Pearson Correlation Test Research Articles

Comparative cross-sectional study on sexual function of couples during pregnancy: Assisted reproductive techniques versus spontaneous conceptions.

This study aims to compare the sexual functions of couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) with those conceiving spontaneously during pregnancy. A total of 102 couples participated in this cross-sectional study, with 68 couples in the spontaneous conception group and 34 couples in the ART group. Data collection was conducted face-to-face in the antenatal clinic using separate "Descriptive Information Form" for women and men, "Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)" for women, and "Libido Scoring System (LSS)" for men. Descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square and Fisher exact tests, t-test, and Pearson correlation test were used for data analysis. It was observed that the mean FSFI total scores of women who conceived spontaneously and through ART during pregnancy were at a good level (≥30), while the mean LSS scores of their partners were at a moderate level (5-7). No statistically significant distinction existed among the groups. Further research is advisable by adjusting the sample selection criteria, such as gravida, duration of ART treatment, and gestational age.

Work Commitment and School Climate on Productive Pedagogical Teaching Practices

Teachers are vital members of the community who devote their lives to developing skilled and productive individuals. Nonetheless, there are still arguments over teachers who do not use proper teaching techniques. It is also asserted that adverse school settings make it more difficult for them to carry out their jobs in an efficient manner. This study's objective was to assess the work commitment, school climate and productive pedagogical teaching practices of Islamic Education teachers (IETs). It also examined how work commitment and school climate relate to and affect IETs' instructional strategies. The study was quantitative in nature and employed a survey research design. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select 454 IETs employed in Malaysian national secondary schools as the study sample. The study data was analysed using descriptive statistics along with inferential tools like Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The study's conclusions demonstrate that there is a high degree of work commitment, school climate, and IET teaching practices. Pearson's correlation test indicated that IET teaching practices positively influence both school climate and work commitment. The study's results also indicate that the teaching practices of IET are influenced by seven predictive elements. These results are important for the Malaysian Ministry of Education, in emphasising the necessity of in-service training to enhance commitment and proficiency among IETs and to create the supportive learning environment that is crucial to ensure that IETs can effectively fulfil their duties. Some suggestions for further research are also presented in this study.

Phenolic Compound Profiles, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Potentials and Molecular Docking Studies of Astragalus gymnolobus Methanolic Extracts.

Since Astragalus is a genus with many important medicinal plant species, the present work aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and some biological activities of Astragalus gymnolobus. The methanolic fractions of four organs (stems, flowers, leaves, root and whole plant) were quantified and identified by Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Hesperidin, hyperoside, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid were identified as main compounds among the extracts. Among all cells, leaf methanol (Lm) extract had the highest cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells (IC50 = 0.069 μg/mL). Hesperidin, the most abundant compound in A. gymnolobus extract, was found to show a strong negative correlation with the cytotoxic effect observed in HeLa cells according to Pearson correlation test results and to have the best binding affinity to targeted proteins by docking studies. The antimicrobial activity results indicated that the most susceptible bacterium against all extracts was identified as Streptococcus pyogenes with 9-11 mm inhibition zone and 8192 mg/mL MIC value. As a result of the research, it was suggested that A. gymnolobus could be considered as a promising source that contributes to the fight against cancer.

Turkish reliability and validity study of Barkley’s BAARS-IV self-report current symptoms

ObjectiveRecall bias of patients and their relatives, low reliability of the history, changes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms or compensatory behaviors, and various comorbidities may be associated with difficulties in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Barkley Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), a relatively new scale, needs to be studied for validity and reliability in different societies and cultures. In this study, we investigated whether the Turkish version of BAARS-IV: Present Symptoms Section is valid and reliable in the medical students who constituted the sample.MethodsAdult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale and BAARS-IV: Present Symptoms Section were administered to 402 fifth- and sixth-year medical students. We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes. Cronbach’s alpha and inter-item correlation were evaluated. Pearson correlation test was used in inter-scale correlation analyses.ResultsFor ADHD items, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) (0.882), Measuring of Sampling Adequacy MSA (0.819), chi-square (2512.455), and p (< 0.001) values showed that the data were suitable for factor analysis. A three-factor structure with an eigenvalue above 1 and explaining 53.14% of the total variance was obtained. In the correlation matrix reconstructed with eight Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) items, the determinant of the correlation matrix was 0.025, the KMO determinant was 0.852, the lowest MSA value was 0.750, and the residual rate was 14%. A two-factor structure was obtained explaining 67.451% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha values of the inattention and impulsivity subscales were 0.839 and 0.752, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha value of 8 questions in the SCT scale was found to be 0.871.ConclusionThe results of our study indicate that the BAARS-IV Self-report Present Symptoms scale is valid and reliable among medical students.

