Moderate Correlation Research Articles

The effects of opioid tapering on select endocrine measures in men and women with head and neck cancer-a longitudinal 12-month study.

Opioid treatment may affect endocrine measures in humans either through centrally or peripherally mediated mechanisms. There is a general lack of longitudinal studies examining endocrine measures in opioid-treated patients. To longitudinally follow the levels of select endocrine measures in men and women with head and neck cancer for 1 year, who after having completed radiotherapy began tapering opioids. This was a prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Testosterone and estradiol were measured in men and women, respectively. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and prolactin were measured in both sexes. Women were grouped based on if premenopausal or postmenopausal. Samples were collected when opioid tapering started and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after tapering start. Daily opioid doses at the same time points were registered. Twenty-five men and 12 women were followed for 12 months. In men, testosterone levels increased significantly during the first month after opioid tapering started (P < 0.001). Levels of testosterone, FSH, DHEAS, and prolactin changed significantly in men during the study period. A moderate correlation between opioid dose reduction and testosterone level increase in men aged ≤60 years was found (r s = -0.577, 95% CI -0.854 to -0.044, P = 0.039). In postmenopausal women (n = 10), levels of FSH and LH changed significantly during the study period. Previously known effects of opioids on endocrine measures in humans seem to be reversible as select endocrine measures changed significantly in men and postmenopausal women after opioid tapering was initiated.

Analysing the Influence of Students’ Resilience on their Mathematics Academic Performance in Mezam Division, Cameroon

The main objective of the study was to analyse the influence of students’ resilience on their Mathematics academic performance in Mezam Division in Cameroon. The study adopted the causal comparative research design. The study was carried out using seven functional public secondary schools in Mezam Division for the 2023/2024 academic year, with first cycle students (Forms 1 to 5) constituting the population of the study. With the help of the Krejcie and Morgan Table, a sample of 368 students was drawn from an accessible population of 8813 first cycle students. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select this sample for the collection of data. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was vetted by three experts and its test-retest reliability index established as 0.87. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, means, Pearson product-moment correlation, one sample t-test and regression analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students in Mezam Division exhibit significantly low resilient abilities in Mathematics. The findings also revealed that there is a moderate positive correlation (0.587) between students' resilience and their Mathematics academic performance. Furthermore, the regression analysis indicated that approximately 34.4% of the variations in students' Mathematics academic performance can be accounted for or predicted by their resilience. It was recommended that educators and policymakers need to focus on nurturing, developing and fostering students' resilient abilities through targeted interventions and teaching strategies.

Intersections of family expressiveness and adolescent mental health: exploring parent–adolescent relationships as a mediator

Purpose This study investigates the mediating role of parent−adolescent relationships in the impact of family emotional expressiveness on adolescent psychological adjustment. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which positive family dynamics and strong parent−child bonds influence adolescents' psychological resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach The study involved 463 middle school students (241 boys and 222 girls) from Chlef, Algeria. Data was collected using the self-expressiveness in the family questionnaire (SEFQ), the parent−adolescent relationship scale (PARS) and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics, correlations and mediation analysis were performed to examine the relationships among family emotional expressiveness, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment. Findings The results reveal moderate positive correlations among family emotional expressiveness, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment. Mediation analysis indicates that parent−adolescent relationships partially mediate the effects of family emotional expressiveness on psychological outcomes, with both direct and indirect effects being statistically significant. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of mental health by exploring the nuanced interplay between family dynamics, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment within the Algerian cultural context. While the quantitative nature of the study limits the depth of contextual insights, the findings underscore the importance of considering family emotional expressiveness and the quality of parent−adolescent relationships in interventions aimed at promoting adolescent psychological well-being. The study highlights the partial mediating role of parent−adolescent relationships, indicating that other factors may also influence the association between family expressiveness and adolescent adjustment. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, culturally-sensitive approach that addresses various influences on adolescent development. It should be noted that while the family unit and parenting styles have been extensively researched, this study offers a fresh perspective by focusing on these dynamics within a specific cultural setting.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychometric properties of foot function index in Urdu-speaking population with ankle and foot disorders

