Moderate Inverse Correlation Research Articles

Lower Perceived Social Support Associated With Greater Hopelessness in Patients After an Acute Ischemic Heart Disease Event.

Hopelessness is present in up 52% of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Lower perceived social support (PSS) has been associated with greater hopelessness in a pilot study of patients with IHD reporting moderate-severe hopelessness but has not been examined in a larger sample reporting none-severe levels of hopelessness and while controlling for covariates. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PSS and hopelessness in patients with IHD. Using a cross-sectional design, 178 participants were enrolled while hospitalized for an IHD event at 1 large hospital in the United States. Data collection occurred 2 weeks after hospital discharge using the State-Trait Hopelessness Scale, ENRICHD Social Support Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a demographic form, and a medical record abstraction form. Linear models were used to assess the association between variables in unadjusted models and models adjusted for demographic and medical history. Most participants were male (67%), married (67%), and non-Hispanic White (92%) and underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (61%). There was a moderate inverse correlation between PSS and state (r = -0.31, P < .001) and trait (r = -0.28, P < .001) hopelessness in unadjusted models. The relationships remained significant in adjusted models and did not differ by sex, type of IHD event, or marital status. Lower PSS was associated with greater hopelessness in patients with IHD. Assessing PSS and hopelessness during hospitalization for an IHD event may enable clinicians to provide targeted interventions to reduce risk of hopelessness and improve secondary prevention in patients with IHD.

Hydrogeological mapping of fracture networks using earth observation data to improve rainfall–runoff modeling in arid mountains, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Rainfall–runoff modeling is essential for the hydrological analysis of basins; however, the traditional modeling approach does not incorporate geological features such as fractures and fissures in the modeling task. These features are significant in the water loss during a rainstorm, which should be incorporated to obtain realistic rainfall–runoff results. A novel approach is presented here in to quantify the geological features and link them to the curve number (CN) method. The proposed methodology has not been applied in the literature. This approach is validated on five gauged basins, namely, Yiba, Al Lith, Liyya, Habawnah, and Tabalah, in the southwest part of Saudi Arabia. Four major stages are conducted. The first stage is the extraction of the geological lineaments using remote sensing and geographical information system technology; the second stage is estimating CN from rainfall–runoff data; the third stage is developing a relationship between CN and lineament density (LD); and the final stage is evaluating the developed equations on hydrological response. The least-squares method is employed to minimize the difference between observed and predicted runoff and determine the optimum range of CN. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of hydrological processes in fractured geologic systems and explores the influence of fractures on curve number. This study identifies two major lineament trends aligned with the Arabian trend direction, namely, north-northwest (NNW)–south-southeast (SSE) and north-northeast (NNE)–south-southwest (SSW). Furthermore, a moderate inverse correlation is established between LD and CN, highlighting the significance of geologic fractures on the hydrological response. The findings of this study provide insight into how the geological fissures in the mountainous region affected the rainfall–runoff response that leads to a low value of CN due to the water loss in the fissures and faults. As a result, this study clearly demonstrates the importance of the geological structures on rainfall–runoff responses.

The Impact of Uric Acid-Lowering Therapy on the Progression of Non-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background Hyperuricemia treatment can positively influence the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of uric acid-lowering therapy on the progression of CKD after three months. Materials and methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 126 patients with non-dialysis CKD in Can Tho Central General Hospital, Vietnam, from December 2018 to December 2019. Adopting a questionnaire survey method to collect information, including demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), personal history, previous medical history, diet, and use of drugs with the potential to affect the uric acid levels in the blood. Participants also underwent necessary tests, such as serum uric acid, serum creatinine, and blood lipids. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with non-dialysis CKD was 77.8%, and the average serum uric acid was 494.21 ± 131.57 µmol/L. Patients with a high-purine diet were about 18.85 times as likely to have hyperuricemia as those with a low-purine diet (p < 0.001, OR = 18.85, 95%CI: 4.233-83.938). BMI, stages of CKD, and hypertension were associated with the hyperuricemia rate (p < 0.05). After three months of treatment, 46.2% of patients achieved the serum uric acid target, and the patient group combined allopurinol with changing diet had a higher rate than the patient group changing diet only (p = 0.02). There was a moderate inverse correlation between the difference in serum uric acid and the difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after treatment (r = -0.5, p = 0.001). Conclusions The effective management of hyperuricemia by combining nonpharmacological (changing diet) and/or pharmacological (allopurinol) therapies may meaningfully improve the glomerular filtration rate in non-dialysis CKD patients with hyperuricemia.

