Moderate Positive Linear Correlation Research Articles

Adjusting for the effect of IV contrast on automated CT body composition measures during the portal venous phase.

Fully-automated CT-based algorithms for quantifying numerous biomarkers have been validated for unenhanced abdominal scans. There is great interest in optimizing the documentation and reporting of biophysical measures present on all CT scans for the purposes of opportunistic screening and risk profiling. The purpose of this study was to determine and adjust the effect of intravenous (IV) contrast on these automated body composition measures at routine portal venous phase post-contrast imaging. Final study cohort consisted of 1,612 older adults (mean age, 68.0 years; 594 women) all imaged utilizing a uniform CT urothelial protocol consisting of pre-contrast, portal venous, and delayed excretory phases. Fully-automated CT-based algorithms for quantifying numerous biomarkers, including muscle and fat area and density, bone mineral density, and solid organ volume were applied to pre-contrast and portal venous phases. The effect of IV contrast upon these body composition measures was analyzed. Regression analyses, including square of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r2), were performed for each comparison. We found that simple, linear relationships can be derived to determine non-contrast equivalent values from the post-contrast CT biomeasures. Excellent positive linear correlation (r2 = 0.91-0.99) between pre- and post-contrast values was observed for all automated soft tissue measures, whereas moderate positive linear correlation was observed for bone attenuation (r2 = 0.58-0.76). In general, the area- and volume-based measurement require less adjustment than attenuation-based measures, as expected. Fully-automated quantitative CT-biomarker measures at portal venous phase abdominal CT can be adjusted to a non-contrast equivalent using simple, linear relationships.

Pulmonary function in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis; a single center 6-year retrospective study

Background Interstitial lung fibrosis is a major cause of internal organ involvement and the leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of pulmonary function (PF) in Thai patients with SSc and the association between PF and body mass index (BMI) and anti-topoisomerase (anti-Scl70). Methods All patients diagnosed with SSc in our tertiary care teaching hospital database between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and PF were recorded and analyzed. Results Of 211 SSc patients, 128 patients who underwent the PF test were enrolled; 102 (79.7%) were female. The mean (SD) age was 54.0 (12.5) years. The mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was 0.8 (0.1). The mean (SD) % predicted values of FEV1, FVC, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were 76.3 (16.3), 69.1 (15.8), and 75.5 (22.8), respectively. A restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP), defined as FVC < 80% predicted, was found in 78.8% of the patients. DLCO had a moderate positive linear correlation with FVC (r=0.50, p <0.001) and a moderate negative linear correlation with BMI (r=-0.36, p <0.001). However, there was no correlation between FVC and BMI. There was no statistical difference in demographic data or the presence of anti-Scl70 among patients with or without RSP. Conclusions RSP is common among Thai patients with SSc. Spirometry is a cost-effective screening tool for detecting SSc-related pulmonary involvement in resource-limited settings. However, the power of using demographic data and the presence of anti-Scl70 to determine the probability of pulmonary complications remains limited.

Perkembangan Nilai Tukar Petani (NTP) Jawa Barat dan Korelasinya dengan Tenaga Kerja, Inflasi, dan Produk Domestik Regional Bruto (PDRB) Sektor Pertanian Jawa Barat

This research aims to identify the developments of Farmer Exchange Rate (FER) in the West Java Agricultural Sector in the period 2000-2022. This paper analyzes the extent of the correlation between Agricultural Sector Labor, the Inflation Rate variables, and the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Agricultural Sector on the FER in the in West Java. The correlation identification between these variables was analyzed through Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation analysis based on West Java FER. The FER data is obtained from the Farmer Exchange Rate Statistics published by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The research results show: a) There are variations in the FER value during the period 2005-2022 with an average of 103.99; b) The West Java Agricultural Sector Labor variable has a moderate positive linear correlation with West Java's FER; c) The West Java Agricultural Sector variable GRDP has weak negative linear correlation with West Java's FER; and d) The West Java inflation variable has a weak positive linear correlation with West Java's FER.

