Liner Regression Analysis Research Articles

The relationship between burnout and empathy in physiotherapists: a cross-sectional study

Background There have been few studies carried out into empathy in physiotherapists. Burnout can debilitate the quality of care and the efficacy of treatment as the empathetic capacity of the professional diminishes. Objective The objective of the study was to examine the association between the construct burnout, empathy and sociodemographic aspects in Spanish physiotherapists. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (for burnout assessment), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (for empathy assessment) and sociodemographic data was answered by 461 Spanish physical therapists. A descriptive, bivariate and lineal regression analysis was performed. Results There was an association between burnout and empathy. Specifically, higher levels of burnout are associated with lower levels of empathy, whilst years of work experience is associated with lower levels of burnout. Conclusions The results of this study contribute to a greater understanding of the relationship between the level of burnout and the dimensions of empathy in physiotherapists. The influence of burnout, which causes difficulties in the mobilization of the professional towards the establishment of a quality therapeutic relationship, is highlighted. KEY MESSAGES Emotional exhaustion is associated to greater personal discomfort and less empathy. The depersonalization is associated to personal discomfort and less empathy. Depersonalization is negatively associated to the lack of perspective.

DETERMINAN KINERJA INDIVIDU: SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI DAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI

<p class="Default"><em>This study's purpose is to understand the accounting information system effectiveness, the use of information technology, the technological sophistication, and the participation of management towards Bank Jateng Kantor Pusat's individual performance. The methods that being used in this study are survey method and Questionnaire method using Likert scale. Data used in this research are primary data and the sampling was done by the purposive sampling method. Hypothesis test used mulptiple liner regression analysis.</em></p><em> In addition, analysis method that being used is Linear Regression Method. The result shows that individual performance is much affected by the effectiveness and reliability of the AIS system. And the use of information technology and the technological sophistication doesn’t affect on the individual performance. The F test shows that independent variables are simultaneously gives impact on individual performance. The t test shows a significant effect towards individual performance with significance rate of 0,001 for the use of information technology accounting information system effectiveness, 0,266 for the use of information technology, 0,351 for the technological sophistication and 0,002 for participation of management</em>

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students in the first wave: A cross-sectional survey.

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological impact on nursing students at the end of period of confinement during the first wave of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Spain.DesignA cross‐sectional study reported in line with the STROBE guidelines.MethodsNursing students were invited to complete an online questionnaire at the end of the 2019–2020 academic year using convenience sampling. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic factors, work, and life experiences in relation to COVID‐19, habits and lifestyle using the World Health Organization Five Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5) and the Generalized Anxiety disorder‐7 scale. Variables related to anxiety were analysed using multiple lineal regression analysis,ResultsThe prevalence of low psychological well‐being in the 203 students was 44.3% and of anxiety 55.7%. In the multivariate analysis the variables associated with anxiety were having worked in the pandemic, having had symptoms of COVID‐19 and having been afraid of getting infected.ConclusionsThe levels of anxiety due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in nursing students have been high, and levels of psychological well‐being have been low. The fact of having worked during the pandemic, having had symptoms compatible with COVID‐19 or being afraid of getting infected are associated with the highest scores for anxiety.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study gives more evidence on the psychological impact on nursing students during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. This can be used to design anxiety management programmes for inclusion into teaching syllabuses. It also gives arguments for the setting up of psychological and emotional support services for these students and other healthcare professionals working during the pandemic.

The association between empathy and the physiotherapy–patient therapeutic alliance: A cross‐sectional study

BackgroundThe central component of person-centred care is in having a therapeutic realtionship. Furthermore, the empathy of the physiotherapist is one of the most important attributes in achieving a successful therapeutic alliance. ObjectiveThe aim of the research was to determine the association between the constructs of empathy and therapeutic alliance in Spanish physical therapists and the possible influence of socio-professional variables on them. DesignCross-sectional research. MethodsAn electronic survey including the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and sociodemographic data with 473 Spanish physiotherapists. A descriptive, bivariate and simple lineal regression analysis was carried out. ResultsWork experience has a positive influence on bonding and the agreement on objectives and tasks (0.04 < B > 0.06; p < 0.01). The perspective taking dimensions and empathic concern positively influence the agreement on achievement (0.14 < B > 0.19; p < 0.001). Personal distress inversely influences bonding and the agreement on achievements and tasks (−0.13 < B > −0.09; p < 0.01). ConclusionsThe dimensions of perspective taking and empathic concern seem to facilitate successful shared decision making in terms of treating objectives. Furthermore, the physiotherapist's personal distress acts as an obstacle to the development of the three subcomponents of the therapeutic alliance analysed.

