Female Subjects Research Articles

Fetal Growth Restriction Is Associated With Altered Optic Nerve Head Morphology in Term-Born Children and Adolescents.

Restricted fetal growth is associated with impaired neurodevelopment in childhood. We examined the effects of fetal growth restriction, fetal overgrowth, and other perinatal parameters on optic nerve head (ONH) morphology in term-born children and adolescents. This retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination included full-term born children aged 4 to 17years who were grouped according to their birth weight correlated to gestational age (GA). We formed the following groups: severe fetal growth restriction (<3rd birth weight [BW] percentile, group 1), moderate fetal growth restriction (BW percentile 3rd to <10th, group 2), appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th-90th BW percentile, group 3, control group), moderate fetal overgrowth (>90th-97th BW percentile, group 4), and severe fetal overgrowth (>97th percentile, group 5). The participants underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus photography to evaluate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, minimal rim width (MRW), Bruch's membrane opening (BMO), and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (vCDR), focusing on their relationship to perinatal factors like nutritional status, GA, maternal smoking, and maternal breastfeeding. The relationships between the ONH parameters and perinatal factors were adjusted for variables such as age, sex, and axial length. This study included 732 eyes of 375 participants (mean age of 11.4 ± 3.71years, 193 female subjects). Multivariable regression analyses showed an association between a thinner global pRNFL thickness in the participants with severe fetal growth restriction (B = -4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], -9.43 to -0.47µm; P = 0.03) compared to the reference AGA group. Furthermore, an association with a thinner MRW was found in the children born with moderate fetal growth restriction (B = -32.46; 95% CI, -51.52 to -13.40µm; p < 0.001). BW percentile was associated with median vCDR (B = -0.001; 95% CI, -0.002 to 0.00; P = 0.02). No consistent association was observed between altered fetal growth and BMO. Severe fetal growth restriction appears to affect the optic nerve head in term-born children and adolescents, suggesting a possible reduction in neuronal reserve, and may indicate a potentially elevated risk of abnormal neurodevelopment.

Experiences of Females With Late Diagnosis of Autism: Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Background: Females with autism often receive late diagnoses-especially those with average or above-average intellectual abilities-highlighting the need to explore the unique experiences of this population for better health care support.Objective: To explore the experiences and perceptions of females who received a late diagnosis on the autism spectrum in terms of coping and managing their diagnosis.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 using semistructured interviews with 14 late-diagnosed autistic female subjects. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed, and thematic analysis of the interview data was performed using ATLAS.ti v.9 software. Findings were reported following standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines.Results: Two main themes emerged: (a) getting a diagnosis: fitting into the norm, and (b) navigating the distinct significance for autistic females. The findings indicated that masking strategies contribute to delayed diagnoses, and social and health care stigma surrounding autism in females was evident. Areas for improving access to resources and support programs were identified.Discussion: The results show that masking and camouflaging are predominant strategies among autistic females, contributing to delayed diagnoses and exposing them to additional risks. Enhancing resources and training for health care professionals is necessary to address the specific needs of this population.

Evaluation of digit ratio (2D:4D) and its relationship with skin sebum level in patients with basal cell carcinoma.

The main factor in the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is UV (ultraviolet) exposure. In most cases of BCC there is upregulation of the 'Sonic Hedgehog' (SHH) pathway components. Some recent studies have shown that overactivity of the SHH pathway leads to an increase in the number of sebocytes in the skin. Sex differences in tumor formation suggest a possible role of sex hormones in the development of skin cancers. We aimed to evaluate the 2D:4D ratio and its relationship with skin sebum level in patients with BCC. Finger length measurements were made using digital calipers. Skin sebum levels were measured using sebumeter. The study included 64 patients with BCC(mean age 67) and 64 healthy subjects(mean age 71) aged 37-92 years. T score (average of sebum levels on forehead, nose and chin) and total sebum score (TSS) were higher in patients with BCC. U score (average of sebum levels of right and left cheeks) was similar in patients and control group. In male subjects, T score, U score and TSS were significantly higher in the patient group. In female subjects, there was no significant difference between the patient and control groups in T score, U score and TSS. The 2D:4D ratio in both hands was similar in the patient and control groups. When evaluated according to the localization of the lesions, the T score and the TSS were found to be higher in male subjects with BCC lesions in the T region than in the control group. In the female patient group, the T score was found to be significantly higher than in the control group. There was no correlation between BCC and 2D:4D ratio. We found that skin sebum levels were higher in male patients with BCC compared to the control group. Defining the relationship between BCC and sebum levels may play an important role in the evaluation of the occurrence and prognosis of the disease.