The efficiency and safety of multidetector computed tomography-guided transseptal puncture during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a crucial technique for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although intracardiac echo (ICE) facilitates a safe and accurate TSP, it is not widely used in developing countries because of the expense. This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a novel cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-guided TSP during AF catheter ablation. The study consisted of two cohorts. In the index cohort, TSP procedure was performed under the guidance of ICE, and we recorded the angulation of right anterior oblique of X-ray projection. In the validation cohort, we compared the efficiency and safety of TSP guided by MDCT-calculated angulation with propensity-score-matched patients who underwent TSP guided by ICE. We included 50 patients in the index cohort, and the mean angles of interatrial septum (IAS) measured from MDCT and ICE were 34.8 ± 6.3 and 35.1 ± 6.5, respectively. In the validation cohort, 376 patients were enrolled in the MDCT-guided group and ICE-guided group. Both groups had 1 case of cardiac tamponade. The mean axial plane angle was 35.46 ± 6.17 degrees, which was not influenced by age, gender, BMI, and LA size, while a moderate positive linear correlation between EF and the axial plane angle (R 2 = 0.14, p = .006). Cardiac MDCT can provide a clear vision of IAS orientation, and provide the appropriate RAO angle and height for TSP. The efficiency and safety of our MDCT-guided TSP were comparable to ICE-guided TSP, which may serve as an alternative method for TSP with ICE unavailable.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA PENGGUNAAN WAKTU KUIS DAN NILAI KOGNITIF KUIS PADA PROSES PEMBELAJARAN TAKSONOMI VERTEBRATA

Since practical lectures were only conducted online through various e-learning platforms for all subjects. Some issues accompanying an online learning include internet signal problem, internet packages data, power outage, weather conditions (rain and lightning), and geographic conditions which may cause internet signal disconnection. Worrying about these issues made the students feel uneasy during the lecturing process, including while doing quizzes and exams. This research aims to determine the degree and significance of the correlation between quiz time usage and cognitive score. The population was 67 students participating in the vertebrate taxonomy course of Biology Education Study Program of Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat and the sample was determined randomly with the criteria for the frequency of participation in the quiz process through e-learning platform eight times. The research data in the form of the time used by students to do the quiz (X) and the average cognitive score of the quiz (Y) were analyzed correlationally. The results showed that there was a moderate and significant positive linear correlation between the time usage and the cognitive scores for the vertebrate taxonomy course. The contribution of quiz time to the cognitive score of the quiz was 53.3%.
 Keywords: Time Usage, Quiz, Cognitive Score and Vertebrate Taxonomy

Post-therapy plasma concentrations of quetiapine in Taiwanese patients.

Quetiapine is widely used to treat psychiatric disorders such as major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthymic disorder, and insomnia other than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This study investigated the diagnostic distribution of quetiapine use in patients in a psychiatric hospital, the doses of quetiapine prescribed, and the plasma concentrations (Cps) of quetiapine and active metabolites. We enrolled 107 patients who had been prescribed quetiapine for at least 4 weeks. Diagnoses, demographics, and concomitant medications were recorded. Blood sampling was performed in the morning, approximately 12h after the before-bed dose of quetiapine. Diagnoses comprised schizophrenia (n=25), bipolar disorder (n=51), major depression (n=15), dysthymic disorder (n=9), and others (n=7). The daily dose (DD) of quetiapine ranged from 25 to 800 (175.9 ± 184.4)mg, with the mean Cp being 105.6 ± 215.3ng/ml, with a mean Cps/DD ratio of 0.58 ± 0.55 ng/ml/mg. There was a moderate positive linear correlation between the dose and Cps of quetiapine (r=0.60), and the interpatient variation in Cps/DD ratio was up to 26-fold. Quetiapine is used in various doses to treat many psychiatric disorders other than psychosis, and it is usually prescribed as a secondary antipsychotic for symptoms such as insomnia or agitation. A wide interpatient variation of the Cps/DD ratio was noticed. Patients of East Asian descent may exhibit a 50% to 100% increase in the Cps/DD ratio for quetiapine compared with patients of Western descent.

