Forward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis Research Articles

Improving Mobility Performance in Wheelchair Basketball.

This study aimed to investigate which characteristics of athlete, wheelchair and athlete-wheelchair interface are the best predictors of wheelchair basketball mobility performance. A total of 60 experienced wheelchair basketball players performed a wheelchair mobility performance test to assess their mobility performance. To determine which variables were the best predictors of mobility performance, forward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed on a set of 33 characteristics, including 10 athlete, 19 wheelchair, and 4 athlete-wheelchair interface characteristics. A total of 8 of the characteristics turned out to be significant predictors of wheelchair basketball mobility performance. Classification, experience, maximal isometric force, wheel axis height, and hand rim diameter-which both are interchangeable with each other and wheel diameter-camber angle, and the vertical distance between shoulder and rear wheel axis-which was interchangeable with seat height-were positively associated with mobility performance. The vertical distance between the front seat and the footrest was negatively associated with mobility performance. With this insight, coaches and biomechanical specialists are provided with statistical findings to determine which characteristics they could focus on best to improve mobility performance. Six out of 8 predictors are modifiable and can be optimized to improve mobility performance. These adjustments could be carried out both in training (maximal isometric force) and in wheelchair configurations (eg,camber angle).

Serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein level is associated with arterial stiffness quantified with cardio-ankle vascular index in kidney transplant patients

Arterial stiffness is an established marker of cardiovascular risk and an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality in kidney transplant (KT) patients. Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), a novel adipokine, is positively associated with atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated the relationship between fasting circulating A-FABP and peripheral arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in KT patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from 74 KT patients, and serum A-FABP levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. CAVI was calculated using a waveform device (CAVI-VaSera VS-1000). The cutoff values for high and low levels of arterial stiffness were defined by the CAVI values of ≥9 and <9, respectively. Thirty-four patients (45.9%) were classified into the high arterial stiffness group. Compared with the low arterial stiffness group, the high arterial stiffness group had higher values for age (p=0.015), systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), pulse pressure (p<0.001), duration of kidney transplantation (p=0.005), serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p=0.033 and 0.047, respectively), glomerular filtration rate (p=0.019), fasting glucose levels (p=0.012), and serum A-FABP levels (p<0.001). Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis showed that age (p=0.004), systolic blood pressure (p=0.001), and serum A-FABP levels (p=0.003) were independent predictors of CAVI value in KT patients. Serum fasting A-FABP level is positively associated with peripheral arterial stiffness in KT patients.

Perimenopausal Symptomatology and Menopause-Related Quality of Life [2M

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence demonstrates a gap between women's own experience of menopause and practitioners' diagnosis and treatment of menopause-related symptoms (MRS). This study aims to identify subjective symptoms in perimenopausal women and their association with menopause-related Quality of Life (MQOL). METHODS: Women aged 45-64 enrolled in Family Medicine- and OBGYN-based primary care settings were approached electronically to participate. Women were excluded if they had past surgical history of oophorectomy, history of breast, or endometrial cancer, or were currently pregnant. In total, 70 women completed the baseline survey which included the Greene Climacteric Scale (measuring MRS) and the Utian Quality of Life Scale (measuring MQOL). Forward stepwise linear regression analyses were used to identify MRS predictors associated with MQOL scores. RESULTS: Several MQOL domains were significantly associated with MRS. Psychological symptoms were significantly associated with occupational (-0.66; p &lt; .0001), emotional (-0.48; p &lt; .0001), and overall quality of life (-1.71; p &lt; .0001) MQOL scores. Depression symptoms were strongly associated with menopause health MQOL (-0.95; p &lt; .0001), and vasomotor symptoms were strongly associated with sexual MQOL (-0.40; p 0.036). CONCLUSION: Symptomatology significantly correlates with quality of life among women of menopausal age. As psychological and depression symptoms worsen, women report diminished quality of life. Similarly, as vasomotor symptoms increase, sexual quality of life worsens. These symptoms are common, but are often poorly understood clinically. MRS should be addressed within the clinical setting with tools such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Practice Bulletin and EHR-based Best Practice Alerts (BPAs).