Unveiling the Effectiveness of Spencer technique and Activity Oriented Exercise Approach in subjects with Diabetic Adhesive Capsulitis- An Experimental Study

Background: This study aims to assess the influence of the Spencer technique and Activity Oriented Exercise Approach in managing pain and functional ability in subject withType-2 diabetes Adhesive capsulitis. As diabetic patients have high incidence of being diagnosed with Adhesive Capsulitis, the need for a better treatment for the pain and other symptoms are sorely required. Methods: An experimental study design was conducted at Saveetha College of Physiotherapy that included female subjects of 45 to 65 years with history of Type -2 diabetes, unilateral adhesive capsulitis, and shoulder pain and stiffness for over 4 months. Spencer group (n=22) treated with Spencer technique with active shoulder ROM exercises while the Activity Oriented Exercise Approach group (n=23) treated with individual tailored exercises of Activities of Daily living. Results: The post-test values of SPADI score (p-value &lt; 0.0001) and joint measurements - abduction, internal rotation and external rotation of shoulder (p-value &lt;0.0001) was statistically improved in both groups but Activity Oriented Exercise Approach group showed a greater and significant improvement in the outcomes than the Spencer group. Conclusion: From the results it was concluded that Activity Oriented Exercise Approach was effective in improving functional ability and range of motion in Type-2 diabetic adhesive capsulitis subjects. Future researches should be done with larger sample size and studies on absolute diagnostic test to identify the underlying mechanism of Adhesive Capsulitis.

Effects of Cognitive Engagement on Physical Performance and Perceived Workload During Isometric Exertions of Index Finger.

ObjectiveThe influence of varying cognitive loading was examined at a moderate level of 25% maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) in a static task.BackgroundRepetitive low-intensity tasks can lead to fatigue, eventually reducing task performance. This study explores the benefits of providing additional cognitive loading during breaks and while performing intermittent tasks on fatigue progression.MethodsIntermittent isometric abductions of the index finger were performed by six male and female subjects for four experimental conditions including passive rest and added cognitive load in the form of an arithmetic task. Both subjective and objective measures of discomfort, muscle activity, physical and mental task performance, muscle capacity, and task demands were compared across genders and conditions.ResultActive breaks with cognitive engagement reduced fatigue compared to passive rest in terms of muscle activity, capacity, and physical demand. Moreover, moderate cognitive demand in concurrence with physical task showed most favorable results as subjects showed lowest perceived fatigue (1.66/10), physical demand (30/100), and muscle activity (0.184volts) as well as highest muscle capacity retention (92.4%). Further addition of concurrent cognitive demand at a high level showed similar perceived fatigue (1.67/10) and physical demand (32/100) but demonstrated higher muscle activity (0.239volts) and lower muscle capacity retention (89.9%).ApplicationsFindings demonstrate importance of tailoring cognitive demands based on gender and occupational settings, with moderate mental tasks during breaks offering the most favorable results overall, enhancing recovery and reducing muscle activity without compromising task performance.