Changes in Innate Immunity and Microbiome in Different Aging Phenotypes.

The indicators of innate immunity and the composition of the microbiome in the nasopharyngeal mucosa in centenarians with different aging phenotypes were analyzed. A significant increase in the expression of pattern-recognizing receptor genes (TLR2, TLR4, and NLRP3) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL18) was shown in the group of centenarians with pathological aging phenotype. In centenarians with successful aging phenotype, increased diversity of the microbiome composition was observed. At the same time, a moderate inverse correlation was found between an increase in the growth of the commensal bacterium Streptococcus salivarius and a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes IL1B and IL18. These findings can serve as biomarkers for the timely identification of the phenotype of aging in senile and elderly people.

Slow drilling technique may enhance peri-operative patient-reported outcomes in dental implant surgery.

A randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. To assess and compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between low-speed drilling without irrigation and high-speed drilling with irrigation for implant site preparation. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki principles, obtained approval from the local Ethics Committee, was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and was written in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. Included were adult patients with single posterior edentulism who exhibited good oral hygiene, sufficient bone dimensions for implant placement, adequate keratinized mucosa, stable occlusion, and a healthy periodontium. Patients were randomly assigned to either the test group (low-speed drilling (150 rpm) without irrigation) or the control group (high-speed drilling (800 rpm) with irrigation). A single dental implant was placed for each patient, with all surgeries conducted by the same experienced operator according to a standardized protocol. Patient satisfaction during surgery, including drilling-time perception, vibration, pressure, noise, comfort, and drowning sensation, as well as postoperative pain and inflammation, were assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using a 5-graded Likert scale for mouth opening, chewing, speaking, sleeping, daily routine, and job. Follow up extended on daily basis for 7 days. The PROMs were collected and analyzed in a blinded manner by independent researchers and a statistician to prevent bias. The study included 66 patients (33 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 54.5 years. Patients in the test group reported a lower perception of drilling time, vibration, and noise but a higher perception of pressure compared to the control group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Compared to the test group, patients in the control group experienced significantly greater drowning sensation and lesser comfort measures (p < 0.001). There was a moderate inverse correlation between drowning sensation and comfort (r = -0.57). The real drilling time was significantly longer in the test group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The test group reported significantly lower pain levels during the first 12 h (p < 0.05), and significantly lower inflammation levels at the second day (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed between the groups at any time point for any of the QOL parameters (p > 0.05). For a single implant site preparation, low-speed drilling without irrigation seems to offer greater patient comfort compared to high-speed drilling with irrigation, mainly due to reduced drowning sensation. Patients reported less postoperative pain and inflammation with the low-speed technique. Confirming these findings will require more research.

Branched Conduit Structure Beneath the Active Craters of Sakurajima Volcano Inferred From Muography

AbstractObserving in‐conduit physical mechanism underlying the switching of eruptive activity between the craters of multi‐vent volcanoes could contribute to hazard assessment at these complex volcanic edifices. We performed monitoring of mass density changes beneath two active craters of Sakurajima volcano in Kyushu, Japan between September 2018 and July 2023 with cosmic‐ray muography. From December 2022, the mass density decreased beneath Minamidake crater and increased beneath Showa crater in accordance with a switch of eruptive activity from Minamidake crater to Showa crater. Plug formation and convective magma degassing processes have been observed with muography in accordance with the deformation of the surface of volcanic edifice measured by Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar. We found a moderate inverse correlation with a Pearson’s coefficient of −0.52 between the mass densities observed beneath the two active craters throughout the entire period. The inverse correlation of mass densities indicates a magmatic gas flux dynamics which characterizes a branched conduit structure. Muography thus reveals the shallow magmatic processes during switching of eruptive activity between the craters of multi‐vent volcanoes and allows to infer to the conduit structure.