Estimating relative distribution of raccoons, opossums, skunks, and foxes using animal control data

We used indices of animal control reports per capita and areas of land covers to assess the relative habitat-use of raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), skunks (Spilogale putorius and Mephitis mephitis), and foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus). We used confi rmed (hereafter, verifi ed) calls made to Brevard Animal Services, Florida, and assessed potential human demographic infl uences associated with unconfi rmed (hereafter, unverifi ed) reports where it was uncertain whether or not an animal was present. To estimate habitat use, we performed quadrat sampling using a geographic information system (GIS) and obtained areas of land cover within each quadrat. We evaluated numbers of confi rmed animals per capita against areas of land cover in a quadrat using Forward Logistic Regression and Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression analyses. Our results indicate that raccoons were positively associated with a mixture of populated areas near streams and negatively associated with wetland forests, shrub and brushland, and tree crops. Opossums were positively associated with a mixture of row crops, bays and estuaries, high- density residential areas, and streams, while negatively associated with golf courses and low- density residential areas. Skunks were associated with a mixture of residential, institutional, and recreational areas, roads, pastures, and wetlands with some forest cover near water. Foxes were positively associated with open agricultural- and industrial-use areas often located near bays and estuaries, and negatively associated with golf courses, extraction sites, and shrub and brushland areas. On a landscape level, animal groups selected certain land cover categories and did not use land covers based on availability. If care is taken to remove potential biases, verifi ed animal control reports can be used as a low-cost, opportunistic method to determine where raccoons, opossums, skunks, and foxes are located in urban areas. Using verifi ed animal control reports appears promising for identifying areas where raccoons, opossums, skunks, and foxes are located in urban areas.

Serum leptin level positively correlates with metabolic syndrome among elderly Taiwanese.

Objective:Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone and has shown positive correlation with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in many studies. However, there are few studies investigating this relation in elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the fasting serum leptin level and MetS among older Taiwanese.Materials and Methods:The fasting serum leptin level was obtained from 62 Taiwanese participants over 65 years old and was measured using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit. MetS and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.Results:Thirty elderly participants (48.4%) had MetS. The serum leptin level was positively correlated with MetS (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with MetS showed that logarithmically transformed leptin (log-leptin, each increase 0.1 ng/mL log-leptin, odds ratio: 1.276, 95% confidence interval: 1.015–1.603, P = 0.037) was still an independent predictor of MetS in elderly persons. Univariable linear analysis showed that body weight (r = 0280, P = 0.028), body mass index (r = 0.417, P = 0.001), waist circumference (r = 0.419, P = 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (r = 0255, P = 0.046), log-insulin (r = 0436, P < 0.001), and logarithmically transformed homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0359, P = 0.004) positively correlated with fasting serum log-leptin levels. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with fasting serum log-leptin levels revealed that waist circumference (adjusted R2 = 0.083, P = 0.002), statin use (adjusted R2 = 0.058, P = 0.016), and female gender (adjusted R2 = 0.041, P = 0.034) were independent predictors of fasting serum log-leptin levels among elderly participants.Conclusion:In elderly Taiwanese, the serum leptin level was positively correlated with MetS. Waist circumference, statin use, and female gender were independent predictors of the fasting serum leptin level in elderly participants.

Triceps Skinfold Thickness Is Associated With Lumbar Bone Mineral Density in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI), body weight and total fat mass are associated with the bone mineral density (BMD) in the general population. Compared to that in the general population, BMD was lower in dialysis patients. However, the association between anthropometric measurements and BMD is not well-established among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. To study this, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 48 chronic PD patients. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical data, and BMD measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) were collected. Among these PD patients, eight patients (16.7%) had osteoporosis and 22 patients (45.8%) osteopenia, while 18 patients were normal. Older age, decreased height, lower body weight, BMI, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm fat area (MAFA), and higher adiponectin levels were observed in our patients with lower lumbar T-scores. Height, body weight, waist circumference, BMI, body fat mass, TSF, mid-arm circumference, MAFA, and serum phosphorus levels were positively, while age, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with lumbar BMD levels. According to our multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis, TSF (R2 change = 0.080, P = 0.017) and body weight (R2 change = 0.333, P = 0.002) were both correlated with low lumbar BMD. In conclusion, either TSF or body weight in our chronic PD patients was proved to be an independent predictor for osteolytic bone lesions.