Trigemino-autonomic activation in a human trigeminal pain model

BackgroundAutonomic symptoms are mandatory for making the diagnosis of a trigemino-autonomic cephalalgia (TAC). These symptoms can occasionally also occur in migraine and facial pain disorders. This leads to the question whether the trigeminal pain itself can induce autonomic symptoms also in healthy subjects.MethodsWe enrolled healthy subjects without a history of migraine or a TAC and provoked severe trigeminal pain by injection of 0.05 ml capsaicin (0.01%) into the right forehead. Autonomic symptoms occurring at the right eye or right nostril were registered until they disappeared. We also calculated an autonomic score for the frequency and duration of autonomic symptoms in an individual.ResultsWe enrolled 60 healthy volunteers (30 male, 30 female; mean age 28 +/- 5 years). All but two subjects developed at least one autonomic symptom after injection of capsaicin. One minute after injection, the pain was rated as 9.2 +/- 1.1 and 8.5 +/- 1.2 (scale from 0 to 10) in female and male subjects, respectively. The autonomic score was 4.4 +/- 1.6 and 1.7 +/- 0.9 for female and male subjects, respectively. All differences between female and male subjects were significant. Pain rating and autonomic score showed a significant positive correlation which remained significant even after adjusting for sex.ConclusionsSevere trigeminal pain was accompanied by autonomic symptoms in almost all subjects in this experiment. The pain rating and the severity of autonomic symptoms were significantly higher in female subjects than in male. The higher the pain the more severe was this autonomic activation. We conclude that activation of autonomic symptoms is an unspecific consequence of severe trigeminal pain. This does, however, not exclude the possibility that primary headache disorders might have an independent anatomic pathway to induce autonomic symptoms because these symptoms can, although very rarely, also occur without pain.

Benign skin tumors in older persons: a population-based study

BackgroundBenign skin tumors become more common with advanced age. However, little is known about the etiology of these common lesions. Our objectives were to evaluate the risk factors for seborrheic keratosis, lentigo solaris, cherry angiomas and melanocytic nevi in an elderly population. Our candidate predisposing factors were sex, age, Fitzpatrick skin type, history of outdoor work, life style factors and anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests.MethodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study of a large, well-documented cohort, a total body skin examination (TBSE) was performed by dermatologists. The information gathered was augmented with self-reported data. The associations between benign skin tumors and the risk factors analysed with the Chi square test, Fischer exact test and analysis of variance as appropriate.ResultsThe study included 552 participants aged between 70 and 93 years. According to the TBSE, benign skin tumors were present in up to 78.7% in certain subsets of participants. Seborrheic keratosis was the most common lesion type, and 15.6% of all cases had > 50 lesions. Seborrheic keratosis were more common in males (p < 0.05), while lentigo solaris and cherry angiomas were more common in females (p < 0.05). A history of outdoor working associated with higher number of lentigo solaris and seborrheic keratosis lesions (p < 0.05). There was an association between lower glycated haemoglobin levels and the presence of multiple cherry angiomas (p < 0.05). Female subjects with multiple cherry angiomas had higher levels of high-density cholesterol and lower triglyceride values than in those with fewer cherry angiomas (p < 0.05 for both). In males, lower mean haemoglobin levels were associated with multiple cherry angiomas (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found sex differences and several new possible etiological factors behind benign skin tumors which, despite being common, remain poorly characterized.

Lipid Profile Parameters and Their Correlation with Anthropometric Indices among Adult Female Subjects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State

Introduction: obesity is a well-known risk factor for heart disease which is associated with high rates of dyslipidaemia which is abnormal lipids in the blood. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of anthropometric indices with lipid profile among women resident in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas of Rivers State. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analytical study. A total of 332 participants were selected using the multi-stage sampling method after giving their consent. Anthropometric measurement was done using the standard protocol and the lipid profile parameters was analysed. 5mls of random blood was collected into lithium heparin bottles and spun at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol was measured enzymatically, high density lipoprotein cholesterol was measured using the direct method, triglyceride was estimated using the Gpo-pap method while low density lipoprotein was estimated using the Friedwald equation. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between Total cholesterol TC, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein LDL with anthropometric indices BMI, AC, WC, HC, WHR, W-HT-R, CI, VAI, BAI, AVI, ABSI, and HI. High density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL was positively correlated with anthropometric indices of BMI, AC, WC, HC, WHR, W-HT-R, CI, BAI, AVI, ABSI and HI but was negatively correlated with VAI. Conclusion: High levels of total cholesterol TC, triglycerides, TG and low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL observed in this participants that are obese and overweight are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This shows that anthropometric indices are sensitive and better predictor of cardiovascular risks particularly in subjects that are obese. It can be used as an effective screening tool to predict dyslipidaemia and its associated complications.