Unplanned molar intrusion after Invisalign treatment

The objectives of this study were to analyze and quantify molar intrusion after the use of clear aligners and to analyze the relationship with other variables such as age, duration of treatment, and a series of cephalometric osseous and dental measurements at the start of treatment. A retrospective descriptive-analytical study was designed with a sample of 58 patients aged 18-60 years who had undergone treatment with Invisalign. The cephalometric measurements were carried out after lateral x-rays were taken of the cranium; these were compared at the start (T0) and conclusion of treatment. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare means, whereas Pearson correlations and multivariate lineal regression analyses were used to establish the variables associated with molar intrusion. Approximately 74.2% of the patients presented some degree of molar intrusion after treatment. Furthermore, 32.8% of patients presented intrusion only at the mandibular molar, whereas 25.9% experienced intrusion at both molars, maxillary and mandibular, simultaneously. However, 15.5% presented intrusion only at the maxillary molar. The average magnitude of intrusion here was 0.98 ± 0.54 mm, whereas the mandibular molar was 0.84 ± 0.29 mm. Statistically significant reductions exist for the distance L6_MP and U6_SN between T0 and at conclusion of treatment. Maxillary molar intrusion correlates negatively with mandibular molar intrusion (r= -0.270). The number of days of treatment did not correlate with either maxillary or mandibular molar intrusion. Clear aligners give rise to molar intrusion in 74.2% of patients. The cephalometric variables L6_MP T0, mandibular plane angle T0, and facial axis T0 were negatively and significantly associated with maxillary molar intrusion, whereas age and facial axis T0 were negatively associated with mandibular molar intrusion allowing smaller magnitudes of intrusion to be predicted when these variables present high values at T0.

Un método 3D para estimar el efecto de osteotomías desrotadoras sobre alteraciones torsionales de fémur

Introduction and objectivesAccurate measurement of femoral torsion is essential to diagnosing, correct surgical decision-making, and the preoperative planning of derotational osteotomies in a subgroup of anterior knee pain patients and patellofemoral instability. Several measurement techniques have been described with great variability in the magnitude of the values. Moreover, none of them can predict the effect of rotational osteotomy on the femoral version value. The purpose of the present work is to develop a method to reliably measure femoral torsion as well as to evaluate the effects of osteotomy on the femoral version angle. Material and methods30 patients without previous signs neither symptoms of patellofemoral pain or patellofemoral instability and with a lower limbs CT were selected. Their femoral torsion was measured using the classic Jeanmart and the Murphy's method by two independent radiologists. Independently, two orthopedic surgeons measured femoral torsion with the 3D method described in this study. The intraclass coefficient correlation and the Bland–Altman tests were used to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the intraobserver and interobserver variability of the method regarding the Jeanmart's and Murphy's method. The confidence interval of the Normal values of the new method were defined and a lineal regression analysis between the 3D-Jeanmart's and 3D-Muphy's methods was performed. ResultsThe mean femoral version with the 3D method was 12.74° (SD 5.96°, 95% CI: 11.67° to 13.82°). With Jeanmart's method, it was 12.84° (SD 8.60°, 95% CI: 11.28° to 14.39°) and 15.87° (SD 10.68°, 95% CI: 13.94° to 17.80°) with Murphy's method, being these differences not statistically significant. Both interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the 3D method were high. ConclusionThe method presented in this study allows for the reliable quantification of femoral torsion in a reproducible way. This method can be applied in several open access 3D image programs what makes its implementation in the healthcare centers possible from now on.

Kangaroo mother care had a protective effect on the volume of brain structures in young adults born preterm.

