Mean Levels Research Articles

Low Serum Magnesium Level is Associated with Severity of Acute Stroke

Background: Incidence of stroke is increasingly prevalent around the world. It is necessary to assess the severity of acute stroke early for better patient management and also to predict treatment option and disease outcome. Serum magnesium (Mg) remarkably associated with vascular risk factor and has a neuro-protective role in stroke. Objective: To assess the correlation between serum magnesium level with severity of acute stroke. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2021 to February 2022. A total of 60 diagnosed patients of acute stroke were enrolled. A through neurological examination of the study patients were done, the severity of acute stroke was leveled by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Then, their serum magnesium levels were measured following standard procedure. Data were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study patients was 61.7 (±12.2) years, with a range of 28-95 years. A male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Of them; 75% study patients had low level of serum magnesium, mean serum magnesium level was 1.52±0.30 (mg/dl) in acute stroke patients and it was significantly decreased with increasing severity of acute stroke (p= 0.048). A significant negative correlation was observed between serum magnesium level and stroke severity (r= -0.374, p= 0.003). Conclusion: Majority of the patients with acute stroke has low serum magnesium level and serum magnesium is negatively related with severity of the acute stroke.

EXAMINING A RANDOMLY ASSIGNED MUSIC PROGRAM ON STRESS AND WELLNESS: CARE PARTNERS OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract OBJECTIVE The Mason CARES study examined the effects of a randomly assigned personalized music intervention (Phase II) for care partners of older adults living with dementia after implementation of a 9-week virtual stress management program (Phase I) to reduce stress and increase well-being. METHODS A total of 99 care partners completed the 20-week study across three cohorts in 2022. Baseline data on care partner stress levels and well-being were collected before beginning a 9-week stress management program (Phase I). Care partners were randomly assigned to a 4-week music intervention treatment or control group before the next stage of the intervention (Phase II). Researchers assisted care partners with identifying their family member’s favorite music during early adulthood years. MP3 players loaded with the favorite music were mailed to treatment group members. Focus groups were conducted to explore the utilization of personalized music. RESULTS: Nearly half (49%) were spousal care partners, ranging from 35-85 years old with 80% having at least a 4-year college degree, and 62% having an income greater than $70,000. Using ANOVAs to analyze mean stress levels and well-being, no significant differences in stress and well-being were found between the treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of statistically significant findings, preliminary analysis of focus group interviews revealed that many care partners benefited from the personalized music intervention. Effectiveness may depend on other factors, such as familiarity with using the technology, past experiences with music, care partner’s baseline level of stress, and the older adult’s stage of dementia.

Induction of Collagenolytic MMP-8 and -9 Tissue Destruction Cascade in Mouth by Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy: A Cohort Study.

The effect of head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy (RT) on biomarkers is not known but there is a lot of potential for gaining more precise cancer treatments and less side effects. This cohort study investigated the levels and molecular forms of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -8 and -9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin (IL)-6 in mouth-rinse samples as well as the clinical periodontal status in HNC patients (n = 21) receiving RT. Complete periodontal examinations were performed pre-RT and one month after RT. Mouth-rinse samples (pre-RT, after six weeks of RT and one month after RT) were assayed using a point-of-care-kit (PerioSafe®/ORALyzer® (Dentognostics GmbH, Jena, Germany)) for active MMP-8 and ELISA analysis for total MMP-8 and -9, MPO, TIMP-1, and IL-6 levels. Molecular forms of MMP-9 were assessed by gelatinolytic zymography and MMP-8 by western immunoblot. Significant changes were observed between the three time points in the mean levels of active and total MMP-8, active MMP-9, and IL-6. Their levels increased during the RT and decreased after the RT period. The aMMP-8 levels stayed elevated even one month after RT compared to the pre-RT. Clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and bleeding on probing were increased between pre- and post-calculations in periodontal status. Elevated inflammatory biomarker levels together with clinical recordings strongly suggest that RT eventually increases the risk to the periodontal tissue destruction by inducing the active proteolytical MMP-cascade, and especially by prolonged activity of collagenolytic aMMP-8. Eventually, the aMMP-8 point-of-care mouth-rinse test could be an easy, early detection tool for estimating the risk for periodontal damage by the destructive MMP-cascade in HNC patients with RT treatment.