Handgrip strength of skiers is not an ideal biomarker of a person's fitness.

Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Burtscher et al. on hand grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer at various locations along Tyrolean ski slopes in 757 recreational skiers compared to 1021 community residents.1 Most of the male subjects and half of the female subjects had higher grip strength of the dominant hand compared to the control subjects.1The grip strength of the skiers decreased with age to a similar extent as that of the reference population. The relative grip strength correlated positively with physical activity and the number of skiing days per year and negatively with body weight.1 It was concluded that hand grip strength is related to the type, amount and intensity of regular physical activity and that the results support recommendations for training or rehabilitation.1 The study is noteworthy, but several points should be discussed. [...].

What three years of COVID-19 vaccine administration reveals about the incidence of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

What three years of COVID-19 vaccine administration reveals about the incidence of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of the low-impact ampakine CX717 in young healthy male subjects and elderly healthy male and female subjects.

Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of the low-impact ampakine CX717 in young healthy male subjects and elderly healthy male and female subjects.

Influence of Nasolabial Angle on Facial and Smile Attractiveness.

To identify the effect of the nasolabial angle (NL) on smile and facial profile attractiveness. A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Surgery, Section of Dentistry (Orthodontics), The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from 31 November 2021 to 28 March 2022. Profile photographs of one adult male and one female subject at rest and on smile were altered by the Photoshop software to NL angles of (85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, and 110°). These photographs were shown to a panel of raters comprising of three groups, laypersons (LP), general dentists (GD), and orthodontists (OD). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the NL angle scores among raters. Mann-Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparison between groups and gender-wise comparison of raters. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the effect of smile on the NL angle. Statistically significant differences (p ≤0.05) were seen between rest and smile scores in three groups of raters. LP gave the highest scores to 95° for males (p <0.001) and females (p = 0.011). GD found 90° for both males (p = 0.009) and females (p = 0.014) to be attractive, while OD gave the highest scores to 95° for both males (p <0.001) and females (p = 0.002). There was a significant difference in preference of nasolabial angle between male and female raters. All groups of raters gave the highest scores to smiling photographs. The clinical significance is to ensure that, upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the nasolabial angle should be finished in a manner that enhances rather than detracts the attractiveness of the smile. Nasolabial angle, Smile, Facial aesthetics, Profile photographs.

Investigating Occupational Performance and Life Habits in Older Adults with Early Stages of Alzheimer Disease in Tehran City, Iran

Introduction: This study investigates the occupational performance and life habits of elderly adults with early stages of Alzheimer disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants were elderly adults, aged 65-85 years with Alzheimer disease who were referred to Roozbeh and Ziaeian Hospital, in addition to Kahrizak Charity in Tehran City, Iran in 2022. A total of 70 Seventy patients (36 male, 34 female) were recruited based on the convenience sampling method. The Canadian occupational performance measure and life habits questionnaire were used to determine occupational performance and life habits. Meanwhile, the data were analyzed using the independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney test using the SPSS software, version 21. Results: The mean age of elderly males and females was 72.02±3.74 and 71.14±4.09 years, respectively. Meanwhile, 68.3% of the priorities of occupational performance were related to self-care. In the male participants, the priorities of self-care were 76.7% and in female subjects, it was 59.4%. No significant gender difference was found in satisfaction with occupational performance (P&gt;0.05; P&gt;0.05). In the life habit questionnaire, fitness had the highest participation level, while communication had the lowest. A significant gender difference was observed in participation levels in daily activities (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The most important occupational performance priority of elderly adults with Alzheimer disease was self-care. The highest level of participation in daily activities was related to fitness and the lowest was communication. This study helps occupational therapists identify the priorities, habits, and participation levels of men and women with early Alzheimer in daily activities.

Synthesis, Preclinical Characterizations and Imaging Studies of [18F]AlF-Labeled NY104, a CAIX-Targeting Diagnostic Agent.