AimThe protective effects of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the neurodevelopment of preterm infants are well established, but we do not know whether the benefits persist beyond infancy. Our aim was to determine whether providing KMC in infancy affected brain volumes in young adulthood.MethodStandardised cognitive, memory and motor skills tests were used to determine the brain volumes of 20‐year‐old adults who had formed part of a randomised controlled trial of KMC versus incubator care. Multivariate analysis of brain volumes was conducted according to KMC exposure.ResultsThe study comprised 178 adults born preterm: 97 had received KMC and 81 were incubator care controls. Bivariate analysis showed larger volumes of total grey matter, basal nuclei and cerebellum in those who had received KMC, and the white matter was better organised. This means that the volumes of the main brain structures associated with intelligence, attention, memory and coordination were larger in the KMC group. Multivariate lineal regression analysis demonstrated the direct relationship between brain volumes and duration of KMC, after controlling for potential confounders.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of KMC for preterm infants persisted beyond childhood and improved their lifetime functionality and quality of life.

Perceived social support and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationally-representative study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated containment policies have led to negative mental health consequences in the general population. This study investigated the association between perceived social support and depressive symptoms in Korea. Data from the Korea Community Health Survey conducted from August to November 2020 was used for this cross-sectional study. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and perceived social support was assessed based on the number of contacts that participants had identified as being available in case participants needed isolation due to COVID-19 exposure. This study included the general adult populations aged 19 years and older. The relationship between the perceived social support and depressive symptoms was analyzed using multivariable liner regression analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on income. Analysis of the data obtained from 225,453 participants indicated that PHQ-9 scores were highest in the group with 'no' perceived social support, followed by 'low', 'middle', and 'high' perceived levels of social support. Compared to individuals with 'high' perceived social support, those with 'middle' (β: .10, p-value <.001), 'low (β: .07, p-value .010), and 'no' (β: .34, p-value <.001) perceived levels of social support showed poorer depression scores. The magnitude of the relationship found was particularly strong in the low-income group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals' depression scores varied according to their perceived level of social support. Strategies that address the need of vulnerable individuals are required to reduce the potentially negative mental health consequences of the pandemic.

Morning preference is associated with subjective happiness among Japanese female workers: A moderation analysis by sleep characteristics from the SLEPT study

ABSTRACT Research on mental health in working populations has predominantly focussed on negative outcomes, while studies on the positive aspects of life remain very limited, especially in Japan. Although morningness has recently been considered a factor for being happy, the role of sleep characteristics as it relates to the association between morningness and happiness has not been substantiated. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between diurnal preference and level of subjective happiness in healthy, full-time, daytime workers in Japan. We also tested the moderation effect of sleep parameters on the relationship between diurnal preference and subjective happiness. This is an exploratory analysis from the cross-sectional data of the SLeep Epidemiology Project at the University of Tsukuba (SLEPT Study). Subjective happiness was evaluated using a single-item question. Diurnal preference was assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), in which higher scores indicate greater tendency to have morning preference. The participants underwent assessment of sleep parameters for 7 consecutive days using a waist-worn actigraphy device and kept a sleep diary. Sleep parameters investigated were subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, weekend oversleep, total sleep time, sleep onset time, wake time, and sleep efficiency. A total of 205 males (average 42.6 ± 10.4 years) and 272 females (41.1 ± 9.8 years) were eligible for analysis. Hierarchical liner regression analysis was used to show the relationships of subjective happiness with MEQ score, and the sleep parameters. Further, moderation analysis was conducted by adding the interaction between MEQ score and the sleep parameters. After adjusting for age, psychological distress, self-rated health, and occupational stress, we found that subjective happiness was significantly associated with higher MEQ score and sleep efficiency but only in female. The moderating role of sleep parameters was not found. We discussed the implications of the obtained results and a possible strategy to maintain and improve subjective happiness of female workers who have evening preference.