HOW OFTEN AND WHY DO PEOPLE MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS?: EMOTION REGULATION IN HEALTHY AGING AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Abstract Prominent theories of adult development suggest that individuals increasingly prioritize emotional goals and social relationships as they grow older. Accordingly, older adults are expected to invest more in maintaining their emotional well-being compared to younger adults. Prior work suggests that older adults may accomplish this goal by structuring their lives in ways that reduce the need to manage unwanted emotion. We tested the hypotheses that (1) older adults regulate their emotions less often in daily life compared to younger adults, and (2) when emotion regulation occurs, older adults are relatively more motivated by pro-hedonic and social concerns. Using experience sampling (7x/day for 9 days), we assessed whether emotion regulation frequency and motives differ between younger adults (N = 70), cognitively normal older adults (N = 88), and older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; N = 60). We found that older adults with and without MCI regulated their emotions less frequently than younger adults, even when controlling for mean levels of positive and negative emotional experience. However, there were largely no group differences in emotion regulation motives (i.e., why people wanted to manage their emotions). Future work is needed to explore how age-related differences in life contexts might contribute to less need for emotion regulation in relatively older adults. Less frequent regulation could be beneficial in terms of helping older adults preserve their more limited cognitive resources. The findings regarding motives add to growing research on aging which suggest maintenance or similarity in many emotion regulation processes across adulthood.

Patient anxiety and satisfaction towards magnetic resonance imaging in Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Background/aimMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important imaging modality for diagnosing various diseases. However, the closed MRI scanner is perceived as unpleasant, even though the examination is non-invasive. Providing patients with information about the MRI exam may improve patient anxiety before and after the test. This study aimed to determine patients’ level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding information provided in MRI departments. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 Saudi patients at three central MRI departments in Asir, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing a visual analogue scale and Likert scale to assess anxiety and satisfaction before and after the MRI examination. The participants were divided into two groups to receive information explaining the MRI procedures; the intervention group received information about MRI before the examination, whereas the control group did not receive information. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyse the data. ResultsA total of 215 patients responded to the questionnaire in the MRI departments. Overall, the mean levels of anxiety and satisfaction were 5 and 6.25 on a 10-point scale, respectively. The anxiety reported by patients who received information explaining the MRI procedure was significantly lower than the anxiety reported by patients who did not receive information (4.8 vs. 5.9, p = 0.024). Consequently, satisfaction was significantly higher among patients who received the information than those who did not (6.77 vs. 4.0, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an association between patient reassurance with the behaviour of the staff and having received information (p < 0.001). ConclusionMost patients expressed an average level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding MRI. Anxiety among patients is a persistent issue in MRI departments. The provision of information has significant effects on decreasing the level of anxiety and improving patient satisfaction. The findings of this survey can be used as a benchmark to improve satisfaction and anxiety during MRI procedures in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

AGE-VARIANT PATTERNS OF WITHIN-PERSON VARIATION IN SELF-REGULATORY CAPACITY REVEALED VIA AMBULATORY ASSESSMENTS

Abstract Stressful experiences often evoke changes in experienced negative affect. Individual differences in the degree of stressor-related reactivity may reflect the action of self-regulatory strategies that evolve over the adult lifespan. The executive hypothesis of self-regulation suggests that our ability to exert control over information processing (i.e. cognitive executive control) plays an important role in determining our effective capacity to regulate our emotions and behavior. We recently found evidence in younger adults that stressor reactivity is greater during moments when working memory capacity is lower than usual. Critically, aging is associated with normative declines in executive control and it remains unknown whether this impacts self-regulation in older adults. We’ll present the results of a recent ambulatory assessment study involving a sample of older adults (N = 80; 65-87 yrs; 79% female) where we sampled ratings of negative affect, exposure to everyday stressors, and working memory capacity up to 6 times per day for a period of 14 days. Results related to frequency of stressor exposures, mean levels of negative affect, and degree of negative affect reactivity to stressor exposures in this sample were largely consistent previous findings. However, when modeling stressor reactivity as a function of momentary variation in performance on ambulatory assessments of working memory capacity, we found evidence suggesting that older adults may react more to everyday stressors during moments with higher than average working memory capacity. We interpret these findings in terms of the limits of the executive hypothesis and other well-established theories of cognitive and psychological aging.

INTRAINDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY ACROSS ADULTHOOD: DIVERSITY, VARIETY, AND ADHERENCE AS KEY INDICATORS OF DAILY LIFE

Abstract Alongside long-term change, lifespan theories highlight the importance of examining intraindividual variability (the fluctuations that occur in daily and momentary life) as an indicator of dynamic characteristics, like plasticity or rigidity. The present symposium demonstrates five unique characterizations and implications of variability in daily life across the adult lifespan. Paper 1 demonstrates that greater social activity variety is linked to lower mortality risk over 11 years, and this effect is stronger for older adults. Paper 2 finds that consistent adherence to health behaviors in daily life is linked to better cognitive function in midlife adults. Paper 3 finds that middle-aged adults experience greater diversity in types of positive events in daily life (positive event diversity) compared to older adults, and positive event diversity is associated with higher positive affect. Paper 4 establishes that positive affect with high mean levels and high variability (fragile high positive affect) is associated with greater odds of depression 10 years later. Lastly, Paper 5 demonstrates that although the spread of stressor types experienced in daily life (stressor diversity) declines with age across both cohorts, the types of stressors experienced in modern life differ from those experienced 18 years prior. Together, findings demonstrate how variability in daily life changes across age and has implications for health and well-being of older adults. Dr. Susan Charles will critically discuss these contributions to our understanding of aging in the context of Strength and Vulnerability Integration Theory and provide considerations for understanding the complexity of daily life across the lifespan.

Direct and accumulative DNA damage level in patients underwent coronary CT angiography

Background and objectiveCoronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) is a highly accurate non-invasive diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease, and concerns exist about the potential DNA damage caused by the ionizing radiation it employs. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CCTA radiation on DNA damage. Materials and methodsFor each 45 participating patients, both pre-and post-radiation, blood samples were collected at two different time points: (first group = 25) blood samples were collected 1 h after exposure CT, and (second group = 20) blood samples were collected 24 h of post-exposure. Before radiation exposure, baseline blood samples were collected from all participants to establish a reference point representing their normal biological parameters. Various factors were documented, including patient characteristics like age, gender, weight, and height, as well as exposure factors kV, mA, DLP, and CTDIvol. The study's practical aspect encompassed applying three specific methods: measurement of peripheral DNA damage level by alkaline comet assay, 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, and total antioxidant status. The statistical analysis was carried out using JMP Pro 14.3.0. ResultsThe results showed a non-significant increase in 8-OHdG levels for two sample groups. The mean levels for TAOS before exposure were 0.62 ± 0.13 U/ml and 0.53 ± 0.18 U/ml, respectively. After exposure, there was a non-significant decrease in the first sample (p-value 0.4416), but a significant decrease in the second sample (p-value 0.0104). An increase in DNA damage was observed in patients after CCTA radiation compared to the non-exposed group. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of DNA damage level (% Tail DNA) in lymphocytes between both groups. ConclusionOptimizing CCTA dose parameters and utilizing prospective techniques are considered the best approaches for reducing radiation exposure effectively. These strategies contribute to patient safety and align with the overarching goal of maintaining the highest diagnostic accuracy.

Association between nocturnal light exposure and melatonin in humans: a meta-analysis.

Night shift workers are more susceptible to circadian rhythm disturbances due to their prolonged exposure to nighttime light. This exposure during abnormal periods causes inappropriate suppression of melatonin synthesis and secretion in the pineal gland, thereby disrupting circadian rhythms. While it is believed that nocturnal light exposure is involved in suppressing melatonin secretion, research findings in this area have been inconsistent. Thirteen publications retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases were included to compare the differences between night shift workers and controls using aggregated mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). After a comprehensive review, 13 publications were included and data on urinary melatonin metabolite 6-sulfameoxymelatonin(aMT6s) were collected for meta-analysis. The results showed that the morning urinary aMT6s levels were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group (MD = -3.69, 95%CI = (-5.41, -1.98), P < 0.0001), with no significant heterogeneity among the original studies (I2 = 42%, P = 0.13). In addition, night shift workers had significantly lower mean levels of 24-h urinary aMT6s than day shift workers (MD = -3.38, 95%CI = (-4.27, -2.49), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0). Nocturnal light was correlated with nocturnal urine aMT6s secretion and inhibited nocturnal aMT6s secretion (MD = -11.68, 95%CI = (-15.70, -7.67), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0). Additionally, nocturnal light inhibited the secretion of melatonin in the blood, with no significant heterogeneity between studies (MD = -11.37, 95%CI = (-15.41, -7.33), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0). The findings of this study indicate that exposure to nocturnal light among night shift workers leads to inhibition of melatonin secretion.