The protein carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is highly expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and its restrictive expression in healthy tissues makes CAIX an attractive diagnostic target. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate [18F]AlF-NY104, a small-molecule CAIX-targeting PET agent in a preclinical ccRCC model. The radiolabeling parameters for [18F]AlF-NY104 have been optimized, including the solvent volume and reaction temperature. The high-purity product was synthesized by using an automated multifunctional module Mortenon M1, leading to nondecay-corrected radiochemical yields over 50% (n = 3). [18F]AlF-NY104 showed excellent tumor targeting capability and afforded high-quality microPET/CT imaging in the OS-RC-2 tumor model (15.01 ± 0.76 %ID/g [mean ± SEM]). The radiation exposure from [18F]AlF-NY104 is estimated to be 4.44 mSv for adult male and female human subjects, which is well below the FDA recommended whole-body single exposure limit of 30 mSv. Our investigation revealed that [18F]AlF-NY104 can be conveniently and efficiently radiolabeled by using an automated module. [18F]AlF-NY104 exhibited many outstanding properties, such as rapid uptake in tumor, rapid clearance through the kidney, and low uptake in most normal organs. Moreover, the high accumulation of [18F]AlF-NY104 in tumors in CAIX-positive models offers an alternative diagnostic strategy for patients with ccRCC.

Mapping the influence of spatiotemporal distribution of skin contact temperature on perceived thermal sensation in human fingers.

Mapping the influence of spatiotemporal distribution of skin contact temperature on perceived thermal sensation in human fingers.

Clinical Features of Drug Eruption in An Indonesian Tertiary Hospital

Drug eruption is a response to drugs undergoing sensitization, which is mediated by the immune system. Clinical features of drug eruptions, such as maculopapular drug eruption, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), are known as common drug reactions. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and clinical features of patients with drug eruptions at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. This retrospective descriptive study used data from the department from patients treated between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. In this study, 200 subjects were included, mainly consisting of female subjects (50.5%) and aged between 19 and 65 (89%). Maculopapular drug eruption (45%) was the most typical clinical presentation, followed by SJS/TEN (37.5%), and DRESS (3%). The analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) group was the most commonly suspected causative drug (36.91%), with paracetamol (29.18% of total drugs consumed) as the most frequent NSAID causing the eruption. This was followed by the antibiotic-type drugs group (36.48%), with cotrimoxazole (9.87% of total drugs consumed) as the most common one. So, maculopapular drug eruption is the most common clinical presentation of drug eruption, with analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) class as the most suspected causative drug. Further investigations are needed to get the accurate result.

513 A CTS team approach to investigate skeletal muscle diseases and countermeasures in a donor-derived bioengineered muscle platform

Objectives/Goals: Our team has developed a 24-well donor-derived skeletal muscle microphysiological system (MPS) to study signaling pathways associated with a variety of muscle diseases. 3D muscle will be utilized to evaluate pharmacologic interventions for these muscle conditions to improve both muscle mass and function. Methods/Study Population: In this study, muscle MPS were formed from healthy young female and male subjects. 3D muscle underwent a 21-day differentiation with an electrical stimulation (e-stim) regimen twice daily beginning on Day 14. Functional assessments in permeabilized fibers of both sexes included isometric and isotonic calcium-induced contractions, allowing for the characterization of force-pCa (-log[Ca2+]), force-velocity and force-power relationships. Samples from Day 17 and Day 21 will be assessed for pro-growth protein signaling via western blotting and a subset of samples will be analyzed by histology and microscopy for fiber type and size. Finally, culture media pre- and post-terminal e-stim on Day 21 will be collected for extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation and EVs will be assessed by standard proteomics analysis. Results/Anticipated Results: Permeabilized fibers from both sexes reproduced the well-established sigmoidal force-pCa and the curvilinear force-velocity and force-power relationships reported in native striated muscle. Maximum specific force and force-pCa relationship were not different between sexes. Isotonic contractile measurements revealed that these male and female fibers also exhibit similar force-velocity and force-power relationships. We anticipate that 3D muscles from day 17 compared to day 21 will exhibit higher levels of pro-growth protein signaling due to e-stim application and no differences in fiber type or size between sexes. Additionally, we expect that EV quantity will depend upon 3D muscle maturity and presence of e-stim. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study demonstrates the similarities of functional characteristics and exercise (or e-stim) adaptation between native human skeletal muscle and 3D bioengineered skeletal muscle. Ultimately, this data further validates the muscle MPS system to study muscle diseases and to enhance the translation of therapeutics to clinical settings.