Relationship of acute type A aortic dissection and disseminated intravascular coagulation

ObjectiveAcute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a critical disease presenting with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, the relationship between the degree of DIC and false lumen conditions remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the degree of preoperative DIC and the outcomes of ATAAD treatment. MethodsA total of 124 patients with ATAAD (70 men and 54 women) treated from January 2012 to January 2020 were included in the present study. The correlation between the preoperative Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC score and the false lumen diameter and length, measured using preoperative computed tomography, was examined retrospectively. The correlations were calculated using liner regression analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at P < .05. ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups: a low JAAM DIC score group and a high JAAM DIC score group. The preoperative JAAM DIC scores in the high- and low-score groups were 4.8 ± 1.2 and 1.7 ± 2.3, respectively (P < .001). The 5-year survival rates and aortic event-free rates in the low-score group were favorable compared with the high-score group; however, the differences were not statistically significant (80.8% vs 54.5%, P = .065; 63.9% vs 59.8%, P = .15, respectively). The false lumen diameter in the ascending aorta was greater in the high-score group than that in the low-score group (P < .05). The JAAM DIC score correlated significantly with the ascending false lumen diameter and the dissection length (r = 0.32 and P < .001; r = 0.29 and P = .001, respectively). A high JAAM DIC score was associated with communicating-type ATAAD (P < .05). ConclusionsOur results suggest that high preoperative JAAM DIC scores are associated with a large false lumen and communicating-type ATAAD.

The Effect of the Use of Information Technology, Internal Control Systems, and Human Resource Competence on The Accountability of Village Fund Management in Bungaraya District

This study aims to examine the influence of Information Technology Utilization, Internal Control System and Human Resource Competence on Village Fund Management Accountability in Bungaraya District. The population in this study was all village offices in Kecamtan Bungaraya, namely there were 10 villages and the number of samples used was 10 villages with 40 respondents. The sample return technique uses census techniques. This research is a quantitative research using survey methods. Data collection techniques by distributing questionnaires. The data analysis techniques used are descriptive statistics, descriptive tests, data validity tests, classical assumption tests, multiple liner regression analysis and hypothesis testing. The results showed that the use of information technology, internal control systems, and human resource competencies had a positive and significant effect on the accountability of village fund management. It is known that the value of R-Square is 0.810. This value means that the magnitude of the influence of the use of information technology, internal control systems and human resource competence on the accountability of village fund management in Bungaraya District is 81% while the remaining 19% is known to other variables that were not studied in this study.

Analsis Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Leverage, Umur Listing, dan Ukuran Kap Terhadap Audit Report Lag (Studi Empiris Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2016-2018)

This study aims to exemine the effect of profitability, leverage, listing age, size of the public accounting firm on audit report lag in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2018. The Research sample used was 195 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2018. The sampling method uses purposive sampling method. The data used is secondary data. The analysis used in this study is multiple liner regression analysis processed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21 program. The result showed that leverage and size of the public accounting firm variables affect the audit report lag while the variable profitability and listing age do not influence the audit report lag.

Sensitivity of cycling Motion Performance Indicators (MPIs) to incremented load and their relationship with performance in professional cyclists

There is a lack of research assessing Motion Performance Indicators (MPIs), which have been recently made commercially available. Therefore, this study explored: (1) the influence of incremented exercise on MPIs and; (2) the relationships between MPIs and cycling performance at different intensities during a graded exercise test (GXT) in professional cyclists. Thirty-six professional cyclists performed GXT until exhaustion with their own bikes attached to a cycle ergometer. MPIs were collected using a real-time motion capture system based on inertial measurement units at 100 Hz of sample rate. Data were extracted from intensities of the GXT when lactate thresholds (LT1, LT2) and peak power (POpeak) were determined. Results showed that only Pelvic Angle ( p &lt; 0.01, d &gt; 1.15) and Pelvic Rotation ( p &lt; 0.01, d &gt; 1.37) were sensitive to increases in exercise intensity (i.e. greater inclination and increased rotation at greater power). Multivariate liner regression analyses showed that a reduced range of movement (ROM) for the upper legs at sub-maximum intensities (LT1 and LT2) was associated with greater power production ( r2 &gt; 0.21), whilst a reduced ROM for the right foot was associated with greater POpeak ( r2 = 0.20). In conclusion, changes in movement patterns were limited to a greater inclination and rotation of the pelvis at maximum power without changes in other MPIs throughout the GXT. Cyclists who produced greater power presented less ROM for their upper legs at LT1 and LT2 whilst at POpeak and greater power production was moderately associated with less ROM for the right foot. Coaches may be able to use MPI to analyze for excess ROM, particularly at higher exercise intensities, as this seems to increase inefficiencies and limit power production.