BackgroundFoot and ankle problems are frequently prevalent, especially among the elderly, ranging from 70 to 80%. In primary care, foot, and ankle complaints stand out as one of the most frequent reasons for orthopedic consultations. Patient-reported outcome measures are significant in the assessment burden of any condition on the effects of intervention as well as research. The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a region-specific tool that was identified as one of the most commonly used evaluation tools for foot complaints. This study aimed to translate, cross-cultural adapt, and test the psychometric properties of FFI in the Urdu language.MethodologyThe FFI was translated into Urdu language (FFI-U) following Beaton et al. translation guidelines. The data were collected from 230 Urdu-speaking participants with different foot and ankle pathologies. Data collection started after the written informed consent from the participants. All participants completed the FFI-U, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), SF-36, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at baseline while only 30 participants completed ULFI-U after one week for test-retest reliability. The psychometric properties involved reliability and validity testing. Reliability was assessed where internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability through the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). FFI-U was tested for face validity and construct validity (convergent and discriminant). Psychometric criteria were examined against priori hypotheses, and alpha level (p-value < 0.05) was considered statistically significant.ResultsFFI-U demonstrated good reliability with internal consistency (α = 0.86) and test-retest reliability with intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.845 (0.78–0.89). A moderate correlation was found using Pearson correlation between FFI-U total score and physical components of SF-36, VAS (pain, disability), and FAOS (γ= -0.65, 0.72, 0.71, -0.68) respectively, indicating convergent validity however, a weak correlation was found with mental components of SF-36 (γ=-0.25) demonstrating discriminant validity. Face validity was assessed at the pre-final testing stage by interviewing patients. There were no floor and ceiling effects found for FFI-U.ConclusionThe FFI-U has been found reliable, valid, and feasible tool to be used as a patient-reported outcome measure to assess functional levels with different foot and ankle disorders in Urdu speaking population.

Impact of emotional intelligence on SME employees’ performance: Mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior

This study delves into the intricate correlation between emotional intelligence and employee performance within the dynamic setting of Saudi small and medium enterprises. Acknowledging the increasing importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, this study examines how emotional intelligence influences employee performance, with particular attention to the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior. Employing a comprehensive research framework, the study integrates quantitative methods to analyze data collected from 248 employees across various Saudi-based small and medium enterprises. The findings indicate that high emotional intelligence enhances employee performance, with organizational citizenship behavior serving as a crucial mediator, strengthening the positive impact of emotional intelligence on performance. The results demonstrated a robust positive correlation with organizational citizenship behavior (β = 0.719***) and a moderate positive correlation with employee performance (β = 0.314***). In addition, organizational citizenship behavior played a significant positive mediating role between employee intelligence and employee performance (β = 0.397***). This suggests a nuanced interplay among emotional intelligence, organizational citizenship behavior, and overall employee performance within the specific context of Saudi small and medium enterprises. Acknowledgment The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Northern Border University, Arar, KSA, for funding this research work through project number NBU-FFR- 1502-03.

Hair cortisol concentrations in clipped and combed hair and associations with characteristics, health status and stress in domestic cats

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are measured to assess long-term HPA-axis activity and may represent a valuable non-invasive tool to evaluate chronic stress in cats. This study investigated combing as a novel, low-stress method for HCC assessment, as well as possible associations between HCC and cat characteristics in 167 owned cats. Hair was sampled at veterinary clinics through clipping and/or combing the cat, or at home by the owner combing the cat. A questionnaire was sent to cat owners, including inquiries about the cat’s sex, health status, and exposure to stress. HCC was quantified using a commercial cortisol assay kit. Despite variations within and between sampling methods, Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman plots revealed a moderate correlation between clipped and combed samples (rs = 0.61, LOA -5.51 ± 22.54). In multiple linear regression, variations in HCC were observed based on sex, health status and cat group size. No associations were found between HCC and stress as assessed by owners. Despite study limitations and remaining uncertainty regarding factors influencing HCC, combing presents a convenient approach for evaluating long-term HPA-axis activity in clinical settings. The association between health and HCC suggests alterations in cortisol levels that are related to disease processes and stress-inducing events associated with the disease.