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities, Bale, Southeast Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundHormonal contraceptives are a widely used contraceptive method for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with change in lipid profile which results in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, deep vein thrombosis and stroke which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptive use on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted on 93 hormonal contraceptive users and 93 non-users’ women in Goba Town Public Health Facilities from September to November, 2022. Blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c levels were collected. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results of lipid profiles. One-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profile between progestin only pills, DMPA and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the change in lipid profiles in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c was significantly increases in hormonal contraceptive users in comparison with non-users. The mean serum level TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c in implanon users was lower than DMPA and POP users. As the duration of DMPA and POP use increases, the serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased. But, the serum level of HDL-c was significantly decreased. LDL-c was significantly increased with the duration of implanon use.ConclusionThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased among hormonal contraceptive users. The mean serum level of lipid profile was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The serum level of TC, TG, LDL-c were directly proportional to the duration of DMPA and POP use. Routine evaluation of lipid profiles is advisable before and after initiation of hormonal contraceptives.

Impact of Rural-Urban Differences in Acceptance and Meaning of Life among Breast Cancer Patients in India

India is a land of unity in diversity and it is not only true about its sociocultural but also holds residential areas too. Rural and urban areas associated with different sociostructural characteristics may contribute variation in behavioural adaptation. We studied the impact of rural-urban differences on the acceptance level and meaning of life among breast cancer patients in India. The present analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted under superspecialty hospital, West Bengal, India. We compared the acceptance capability and meaning in life in breast cancer patients from rural areas (N = 122) and urban areas (N = 99). Patient-reported data concerning selected psychological (acceptance ability and the meaning of life), sociodemographic, and biological factors were collected by using validated tools. To identify the impact of sociocultural variation, descriptive statistics were calculated as the mean ± standard deviation of the score of validated tools based on acceptance and meaning of life. Patients from urban areas perceived meaning of life significantly worse than rural individuals (33.1 ± 2.44 vs. 24.2 ± 1.02). Education ( p = &lt; 0.01 ), family per capita income ( p = 0 &lt; 0.01 ), and family structure ( p = 0.004 ) factors were evaluated for being predictors of acceptance levels, whereas the educational level ( p = &lt; 0.01 ) has significantly interacted with the meaning of life among both areas’ patients. Disease acceptance levels were found to be significantly higher in urban area’s patients than rural ones (38.6 ± 1.9 vs. 32.7 ± 1.92). The current study demonstrates that the patients of rural background and low education are more likely than their respective counterparts to have a lower level of acceptance capability and meaning of life.

Effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in patients with intestinal Behçet’s disease: a real-world prospective observational study in South Korea

BackgroundIntestinal Behçet’s disease (BD) is characterized by typical gastrointestinal ulcers in patients with BD followed by complications such as bleeding, perforation and fistula. Biologic agents are currently under active investigation to delay the disease course. Various data regarding infliximab are available, but there is relatively lack of data regarding adalimumab.MethodsThis was a multicenter, real-world prospective observational study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in intestinal BD. The primary endpoint was disease activity at each follow up, including disease activity index for intestinal Behçet’s disease (DAIBD), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and endoscopic findings. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).ResultsA total of 58 patients were enrolled and 8 of them were excluded. Adverse events were reported in 72.0% of patients with 122 events. ADRs were reported in 24.0% with 28 events. For adverse events, arthralgia was most commonly reported (13.1%: 16/122) and only one experienced critical adverse event (0.82%, 1/122: death due to stroke). On multivariable regression analysis, a longer disease duration was significantly associated with decreased ADRs [Odds ratio 0.976 (0.953–0.999, 95% CI); p = 0.042]. Clinical response rates as assessed by DAIBD were 90.9% at Week 12 and 89.7% at Week 56, respectively. The mean serum CRP level at baseline was significantly decreased after 12 weeks (3.91 ± 4.93 to 1.26 ± 2.03 mg/dL; p = 0.0002).ConclusionAdalimumab was found to be safe and effective in Korean patients with intestinal BD. A longer disease duration was significantly associated with decreased ADRs.