Quality of life, clinical outcome, personality and coping in chronic hemodialysis patients

Rational: Our aim was to investigate the quality of life (QoL) in 103 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) in an integrated assessment of clinical, personological, and adaptation parameters, also in a non-urban context.Objectives: We collected data from all chronic HD patients attending four HD units. Clinical status was assessed by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines and by Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI). Patients completed the following questionnaires: Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Personality profile and coping style were assessed by Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) revised and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS). Data were analyzed by conventional descriptive statistics. Multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed.Main findings: Variables significantly associated with physical and mental components of KDQOL-SF were: intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (p = .004; p = .0015), typology of cohabitant (family member or not) (p = .022; p = .007), years of dialysis (p = .022; p = .048). Variables associated with mental component of KDQOL-SF were: PSQI (p = .000), task-coping (p = .000), avoidance-coping (p = .003), work status (p = .021).Principle conclusions: Our results suggest the importance of an integrated and multidirectional management of patients chronically undergoing HD and living in a non-urban context.

Frequency doubling technology perimetry and retinal fiber layer correlation in type 2 diabetics without retinopathy

PurposeAlterations in visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were reported in diabetics. Little is known however about the extent to which VF and RNFL changes are affected and their correlations. The purpose was to assess the RNFL thickness and its correlation with VF parameters in type 2 diabetics without retinopathy with well controlled glucose level and good standard visual acuity.MethodsA total of 28 controls and 16 type 2 diabetics without retinopathy were recruited. VF was assessed with the frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimeter using the full threshold C‐20 program. The RNFL thickness was acquired by the optical coherence tomography 200 × 200 optic disc cube scanning protocol. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was applied to rule out the independent association of the RNFL thickness with the FDT parameters.ResultsCompared to the controls, the diabetics showed a trend of decreased RNFL thickness but was not significant, lower sensitivities for some VF locations, no difference in the mean deviation, and worse mean pattern standard deviation (PSD) (3.89 ± 0.36 vs. 3.47 ± 0.58 dB, p &lt; 0.05). The RNFL thickness was significantly negatively correlated with PSD (r = −0.6, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsApparent VF changes precede RNFL thickness thinning in type 2 diabetics without retinopathy. Also, the RNFL thickness shows a negative correlation with the PSD of the FDT parameter.

Inverse relationship of bone mineral density and serum level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in peritoneal dialysis patients

ObjectiveChronic kidney disease is associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, the relationship between BMD and the fasting serum concentration of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) was evaluated in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Material and MethodsFasting blood samples were obtained from 52 PD patients. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). The serum NT-pro-BNP level was measured by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. ResultsTen patients (19.2%) had osteoporosis, 23 patients (44.2%) had osteopenia, and 19 patients had normal BMD. Increased serum NT-pro-BNP (p < 0.001), advanced age (p = 0.012), decreased body mass index (p = 0.006), body height (p = 0.018), and body weight (p = 0.004) were associated with lower lumbar T-scores, but sex, menopausal status, PD modality, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis with adjustment for age, body height, body weight, body mass index, and log-NT-pro-BNP indicated that a high serum level of log-NT-pro-BNP (R2 change = 0.346; p < 0.001) and low body weight (R2 change = 0.208; p < 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with poor lumbar BMD. ConclusionA high serum level of NT-pro-BNP and low body weight were associated with poor BMD in PD patients.

Hypoglycemic episodes are associated with inflammatory status in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroudGlycemic control may be associated with inflammatory status in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). We examined the association between glucose control parameters and circulating inflammation markers in T1DM. MethodsThe study included 101 T1DM patients treated with personal insulin pumps (T1DM duration 15.2 + 7.3 years). The analysed glycemic parameters included HbA1c, mean glucose level, standard deviation and number of hypoglycemic episodes (glucose <55 mg/dL) from the last 7 days. Blood was collected for testing inflammatory markers (IL-6, VCAM, ICAM, E-selectin). ResultsThe T1DM cohort had good glycemic control (HbA1c 7.1 ± 0.8%, mean daily glucose 141.5 ± 27.1 mg/dL and the mean number of hypoglycemic episodes was 5.6 ± 4.0/week). In a forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis the number of hypoglycemic episodes predicted the levels of the investigated markers (sICAM p = 0.0019, sVCAM p = 0.021, sE-selectin p = 0.048, and IL-6 p = 0.049). None of the other glycemic parameters was shown to be an independent predictor. ConclusionsFor the first time, we report an association between the number of mild hypoglycemic episodes, recorded in a real life setting, and the level of inflammatory markers in T1DM patients with good glycemic control.