Risk Identification Practices and Revenue Collection in County Governments in Kenya: A Case of the County Government of Bungoma

This research thesis establishes the risk identification practices adopted by the county government of Bungoma in improving Revenue collection. The main objective of the study was to ascertain risk identification practices on revenue collection. This study was anchored on Risk management theory. Information and data collection adopted descriptive research design, county government of Bungoma employees from revenue department and county government division heads under the ministry of finance and economic planning, was the targeted population Therefore Census Methodology was ideal for because of the population interest, Simply random sampling was utilized to gather the needed samples, self-administered questionnaires was used to collect the much-needed data, a survey physically dropped at random to the respondent’s work place and was picked later by the researcher for data analysis and processing. The study findings were presented using tables showing frequencies, percentages and means and standard deviation. The research hypothesis posited that risk identification had no significant effect on revenue collection. However, the model was significant and therefore the null hypothesis was rejected on the ground that risk identification had a significant and moderate strong positive linear correlation with revenue collection. The significance value of p = 0.000<0.05, signified that the model is statistically significant in predicting how risk mitigation affect revenue collection. The study recommends that; The county government should support a risk identification management program among county governments to enhance business continuity. they should also develop a crisis management strategy to enhance service delivery.

The prognostic value of advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in elderly patients with heart failure

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) is a novel inflammatory and nutritional index that exerts prognostic value in various types of cancer. A previous study demonstrated that ALI at discharge could predict the prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the long-term prognostic value of ALI on admission in elderly heart failure (HF) inpatients remains unclear. We retrospectively collected HF inpatients over 65-year-old who were hospitalized in our cardiology center during the whole year of 2015. ALI was calculated as body mass index (BMI) × serum albumin (Alb)/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Patients were divided into two groups by the optimal cutoff value of ALI for predicting all-cause mortality using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was computed to evaluate the correlation between ALI and the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox survival analyses, time-dependent ROC analyses, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) analyses were used to assess the prognostic effect of ALI on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Over a 28-month median follow-up, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality occurred in 192 (35.4%) and 132 (24.3%) out of 543 patients, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of ALI for predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years was 25.8. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a moderate positive linear correlation between ALI and GNRI (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative incidences of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities were significantly higher in patients with lower ALI (log-rank test, all-cause mortality: p < 0.0001; cardiovascular mortality: p < 0.0001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses indicated that ALI was an independent predictor for both all-cause mortality (HR 0.550, 95% CI 0.349-0.867, p = 0.01) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.536, 95% CI 0.302-0.953, p = 0.034). Time-dependent ROC analyses showed that ALI was comparable to GNRI in predicting long-term all-cause mortality (AUC: ALI 0.625, GNRI 0.641, p = 0.976) and cardiovascular mortality (AUC: ALI 0.632, GNRI 0.626, p = 0.999) at 2 years. However, the estimated NRI indicated that the addition of ALI could not significantly improve risk stratification of base models for all-cause mortality (categorical NRI 4.9%, p = 0.433, continuous NRI 25%, p = 0.022) or cardiovascular mortality (categorical NRI 6.5%, p = 0.223, continuous NRI 27.5%, p = 0.029). Higher ALI was significantly associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities in elderly HF patients. ALI on admission could be a competent nutrition-inflammation marker with independent predictive value for evaluating the long-term mortality of HF in elder population.

Segmented linear correlations between bone scan index and prostate cancer biomarkers, alkaline phosphatase, and prostate specific antigen in patients with a Gleason score ≥7.

Technetium-99m methyl diphosphonate bone scintigraphy is relatively easily accessible for detecting bone metastases in prostate cancer patients. However, it is subjective and can be challenging to compare images taken at different time points. The bone scan index (BSI) is a more objective evaluation and allows for better comparison of images. Its correlation with other biomarkers of prostate cancer metastases such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is not clearly understood. This study thus aimed to compare the BSI correlation to PSA against that of BSI to ALP levels in patients with a Gleason score ≥7.A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 50 prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score of ≥7 referred for a bone scan between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 was undertaken. Bone scans were interpreted visually, and using a semi-automated computer programme to quantify the BSI and its relation to PSA and ALP measurements.For the metastasis positive measurements, there was a statistically significant moderate positive overall linear correlation between BSI and PSA. For ALP and BSI, there were 2 segmented strong positive linear relationships between them. The first segment consisted of ALP < 375 IU/L and BSI >10%, where ALP and BSI were strongly and positively correlated. The other segment tended to have generally low BSI measurements (<10%) and also had a strong and positive correlation.The BSI was found to be better linearly correlated with ALP than PSA.