Identification of a novel CG307 sub-clade in third-generation-cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae causing invasive infections in the USA.

Despite the notable clinical impact, recent molecular epidemiology regarding third-generation-cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) Klebsiella pneumoniae in the USA remains limited. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 3GC-R K. pneumoniae bacteraemia isolates collected from March 2016 to May 2022 at a tertiary care cancer centre in Houston, TX, USA, using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms. A comprehensive comparative genomic analysis was performed to dissect population structure, transmission dynamics and pan-genomic signatures of our 3GC-R K. pneumoniae population. Of the 178 3GC-R K. pneumoniae bacteraemias that occurred during our study time frame, we were able to analyse 153 (86 %) bacteraemia isolates, 126 initial and 27 recurrent isolates. While isolates belonging to the widely prevalent clonal group (CG) 258 were rarely observed, the predominant CG, 307, accounted for 37 (29 %) index isolates and displayed a significant correlation (Pearson correlation test P value=0.03) with the annual frequency of 3GC-R K. pneumoniae bacteraemia. Interestingly, only 11 % (4/37) of CG307 isolates belonged to the commonly detected 'Texas-specific' clade that has been observed in previous Texas-based K. pneumoniae antimicrobial-resistance surveillance studies. We identified nearly half of our CG307 isolates (n=18) belonged to a novel, monophyletic CG307 sub-clade characterized by the chromosomally encoded bla SHV-205 and unique accessory genome content. This CG307 sub-clade was detected in various regions of the USA, with genome sequences from 24 additional strains becoming recently available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) SRA database. Collectively, this study underscores the emergence and dissemination of a distinct CG307 sub-clade that is a prevalent cause of 3GC-R K. pneumoniae bacteraemia among cancer patients seen in Houston, TX, and has recently been isolated throughout the USA.

The Influence of Contemporary Denture Base Fabrication Methods on Residual Monomer Content, Flexural Strength and Microhardness.

(1) Background: Digital technologies are available for denture base fabrication, but there is a lack of scientific data on the mechanical and chemical properties of the materials produced in this way. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the residual monomer content, flexural strength and microhardness of denture base materials as well as correlations between investigated parameters. (2) Methods: Seven denture base materials were used: one conventional heat cured polymethyl methacrylate, one polyamide, three subtractive manufactured materials and two additive manufactured materials. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine residual monomer content and the test was carried out in accordance with the specification ISO No. 20795-1:2013. Flexural strength was also determined according to the specification ISO No. 20795-1:2013. The Vickers method was used to investigate microhardness. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test was used for the statistical analysis. The Pearson correlation test was used for the correlation analysis. (3) Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the values of residual monomer content of the different denture base materials (p < 0.05). Anaxdent pink blank showed the highest value of 3.2% mass fraction, while Polident pink CAD-CAM showed the lowest value of 0.05% mass fraction. The difference between the flexural strength values of the different denture base materials was statistically significant (p < 0.05), with values ranging from 62.57 megapascals (MPa) to 103.33 MPa. The difference between the microhardness values for the different denture base materials was statistically significant (p < 0.05), and the values obtained ranged from 10.61 to 22.86 Vickers hardness number (VHN). A correlation was found between some results for the material properties investigated (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The selection of contemporary digital denture base manufacturing techniques may affect residual monomer content, flexural strength and microhardness but is not the only criterion for achieving favourable properties.

Hubungan Beban Kerja dengan Stres Kerja Tenaga Kesehatan Masyarakat di Puskesmas Kota Pekalongan

Work stres is a state of physical imbalance that causes physical and psychological tension that affects the way of thinking, emotions and working conditions. Work stres among health workers is quite high, as are the public health workers who work in puskesmas. Work stres affects the workload which is too high. The influencing factor is the workload. The purpose of this research is to find out whether there is a relationship between workload and work stres in public health workers at the Pekalongan City Health Center. This study used a quantitative method with a sample of 26 public health workers in 14 Community Health Centers in Pekalongan City. Based on the results of the analysis of the Pearson Correlation Test, a significant value (p) was obtained between workload and work stres which was 0.019 or p-value &lt;0.05. If you look at the interpretation above, the test results show that the test results stated that there was a significant relationship or that there was a relationship between workload and work stres in public health workers at the Pekalongan City Health Center.