Correlation of bilirubin and toxic bile acids in critically ill patients with cholestatic liver dysfunction and adsorber application

Bilirubin is one of the most frequently used laboratory values to monitor critically ill patients with cholestatic liver dysfunction. Besides bilirubin, toxic bile acids (TBAs), which may cause severe organ damage, are typically elevated. A correlation between both parameters seems plausible, but data are lacking. The aim was to investigate whether there is a correlation between bilirubin and TBAs in patients’ blood and whether a compareable reduction can be observed during the use of the adsorber CytoSorb (CS). As part of the Cyto-SOLVE study (NCT04913298), 16 critically ill patients with cholestatic liver dysfunction, bilirubin concentration > 10 mg/dl, continuous kidney replacement therapy and CS-application were investigated. Bilirubin and TBA concentrations were measured from arterial blood at defined time points (before start, after 6 and 12 h). Relative reduction (RR) was calculated using the formula\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\:{\\boldsymbol{RR}}\\:{\\boldsymbol{\\left(\\%\\right)}}=\\frac{{\\boldsymbol{concentration\\left(pre-post\\right)}}}{{\\boldsymbol{concentration\\left(pre\\right)}}}*{\\boldsymbol{100}}$$\\end{document}. A moderate to high correlation between bilirubin and TBA concentration at all defined timepoints (rstart=0.64, p = 0.008; r6h = 0.85, p < 0.001, r12h = 0.72, p = 0.002) was observed. In the first six hours of CS-application, a significant elimination of TBA (median TBA: 30.8→20.1µmol/l, p < 0.001) and bilirubin (median bilirubin: 17.1→11.9 mg/dl, p < 0.001) was observed. The median RR after 6 h was 26.1% and 39.8% for bilirubin and TBA, respectively. No further reduction was observed after 12 h (RRbilirubin: – 0.6%, RRTBA: 1.8%). There was an at least moderate correlation between bilirubin and TBA in patients with cholestatic liver dysfunction. Therefore, bilirubin seems to be a suitable surrogate parameter for TBA elimination during CytoSorb application.

Handgrip Strength and Upper Limb Anthropometric Characteristics among Latin American Female Volleyball Players

Background: In volleyball, the upper limb dimensions and grip strength greatly influence offensive and defensive movements during a match. However, the relationship between these parameters remains underexplored in elite female volleyball players. Objective: This study aimed to contrast the upper limb anthropometric characteristics and handgrip strength (HGS) of female elite volleyball players against a control group. Methods: Selected upper limb anthropometric parameters and maximal HGS of 42 female volleyball players and 40 non-athletes were measured. Results: Players exhibited higher values in almost all variables studied than non-athletes. The differences were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001) except for body mass index and elbow and wrist diameters. Players showed a moderate correlation between dominant HGS and hand parameters (length r = 0.43 and breadth r = 0.63; p &lt; 0.05). Weak correlations were identified with height, upper arm length, elbow diameter, and hand shape index (r = 0.32 to 0.38; p &lt; 0.05). In the non-dominant hand, a moderate correlation with handbreadth (r = 0.55, p ≤ 0.01) and weak correlations with upper arm length, wrist diameter, hand length, and hand shape index (r = 0.32 to 0.35; p ≤ 0.05) was found. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of the upper limb anthropometric parameters as predictors of HGS and their utility in athlete selection. Future research should investigate biomechanical factors influencing HGS and injury prevention.

Subsidizing as a tool to ensure economic sovereignty: a quantitative analysis

Objective: to assess the relationship between the basic monetary instrument of state support for industry – subsidies – and basic macro-indicators of its effectiveness in the context of economic sovereignty. Methods: content analysis of publications, statistical analysis of macroeconomic indicators, econometric analysis on a wide sample of countries. Results: 1) the analysis of mentioning the category “subsidies” in Russian, English and Chinese printed publications confirmed the high interest to subsidies in China; 2) the analysis of correlation between the level of subsidies and the basic macro-indicators by countries on IMF data showed statistically significant correlations of the level of subsidies with the level of current account balance (low correlation) and GDP per capita (moderate correlation); 3) the evaluation showed no significant relationship between the level of subsidies and GDP per capita. According to the study results, conclusions were drawn about the absence of dependence between the level of transfers provided and the decrease of dependence on import. Scientific novelty: the hypothesis was checked that the level of subsidies in the state has a statistically significant impact on the country’s current account balance. The model is based on earlier studies with the added analysis of the role of subsidies in reaching the economic development goals. The novelty of this study consists in the absence of a significant relationship between the level of subsidies and the current account balance. Practical significance: the study results can be useful to specialists in the field of industrial policy. They provide a basis for a fuller understanding of the tools to ensure technological sovereignty. Modifications of the regression model can be used in further studies of the factors of the current account balance.