Novel Immunohistochemical and Morphological Approaches in a Retrospective Study of Post-Mortem Myocarditis.

Background and Objectives: This study presents a retrospective analysis of 26 autopsy cases from a single centre, primarily focusing on forensic cases, with a majority of male individuals. Materials and Methods: We systematically analysed autopsy reports and cardiac tissue slides using haematoxylin-eosin stain and immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD163, and IL-6. The histological assessment evaluated key variables such as inflammation severity, necrosis, and background changes using a standardised grading system. Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical markers was performed, calculating the percentage of positively stained cells within the inflammatory infiltrate. Results: The average age was 51.6 years, slightly skewed towards older males. The fatalities varied widely, with sudden death and drug abuse being the most common conditions linked to myocarditis findings on histological examination. A strong correlation was found between the severity of inflammation (measured by size within a myocardium section) and the scoring system based on the number of inflammatory foci per section (p ≤ 0.001). Most cases showed mild to minimal fibrosis, with some exhibiting moderate to severe fibrosis, arteriosclerosis, and myocyte hypertrophy. The presence of protein CD3 in the inflammatory infiltrate revealed a moderate inverse correlation between the CD3 values and the severity of inflammation and necrosis, and a strong inverse correlation with neutrophil levels. CD3 levels were higher in sudden death cases and lower in cases with numerous inflammatory foci, highlighting the discreet nature of lymphocytic myocarditis. Macrophage presence, assessed using CD163, showed a moderate inverse correlation with neutrophil levels and significant differences between sudden death and non-sudden death cases. Macrophage-rich inflammation was observed in cases with pneumonia/bronchopneumonia-associated lesions. IL-6 expression showed a moderate direct correlation with inflammation severity (p = 0.028), severity of necrosis (p = 0.005), and the number of inflammatory foci per section (p = 0.047). A moderate inverse correlation was found between CD3 and IL-6 expression (p = 0.005). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for a unique immunohistochemical approach in forensic cases of myocarditis, differing from guidelines for endomyocardial biopsies due to diverse inflammatory cells. The study suggests exploring inflammatory chemokines within myocarditis foci for their significance in clinical scenarios. Specifically, IL-6, a crucial pro-inflammatory interleukin, correlated significantly with the severity of inflammation and necrosis (p < 0.05). This study provides novel and valuable insights into the histopathological and immunological markers of myocarditis in autopsy cases.

Impostor phenomenon and its association with resilience in medical education – a questionnaire study among Swedish medical students

BackgroundConcern over medical students’ well-being is a global issue, with studies showing high psychological distress rates. Impostor Phenomenon (IP), i.e., underestimating one’s abilities, attributing success to external factors, and feeling like a fraud, has been implicated as one reason behind these troubling findings. Meanwhile, resilience has been suggested to protect against psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IP and its association with resilience among undergraduate medical students.MethodsThe Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and sociodemographic questions were completed by 457 medical students registered in their 2-10th semester at a Swedish university. Of the respondents, 62.6% identified as women, 36.1% as men, and 1.3% as others.ResultsThe prevalence of IP was 58.4% (defined as CIPS score ≥ 62). According to the CIPS scoring guidelines, 10.3% of participants had low IP, 29.5% moderate, 41.6% frequent, and 18.6% intense IP. Of all participants, almost 90% experienced at least moderate and 60.2% frequent to intense IP. Women had significantly higher CIPS scores and lower BRS scores than men. In contrast, neither attending semester nor age group significantly impacted CIPS scores. Finally, there was a moderate inverse correlation between the level of resilience and the prevalence of IP.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the majority of Swedish medical students feels like an impostor, and of these students, most do so frequently. Furthermore, IP is more prevalent among female students – who also show lower levels of resilience. Moreover, our results indicated that IP could hinder achieving higher resilience. Future longitudinal studies should investigate how gender norms may contribute to IP feelings and explore the potential advantages of counteracting IP and strengthening resilience among medical students. However, targeted interventions addressing individual students’ IP and resilience are insufficient. There is also a need to address structural aspects of the educational environment, such as gender stereotypes, that may contribute to IP.

Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score in shoulder pathologies: cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Russian

Background. Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) Score is a single-answer scale widely used within the global medical community. However, to date, it has not been adapted and validated into Russian, particularly as a tool to assess orthopedic shoulder conditions. The aim of the study is to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Russian version of the SANE score as an assessment tool of orthopedic shoulder conditions. Methods. The study included a total of 160 patients with various shoulder pathologies, of which 101 (63%) males and 59 (37%) females. The median age was 45 (37-52) years. At the first stage of the study, we performed cross-cultural adaptation of the SANE score into Russian. The second stage was the validation of the obtained score. Its reliability, validity and responsiveness were evaluated. Reliability was assessed by “test-retest” method. It allowed to measure an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between the SANE score results obtained at the time of the first appointment and again in 14 days. The validity assessment was based on the comparison of the SANE and ASES (have already been adapted into Russian) score results. Responsiveness was assessed using statistical analysis for two dependent samples and calculation of the Guyatt’s Responsivity Index (GRI). Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated as the percentage of patients who reported either minimum or maximum scores. Results. The psychometric properties assessment has revealed good indicators of reliability (ICC = 0.77), validity (a strong direct correlation between SANE and ASES scores = 0.707; a moderate strength inverse correlation with ASES “Intensity of pain” subsection = 0.542) and responsiveness (GRI = 1.861). Floor and ceiling effects accounted for 1% and 3%, respectively, (all below 15%). Conclusions. Adapted to assess the shoulder conditions, the Russian version of the SANE score has good psychometric properties. Its advantage is the combination of completion speed and ease of use with a high-quality integrated subjective assessment of the patients’ set of complaints.

Seasonal aspects of macro, trace, and ultra trace element changes in soils with different anthropogenic loads

Studying seasonal changes in the concentrations of macro, trace and ultra trace elements in soil samples is important for solving a number of environmental problems in mountainous regions. An innovative technical approach, using a portable X-ray fluorescenceanalyzer, was used to detect changes in the concentrations of certain chemical elements in soil samples from different regions of Armenia during the four seasons. Based on the established Clark concentration for chemical elements, a pollution index was calculated. Regardless of the season, the significance of the pollution index for trace elements is greater than the value of the other elements of the group. Moderate direct and inverse correlations between macro and trace elements, as well as between trace and ultra trace elements were dominant throughout the experimental cycle in all soil samples. The results obtained are of practical importance for the development of mountain soils for agricultural use and can be useful for the preparation of geochemical maps of the distribution of macro, trace, and ultra trace elements to adjust the geochemical background of heavy metals in the soils of Armenia.

Discrimination, Internalized Sexual Prejudice and the Post-Sex Experience Among Members of Sexual Minorities

ABSTRACT Postcoital dysphoria (PCD) refers to a counter-intuitive experience of sadness, tearfulness, irritability or dysphoria following an otherwise satisfactory and consensual sexual experience. Research to date has primarily focused on heteronormative samples. The current study explored the prevalence of PCD, and potential correlates of internalized sexual prejudice, perceived discrimination, and sex life satisfaction within a LGBTQIA+ population. One hundred and seventy-two adults identifying as LGBTQIA+ completed an online survey. Main outcome measures included the Post Sex Experience Scale (p-SES), Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS), Satisfaction with Sex Life Scale (SWSLS), and study specific questions. Prevalence of PCD was 42% of males attracted to other males and 81% of participants identifying as bisexual/sexual fluid. A significant and a moderate inverse correlation was found between sex life satisfaction and PCD (r = −.75) for individuals identifying as bisexual/fluid sexual orientation. Significant correlations were found between perceived discrimination and PCD (weak positive correlation, r = .28), and sex life satisfaction and PCD (moderate negative correlation, r = −.59) in men attracted to men. This research suggests being a member of a sexual minority is associated with sex-related dysphoria and dissatisfaction. Further research is needed to further elucidate PCD.