Determination of Acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) Levels and Related Parameters in Turkish Pekmez (A Traditional Fruit Product)

Background: Pekmez is an important fruit-based food of Turkish culinary culture. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of acrylamide (AA), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) and other selected parameters in grape, mulberry and carob Pekmez.&#x0D; Methods: AA and HMF were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography, respectively. Also, glucose, fructose, pH, protein, total phenolic, and color (L*a*b*) were analyzed. The analyses were done by IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software.&#x0D; Results: The average AA, HMF, glucose, fructose, total reducing sugar, pH, protein, total phenolic, and colour (L*a*b*) values of Pekmez were 302 µg/kg, 25.7 mg/kg, 13.2%, 14.0%, 27.2%, 5.27, 1.16%, 4.64 mg GAE/g, and 4.83*5.60*1.52, respectively. AA indicates a moderate positive linear correlation with HMF, protein, total phenolic; whereas AA indicates a moderate negative linear correlation with glucose, fructose, total reducing sugar, pH, and L*a*b.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is presumed that heat treatment is a determinant in AA and HMF formulation.

The effect of pterygium surgery on intraocular lens power and ocular biometric parameters.

To evaluate the effect of pterygium surgery on intraocular lens (IOL) power and ocular biometric parameters and to evaluate the factors affecting these parameters. Twenty-eight eyes of 25 patients diagnosed with pterygium were evaluated. Axial length (AL), mean keratometry (Sim K), K1, K2, anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal astigmatism, and ocular biometry parameters were obtained with a dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Pterygium sizes (horizontal, vertical) were measured manually, and pterygium height was analyzed with anterior segment optic coherence tomography. IOL power was calculated according to SRK/T, SRK II, Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Holladay formulas. Limbal conjunctival autograft was performed in all patients after excisional pterygium surgery. Preoperative and postoperative 1st month measurements were analyzed and compared. The mean age of the patients was 51.5 ± 13.8 years. Mean horizontal pterygium length, vertical width, height, and percentage extension of the pterygium were 2.4 ± 0.9, 4.7 ± 1.0 mm, 297 ± 93µm, and 20.2 ± 7.2%, respectively. There was a significant increase in Sim K, K1, and K2 values postoperatively. Postoperative IOL power was significantly lower than preoperative values in all formulas. The change in IOL power after surgery was -0.3 ± 0.6D in the SRKT, -0.3 ± 0.5D in SRK II, -0.4 ± 0.7D in Hoffer Q, -0.5±0.7D in Haigis, and -0.3 ± 0.7D in Holladay 2 formulas. The change in IOL power has a moderate positive linear correlation with the horizontal and vertical sizes of the pterygium and a high positive linear correlation with the percentage extension of the pterygium. Pterygium surgery causes a significant decrease in calculated IOL power obtained with all formulas. It becomes more pronounced with the increase in the size of the pterygium.

Serial urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis with acute kidney injury

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is rather common. Novel biomarkers to diagnose AKI are being increasingly used in different settings. The use of urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) in predicting persistent AKI in pediatric DKA cases is still not thoroughly investigated.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of Saline versus Plasma-Lyte in Ketoacidosis (SPinK) trial data; 66 children (> 1 month-12 years) with DKA, defined by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), were analyzed. Children with cerebral edema, chronic kidney disease and those who received pre-referral fluids and/or insulin were excluded. uNGAL and urine NGAL-creatinine ratio (uNCR) at 0 and 24 h were measured in all. Persistent AKI was defined as a composite outcome of continuance of AKI defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage 2 or 3 beyond 48 h from AKI onset, progression of AKI from either KDIGO stage 0 or 1 to a worse stage, need of renal replacement therapy or death.Main outcomesThirty-five (53%) children had AKI at admission; 32 (91.4%) resolved within 48 h. uNGAL was significantly higher in the AKI group at admission [79.8 ± 27.2 vs 54.6 ± 22.0, p = 0.0002] and at 24 h [61.4 ± 28.3 vs 20.2 ± 14.5, p = 0.0003]. Similar trend was observed with uNCR at admission [6.7 ± 3.7 vs 4.1 ± 2.6, p = 0.002] and at 24 h [6.3 ± 2.5 vs 1.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.01]. Furthermore, uNGAL at admission showed a moderate positive linear correlation with serum creatinine. Additionally, elevated uNGAL at 0 and 24 h correlated with corresponding KDIGO stages. Admission uNGAL >88 ng/ml and uNCR of >11.3 ng/mg had a sensitivity of 66% and 67%, specificity of 76% and 95%, and Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 and 0.89 respectively for predicting persistent AKI at 48 h.ConclusionsMajority of AKI resolved with fluid therapy. While uNGAL and uNCR both correlated with serum creatinine and AKI stages, serial uNCR was a better predictor of persistent AKI than uNGAL alone. However, feasibility of routine uNGAL measurement to predict persistent AKI in DKA needs further elucidation.Trial registrationThis was a secondary analysis of the data of SPinK trial [CTRI/2018/05/014042 (ctri.nic.in)].