The impact of maturation level, not chronological age, on attentional control: implications for sports injury prevention in female adolescents

BackgroundNon-contact injuries are highly prevalent among young athletes and occur particularly in situations that require fast decision making and divided attention. Administering relevant neurocognitive tests could help identify deficiencies in these cognitive abilities and thus potentially mitigate injury risk. However, processes such as selective attention and response inhibition might depend to some extent on the athlete’s maturation stage. We aimed to examine the effect of maturation on selective visual attention and response inhibition among adolescent volleyball players.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 52 female adolescents (age 12.3 ± 2.1 years) performed an Eriksen Flankers task. Participants were divided into subgroups based on their estimated adult stature, using the Khamis & Roche method: Pre-pubertal (PRE; n = 13, age: 9.9 ± 1.3), early-puberty (EPUB; n = 7, age: 10.5 ± 0.6), mid-puberty (MPUB; n = 8, age: 12.6 ± 0.8) and late puberty (LPUB; n = 24, age: 14.1 ± 0.9). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed on congruent and incongruent reaction times (RT), with corresponding success rates (% correct responses) as covariate. Flanker interference effect was tested using ANOVA. Correlations were further examined between the dependent variables and participants’ chronological age.ResultsThere was a significant group effect, with PRE demonstrating longer RT compared with LPUB (P < 0.001) for both congruent and incongruent RT. Moderate negative correlations were observed between age and RT (Rp = -0.695, Rp = -0.614 for congruent and incongruent RT, respectively) and low positive correlations between age and incongruent success rate (Rs = 0.318). Low to moderate correlations were also observed within the LPUB group for RT (Rp = -0.431–-0.532) and success rate (negative Rs = -574 for congruent and positive Rs = 0.417 for incongruent). There were no group differences nor age associations with interference effect.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that information processing and selective visual attention are superior at late maturation compared with early maturation among female adolescents. The same cannot be said for response inhibition, which did not differ between maturation groups. Similar tendencies were observed with regards to chronological age, but not entirely explained by it. Maturation level, rather than chronological age, should guide practitioners during sport participation and injury prevention programs for young athletes, whose neurocognitive abilities are not yet fully developed, placing them at risk for non-contact injuries.

Reliability, Objectivity, Validity, and Reference Levels of the Austrian Pole Climbing Test (APCT)—A Novel Monitoring Tool for Assessing General Fitness in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

Climbing is an activity involving many major muscle groups and, therefore, it is suitable for assessing general physical fitness. The Austrian pole climbing test (APCT) was developed as a reliable and valid test for the assessment of general fitness levels in children, adolescents, and young adults. In this cross-sectional pilot study, 677 participants (aged 6 to 19 years) were assessed via the APCT. Subsequently, test quality criteria (reliability and objectivity) were assessed, and the test’s validity was evaluated through comparisons with other established fitness tests (hand grip strength, standing long jump, and pull- and push-ups). Additionally, age- and gender-specific reference values were generated. The reliability (ICC2.1 = 0.97, 95%CI 0.95 to 0.98) and objectivity (ICC2.1 = 0.99, 95%CI 0.99 to 0.99) of the APCT were found to be excellent. The APCT results correlated strongly with the hand strength per kilogram of body weight (right: r = 0.58; left: r = 0.53), number of pull-ups (with upper grip: r = 0.74; with lower grip: r = 0.69) and standing long jump (r = 0.61); a moderate correlation with the push-up test was observed (r = 0.44). The APCT is reliable, objective, and suitable for children, adolescents, and young adults with an affinity for sports. It offers a novel opportunity to assess fitness without time pressure, considering the anthropometric requirements.