Diagnostic Value of Ascitic Fluid Cholesterol Level in Differentiating Malignant Ascites from Non-Malignant Ascites

Background: Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, poses significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in differentiating between malignancy-related ascites (MRA) and non-malignant ascites (NMA). This differentiation is critical for appropriate clinical management. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of ascitic fluid cholesterol levels in distinguishing MRA from NMA. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 48 patients with ascites, divided equally into Group A (MRA) and Group B (NMA). Diagnostic paracentesis was performed, and 20 ml of ascitic fluid was collected for analysis. Cholesterol levels were measured using the Zaks method. Demographic data were recorded, and statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U-test, with a p-value of 0.05 set for statistical significance. Results: Both groups had an equal gender distribution (12 males and 12 females in each), and the mean ages were 60.3 ± 19.1 years for Group A and 60.8 ± 17.9 years for Group B. The mean cholesterol level in ascitic fluid was significantly higher in Group B (189.9 ± 29.9 mg%) compared to Group A (167.73 ± 26.87 mg%), with mean standard deviations of 91.8 ± 12.4 and 20.4 ± 9.1, respectively. The p-values for gender distribution and age differences were &lt;0.001. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that cholesterol levels in ascitic fluid are a reliable biomarker for differentiating between MRA and NMA. Higher cholesterol levels were associated with non-malignant cases, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool in clinical settings.

Clinical Presentation of Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric; Dr Salma Dialysis Center 2022

BACKGROUND: Unlike in developed countries, where AKI typically develops in older patients with systemic diseases, multiple co-morbidities, and multiorgan failure, AKI in developing countries primarily affects young individuals, particularly children and adolescents, and is often caused by a single factor. Although early detection and management can reduce complications, there is limited data available from Africa on this disease. AIM: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical profile of pediatric patients with AKI presenting to Salma Dialysis Center from 2017 to 2021. METHODS: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Salma Dialysis Center in Khartoum, Sudan. Patients' hospital records from January 2017 to December 2021 were reviewed to gather information on clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: Out of the 76 patients included in the study, 60.5% were males, with a median age of 8.0 years (range 0.09-17). Approximately 39.5% of the patients were from Khartoum state. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, generalized swelling, and changes in urine colour. The mean blood urea and creatinine levels were 1.6 mg/dl (range 0.2-23.8) and 82.0 mg/dl (range 9-416), respectively. The most common causes of AKI were malaria, sepsis, and sickle cell nephropathy. The majority of patients did not require dialysis and recovered without complications (84.2%). CONCLUSION: Malaria was found to be the most common cause of AKI in pediatric patients, with a higher prevalence among male patients. The prognosis for these patients was generally favourable.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of the Neonatal Nurse Navigator Program on Maternal Stress and Neonatal Cortisol Levels

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the Neonatal Nurse Navigator Program (NNNP) compared to usual care on maternal stress and neonatal salivary cortisol level (SCL) in the NICU. DesignRandomized control trial. SettingNICU in a tertiary health care hospital in Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka, India. ParticipantsNeonates between 34 and 36 weeks gestation and their mothers (N = 120 dyads). MethodsWe used block randomization to assign dyads to the intervention or control group. We measured maternal stress using the Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and we estimated neonatal stress by measuring SCLs within 24 hours of NICU admission and before discharge from the unit. We conducted a descriptive analysis on participant characteristics and reported maternal stress levels using means and standard deviations. We used the analysis of covariance change score test to determine the difference in maternal and neonatal stress levels between the intervention and control groups. ResultsThe NNNP group exhibited significantly lower maternal stress scores before discharge than the control group, and we observed reductions across all three subscales of the Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Mean neonatal salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in the interventional group than in the control group, F(1.117) = 24.03, 95% confidence interval [7.9, 18.6], p < .001. ConclusionUse of the NNNP reduced maternal stress SCLs in high-risk neonates by actively engaging mothers in the care of their neonates in the NICU. We recommend adoption of the NNNP model as a standard care policy in NICUs throughout India.

The Effect of Booklet Media Education on Reducing Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Telaga Biru Health Center Work Area

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that is a challenge in the world of health. This study aims to determine the effect of booklet media education on reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study used a quantitative approach. This research is a type of quasi-experimental research with one group pre-test-post test design. The sample was taken by systematic random sampling technique with a sample of 30 respondents. Data collection using observation sheets and data analysis using the Wilcoxon test with a meaning level of 95% (a = 0.05). The results of the study showed that blood sugar levels decreased from Pre-Test to Post-Test with Mean Ranks of 13.50 and statistical test results were obtained p = 0.00p (p &lt; 0.05) so that it can be concluded that there is an influence of booklet media education on reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Effect of Al-Qur'an Al-Rahman Murottal Therapy on Reducing Blood Sugar Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Working Area of the Telaga Biru Health Center