Long term changes of posterior corneal elevation after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis

Background: Corneal ectasia is a serious complication after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Ideally, patients at risk of ectasia should be identified prior to laser as unsuitable for LASIK, however, at present, there is no absolute test, system, or marker that can unequivocally identify patients at risk of developing ectasia. It has been suggested that changes in the forward protrusion of the posterior cornea or posterior corneal elevation (PCE) may be a key to the early detection of ectasia after LASIK. The purpose of this study was to examine the long term changes of the PCE after myopic LASIK using the ORBSCAN ® IIz (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, USA) and to evaluate the contributory preoperative factors to PCE changes. Methods: This was a retrospective longitudinal case series. Forty-two eyes of 23 consecutive myopic patients who underwent uneventful LASIK surgery 6 years ago were recalled for a postoperative follow-up examination using the ORBSCAN ® IIz to determine the elevation changes to the posterior corneal surface from the preoperative measurements. A forward shift of the posterior surface was given a negative value. Correlation analyses and forward stepwise regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of each of the preoperative parameters on the changes in PCE. Statistical and graphical analyses were performed. Results: There was no statistical difference between the mean best-fit sphere (BFS) pre-LASIK and 6 years postop (P=0.25). Forty-two post-LASIK eyes had a mean posterior displacement of −9.38±9.84 µm (range, 12 to −31 µm) 6 years after LASIK. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the ablation spherical equivalent (ASE) was the only indicator of the forward shift of the posterior cornea after LASIK. Conclusions: The present study identified a significant forward shift of the posterior cornea 6 years after LASIK. The ASE was the most significant prognostic determinant for forward protrusion of the posterior cornea after LASIK.

Serum osteoprotegerin levels associated with the aortic augmentation index in renal transplant recipients

ObjectivesArterial stiffness is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies found that osteoprotegerin (OPG) is associated with arterial stiffness and may reflect endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum OPG levels and the aortic augmentation index (AIx) in renal transplant recipients. Materials and methodsFasting blood samples were obtained from 66 renal transplant recipients. The aortic AIx was measured using a validated tonometry system (SphygmoCor). Serum OPG levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. ResultsUnivariate linear analysis of the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients revealed that body fat mass (r = 0.377, p = 0.002), aortic diastolic blood pressure (DBP; r = 0.307, p = 0.020), triglycerides (r = 0.260, p = 0.035), and logarithmically transformed OPG (log-OPG, r = 0.402, p < 0.001) were positively correlated, whereas height (r = 0.361, p = 0.004) and body weight (r = 0.212, p = 0.041) were negatively correlated with the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with the aortic AIx showed that log-OPG (R2 = 0.213, p < 0.001), height (R2 = 0.081, p = 0.009), and aortic DBP (R2 = 0.058, p = 0.022) were independent predictors of the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients. ConclusionThese results suggest that the serum fasting OPG level is associated with the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients.

High Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is a key mediator of obesity-related metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between A-FABP concentration and MetS in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 165 type 2 DM volunteers. MetS and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation. Among 165 DM patients, 113 patients (68.5%) had MetS. Diabetic persons who had MetS had significantly higher A-FABP levels (P < 0.001) than those without MetS. Female DM persons had higher A-FABP level than man (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in A-FABP levels were found in use of statin, fibrate, or antidiabetic drugs. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that body fat mass (P < 0.001), logarithmically transformed creatinine (log-creatinine; P < 0.001), female DM patients (P < 0.001), and logarithmically transformed high sensitive C-reactive protein (log-hs-CRP; P = 0.013) were positively correlated, while albumin (P = 0.004) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; P = 0.043) were negatively correlated with serum A-FABP levels in type 2 DM patients. In this study, higher serum A-FABP level was positively associated with MetS in type 2 DM patients.