Effect of advancing age on event-related potentials (P300) measures

BackgroundAging has been defined as a persistent deterioration in the age-specific fitness components of an organism, attributed to internal physiological degeneration. Cognitive abilities, encompassing attention, memory, executive cognitive functions, language, and visuospatial capacities, are distinctive domains affected by aging. Numerous studies have documented measurable effects on these cognitive domains, indicating a discernible decline in their functionality with advancing age. Cognitive impairment often unfolds insidiously, remaining clinically silent for extended periods. Age, as a critical factor, exerts a notable influence on P300 measures.ResultSpearman rank correlation was calculated between age and P300 measures. In group 1A (age range of 10–20 years), we found a strong positive correlation between age and amplitude of P300 (r = 0.96, p < 0.001), while a weak correlation was found between latency and age. In group IB (age range: 21–40 years), a moderate negative correlation (r = − 0.43, p < 0.05) was found between age and amplitude of P300, while a strong positive correlation (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) was obtained between age and latency. In group 2A (age: 41–60 years), it was found that amplitude has a strong negative correlation (r = − 0.97, p < 0.001) with age, while latency has a strong positive correlation (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). In group 2B (age: 61–80 years), it was found that amplitude has a strong negative correlation (r = − 0.93, p < 0.001) with age, while latency has a strong positive correlation (r = 0.95, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this study, it is concluded that amplitude of P300 decreases and latency increases with increasing age.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire.

To psychometrically validate the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire (DEQS-CHN) among Chinese patients with dry eye. This study involved 231 participants, including 191 with dry eye disease (DED) comprising the dry eye disease group, and 40 healthy participants forming the control group. Participants were required to complete the DEQS-CHN, and Chinese dry eye questionnaire and undergo clinical tests including the fluorescein breakup time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and Schirmer I test. To assess the internal consistency and retest reliability, Cronbach's α and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were employed. Content validity was assessed by item-level content validity index (ICV) and an average scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave). Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. The concurrent validity was assessed by calculating correlations between DEQS-CHN and Chinese dry eye questionnaire. Discriminative validity was evaluated through non-parametric tests, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve serving as conclusive indicators of the questionnaire's distinguishing capability. The Cronbach's α coefficients for frequency and degree of ocular symptoms, impact on daily life, and summary score were 0.736, 0.704, 0.811, 0.818, 0.861, and 0.860, respectively, and the ICC were 0.611, 0.677, 0.715, 0.769, 0.711, and 0.779, respectively. All I-CVI scores ranged from 0.833 to 1.000, with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.956. Confirmatory factor analysis results exhibited a well-fitting model consistent with the original questionnaire [χ 2/df=2.653, incremental fit index (IFI)=0.924, comparative fit index (CFI)=0.924, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI)=0.909, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.065]. There was a moderate positive correlation between the DEQS-CHN and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire (r 2=0.588). The dry eye group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group, and the area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.8092. The DEQS-CHN has been demonstrated as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the impact of dry eye disease on the quality of life among Chinese individuals with DED.

A Review and Meta-Analysis of Genotype by Environment Interaction in Commercial Shrimp Breeding

(1) Background: Genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E) can adversely impact genetic improvement programs. The presence of G×E is mainly measured as the genetic correlation between the same trait measured in different environments where departure from unity can be taken as presence of G×E. (2) Methods: To understand the extent of G×E in shrimp production, a review and meta-analysis was conducted using the results from 32 peer-reviewed studies. (3) Results: Of these, 22 G×E studies were conducted on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) with fewer studies reported in other shrimp species. The most frequently studied traits were growth and survival, with relatively few studies on traits of economic importance. The meta-analysis demonstrated a moderately high genetic correlation (rg = 0.72 ± 0.05) for growth, indicating low to moderate levels of G×E with some re-ranking of breeding values across environments. However, substantial G×E was evident for survival where only a moderate genetic correlation (rg = 0.58 ± 0.07) was observed for survival across different environments. A re-ranking of breeding values is likely for this trait and genetic improvement of shrimp for survival in one environment may not be effective in other environments. The results from ANOVA-based studies show that G×E accounted for 6.42 ± 1.05% and 7.13 ± 3.46% of the variation for growth and survival traits, respectively. (4) Conclusion: The significance of G×E necessitates tailored genetic improvement programs in commercial shrimp breeding. We discuss the scope and challenges of G×E for shrimp breeding programs, including opportunities of implementing G×E in genomic selection programs.