Effect of patient characteristics on aortic attenuation in iodinated contrast-enhanced Abdominopelvic CT: A retrospective study

IntroductionContrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen and pelvis is a common imaging procedure. Hospitals typically follow fixed protocols of contrast volume administration for triple-phase CECT abdomen and pelvis scans and have found that patients are either underdosed or overdosed with respect to their body habitus. The aim of the study was to correlate different patient characteristics such as Total body weight (TBW), Lean Body Mass (LBM), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Blood Volume (BV) with aortic enhancement in the arterial and portal venous phases for CECT Abdomen and pelvis. MethodsA total of 106 patients who underwent triple-phase CECT abdomen & pelvis were retrospectively studied. A circular region-of-interest (ROI) of 100 mm2 was positioned on descending aorta for unenhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases to measure the aortic enhancement in Hounsfield's units. Measure of contrast attenuation (ΔH) was calculated from the difference of CT values on unenhanced images and contrast images. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relation of patient body characteristics with aortic enhancement. ResultsCorrelation analysis revealed that BMI exhibited the least correlation when compared to the other characteristics in both arterial (r = −0.3; p = 0.002) and portovenous phases (r = −0.35; p < 0.001) whereas TBW, LBW, BSA and BV reported moderate inverse correlations. BV was found to be the strongest of all characteristics under linear regression. ConclusionThe study supports the use of protocols that adjust contrast volume to either TBW, LBW, BSA, or BV for CT abdomen and pelvis scan. Implication of practiceThe right body parameter ensures optimal contrast enhancement, improving the visualization of anatomical structures and helps in adapting tailored contrast injection protocols.

Abstract PO4-12-09: National Physical Activity Guidelines and It’s Association with Fatigue in Patients with Breast Cancer Pre- and Post-Chemotherapy in a Prospective, Nationwide Study

Abstract Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most pervasive side effects of cancer and its treatment, reported by nearly 90% of patients. Physical activity (PA) during treatment may prevent or lessen CRF burden. Current aerobic PA guidelines for cancer patients recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate PA or 75 minutes of vigorous PA or some equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA). Many patients have difficulty meeting these guidelines during treatment, however, meeting these guidelines may not be necessary to alleviate CRF. This study evaluated patterns of PA below the recommended guidelines and their association with CRF in cancer patients during treatment. Methods: In a nationwide, prospective cohort study of patients with stage I-IIIC breast cancer (n=580) we assessed the relationship between self-reported PA (Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study PA) and CRF (Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, MFSI) pre- and post-chemotherapy. Spearman correlations were utilized to evaluate the association of all PA (MET hr/wk) and MVPA (MET hr/wk) with overall CRF (total MFSI) and 5 CRF subdimensions (general, physical, emotional, mental CRF and vigor) at pre- and post-chemotherapy. ANCOVA estimated mean CRF score according to whether patients weekly MVPA (1) met 100% of the PA guidelines, (2) met 50%-99% of the PA guidelines (75-149 minutes), or (3) did not meet 50% of the PA guidelines (&amp;lt; 75 minutes). Results: Pre-chemotherapy, only 34% of participants met the PA guidelines, post-chemotherapy, only 21% of patients met the PA guidelines. At both time points, we observed small to moderate inverse correlations of MVPA with overall CRF and several subdimensions of CRF (Table 1; r = -0.11, -0.19). Pre-chemotherapy, those who did not meet 50% of the PA guidelines report significantly higher total CRF compared to those who met the PA guidelines (12.5 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 1.5; p&amp;lt; 0.001). However, those who met only 50%-99% of the PA guidelines, had comparable total CRF to those who fully met the PA guidelines (7.2 ± 2.2; p=0.474). A similar pattern was observed for the subdimensions general, mental, and physical CRF. Those who met 50% of the guidelines also had significantly lower vigor compared to those who met the guidelines (11.9 ± 0.3 vs 13.8 ± 0.4; p&amp;lt; 0.001), while those who met 50%-99% of the guidelines had comparable vigor to those who fully met guidelines (13.1 ± 0.6; p=0.278). Post-chemotherapy CRF was higher among all patient’s, again there was no significant difference in total, general, physical CRF and vigor between those who met the PA guidelines and those who met 50%-99% of the PA guidelines. Conclusions: All PA was consistently inversely associated with CRF pre- and post-chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer. Current minimum aerobic PA guidelines for patients with cancer are difficult to achieve during treatment. Lower doses of MVPA than the current PA guidelines suggest may provide equal benefit and represent a more achievable goal for patients with cancer. Table 1: Spearman correlations of CRF and physical activity in patients with breast cancer pre- and post-chemotherapy. Table 2: ANCOVA; Mean CRF score according to the PA guidelines. Citation Format: Lindsey Mattick, Hongying Sun, Karen Mustian, Luke Peppone, AnnaLynn Williams, Po-Ju Lin, Evelyn Arana, Jeremy McGuire, Amarinthia Curtis, Alison Conlin, Lora Weiselberg, Michelle Janelsins. National Physical Activity Guidelines and It’s Association with Fatigue in Patients with Breast Cancer Pre- and Post-Chemotherapy in a Prospective, Nationwide Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-12-09.

