc-sestamibi spect findings

HUBUNGAN ANTARA TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN ORANG TUA DENGAN PERILAKU MAKAN ANAK STUNTING USIA BALITA DI SIDOARJO, JAWA TIMUR

Stunting is a form of growth failure due to malnutrition over a long period. Poor eating behavior is one of the causes of lack of nutrition in children. If there is no good control over the child's eating behavior during the golden period of growth and development, the child may fall into a stunting condition. The phenomenon found in toddlers in Sidoarjo, East Java is eating behavior problems such as picky eaters and feeling full quickly. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the level of knowledge and the eating behavior of toddler who experienced stunting in Sidoarjo, East Java. The design of this research is a correlation study with a cross sectional approach. The number of samples in this study amounted to 30 respondents, the sampling technique used is total sampling. The variable in this study were the level knowledge of parents and eating behavior of stunting toddler. The instrument in this research the knowledge and the toddler Eating Behavior Questionnaire. The analysis used is Proportional Percentage Descriptive Statistical Analysis. The results showed that 18 (53%) of parents had enough knowledge about eating behavior of stunting toddler. The results showed that 18 (60%) children had a tendency to eat a food approach (like to eat). The relationship between the level of knowledge and eating behavior of stunting toddler of the Spearman Rank correlation test with a value of p = 0.358 and r + 0.174. The results showed there is no relationship level was very low and the direction of the relationship was negative, It is hoped that the head of the Posyandu Kader will be able to increase parental knowledge regarding the need for intake and the importance of providing food according to the child's developmental stage, creativity in serving, quantity and quality of food, as well as factors that affect child growth and development, especially in the incidence of stunting.

Geospatial Analysis of the Distribution of Energy Poverty in the Residential Sector in the Valencian Community

This study addresses energy poverty, a situation where households are unable to afford the minimum energy services required to meet their basic needs, a problem with profound implications for the well-being of vulnerable populations. To identify the most affected areas, a geospatial analysis of energy poverty distribution in the Valencian Community (Spain) was conducted using a correlation study between the global vulnerability index and the energy poverty index, calculated from residential energy certificates. The results highlight areas of significant social, economic, demographic, and residential vulnerability, as well as regions with very high or very low energy consumption. Specifically, regions with high energy poverty and vulnerability indices were identified, enabling targeted interventions. The study concludes that interventions in these identified areas are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of energy poverty and improve living conditions for affected populations. This research offers a novel methodology for mapping regional energy poverty, surpassing previous studies in precision for identifying and addressing vulnerable areas.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Cyber Schooling: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Research has established the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in traditional public schools, but not cyber schools. In this correlational regression study, we use students (n = 18,206) from a national cyber charter school network to examine whether items in the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) SEL index inter-correlate in cyber schools, and whether CASEL has statistical relationships with club membership, synchronous class attendance, and academic outcomes. Cross sectional analyses find that for cyber charter students, CASEL individual items correlate with each other, and that CASEL from 1st semester (T1) to 2nd semester (T2) correlates at .63; thus, CASEL may have reasonable reliability for cyber students. Yet, in contrast to physical schools, CASEL does not correlate with SEL-related variables like club attendance and synchronous class attendance and has a weak (though positive) relationship with cumulative grade point average (GPA), suggesting important differences from its application in physical schools. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions examining SEL associations with relevant demographic intersectional characteristics reveal that Black students perform similarly to other students, but that Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) and especially Individualized Education Plan (IEP) students have lower measured SEL. Using OLS regression to examine relationships between students’ GPA and demographic characteristics (controlling for CASEL) show that generally, FARM and IEP students have lower GPA, but Black students have the same mean GPA as others, and Black students with IEPs actually have higher than average GPAs. We discuss implications and directions for future research.

Nurse Caring and Readiness to Transition From the Hospital to Other Care Settings

This descriptive correlational research study aimed to explore the relationship between patients’ experience of nurse caring and patients’ readiness to transition from the hospital to home or other care settings in a large acute care hospital in South Florida. In addition, the predictors among the patients’ characteristics of patients’ readiness to care transition were examined. The study was grounded in Duffy’s Quality Caring Model. A convenience sample of 103 medical-surgical patients was recruited for the study. The participants completed the demographic data survey, the Caring Assessment Tool-V, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Adult Form. The results of the study showed a strong positive correlation between patients’ experience of nurse caring and patients’ readiness to care transition (r= .243,p&lt; .05). Furthermore, marital status could predict patients’ readiness to care transition based on perceived knowledge, coping ability, and expected support (f= .0625,p&lt; .05). The study highlights the importance of nurse caring in enhancing patients’ readiness to care transition and valuing the patients’ support systems.