Using Pre-Operative Incentive Spirometer Reduces Chances of Basal Atelectasis in Patients Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgeries - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To compare frequency of basal atelectasis in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery who are provided pre-operative incentive spirometry versus those not provided pre-operative incentive spirometry. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (NCT06115941). Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar to Sep 2023. Methodology: We included 74 patients who were scheduled for upper abdominal surgery and divided them into group-A “Pre-op spirometry group” and group-B “no pre-op spirometry group”. Patients who underwent lower abdominal surgery were excluded. Patients were assessed at 48 hours after surgery for presence of basal atelectasis. Data was analyzed by statistical package for social sciences 22. Results: In our study, mean age of the patients was 37.97±5.36 years. 51(68.92%) male and 23(31.08%) female subjects were included. No significant difference between groups was observed in terms of mean age, gender distribution, mean BMI and median duration of ventilator support (p&gt;0.05). Frequency of basal atelectasis in “incentive spirometry “group-A was 3(8.11%) while in “no incentive spirometry” group-B it was 11(29.73%), (p=0.018). Conclusion: Although Incentive Spirometry is utilized for management of basal atelectasis but it is also highly useful in reducing frequency of post-op basal atelectasis when used pre-operatively.

Gambaran Bentuk dan Ukuran Styloid Process Serta Bentuk Kepala Kondilus Ditinjau Dari Radiografi Panoramik di RSGM “X”

Panoramic radiography is the most frequently used diagnostic tool by dentists. In addition to the teeth and supporting tissues, other surrounding structures must also be interpreted, one of which is the styloid process and condyle. In some cases, elongation of the styloid process and calcification of the stylohyoid ligament can cause symptoms called Eagle syndrome, in this condition it also affects the head of the condyle so that it often experiences temporomandibular joint disorders. This information is important to be able to detect abnormalities that occur early so that appropriate treatment can be carried out. The purpose of this study was to determine the general description of the morphology of the condyle head and the average length of the styloid process. The method used in this study is descriptive observational with a cross-sectional research design. Samples consist of 116 panoramic radiography of 58 male subjects and 58 female subject. All data were collected from Maranatha Dental Hospital. Study shows that the shape of the most condylar heads was convex and there was no significant difference in the length of the styloid process in male and female. This study concludes that the shape of the condyle head in subjects is convex, and the average length of the styloid process (right and left sides) is 21.80 mm (21.78 and 21.82) mm.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN TRANSFORMING SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES

This research examined the effect of development programs on changing school principals' leadership styles in public elementary schools within the Division of Rizal for the 2024-2025 school year. It also tested how leadership changes impacted the overall performance of schools. This study used a descriptive quantitative research design using a survey method and a questionnaire. The subjects were 20 principals and 200 educators. The research showed that most principals were 41 years and above, with an equal mix of male and female subjects. Moreover, most principals possessed at least seven years of experience and were either pursuing or had completed doctoral degrees. The study assessed the impact of development programs on leadership behavior including idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. All indicators demonstrated a "High Effect" on leadership strategies, with mean values between 3.02 and 3.16, yielding an overall mean of 3.11. This suggests that the development programs had a substantial positive impact on transforming the leadership styles of the school principals. Furthermore, the study found a significant difference between the transformation of leadership styles and the subsequent improvement in school performance. There was also a moderate positive correlation between the effect of development programs on leadership styles and the sex of the principals, indicating gender-based differences in leadership transformation. The principals' age, years of service, or educational level did not exhibit any significant correlation with the change in leadership. The research indicates that professional development programs for school administrators significantly enhance their leadership capabilities, which has a positive effect on the performance of public elementary schools. The study illustrates the critical nature of educational leaders' pursuit of continuous professional development to enhance academic performance. KEYWORDS: Leadership, School principals, Development Programs, School Performance, School Environment, Students’ Achievement, Teachers’ Performance