Investigating the shared genetic basis and causal relationships between mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue inflammation and psychiatric disorders.

Chronic and acute inflammation of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue have been positively linked to the development of psychiatric disorders in observational studies. However, it remains unclear whether this association is causal. In the present study, we investigated this association, using as proxies genetically predicted tonsillectomy, appendectomy and appendicitis on psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar depression (BD) and anxiety (ANX) via a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Genetic association summary statistics for tonsillectomy, appendectomy and appendicitis were sourced from FinnGen Consortium, comprising data from 342,000 participants. Genetic correlations between all exposures and outcome were calculated with Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) Regression analysis. MR estimates were then calculated to assess their impact on the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Sensitivity analysis was employed to test for any directional pleiotropy. Our results suggest that there is no direct causal association between tonsillectomy, appendectomy or appendicitis with a heightened risk for development of psychiatric disorders. The robustness of the results of the main MR analysis was further confirmed with additional sensitivity analyses. However, a moderate inverse genetic correlation was observed between tonsillectomy and MDD traits (rg=-0.39, p-value (P)=7.5x10-5). Our findings provide, for the first time, evidence that there is no causal association between tonsillectomy or appendectomy on subsequent vulnerability of developing psychiatric disorders. Future studies using larger sample size GWAS should focus on unraveling the confounding factors and mediators to investigate this relationship further.

Acute Dissociation and Ketamine's Antidepressant and Anti-Suicidal Ideation Effects in a Midazolam-Controlled Trial.

We sought to explore relationships of acute dissociative effects of intravenous ketamine with change in depression and suicidal ideation and with plasma metabolite levels in a randomized, midazolam-controlled trial. Data from a completed trial in suicidal, depressed participants (n = 40) randomly assigned to ketamine was used to examine relationships between ketamine treatment-emergent dissociative and psychotomimetic symptoms with pre/post-infusion changes in suicidal ideation and depression severity. Nonparametric correlational statistics were used. These methods were also used to explore associations between dissociative or psychotomimetic symptoms and blood levels of ketamine and metabolites in a subset of participants (n = 28) who provided blood samples immediately post-infusion. Neither acute dissociative nor psychotomimetic effects of ketamine were associated with changes in suicidal ideation or depressive symptoms from pre- to post-infusion. Norketamine had a trend-level, moderate inverse correlation with dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-injection (P = .064; P =.013 removing 1 outlier). Dehydronorketamine correlated with Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale scores at 40 minutes (P = .034), 230 minutes (P = .014), and Day 1 (P = .012). We did not find evidence that ketamine's acute, transient dissociative, or psychotomimetic effects are associated with its antidepressant or anti-suicidal ideation actions. The correlation of higher plasma norketamine with lower dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-treatment suggests dissociation may be more an effect of the parent drug.