T2-mapping increase is the prevalent imaging biomarker of myocardial involvement in active COVID-19: a Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance study

BackgroundEarly detection of myocardial involvement can be relevant in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to timely target symptomatic treatment and decrease the occurrence of the cardiac sequelae of the infection.The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in characterizing myocardial damage in active COVID-19 patients, through the correlation between qualitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers with clinical and laboratory evidence of myocardial injury.MethodsIn this retrospective observational cohort study, we enrolled 27 patients with diagnosis of active COVID-19 and suspected cardiac involvement, referred to our institution for CMR between March 2020 and January 2021.Clinical and laboratory characteristics, including high sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), and CMR imaging data were obtained. Relationships between CMR parameters, clinical and laboratory findings were explored.Comparisons were made with age-, sex- and risk factor–matched control group of 27 individuals, including healthy controls and patients without other signs or history of myocardial disease, who underwent CMR examination between January 2020 and January 2021.ResultsThe median (IQR) time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and CMR examination was 20 (13.5–31.5) days. Hs-cTnT values were collected within 24 h prior to CMR and resulted abnormally increased in 18 patients (66.6%). A total of 20 cases (74%) presented tissue signal abnormalities, including increased myocardial native T1 (n = 11), myocardial T2 (n = 14) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) (n = 10), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (n = 12) or pericardial enhancement (n = 2). A CMR diagnosis of myocarditis was established in 9 (33.3%), pericarditis in 2 (7.4%) and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in 3 (11.11%) patients. T2 mapping values showed a moderate positive linear correlation with Hs-cTnT (r = 0.58; p = 0.002). A high degree positive linear correlation between ECV and Hs-cTnT was also found (r 0.77; p < 0.001).ConclusionsCMR allows in vivo recognition and characterization of myocardial damage in a cohort of selected COVID-19 individuals by means of a multiparametric scanning protocol including conventional imaging and T1–T2 mapping sequences. Abnormal T2 mapping was the most commonly abnormality observed in our cohort and positively correlated with hs-cTnT values, reflecting the predominant edematous changes characterizing the active phase of disease.

Electronic Funds Transfer and Service Delivery in Saccos: A Case Study of Ng’arisha Sacco, Bungoma Kenya

Electronic funds transfer is generally expected to improve efficiency in funds transfer, payments, reporting, receipting and thus service delivery in any organization. However, SASSRA reports of 2018 show that despite Sacco’s having institutionalized electronic operations in their accounting process, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery remains elusive in most aspects. The main objective was to determine the effect of electronic funds transfer on the service delivery in Ng’arisha Sacco, Bungoma Kenya. The research was guided by Schumpeter’s theory of innovation and technology acceptance model. This study embraced descriptive survey research design. This study had a target population of 127. Census sampling was used where the entire targeted population was sampled. Data was gathered using questionnaires with closed-ended structured questions that were prepared on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software was utilized for data analysis. Data was analysed in form of descriptive and inferential statistics. The research hypothesis posited H01: E-funds transfer has no significant effect on service delivery in Saccos. Thus, the model was significant and so the null hypothesis was rejected on the ground that E-funds transfer had a significant and moderate strong positive linear correlation with service delivery in Saccos. Based on the discoveries, it pints that in the Sacco industry, service delivery is crucial. As a result, there is a strong link between e-funds transfer practices and Ng’arisha SACCO service delivery. The study recommends that, Saccos should employ electronic transfer of funds for their operations to enhance service delivery.