Total phenolic and flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf ethanol extract

This study aims to determine and compare antioxidant activity, total phenolics, flavonoids, and the relationship of phenolic and total flavonoids with the antioxidant activity of the three kratom variants. The ethanol extract of the third variant of kratom leaves was obtained by maceration. Through the antioxidant activity test using DPPH method, all three extracts showed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 26.39, 30.25, and 30.59 μg/mL. The relationship of total phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant activity was determined by the Pearson correlation test. Examination of total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method with successive results for green, red, and white kratom are 6.11, 8.67, and 9.09 mg GAE/g extract. Examination of total flavonoid content using the colorimetric method for green, red, and white kratom were 0.86, 0.68, and 1.13 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity showed a correlation coefficient value of -0.32 (P0.05), and the total flavonoid content to antioxidant activity showed a correlation coefficient value of 0.81 (P0.05). Thus, all three variants of kratom have potency as natural antioxidants, but their total phenolic and flavonoid content does not influence their antioxidant activity.

Ảnh hưởng năng lực sáng tạo của sinh viên kinh tế các trường Đại học Đồng bằng sông Cửu Long

This study aims to examine the influence of factors on the creative capacity of economics students at universities in the Mekong Delta. To conduct this research, the author conducted a survey of 498 economics students studying at 10 universities in the Mekong Delta. The author conducted research through two stages: qualitative research and quantitative research. In addition, the data analysis method chosen by the authors (1) evaluates the reliability of Cronbach’s Alpha scale; (2) EFA exploratory factor analysis; (3) Pearson correlation coefficient test (4) linear regression analysis; (5) Lavene difference test. The research results show that intrinsic motivation and a supportive environment have an impact on students’ creative capacity. The research results once again strengthen the theoretical basis of the research, and are also the basis for the author to propose recommendations to improve the creative capacity of economics students at universities in the Mekong Delta.

Investigation of the Association of Abdominal Circumference Discord-ance and Estimated Fetal Weight Discordance in Twins with Birth Weight Discordance.

Twin pregnancy is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. It is necessary to estimate the weight difference of the fetuses with a reliable method to prevent possible complications. This study was conducted to compare the association between the Estimated fetal weight (EFW) discord-ance and the Abdominal Circumference (AC) discordance with birth weight in twins. This was a descriptive-analytical and retrospective study. The statistical population was all twin pregnant mothers referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from 2017 to 2019. The sample size was determined with a census (540 people). Based on AC , the size of head circumference (HC), femur length (FL), and the Biparietal Diameter (BPD), EFW was calculated. Then the EFW Dis-cordance and AC Discordance were calculated and compared with the birth weight. Data were analyzed using SPSS18. Unpaired, Two-Tailed T-test and Pearson correlation test were used. The results showed that the mean discordance of fetal weight in twin pregnancies in the EFW method was 9.25%, in the AC method was 9.89% and finally, at birth, was 10.72%. The correla-tion of the weight difference between the two embryos in the AC method with the time of birth (r = 0.922 and P < 0.001) was higher than in the EFW method with the time of birth (r = 0.69 and P < 0.001) and finally, it was found that in detecting the discordance more than 20% and 25%, AC diagnostic power was good, but EFW was moderate. Therefore, to evaluate the weight and weight difference in twin embryos, the AC method has the appropriate accuracy and compatibility. Another major prospective study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of AC and EFW mismatch based on gestational age at scan, incision point, and maternal and placental characteristics to determine true ultrasound diagnostic accuracy in predict-ing growth mismatch in twin pregnancy and optimal post-case management option is needed.

Indigenizing and co-producing the ACGME anesthesiology milestone in Taiwan: a Delphi study and subgroup analysis.