The relationship among extent of lipid-rich plaque, factors associated with a reduction of lipid-rich plaque and late lumen loss: a near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound study

Abstract Background Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are useful imaging modalities to identify lipid-rich plaque (LRP) which is associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events in individuals undergoing PCI. Pathological studies have raised concerns that treating LRP with stents may impair vascular healing. However, the impact of stent implantation to LRP lesions was less known. Moreover, little information is available about changes in the extent of LRP at before and after PCI. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate changes in LRP by NIRS between pre- and post-stent implantation, and to evaluate an association among impact of LRP by NIRS at pre- and post-stenting and late lumen loss (LLL) by angiography. Methods We studied 175 lesions in 149 patients who underwent PCI under NIRS-IVUS guidance and follow-up angiography at 8-month later from 2017 to 2020. Plaque characteristics on IVUS, the extent of LRP [defined as a long segment with a 4-mm maximum lipid core burden index (maxLCBI4mm)] on NIRS, and quantitative coronary angiography measurements were analyzed. We evaluated a change of the extent of LRP between pre- and post-stenting at index PCI procedure, and association between the extent of LRP and a 8-month LLL at follow-up coronary angiography. A large LRP was defined as maxLCBI4mm&amp;gt;400 at pre-stenting. Results Mean age was 64.5 years old, and 123 (82%) patients were male. The prevalence of large LRP was 51% and median plaque burden at minimum lumen area was 81%. The extent of LRP at culprit lesion significantly decreased from pre- to post-stenting (median maxLCBI4mm [interquartile range (IQR)]: 407 [199, 580] to 133 [13, 319], p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1). In multivariable liner regression analysis, independent predictors for the reduction of LRP were a pre-stenting LRP (β coefficient = −57.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−65.1 to −48.8], p&amp;lt;0.001) and plaque burden (β coefficient = −30.0, 95% CI [−56.6 to −3.4], p&amp;lt;0.001), respectively. On the other hands, patient comorbidities, lipid profile and inflammatory markers were not associated with the reduction of LRP (all p&amp;gt;0.05). Median LLL at follow-up angiogram was 0.17 [0.07–0.35] mm. Both the extent of pre- and post-stenting LRP were not associated with LLL (r=0.018, p=0.80 and r=0.022, p=0.76, respectively) (Figure 2). In addition, there was no significant difference in LLL between the post-stenting large and non-large LRP (median [IQR] 0.18 [0.08–0.35] vs. 0.17 [0.07–0.35]; P=0.95). Conclusions This study showed coronary stent implantation significantly reduced the NIRS-derived LRP in patients undergoing PCI. Although the extent of pre-stenting LRP and IVUS plaque burden predicted the reduction of LRP, the extent of pre- and post-stenting LRP were not associated with LLL. These findings suggest that stent implantation for LRP, even in a large LRP, is safe and does not affect LLL. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Scatter plotsFigure 2. CENTRAL Figure

Evaluation of different vagus nerve stimulation anatomical targets in the ear by vagus evoked potential responses.

BackgroundElectrical auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is an emerging therapy. Stimuli are transported to brainstem nuclei, whereby its multiple projections reach to many subcortical and cortical areas, thus allowing the neuromodulation of several systemic physiological processes. We aim to define the best auricular target for taVNS through vagus somatosensory evoked potential (VSEP) elicited stimulating different auricular areas with different electrode sizes.MethodsTwenty‐six subjects were enrolled. Three stimulation areas were studied: simultaneous cymba and cavum (CC), cymba (C) and earlobe (L); and two electrode sizes: extra‐large (X) and small (S). We studied the effect of five combinations (CCX, CCS, CS, LX and LS) on VSEP´s latency and amplitude, and sensory and pain threshold (Pt) using a lineal mixed model regression analysis. We used CS combination, used in a commercial device, as reference model.ResultsValid VSEP were obtained for CCX, CCS and CS but not in LX and LS. Both CCS and CCX tests showed significant amplitude increases. The same effect was observed in CCX using CCS as reference. Significant increases in Pt were found for CCX and LX. The same effect was observed in CCX using LX as reference.ConclusionThe results suggest that CC and C areas are active targets for taVNS but not for earlobe, as anatomical data support. Considering that amplitude reflects the synchronized electrical activity generated, we conclude the most effective topography is the simultaneous stimulation of cymba and concha. The use of X‐sized electrodes increases the amplitudes and makes the stimulation more comfortable.