Relationships Among Energy Balance, Time of Day and Obesity Prevalence

PURPOSE: Many Americans have poor food consumption patterns that may contribute to the development of obesity. This study was designed to determine if large within-day energy balance deficits and/or surpluses, and the time of day that these occur, are associated with body composition and obesity METHODS: Forty-five volunteers (mean age 34.1 years) were evaluated for body fat using DXA and hourly energy balance (EB) (NutriTiming®; NutriTiming LLC) based on a three-day dietary recalls. We assessed average EB at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. The data were analyzed using correlations, regressions, and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The participants had a body fat% of 21.5 ± 10.8% and a fat mass of 15.7 ± 9.8 kg. The 3-day average EB was -877.1 Kcal at 10 a.m.; -843.6 Kcal at 2 p.m.; -891.2 Kcal at 6 p.m. and -619.1 Kcal at 10 p.m., and net daily EB was -392.5 Kcal. Body fat% was inversely related to EB at 10 a.m. (r =-.29; p=0.05) and 10 p.m. (r =-.43; p = 0.00) and fat mass was inversely related to EB for all time periods (10am (r = -.31 p= 0.04), 2pm (r = -.29 p= 0.05), 6pm (r = -.30 p=0.05), 10pm (r = -.411 p=0.01)). A forward stepwise linear regression analysis found that EB at 6pm and 10pm explained a significant proportion of the variance in Body Fat % (SEE=9.29; R2=.29). Using fat mass as the dependent variable, we found that EB at 10pm explained a significant proportion of variance (SEE=9.0; R2=.169). CONCLUSION: These data suggest large negative energy balance (< -400kcal) achieved at different times during the day is associated with significantly higher body fat (both percent and mass). While subjects ended the day in a near energy balance state, high body fat levels were associated with large within day EB deficits, which were achieved at different times during the day. These data suggest that energy consumption patterns should be balanced throughout the day to help mitigate the development of obesity.

FP862SERUM OSTEOPROTEGERIN LEVELS ASSOCIATED WITH AORTIC AUGMENTATION INDEX IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Objectives: Arterial stiffness is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies found that osteoprotegerin (OPG) is associated with arterial stiffness and may reflect endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum OPG levels and the aortic augmentation index (AIx) in renal transplant recipients. Materials and methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 66 renal transplant recipients. The aortic AIx was measured using a validated tonometry system (SphygmoCor). Serum OPG levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Univariate linear analysis of the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients revealed that body fat mass (r 1⁄4 0.377, p 1⁄4 0.002), aortic diastolic blood pressure (DBP; r 1⁄4 0.307, p 1⁄4 0.020), triglycerides (r 1⁄4 0.260, p 1⁄4 0.035), and logarithmically transformed OPG (log-OPG, r 1⁄4 0.402, p < 0.001) were positively correlated, whereas height (r 1⁄4 0.361, p 1⁄4 0.004) and body weight (r 1⁄4 0.212, p 1⁄4 0.041) were negatively correlated with the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with the aortic AIx showed that log-OPG (R2 1⁄4 0.213, p < 0.001), height (R2 1⁄4 0.081, p 1⁄4 0.009), and aortic DBP (R2 1⁄4 0.058, p 1⁄4 0.022) were independent predictors of the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients. Conclusion: These results suggest that the serum fasting OPG level is associated with the aortic AIx in renal transplant recipients. Copyright © 2016, Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).

Children in rural China enjoyed a significant increase in quality of life from 2009 to 2011.

Little is known about the long-term change in quality of life (QoL) among children in rural China. This study longitudinally examined changes and predictors of QoL among children in one rural county between 2009 and 2011. We interviewed 816 children from seven to 16 years of age in 2009 and 2011 using a range of QoL tools. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between follow-up QoL and socio-demographic, family environment and psychosocial factors. Overall QoL scores improved significantly from 71.1 ± 14.6 to 72.8 ± 16.3 (p = 0.005). QoL was positively related to annual family income (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) and baseline QoL (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and negatively related to older age (β = -0.19, p < 0.001), being female (β = -0.08, p = 0.011), being left in the care of family members by working parents (β = -0.09, p = 0.004), negative coping styles (β = -0.10, p = 0.005) and depression (β = -0.11, p = 0.006). Quality of life significantly improved among children in rural China over a two-year period from 2009 to 2011. It was positively related to annual family income and baseline QoL and negatively related to older age, being female, being left in the care of family members by working parents, negative coping styles and depression.