To implement the ACGME Anesthesiology Milestone Project in a non-North American context, a process of indigenization is essential. In this study, we aim to explore the differences in perspective toward the anesthesiology competencies among residents and junior and senior visiting staff members and co-produce a preliminary framework for the following nation-wide survey in Taiwan. The expert committee translation and Delphi technique were adopted to co-construct an indigenized draft of milestones. Descriptive analysis, chi-square testing, Pearson correlation testing, and repeated-measures analysis of variance in the general linear model were employed to calculate the F values and mean differences (MDs). The translation committee included three experts and the consensus panel recruited 37 participants from four hospitals in Taiwan: 9 residents, 13 junior visiting staff members (JVSs), and 15 senior visiting staff members (SVSs). The consensus on the content of the 285 milestones was achieved after 271 minor and 6 major modifications in 3 rounds of the Delphi survey. Moreover, JVSs were more concerned regarding patient care than were both residents (MD = - 0.095, P < 0.001) and SVSs (MD = 0.075, P < 0.001). Residents were more concerned regarding practice-based learning improvement than were JVSs (MD = 0.081; P < 0.01); they also acknowledged professionalism more than JVSs (MD = 0.072; P < 0.05) and SVSs (MD = 0.12; P < 0.01). Finally, SVSs graded interpersonal and communication skills lower than both residents (MD = 0.068; P < 0.05) and JVSs (MD = 0.065; P < 0.05) did. Most ACGME anesthesiology milestones are applicable and feasible in Taiwan. Incorporating residents' perspectives may bring insight and facilitate shared understanding to a new educational implementation. This study helped Taiwan generate a well-informed and indigenized draft of a competency-based framework for the following nation-wide Delphi survey.

Evaluation of Virtual Learning Environment using DELES questionnaire in Medical Students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: The environment governing learning is one of the most important influencing factors in education. The outbreak of corona virus (COVID-19) has led to a special attention to E-learning as an aid to break the chain of virus transmission. This study was conducted to determine the status of the learning environment of virtual education of medical students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) using DELES (The Distance Education Learning Environment Survey) questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the academic year of 2022 at MUMS. Sampling was a multi-stage method. In this way, at first students in different educational levels (basic science, physiopathology, externship and internship) were considered. For gathering data DELES questionnaire was used. Then the link of the tool was shared in internet groups of medical students .Data were analyzed by T-test , ANOVA, Pearson correlation test through SPSS. In all tests p-value was less than or equal to 0.05. Results: A total of 202 medical students with an average age of 22.88±2.48 years were included in the study. The Mean response of participants studied the courses during the semester in the virtual environment was 49.78 ± 27.76 . The participants in the study reported the education situation to be relatively favorable, so that their satisfaction was more in the area of student independence (Relatively favorable) and less in the area of professors' support (poor). The results of the one-way ANOVA test showed that the average satisfaction score of basic science students is significantly higher than that of externship and internship students (P&lt;0.001, F=7.861). Also, the results of the T-Student test showed that there is no statistically significant difference between students in terms of gender and marital status, but non-native students were less satisfied than native students in terms of interactions between students and colleagues (P &lt; 0.03). Conclusion: The attitude of the students towards distance education during the covid-19 epidemic in medical students of MUMS was relatively favorable or relative satisfaction. Therefore, in order to improving the situation of distance education, it is recommended to implement methods to increase the support of professors and improve their communication with students in the virtual education environment.

Development and characterization of wheat mill by-product films enriched with commercial rosemary extract

This study aimed to develop and characterize an active film from a wheat mill by-product little explored, named Glue Flour (GF) enriched with a commercial rosemary extract (RE). First, RE was characterized by its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Subsequently, films were elaborated by the casting technique and characterized by the thickness, moisture content, solubility, mechanical and barrier properties, optical characteristics, and their bioactive activities. The RE concentrations tested in films were 1, 5, 10, and 20% (v⋅wwater-1). RE showed antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus brasiliensis; however, it did not inhibit Escherichia coli growth. Film solubility and moisture were approximately 12 and 35%, respectively. The addition of RE weakened the films mechanical and barrier properties. As the color of RE is green, the films tended to this coloration, lost luminosity, and the opacity increase was proportional to the RE concentration. Low luminosity indicates better barrier properties against UV light. From Pearson's correlation test (p &lt; 0.05), the films concentration of RE, antioxidant activity, and inhibition zone (IZ) demonstrated a positive and significant correlation. This study demonstrated a by-product and a commercial RE potential in developing active biodegradable films.