Social participation and its relationships with sensorimotor and functional aspects in post-stroke patients

Objective: To describe social participation and assess its correlation with sensorimotor impairment and functional independence in patients after a stroke in a region of Northeast Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 stroke patients, aged 18 years or older, selected for convenience from the institution's health records. Participants were assessed using the following clinical instruments: Assessment of Life Habits 3.1 (LIFE-H 3.1), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) - motor subsection (upper limb-UL and lower limb-LL), and Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA). Results: Post-stroke patients exhibited reduced social participation (LIFE-H 3.1), with moderate positive correlations observed between the personal, mobility, and responsibility domains and the total scores of FIM, FIM motor, FMA-motor, and FMA-UL. There was a moderate positive correlation between the total scores of LIFE-H 3.1, FIM, FMA-motor, and FMA-UL. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a critical loss of social participation in post-stroke subjects, likely attributed to various sensorimotor and functional aspects, in a semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

Validation of the Japanese version of Algoplus® for the assessment of acute postoperative pain in older patients with cancer.

This study aimed to validate a Japanese version of the Algoplus® tool by assessing postoperative pain in older Japanese patients with cancer and examining the scale's psychometric properties. After translating Algoplus® into Japanese, we conducted a cross-sectional study of patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery to remove malignant tumors. Two registered nurse-certified investigators used the Numerical Rating Scale, the Japanese version of Algoplus®, and the Japanese version of the Abbey Pain Scale before and after analgesic use on postoperative days 3 and 5 to evaluate response to pharmacologic therapy. Validity was tested by a correlation analysis between the Japanese version of Algoplus®, two pain scales, and nine hypotheses related to demographic variables and surgical invasions. The Kuder-Richardson-20 test and Cohen's Kappa coefficient were used for internal consistency and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The total score of the Japanese version of Algoplus® showed strong to moderate correlations with the two pain scales. Demographic characteristics were not associated with the total score of the Japanese version, but significant correlations with operative time and postoperative analgesia administration existed. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson-20 α: .70) and inter-rater reliability (Kappa coefficient .72). The total score of the Japanese version decreased significantly after analgesic use in both postoperative assessments. The Japanese version of Algoplus® is a reliable and valid instrument for nurses to easily assess acute postoperative pain in older Japanese patients with cancer and shows good responsiveness for detecting the change in pain status.

Development of low-cost pressure mapping device to evaluate force distribution for seat cushion modification

This study aimed to determine the reliability and concurrent validity of a low-cost pressure mapping system (Smart mat) and reference standard pressure mapping (MatScan). Thirty healthy volunteers aged 29.57 ± 4.50 years who could sit still for at least one minute and had a hip width of less than 40 cm (36 ± 2.05 cm) were recruited. The participants sat on the Smart mat system and MatScan for 60 s per trial for 3 trials. The reliability of Smart mat using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) showed an excellent ICC of normalised total force (nTF) and normalised ischial width (nIW) in sitting (0.93, 0.98). The validity was assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients, which showed that nTF in sitting had a significantly strong correlation (r = 0.70**) and nIW in sitting had a significantly moderate correlation (r = 0.67**). This study’s satisfactory results indicated that a low-cost pressure mapping system could be used for assessing forced distribution and ischial width during sitting.

Cognitive assessment during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Cross-sectional study. Cognitive screening is underdeveloped in spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, the objectives of our study were: (1) to evaluate cognitive functioning of rehabilitation inpatients with recently acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); (2) to analyse associations between patient and lesion characteristics and the MoCA scores and (3) to compare the MoCA with the cognitive domain of the Utrecht scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation (USER). Inpatient rehabilitation in a specialized rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. MOCA and USER data of inpatients between November 2020 and December 2021 were used. Correlation and regression analysis were used. Included were 98 adults aged (median) 61.6 years (range 19.5-83.6), 66% male, 26.5% traumatic SCI, 63% persons with paraplegia. MoCA and USER scores were available for 83 and 92 individuals, respectively. In 44.6% of the participants, the MoCA score was below the cut-off. Age (r = 0.31, p = 0.005) and educational level (r = 0.54 P < 0.00) were significantly correlated to the MoCA score. The MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER were moderately correlated (r = 0.25, p = 0.03). Almost half of the inpatients scored below the cut-off score on the MoCA. Since the MoCA is a validated cognitive screening tool, the moderate correlation of the MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER suggests that the USER alone is not sufficient in detecting cognitive deficits. We recommend to screen for cognitive deficits in all people with new SCI. None.