Singing Habit Potentially Prevents the Oral Frailty of Japanese Healthy Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals

BACKGROUND: Focus has recently been placed on the importance of taking measures against the oral frailty of healthy elderly individuals.&#x0D; &#x0D; OBJECTIVE: To exploratorily examine the association of singing habit with the oral frailty of Japanese healthy middle-aged and elderly subjects.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: Self-reported questionnaire surveys on singing habit, oral frailty, social isolation, and depressive tendency were conducted. Pearson&amp;rsquo;s correlation coefficients were calculated, and simple linear regression analysis assessed the association of an independent variable (singing habit scores) with a dependent variable [oral frailty index (OFI)-8 scores], while multiple linear regression analysis assessed the associations of independent variables (age, gender, as well as the presence or absence of singing habit, social isolation, and depressive tendency) with the OFI-8 scores.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: 32 subjects (6 males and 26 females; mean age, 69.0&amp;plusmn;5.6 years) participated in the surveys. The OFI-8 scores ranged from 0 to 11 points (mean score: 3.3&amp;plusmn;2.3 points), with the most predominant score of 4 points (8/32, 25.0%). Simple linear regression analysis (n=32) revealed that singing habit significantly lowered the OFI-8 scores (p=0.045), although no correlation was detected (R2=0.1269). Multiple linear regression analysis (n=31) revealed that singing habit showed a moderate inverse correlation (b, -1.73; r=-0.44) with and significantly lowered the OFI-8 scores (p=0.03), suggesting its potential of reducing the risk of oral frailty. Age, social isolation, and depressive tendency had no significant association with the OFI-8 scores.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The present exploratory study does not provide conclusive evidence about oral frailty prevention by singing habit but affords underpinnings for further research.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Singing Habit, Oral Frailty, Depression, Social Isolation, Healthy Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals, Self-reported Questionnaire Surveys

Optical coherence tomography in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that damages myelinated fibers within the central nervous system. Data obtained using optical coherence tomography (OCT) have recently been identified as a potential biomarker for this disease. We aimed to measure circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) using OCT and to compare the results in healthy participants with those of individuals having clinically definitive MS with and without a history of optic neuritis. This cross-sectional study recruited patients with clinically confirmed MS, with and without optic neuritis, and healthy individuals as a control group. We documented demographic characteristics, duration of MS, and time elapsed since the episode of optic neuritis. All participants underwent a thorough ocular examination and measurement of total, superior, and inferior cpRNFLT using swept-source OCT. In participants with MS, women outnumbered men in the subsets with (90%) and without (64%) optic neuritis. The control group comprised approximately similar numbers of men and women. There was a statistically significant difference in total, superior, and inferior cpRNFLT between study groups (all P < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly thinner total, superior, and inferior cpRNFLTs in patients having MS with and without (all P < 0.001) optic neuritis when compared with the controls. We found significantly higher total, superior, and inferior cpRNFLTs in women than in men (all P < 0.05). However, we found no significant correlation between total, superior, or inferior cpRNFLT and patient age, duration of MS, or time elapsed since the optic neuritis episode (all P > 0.05), except for a significant moderate inverse correlation between patient age and total cpRNFLT (r = - 0.41; P < 0.05), indicating a loss of total cpRNFLT with age. Patients with clinically confirmed MS, with or without optic neuritis, had a significantly decreased cpRNFLT compared to that of healthy individuals. There was a significant inverse correlation between age and total cpRNFLT and a difference in cpRNFLT between the sexes, indicating that age and sex may influence the measurement of cpRNFLT using OCT in patients with MS. As a screening tool, OCT should be used along with other existing diagnostic modalities for patients with definite or suspected MS. Further longitudinal studies including various classifications of MS with or without isolated episodes of optic neuritis, along with diagnostic accuracy studies, could provide more robust conclusions on the suitability of OCT as a biomarker of MS.

Control of Cardiac Biomarkers Concentrations, Central Hemodynamics and Their Correlation During Gastrointestinal Bleeding