Consumption of Iron Supplements, based on the Structures of the Health Belief Model, in Children Aged 6 to 24 Months in the Southeast of Iran

Objective: Iron deficiency is one of the common problems during infancy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the status of iron supplement consumption and the factors affecting it based on the constructs of the health belief model. Methodology: In this descriptive study, 402 mothers of children aged 6-12 months were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The status of mothers' performance regarding the provision of iron supplements and the status of health belief model constructs were evaluated using a questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression tests. Results: the present study showed that despite the state of proper awareness, the score of Consumption of iron supplements behavior was not favorable. So that 62.7% had reported a low performance. Pearson correlation test showed that only the perceived susceptibility score did not show significant relationship with the behavior (p = 0.174) The regression results showed that the variables included in the regression model, explained a total of 24.1% of the variance of the change in the behavior score (Adjusted R2 = 0.241). Conclusion: Considering the unfavorable situation of iron supplementation behavior in infants, the use of health belief theory constructs can be effective in persuading mothers. Community health nurses can be more successful in improving this index by providing educational intervention based on the structures of this model, especially helping to remove the barriers perceived by mothers.

Examination of Burnout Levels and Social Support Resources of Healthcare Workers in Filiation Teams During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the level of burnout and social support of healthcare workers in filiation teams during the period of COVID-19 in Turkey. A total of 1028 healthcare workers have been reached. The sociodemographic questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) have been used. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were created, and independent t-tests and Pearson correlation tests were performed. 69.5% of the participants were females. The participants consisted of midwives (21.2%), nurses (15.5%), doctors (14.1%), psychologists (10.8%), and dentists (10.7%). The MSPSS scale scores of the participants were 62.66 ± 16.96; family 22.87 ± 5.85, friends 21.14 ± 6.30, and significant other person 18.65 ± 7.95. MBI scale scores are 54.05 ± 10.77, emotional exhaustion 18.12 ± 8.36, depersonalization 4.53 ± 3.45, and personal achievement 31.40 ± 7.04. The study showed that females have higher levels of emotional exhaustion and, as education levels, the population of the region, daily working hours, patient burden, and death of coronavirus-infected colleagues increase, and burnout levels increase.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome

Considering that interventions related to lifestyle, especially nutrition have been proposed as the first line of prevention and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and regarding the proven relationship between PCOS and inflammation, the present study was designed to find out the possible association of Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) with the inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and compare the obtained results in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This case–control study was conducted on 45 PCOS and 40 non-PCOS women. Food intake and DII were measured using a 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. All participants were tested for the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP. Finally, the obtained results were compared between the two groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, menstrual status and number of pregnancies (P < 0.05). Comparison of DII values showed no significant difference between the two groups of women (P = 0.68), but IL-6 was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (4.94 ± 1.97 vs. 3.48 ± 1.77, P < 0.001). Also in terms of CRP, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The difference of DII between the case and control groups were not significant and Pearson's correlation test did not show a significant correlation between DII and IL-6 (P˃0.05). This result can be due to the influence of several factors affecting the determination of DII such as education level, health status, physical activity level, age, and calorie intake. It seems that diet, especially consumption of more carbohydrates plays a role in causing chronic inflammation, as well as the occurrence and exacerbation of PCOS.

A global landscape analysis of the impact, trends, and dissemination in oral and maxillofacial surgery research

ObjectiveThis study aims to comprehensively analyze the global landscape of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) literature through bibliometrics. The research focuses on evaluating publication trends, influential topics, and the impact of scholarly works within the field. MethodsFollowing the principles of the Leiden Manifesto, a literature search was conducted using the Web of Science database, encompassing seven OMFS journals. A total of 18,218 publications were analyzed, with indicators such as publication language, geographic location, specialty, year, citation, and authorship examined. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation tests and angular coefficient calculations, were performed in RStudio. ResultsThe study revealed a strong upward trend in publications related to orthognathic surgery, trauma, and infections. Geographic analysis indicated a dominance of European and Asian contributions, with the USA leading in overall publications. The impact of self-citations was explored, emphasizing nuanced perspectives on their role in scholarly impact metrics. The data provided insights into the scholarly impact of OMFS publications, including the H-index, number of citations, and citing articles. ConclusionThe findings underscored potential global discrepancies in OMFS research, both geographically and in terms of topics covered. The study discussed the influence of language and journal impact on citation counts, emphasizing the role of English publications. Specific topics, such as trauma and infections, exhibited high scholarly interest and citation rates. Recommendations were made to encourage submissions on specific topics, such as cosmetic surgery and pathology, to enhance the diversity of OMFS literature. The study aims to foster international collaboration and leverage bibliometrics for evidence-based decision-making, educational strategies, and advancements in the dynamic field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Arterial Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Density Reflects The Progression Of Unstable Plaques: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Arterial adventitial vasa vasorum (AVV) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic (AS) disease. AS is a systemic disease, and plaque is not only a local vascular event, but also occurs at multiple sites throughout the vascular bed. Currently, effective anti-AVV therapies are lacking. Therefore, we posed the following scientific questions: "does human carotid adventitial vasa vasorum density reflect plaque neovascularization and intimal-media hyperplasia in carotid?"; and "is it possible to reduce human AVV density by sonodynamic therapy (SDT)?" A retrospective study was conducted on 160 patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), coronary angiography, and coronary CT angiography (CTA) were used for diagnosis and screening. Pearson correlation tests and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the relationships between AVV hyperplasia, vasa vasorum (VV) hyperplasia and the intima-media thickness (IMT). SDT was developed for the treatment of arterial AVV hyperplasia and AS plaques. The presence of local AVV in carotid unstable plaques correlated with the echogenic properties of the carotid plaque and the extent of plaque progression; Furthermore local AVV hyperplasia in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques was associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events; Local AVV hyperplasia in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques was associated with coronary artery stenosis. Notably, SDT reduced local AVV hyperplasia and shrank the plaques in human femoral and carotid atherosclerotic lesions. The presence of AVV in human carotid arteries reflects the severity of carotid and coronary artery AS. Further, SDT can reduce the hyperplasia of local AVV in human femoral and carotid plaques.