The impact of internal and external loads on player performance in Chinese basketball association

BackgroundLimited research has investigated the association between training load and performance of basketball players during games. Little is known about how different indicators of player performance are affected by internal and external loads. The purpose of this study was to determine whether external and internal loads influence basketball players’ performance during games.MethodThis longitudinal study involved 20 professional male basketball players from a single team, classified as first-level athletes by the Chinese Basketball Association. During 34 games, external load was measured as PlayerLoad using micro-sensors, while internal load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Player performance was quantified using three metrics: Efficiency, Player Index Rating (PIR), and Plus-Minus (PM). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the strength of the relationships between training loads and performance metrics. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to further analyze the influence of internal and external loads on basketball performance.ResultsPearson correlation analysis revealed moderate positive correlations between both sRPE and PlayerLoad with Efficiency and PIR. Specifically, sRPE (r = 0.52) and PlayerLoad (r = 0.54) were both significantly correlated with Efficiency. For PIR, sRPE (r = 0.50) and PlayerLoad (r = 0.56) also demonstrated moderate correlations. These correlations were further substantiated by linear mixed-effects models, which showed that sRPE (β = 2.21, p < 0.001) and PlayerLoad (β = 1.87, p = 0.004) had significant independent effects on Efficiency. Similarly, sRPE (β = 2.15, p < 0.001) and PlayerLoad (β = 2.36, p < 0.001) significantly predicted PIR. Additionally, a significant interaction effect between PlayerLoad and sRPE was found on Plus-Minus (β = -2.49, p < 0.001), indicating that the combination of high physical and psychological loads negatively impacted overall team performance. However, the correlation strengths for Plus-Minus were relatively low (sRPE: r = 0.16; PlayerLoad: r = 0.10).ConclusionBoth external and internal loads positively contribute to performance, the integration of objective (accelerometry) and subjective (sRPE) measures of load provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological and psychological demands on athletes, contributing to more effective training regimens and performance optimization.

A new test for evaluation of marginal cognitive function deficits in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus through expressing texture recognition by sound symbolic words

IntroductionThe number of dementia patients is increasing with population aging. Preclinical detection of dementia in patients is essential for access to adequate treatment. In previous studies, dementia patients showed texture recognition difficulties. Onomatopoeia or sound symbolic words (SSW) are intuitively associated with texture impressions and are less likely to be affected by aphasia and description of material perception can be easily obtained. In this study, we aimed to create a test of texture recognition ability expressed by SSW to detect the presence of mild cognitive disorders.MethodsThe sound symbolic words texture recognition test (SSWTRT) is constructed from 12 close-up photos of various materials and participants were to choose the best SSW out of 8 choices to describe surface texture in the images in Japanese. All 102 participants seen in Juntendo University Hospital from January to August 2023 had a diagnosis of possible iNPH (age mean 77.9, SD 6.7). The answers were scored on a comprehensive scale of 0 to 1. Neuropsychological assessments included MMSE, FAB, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Pegboard Test, and Stroop Test from the EU-iNPH Grading Scale (GS). In study 1 the correlation between SSWTRT and the neuropsychological tests were analyzed. In study 2, participants were divided into two groups: the Normal Cognition group (Group A, n = 37) with MMSE scores of 28 points or above, and the Mild Cognitive Impairment group (Group B, n = 50) with scores ranging from 22 to 27 points, and its predictability were analyzed.ResultsIn study 1, the total SSWTRT score had a moderate correlation with the neuropsychological test results. In study 2, there were significant differences in the SSWTRT scores between groups A and B. ROC analysis results showed that the SSWTR test was able to predict the difference between the normal and mildly impaired cognition groups.ConclusionThe developed SSWTRT reflects the assessment results of neuropsychological tests in cognitive deterioration and was able to detect early cognitive deficits. This test not only relates to visual perception but is likely to have an association with verbal fluency and memory ability, which are frontal lobe functions.