A Correlation Study of Anthropometric Measurements and Body Compositions with Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroidism Patients

Abstract Introduction: Hypothyroidism is often associated with weight gain. In this study, we assessed the correlation of anthropometric measurements and body compositions such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), total fat, visceral fat, and triceps fold with different components of the thyroid profile. Methods: All the cases of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism were evaluated. The anthropometric measurements were taken using skin calipers and the body composition was assessed using a Dexa scan. The blood samples were collected for the estimation of thyroid hormone levels. A statistical correlation was drawn between the various anthropometric measures and body composition with different components of thyroid profile. Results: The gender-wise comparison study revealed that BMI, total fat %, and visceral fat % were significantly higher in the female gender. Total fat and visceral fat have a direct significant association with BMI (P &gt; 0.005). An increase in age is associated with a rise in the values of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) (P &gt; 0.05). A positive correlation between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and BMI (r = 0.294), total fat % (0.026), visceral fat % (r = 0.216), and triceps fold measurement (0.004). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between TSH levels and WC (r = −0.178). There was a negative correlation observed between T4 levels and BMI (r = −0.327), visceral fat percentage (r = −0.152), and triceps fold measurements (r = −0.076). However, a positive correlation was found between T4 levels and WC (r = 0.174) and total fat percentage (r = 0.090). A negative correlation was observed between T3 levels and BMI (r = −0.108), while a positive correlation was observed between T3 levels and all other variables. Conclusion: Age and BMI, but not gender, were found to be significantly associated with thyroid profile. Among anthropometric measurements, the total fat percentage demonstrated a positive correlation with all thyroid hormones, suggesting that the total fat percentage may be a more accurate predictor of thyroid hormone levels than other anthropometric variables alone.

Inclusive education in Zimbabwe: An assessment of teachers' self‐efficacy and attitudes in Masvingo

AbstractSince the Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action in 1994, many countries have been advancing their education systems towards inclusive education. Zimbabwe, being one of the signatories to this framework, is one of the countries that have embraced the concept of inclusive education and has since been making strides towards its advancement albeit rather slowly. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the self‐efficacy levels of Zimbabwean primary, secondary and high school teachers with inclusive education, as well as their attitudes towards the practice. To do this, 100 primary, secondary and high school teachers working in inclusive school settings in the Masvingo province were surveyed using a modified version of the Inclusion Competencies of Sri Lankan Teachers, (ICSLT) instrument. Findings of this study indicated that most of the participating teachers were in support of inclusive education despite not having the requisite preparation to implement it. Based on the findings, specific recommendations are provided for improving preservice teacher preparation and professional development for in‐service teachers in support of inclusive education.

Patient trust in nurses: exploring the relationship with care quality and communication skills in emergency departments

BackgroundPatient trust in medical staff is an important ethical issue that can influence various patient behaviors and attitudes, such as seeking healthcare, sharing confidential information, accepting treatment, and adhering to recommendations. This study aimed to assess patient trust in nurses and its relationship to the quality of care and communication skills of nurses in emergency departments.MethodsThis descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2023 in the emergency departments of medical training centers of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 378 patients was selected using a quota sampling method. Data were collected using three valid and reliable tools: the Quality Patient Care (QUALPAC) scale, the Health Communication Feedback Questionnaire (HCFQ), and the Trust in Nurses Scale (TNS).The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests using SPSS version 24.ResultsThe majority of patients (99.2%) rated nurses' communication skills as moderate, with none rating them as poor. The average scores were 27.59 ± 2.76 for patient trust in nurses, 72.43 ± 3.30 for nurses' communication skills, and 198.30 ± 14.60 for the quality of nursing care. A significant correlation was found between patient trust in nurses and the overall quality of nursing care (r = 0.256, P < 0.001) as well as its dimensions. However, there was no significant relationship between patient trust in nurses and patient's perception of the nurses' communication skills (r = 0.046, P = 0.369).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that patient trust in nurses is positively and significantly associated with the perceived quality of nursing care. As the quality of care improves, patient trust in nurses also increases. Therefore, nurses should focus on providing high-quality care to enhance patient trust.