We did not observe high values of cardiac markers and changes in central hemodynamic parameters in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) and a correlation between them, this led to the decision to conduct a study. Clinical materials of 457 patients diagnosed with GIB were analyzed. Cardiac pathology was detected in 150 patients. Dynamic changes in cardiac biomarkers and central hemodynamic indicators in patients were studied in 3 stages. Phase I, period included in ICU; Stage II - 24 hours after admission to the ICU; the third stage covers the next 48 hours. The concentration troponin, BNP, myoglobin and CK-Mb was studied in the patients and it was found that although the concentration of these biomarkers was high in the first stage, these concentrations decreased and reached normal levels in the later stages of the dynamics against the background of the treatment. Dynamic changes of central hemodynamic indicators (CHI): stroke volume, cardiac minute volume, peripheral vascular resistance and myocardial oxygen demand were studied in 3 stages. It was found that although SV was low, it dynamically increased in the later stages and did not reach the normal level. This is a clear example of continued hypovolemia. Peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) from blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract was greater than normal in all three phases. PVR remained high and was statistically honest because the volume of circulating blood was not fully corrected despite the treatments. Also, the correlation between central hemodynamic indicators and cardiac markers was studied, showing that in stage I, there is a strong contrast between CMV and CK-MB; Strong straight between PVR and BNP; In stage II, strong contrast between CMV and BNP; Strongly flat between PVR and CK-MB; In stage III, the average level is between CMV and myoglobin; We proved that there is a moderate inverse correlation between PVR and cTn and it is statistically honest. Thus, although CHI was slightly less than the norm in the initial period, it normalized in the later stages, but PVR remained high in all stages. This caused a sharp increase in PVR as a compensatory response to the decrease in circulating blood volume during acute GIB. Among the cardiac markers, we associate the rise of troponin during the bleeding period with damage to postanemic, hypoxic myocardial muscles. Among the cardiac markers, a sharp increase in BNP is an indicator of the development of left ventricular failure and is associated with a sharp increase in PVR, and we also proved that there is a strong direct relationship between them.

Utility of MRI in detection of PET-CT proven local recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma after surgery.

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the accuracy and inter-observer reliability of MRI in detection of local recurrence (LR) of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) after surgery, which was proved by PET-CT and access correlation between functional MRI and PET parameters. Forty-five patients who underwent PET-CT and MRI for follow-up purposes after radical operation of PAC were included. Twenty-three were PET positive (study group) and 22 negative for LR (control group). MR examination was performed within one month after PET-CT and three readers who were blind for PET-CT findings searched LR in T2W, 3D-dynamic post-contrast T1W-FS and DWI sequences, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated while inter-reader agreement was estimated by Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient (CARC). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of LR was correlated with the size (maximal diameter) and functional PET-CT parameters: mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmean, SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rS). Sensitivity and specificity among three readers in detecting the LR were 70% and 77-84% in T2W (CARC 0.806), 91-100% and 100% in 3D post-contrast T1W-FS (CARC 0.980), and both 100% in DWI sequences (CARC 1.000). Moderate inverse correlation was found between the ADC and SUVmean (rS = -0.484), MTV (rS = -0.494), TLG (rS = -0.519) and lesion size (rS = -0.567). MRI with DWI shows high diagnostic accuracy in detecting the LR of PAC in comparison to PET-CT as reference standard. ADC significantly inversely correlates with standard and advanced PET parameters and size of LR.

Gross motor coordination and physical fitness in overweight and obese primary school children compared with normal weight peers

The epidemic of childhood obesity, the decline in the level of motor competence and health-related fitness, and simultaneously the increase in physical inactivity have been the subject of global professional and scientific discourse in the last two decades. This study is focused on the analysis of the level of gross motor coordination and physical fitness in primary school children in terms of their weight status. Data were collected from 219 primary school children (50.68% girls) with an average age of 9.48 years (SD = 0.47 years). Gross motor coordination was assessed with the KTK test. The children's physical fitness was assessed using six items of the Eurofit test. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was assessed based on the international childhood BMI cut-offs suggested by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Differences in the examined motor indicators between overweight/obese children and normal weight children were evaluated using independent samples t-test. Pearson correlations were performed to explore the associations between motor coordination indicators and BMI. The results of this study revealed overweight or obesity in more than one fifth of the participants (25.2% of girls and 21.3% of boys). Our study provides evidence that excessive body weight is negatively reflected both in gross motor coordination and in a worse physical fitness profile of children. Weak to moderate inverse correlations (−0.17 ≤ r ≤ −0.39) were found between most of the gross motor coordination, physical fitness parameters and BMI, for both sexes. Considering the role of gross motor coordination and health-related fitness in the mechanism of shaping children's active lifestyle, early detection and intervention is necessary, especially in children with excessive body weight.