High Serum Osteoprotegerin Is Associated with Arterial Stiffness in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a cytokine that regulates bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and OPG has been implicated in the process that causes vascular stiffness. An increase in serum OPG level has been associated with the development of arterial stiffness. Kidney transplant (KT) patients are susceptible to aortic stiffness, which is considered to be a predictor of cardiovascular events in this patient population. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) has emerged as a gold standard for non-invasive evaluation of aortic stiffness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum OPG concentration and cfPWV among KT patients. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 57 KT patients and their cfPWV was measured using applanation tonometry. The serum OPG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariable linear regression analysis showed that the cfPWV in KT patients was significantly and positively correlated with age, body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, log-creatinine, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and the log-OPG concentration. KT patients with metabolic syndrome had higher cfPWV values than those without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.036), which indicates a higher incidence of aortic stiffness in this patient population. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that the log-OPG (P = 0.001), the log-creatinine (P = 0.004), and the SBP (P = 0.005) remained as independent and positive predictors of cfPWV values. These findings indicate that serum OPG levels are positively associated with cfPWV in KT patients.

N-Terminal Pro–B-type Natriuretic Peptide Is Inversely Related to Bone Mineral Density in Renal Transplant Recipients

IntroductionBone mineral density (BMD) was significantly lower in heart failure patients. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between BMD and fasting serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in renal transplant recipients. MethodsFasting blood samples were obtained from 69 renal transplant recipients. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. ResultsAmong the renal transplant recipients, 8 patients (11.6%) had osteoporosis and 28 (40.6%) had osteopenia; 33 had a normal BMD. Increased serum NT-proBNP (P < .001) and decreased body mass index (P = .033) and body weight (P = .010) were significantly correlated with low lumbar T-score cutoff points between groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). Women had lower lumbar BMD than did men (P = .013). Menopause in women (P = .005), use of tacrolimus (P = .020), and use of cyclosporine (P = .046) among renal transplant recipients were associated with lower lumbar BMD. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables revealed that log-transformed NT-proBNP (β, −0.545; R2 = 0.331; P < .001), and body weight (β, 0.273, R2 = 0.104; P = .005) were independent predictors of lumbar BMD values among the renal transplant recipients. ConclusionsSerum NT-proBNP concentrations correlate negatively with lumbar BMD values among renal transplant recipients and may be an alternative to energy x-ray absorptiometry for identifying at risk of osteoporosis in renal transplant recipients.

Circulating PCSK9 levels correlate with the serum LDL cholesterol level in newborn infants

Background and aimsProtein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a substantial player in lipoprotein metabolism. This study was designed to elucidate the role of PCSK9 in the regulation of lipoprotein during the fetal period. Study design and subjectsThis study was a cross-sectional study. Eighty-one neonates (45 males, 36 females) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were enrolled in the study. The median age in gestational weeks and weight at birth were 37.1weeks and 2493g, respectively. There were no gender differences, but the proportion of infants who were small-for-gestational age (SGA) was significantly higher among females than males. The prefed serum PCSK9 level was assayed with ELISA kits. ResultsThe median PCSK9 concentration in male newborns was significantly lower than that in females (148.2ng/ml vs. 171.4ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). Circulating serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.281, p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; r=0.272, p<0.05). However, there were no correlations between PCSK9 levels and birth weight, gestational age or SGA. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that gestational age and circulating PCSK9 levels were independent predictors of the serum LDL-C levels in newborn infants. ConclusionOur first quantitative analysis of neonatal serum PCSK9 levels at birth showed that circulating PCSK9 levels show gender-based differences and are significantly correlated with LDL-C. These results suggest that PCSK9 could play an important role in regulating LDL-C levels during the fetal period.

Automatic Non-destructive Quality Inspection System for Oil Palm Fruits

Abstract In this research a non-destructive, rapid and cost effective examination machine for the estimation of the ripeness fraction, oil content and free fatty acid level in oil palm fresh fruits bunch was developed. The automatic machine-vision based inspection system provided consistency, rapid estimation and acceptable accuracy results in non-destructive manner. Fresh fruits bunch samples from Tenera cultivar (7 to 20 years trees) were taken from Cimulang plantation, Bogor, Indonesia. Two statistical analysis methods were used: a forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and a multilayer-perceptron artificial neural network analysis. The best prediction of ripeness and oil content models were obtained using the latter method, while the best free fatty acid prediction model was developed by the first method. The models were then employed in the machine-vision inspection systems of the machine. The system best prediction accuracy of ripeness, oil content and free fatty acid models was 93.5, 96.41, and 89.32%, with standard error of prediction being 0.065, 0.044 and 0.068, respectively. The system was tested through a series of field tests, and successfully examined more than 12 t of fruits bunch per hour, without causing damage.