Serum NO, S100B, NSE concentrations in migraine and their relationship

IntroductionMigraine pathogenesis still remains uncertain. Studies have found contradictory results regarding NO, S100B and NSE parameters in migraine patients. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to measure NO, S100B and NSE concentrations in migraine patients, compare them with the control group and find the relationship between these parameters. Materials and methodsFifty-two patients (35 women and 17 men) diagnosed with migraine according to the International Headache Classification II criteria were included in the study. 30 healthy participants without any history of disease were included in the control group. Serum NO, S100B and NSE levels were determined in all participants. ResultsIt was found that NO, S100B parameters increased compared to the control group, and NSE parameter decreased compared to the control group in the migraine patients participating in this study (p = 0,004, p = 0,002, p = 0,000)It was found that there was a moderate positive linear correlation between serum S100B and NSE in the migraine patients in our study (r = 442, p = 0.011). ConclusionIn our study, the fact that there was a statistically significant difference in the NO, S100b and NSE parameters of migraine and control group patients indicates that these molecules can be effective in the pathogenesisof migraine. The moderate positive linear correlation found between serum S100B and NSE in migraine patients in our study demonstrates that these molecules together can be effective in the pathogenesis.

Predictive factors of severity and persistence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in sub-acute stroke.

This study aims to understand the factors contributing to the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia and its persistence in the sub-acute phase of stroke. We retrospectively collected the data of all the patients suffering from a stroke in the last year. The severity of stroke was reported according to the NIHSS score. All the patients were evaluated with the Dysphagia Risk Score and with a FEES. We classified the Dysphagia Risk Score and FEES results using the PAS score and ASHA-NOMS levels. The data were analysed statistically with ANOVA test, Student's t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. A series of 54 patients were evaluated. The ANOVA test did not find any difference in the mean score of Dysphagia Risk Score, PAS and ASHA-NOMS when compared with the brain area of stroke. An NIHSS at hospital admission (stroke unit) of more than 12 was predictive of ASHA-NOMS score 1-4 after 60days (p < 0.05). A PAS score between 6 and 8 at first FEES evaluation was predictive of poor (1-4) ASHA-NOMS score after 60days (p < 0.01). A moderate positive linear correlation was found between NIHSS score and both PAS (r 0.65) and Dysphagia Risk Score (r 0.50); a moderate negative linear correlation was recorded between NIHSS and ASHA-NOMS (r - 0.66) scores. In the sub-acute phase of stroke, the predictive factors of persistent dysphagia are not linked to the damaged neuroanatomical region and others factors such as NIHSS value and high PAS score seem more useful.

Altered visual functions, macular ganglion cell and papillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in early-treated adult PKU patients

PurposeRetinal changes are poorly described in early treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU). We aimed to investigate possible visual functional and ocular microstructural changes in adult patients with ETPKU. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its angiography (OCTA) data from patients with PKU were compared to healthy controls. MethodsIn this prospective, monocentric, cross-sectional, case-control study 50 patients with ETPKU and 50 healthy subjects were evaluated with OCT and OCTA. Measurements were performed on right eyes. The following visual function parameters were studied: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), contrast sensitivity and near stereoacuity; microstructural parameters: retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), ganglion cell layer (GCC) thickness, focal loss of volume (FLV), global loss of volume (GLV), peripapillary, papillary vessel density (VD), ocular axial length (AL) and intraocular pressure (IOP). ResultsAmong functional tests there were significant differences in contrast sensitivity at 1.5 (p < 0.001), 6 (p < 0.013), 12 (p < 0.001), 18 (p < 0.003) cycles per degree, in near stereoacuity (Titmus Wirt circles, p < 0.001) and in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, p < 0.001). A statistically significant, moderate positive linear correlation was observed between BCVA and average Phe levels over the last ten years (β = 0.49, p < 0.001). The average (p < 0.001), superior (p < 0.001) inferior GCC (p < 0.001), the FLV (p < 0.003), GLV (p < 0.001) and the average RNFLT (p < 0.004) values of the PKU group were significantly lower than the controls. The serum phenylalanine level (Phe) in the PKU group negatively correlated with inferior (−0.32, p < 0.007), superior (r = −0.26, p < 0.028) and average (−0.29 p < 0.014) RNFL and with AL (−0.32, p < 0.026). In AL we detected a significant difference (p < 0.04) between the good and suboptimal dietary controlled group. There was no significant difference between the ETPKU and control group in the measured vessel density parameters and in IOP. ConclusionsOur results suggest that functional and ocular microstructural defects are present in patients with PKU, and some of them may depend on dietary control. The mechanism is unclear, but the correlation indicates the importance of strict dietary control in terms of preservation of retinal functions.