The Correlation between Motivational Regulation Strategies and Students’ Writing Ability

The present study looked for kind of motivational regulation strategies used by students with high and low writing ability and found relationship between students’ motivational regulation strategies and writing ability. The method in this study is quantitative with correlational study research design, the subject of the study is 31 English education students in one of state university who took argumentative writing classroom. The questionnaire from Wolters &amp; Benzon (2013a) are used in this study as research instrument of motivational regulation strategies. The result showed different motivational regulation strategies used by students with high writing ability and low writing ability. Students with high writing ability tended to use regulation of value (M=4.04). Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between students’ motivational regulation strategies and their writing ability. Some findings are in line with the research conducted by Wolters &amp; Benzon (2013a) about average of motivational regulation strategies used by students, however, further research in how far motivational regulation strategies affect to students’ writing ability can be conducted by other researchers.

Psychosocial risks in the Canadian construction and extractive industries

Workers in the Canadian construction and extractive industries (CEIs) are exposed to psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) and experience a greater prevalence of mental health issues than the public. Guided by risk management theory, the purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, correlational study was to examine the relationship between five predictors (age, gender, residence type, employment arrangement, and rotation status); and 15 response variables (measures of Canadian CEI workers’ perspective of PRFs). Using a cross-sectional design, an 84-question survey was administered to workers (N = 174) over the age of 18 to obtain demographic and contextual data and scores for the PRFs using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire – Canadian version. Analysis of variance was used to compare means across groups to determine if there was a difference in views of PRFs. The findings revealed significant relationships between the predictors and workers’ views on their influence at work, development opportunities, meaning of work, role conflict, work-life conflict, and social community. While workers’ experiences are largely unique, there are also clear influences on PRFs based on age, gender, and employment arrangement.

An Analysis of Corneal Thickness and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness in Predicting Skeletal Class I Vs Class II Patterns - A Correlative Study

An Analysis of Corneal Thickness and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness in Predicting Skeletal Class I Vs Class II Patterns - A Correlative Study

Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish child-friendly Oral Health Questionnaire

BackgroundOral problems are a common occurrence among school-age children. In order to develop effective oral health interventions and services, it is essential to determine children's oral health behaviours using an internationally accepted standardised instrument that is child-friendly. However, no instrument currently exists to measure oral health according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in Turkish school-aged children. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Oral Health Questionnaire, which includes the components of the theory of planned behavior such as attitude toward children's oral health, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and self-efficacy, for the Turkish population.MethodsThis was a methodological–descriptive–correlational study conducted on 298 school children aged 9–10 years. Data were collected using The Oral Health Questionnaire. The data were evaluated using explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, item-total score correlation, and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis.ResultsFactor analysis confirmed the five-dimensional structure. The factor loads were greater than 0.30, and all fit indices were greater than 0.90. The model consistency indexes were found to be X2 = 146.95, RMSEA = 0.053, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.97, and NNFI = 0.97. The Cronbach's alpha values of its sub-dimensions were 0.71 and 0.80.ConclusionsThe Turkish version of Oral Health Questionnaire is considered a reliable and valid instrument that can be used by professionals to determine children's attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and oral and dental health intentions toward tooth brushing.

Health literacy is associated with cognition and everyday functioning in a consecutive clinical series of people with epilepsy in a surgical setting

ObjectiveLow health literacy is common among people with epilepsy (PWE) and may play an important role in disease management and outcomes. The current study evaluated whether health literacy is related to cognition, health, and everyday functioning in PWE. MethodsThis cross-sectional, correlational study included 25 demographically comparable healthy adults retrospectively matched to a consecutive series of 89 PWE presenting for neuropsychological evaluation in a surgical setting and who completed the Newest Vital Sign and Brief Health Literacy Screener. The PWE also completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and measures of quality of life and everyday functioning. ResultsPWE had significantly lower health literacy as compared to healthy adults (ps < 0.05) at a medium-to-large effect size. In analyses covarying for education and oral word reading literacy in the PWE sample, lower health literacy was independently associated with bilateral seizure onsets, greater antiseizure medication burden, poorer performance on measures of memory and information processing speed, and difficulties with self-care (ps < 0.05). SignificanceFindings suggest that PWE are at risk for low health literacy, which may be partly attributable to disrupted brain-behavior relationships and contribute to poorer everyday functioning. Future studies are needed to identify effective methods to support and improve health literacy in PWE.