Patients with Gilbert syndrome and type 2 diabetes have lower prevalence of microvascular complications

ObjectiveAccumulating clinical evidence indicates an inverse relationship between oxidative stress and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of diabetes microvascular complications in patients with Gilbert syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). MethodsA total of 1200 electronic records with T2D were reviewed. From them, 50 patients with Gilbert syndrome (cases [indirect bilirubin ≥1.2 mg/dl without evidence of hemolysis or liver disease]) and 50 controls (T2D without hyperbilirubinemia) were included. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the independent association between indirect hyperbilirubinemia with microvascular complications related with T2D. ResultsBoth case and control group had the same proportion of gender (female = 20 [40 %]) and diabetes duration (14.0 ± 6.5 years) and similar mean of age (60 ± 9.6 and 60 ± 9.2 years, respectively, p = 0.91). The median of unconjugated bilirubin of case and control group was 1.4 (1.2–1.6) vs. 0.4 (0.2–0.6) mg/dl (p < 0.001), respectively. Patients with elevated unconjugated bilirubin had less urine albumin-creatinine ratio compared with control group (8.5 [4.3–23] vs. 80 [8–408] mg/g, p < 0.001), and lower rate of diabetes microvascular complications and metabolic syndrome. After adjustment for BMI, age, HbA1c, blood pressure, triglycerides, and the metabolic syndrome, the lineal regression analysis showed that unconjugated bilirubin protects against microalbuminuria in T2D patients (β = −414.11, 95 % CI [-747.9, −80.3], p = 0.006. Also, unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia was independently associated with a better glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (β = 9.87, 95 % CI [1.5, 18.3], P = 0.02). ConclusionsPatients with Gilbert syndrome and T2D had a lower prevalence of diabetes microvascular complications.

The Association Between Exposure to Low Magnesium Blood Levels After Renal Transplantation and Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality.

Background: Serum magnesium levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the general population and chronic kidney disease patients, but the association between serum magnesium levels and cardiovascular risk after kidney transplantation is not established. We sought to evaluate whether exposure to low serum magnesium levels after renal transplantation is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective study that included all transplanted patients who had a functioning graft for at least 6 months after transplantation between January 2001 and December 2013. We calculated exposure to magnesium using time weighted average for serum magnesium levels, using all values available during the follow-up. Several statistical methods were used, including liner regression analysis, χ2 test, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.Results: Four hundred ninety-eight patients were included. Median follow-up was 5.26 years. High time weighted average of serum magnesium was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.94 for all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular outcome compared to low levels (95% CI 1.18–3.19, p = 0.009). The high quartile of time weighted average of serum magnesium was associated with death censored major cardiovascular outcome (hazard ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.17–3.86, p = 0.013) in multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Exposure to low serum magnesium levels in renal transplant recipients was associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular outcome. These findings contrast the higher risk found in the general population.

Increased Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein and Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activities in Children and Adolescents Presenting High Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) Ratio.

To explore the association between Triglyceride/High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) index and these enzymes and proteins in a pediatric population. Children and adolescents (7-14 y old) were recruited (n = 150) and anthropometric data were registered. Glucose, TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C plus cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities were determined. Twenty-five individuals presented TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.0. These individuals exhibited higher TG [164 (126-186) vs. 65 (48-72) mg/dL; p < 0.01] CETP [250 (232-263) vs. 223 (193-237)% mL/min; p < 0.01] and Lp-PLA2 (4.5 ± 1.9 vs. 3.5 ± 1.3; p < 0.05) plus lower HDL-C [41 (37-49) vs. 52 (48-62) mg/dL; p < 0.01] compared to an age-matched group with TG/HDL-C < 3.0. TG/HDL-C ratio was associated to CETP (p < 0.01) and Lp-PLA2 (p < 0.05). Multiple lineal regression analyses showed TG/HDL-C index as an independent predictor of CETP (r2 = 0.29; beta = 0.49; p < 0.01) and Lp-PLA2 (r2 = 0.21; beta = 0.32; p < 0.05) activities. Children and adolescents with TG/HDL-C ≥ 3.0 presented a more atherogenic lipid profile and higher CETP and Lp-PLA2 activities, which would indicate alterations in lipoprotein metabolism and quality.