This study aims to determine the effect of al-Qur'an Ar-Rahman murottal therapy on reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This research uses the design of an experiment Pre-Post One Group. The sample was taken by simple random sampling technique with odd-numbered respondents (1,3,5,7,9 etc.) with a sample of 22 respondents. Data collection using observation sheets and data analysis using the Wilcoxon test with a meaning level of 95% (a = 0.05). The results of this study showed that blood sugar levels decreased from Pre-Test to Post-Test with Mean Ranks of 11.50 and statistical test results were obtained p = 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05) so that it can be concluded that there is an influence of Qur'an murottal therapy on reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Textual Cohesion as a Way of Revealing the Deep Artistic and Psychological Propertiesof N.M. Karamzin's «Poor Lisa»'s the Narrator

Based on the material of N.M. Karamzin's novel «Poor Liza» from thestandpoint of an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of text theory, literary studies, and psycholinguistics, the possibilities of textual cohesion are considered in order to identify the deep artistic and psychological properties of the&#x0D; narrator's image. The research is conducted in the aspect of analyzing the processof artistic and psychological meaning generation associated with the deep features of the hero.&#x0D; This approach makes it possible to detect patterns of functioning of implicit information leading to the specified properties. The manifestations of cohesion that have the potential to extract implicit textual information about the artistic and psychological properties of the narrator are considered 1) at the plotcompositional level: text editing – the juxtaposition of replicas, the plot embodiment of the previously named possible situation (realization of premonitions; 2) at the level of expressive means (intonation, emotional colouring, phonetic filling of&#x0D; rhythmic groups, key elements). Techniques of emotional influence on the reader and ways of attracting his attention are revealed.&#x0D; Conclusions are drawn about the aesthetic possibilities of cohesion in detecting the artistic and psychological properties of the hero 1) in a dialogue, the artistic and psychological background of which is non-verbalized presuppositions&#x0D; associated with the sphere of relationships; 2) within the contrast of the cognitive and emotional content of the dialogue participants' replicas.&#x0D; Cross-connectivity by means of cohesion acts as a textual signal of implicit information.&#x0D; The materials of the article can be used in research and teaching activities, literature courses of the XVIII century, special courses.

Study on the Formation Characteristics and Disaster Mitigation Mechanisms of Rip Currents on Arc-Shaped Beach

Rip currents are fast offshore currents generated during the breaking process of waves propagating nearshore, posing a potential life safety threat to coastal bathers. This study utilizes a Boussinesq phase-resolving model to investigate the formation mechanism of rip currents at Dadonghai Beach, based on its actual topography, and explores the characteristics of rip current formation under various wave conditions, with an emphasis on analyzing vortices, the mean water level and the spatial distribution of average velocity. The results indicate that rip current formation is significantly influenced by wave height and period. The increase in wave height and period results in more intense rip currents and higher water level fluctuations on arc-shaped beaches and on both sides of the bay, leading to complex vortex distributions. An increase in the angle of wave incidence hinders rip current formation in arc-shaped beach areas but is favorable to the generation of deflection rips on both sides of the bay. Furthermore, an increase in bottom friction inhibits rip current formation. When the water depth decreases in the channels, rip currents transition into longshore currents. The findings of this research offer valuable scientific insights into the formation mechanisms of rip currents and contribute to their prediction and prevention.

Evaluating the Association of Obesity and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of this Meta-analysis and systematic review was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the association of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with overweight/obesity, leptin hormone, and its associated metabolic dysregulation. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,were searched for studies from 1946 to October 2022, using predefined syntax. Outcome data for the meta-analysis were extracted on odds ratios (OR) of CRS prevalence based on the presence of overweight/obesity and mean serum leptin levels. A Meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian-Laird estimator to pool extracted data by the generalized inverse variance approach. Random effect models were utilized due to the small sample size. A qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria for the Meta-analysis. Thirty-six studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria out of 1113 articles screened. A total of 6 studies were included in the pooled Meta-analysis of the various outcome variables. Our pooled meta-analysis observed a positive association between overweight/obesity and the prevalence of CRS (OR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.51). The pooled ratio of the means analysis of the mean serum leptin levels between CRS with nasal polyposis and control patients was 2.21 (95% CI: 1.45; 3.36). Our pooled Meta-analysis indicates a positive association between overweight/obesity and CRS. Future prospective studies are needed to explore the association between CRS and obesity with an understanding of potential confounding comorbidities, including studies focused on assessing the underlying immunologic mechanism of this association.