Cerebral Blood Flow-Guided Manipulation of Arterial Blood Pressure Attenuates Hippocampal Apoptosis After Asphyxia-Induced Cardiac Arrest in Rats.

BackgroundIn most post–cardiac arrest patients, the autoregulation mechanism of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is dysregulated. We examined whether recovery of CBF by adjusting mean arterial pressure mitigates post–cardiac arrest neuronal damage.Methods and ResultsWistar rats that underwent 8‐minute asphyxia‐induced cardiac arrest and resuscitation were computer‐randomized to norepinephrine or control groups. The CBF was measured at the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region of the left hemisphere. In the norepinephrine group, the mean arterial pressure was adjusted to recover CBF to 80% to 100% of baseline. Twenty‐four hours following resuscitation, neurological outcomes were assessed, and brain tissues and blood samples were harvested for neuronal apoptosis and injury assessment. Thirty resuscitated rats were randomized into 2 groups, each containing 12 rats that completed the experiments. Norepinephrine infusion effectively prevented posthyperemia hypoperfusion and recovered CBF to pre‐arrest baseline levels; a moderate positive linear correlation between mean arterial pressure and CBF during this period was also observed (P<0.001). There were no significant between‐group differences in neurological recovery. In the norepinephrine group compared with the control group, upregulated cleaved caspase‐3 protein expression in brain tissue determined by Western blot was reduced (P=0.02) and the densities of apoptotic cells in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP biotin nick‐end labeling were decreased (P<0.001). No significant differences in serum neuron‐specific enolase or S100β levels were detected between the 2 groups.Conclusions CBF recovery demonstrated neuroprotective effects by reducing activation of cerebral apoptosis and number of apoptotic neurons. However, these effects did not significantly improve clinical neurological function, necessitating further investigation.

The association between gestational vitamin D deficiency and preterm birth : A case control study

Objective: To assess the association between Gestational Vitamin D (VD) deficiency and preterm birth (PTB).Patients and Methods: This prospective observational nested case control study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital and Dar Ismael Maternity Hospital and sequentially recruited women with singleton pregnancy at 20-28 weeks. Blood samples were collected from all eligible participants and kept frozen until further measurement of maternal VD levels. All enrolled women were followed up till delivery. Cases (PTB) group included woman who delivered before completing 37 weeks of gestation while controls, term birth (TB) group included matched group of those who delivered at or after 37 weeks. The primary study outcome measure was the correlation between VD status and PTB.Results: The final analysis of this study included 40 cases in the PTB group and 40 controls in the TB group. VD deficiency was more prevalent in PTB group (87.5% versus 22.5% in the TB group, p<0.001). PTB group had a statistically significant lower VD levels (13.34 ± 7.71 ng/ml versus 32.91 ± 18.98 ng/ml in the TB group, p<0.001) with a moderate positive linear correlation between gestational age at delivery and VD level (Pearson correlation=0.571, p<0.001). Among the studied maternal outcomes, delivery by cesarean section was more prevalent in PTB group (62.5% versus 30.0% in the TB group, p=0.004).Conclusion: Gestational VD deficiency was associated with increased risk of PTB and delivery by cesarean section

The effect of psychological risk elements on pilot flight operational performance

AbstractThis study aims to examine the relationship between psychological risk elements and flight operation performance for airline pilots. First, the concept of “risky pilots” is discussed, and the existence of “risky pilots” is verified using a percentage analysis of flight exceedance events. Second, three psychological risk elements for pilots are investigated using an implementation of psychological scales, and the exceedance behaviors of risky pilots are analyzed based on real flight data. Finally, correlation and cluster analyses are used to study the influence of psychological risk elements on the exceedance behaviors of airline transport pilots and their operational performance. The results indicate that approximately one‐third of pilots are more prone to exceedance events than other pilots. A moderate positive linear correlation (R [44] = 0.400; p &lt; .05) existed between hazardous attitudes and severe exceedance rates. For pilots with a high level of risk psychology, of their flights were considered “poor” operational performance level. Finally, it is concluded that hazardous attitude is a psychological risk element that has significant negative effects on severe exceedance behaviors of pilots. In addition, the flight operation performance levels of pilots were also affected by the psychological risk level. Furthermore, it is suggested that special training to improve risky hazardous attitudes of pilots should be conducted for the purpose of reducing exceedance behaviors and improving flight performance. These findings are expected to provide support for airlines to identify and manage flight crew risks.