Lower dietary variety is associated with worse sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly Japanese women.

Sleep disturbance is a common health problem in the elderly population. We examined the association between dietary variety and subjective sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly Japanese women. This cross-sectional study recruited 160 community-dwelling elderly women aged ≥65 years. Subjective sleep quality and dietary variety were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and dietary variety score (DVS), respectively. DVS was calculated from the eating frequency of 10 food groups. Sleep disturbance was defined as PSQI score of ≥6. The DVS in subjects with sleep disturbance was significantly lower than that of those without the disturbance (4.1±2.1 vs 5.3±2.1, p<0.01). In the multivariable regression model, the PSQI score was negatively correlated with the DVS score in age-adjusted model (standardized coefficient; -0.234, p<0.01). In the further adjusted model that included depression levels, the negative association between PSQI score and DVS score was retained (standardized coefficient; -0.211, p<0.05). Among 10 food groups comprising DVS, the eating frequency of soybean and soybean products was the determinant of sleep disturbance in the stepwise liner regression analysis. In the further model that contained DVS, DVS was the independent determinant of sleep disturbance, while the eating frequency of soybean and soybean products was excluded. A worse sleep quality was associated with lower DVS in elderly Japanese women. Diet comprising various food groups was better for sleep quality than consuming only a particular food in the elderly.

Room staff radiation dose in a vascular surgery hybrid operating room and evaluation of a real-time radiation dosimeter

Abstract Objective Real-time radiation dosimeter have been shown to decrease radiation exposure of the staff. This effect is mainly explained by increased awareness of the radiation due to direct radiation exposure feedback to the operator. We aimed to measure the radiation exposure of all staff members working in a hybrid operating room and wanted to compare the equivalent doses of real-time radiation dosimeters with thermoluminescence dosimeters. Methods Prospective non-randomized comparative trial. From April – October 2019, all staff members working in a hybrid operating room were equipped with real-time radiation dosimeters (Unfors RaySafe i3). The table positions of all staff members were documented. In addition, the first operator was equipped with a thermoluminescence Hp(3) eye lens dosimeter (TLD) placed outside the lead glasses to validate the real-time radiation dosimeter. Results The median dose of the operator / the first assistant was 73.6 µSv / 21.8 µSv for EVAR (n = 30); 57.25 µSv / 18.2 µSv for TEVAR (n = 23); 207.0 µSv / 76.65 µSv for more complex aortic procedures (f/bEVAR etc.; n = 15); 14.85 µSv / 8.5 µSv for occlusive disease of the iliac arteries (n = 27) and 6.1 µSv / 3.4 µSv for occlusive disease of the peripheral arteries (n = 53). The anesthesiologist’s median dose was 0.3 µSv, with highest values in f/bEVAR (3.9µSv). The scrub nurse’s median dose was 2 µSv with highest values in f/bEVAR (24 µSv). The position of any staff member at the left arm for transbrachial cannulation in f/bEVAR was associated with higher median equivalent radiation doses compared to the right femoral position (272.5 vs. 207 µSv for the operator (p=ns), 175.3 vs. 27.8 µSv for the first assistant (p = 0.027) and 45.55 vs. 8.0 µSv for the scrub nurse (p = 0.14)). The equivalent doses of the TLD and RaySafe did not correlate well using simple lineal regression analysis (r2 0.1713, p = 0.0014). Conclusion With the RaySafe real-time radiation dosimeter, table positions with increased radiation exposure can be identified. This allows for improvement in shielding at these positions, possibly leading to lower radiation exposure of the staff.