The relationshıp between health literacy and eating attitudes of adolescents

Abstract Aim This study was carried out to determine the relationship between health literacy and eating attitudes of adolescents. Subject and methods This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 1519 adolescents. A Personal Information Form, Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32, and Eating Attitudes Test were used to collect data. Data were assessed by using the SPSS 21 statistical package program with Independent samples t test, ANOVA test, and Pearson correlation test. Results The mean total score of the adolescents on the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 was 33.68 ± 10.33 and 31.3% had a sufficient and 28.8% had a problematic-limited level of health literacy. The mean eating attitudes score of the adolescents was calculated as 12.20 ± 12.24 and 20.4% were determined to have a risky eating attitude. Conclusion In this study, it was found that most of the adolescents had a sufficient level of health literacy and normal eating attitudes.

Determining Formaldehyde Phytoremediation Efficacy of Selected Ornamental Plants

In the recent past, deterioration of indoor air quality has become a serious concern due to the increased energy efficiency and reduced air exchange rate inside urban buildings. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major category of indoor air pollutants that can lead to adverse health outcomes such as headaches, allergies and asthma in those exposed for prolonged periods. Formaldehyde, the VOC used in the present study is a common contaminant of indoor air which originates from particle board, plywood, paper products, certain adhesives, tobacco smoke and other sources. The use of plants for the mitigation of indoor air pollution is viewed as a cost effective and eco-friendly method with untapped potential. The main objective of the present study was to determine the formaldehyde removal efficacy of selected plant species while investigating the mechanisms used by these plants in the removal process. The selected plant species were Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Hedera helix, Dracaena sanderiana and Ficus sp. Plants of the same age were used with three replicates from each species. Phytoremediation potential was assessed by exposing the plants for 24 hours to gaseous formaldehyde (2.0 μL L-1) in air tight chambers made of Plexiglass (an inert material for VOCs) with dimensions of 0.9 m height×0.58 m length×0.55 m width. Formaldehyde removal was measured using GC-MS and the result was expressed as removal percentages. Several leaf anatomical characters (cuticle thickness, epidermal thickness and mesophyll layer thickness), stomatal characters (stomatal density, stomatal index, guard cell length and potential conductance index) and physiological characters (stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate) were measured to study the possible mechanisms involved in the formaldehyde removal process. The data were subjected to ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. According to the results obtained, Ficus sp. had the highest formaldehyde removal percentage (92.80%) while Hedera helix had the lowest (56.86%). The study further showed that stomatal density and stomatal conductance play a major role in formaldehyde removal by these plants while cuticle and epidermal thickness act as hindrances to this process. This conclusion was further confirmed by Pearson‘s correlation values in correlation analysis. The current study was carried out for 24 hours of exposure and it would be of interest to explore, the long term behavior of the plants through further studies. Overall, the results justify future studies on a cross-section of diverse plant species for formaldehyde removal efficiency to determine species with superior removal efficiencies for a better phytoremediation process. &#x0D; Keywords: Phytoremediation, VOCs, Formaldehyde, GC-MS technology