Pearson's Test Research Articles

Prospects of Interdisciplinary Research into the Problem of Resource Mobilization of Academic Staff

Introduction. Training students for innovative engineering activity is one of the priority tasks of an engineering university. However, so far all existing approaches to its solution involve changes in the curricula of degree programmes. The aim of the research is to substantiate and develop a methodological system of training future engineers in innovative engineering activity in the educational environment. Materials and Methods. The methodology of innovative engineering education, environmental, project, convergent and other approaches was used. A quantitative assessment of the level of development of innovative competencies was carried out during a comparative training experiment based on the average indicator of time series. The Pearson test was used to assess the statistical significance of the data. Results. The possibility of preparing future engineers for innovative engineering activities during a comprehensive course projecting in general engineering disciplines without departure from the curriculum is substantiated. To create conditions for such training, a project-based and activity-based educational environment has been proposed, pooling into one system all the resources available at the university and ensuring their interaction on the basis of a convergent approach associated with the approximation and interpenetration of scientific, pedagogical and information technology knowledge. A system for teaching innovative engineering activities in this environment has been developed, including conceptual-target, content, procedural-technological and reflective components, implemented within the framework of a business game. Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusions made by authors contribute to the development of the environment approach to learning in terms of designing new educational environments, theory and methodology of teaching technical disciplines, as well as project-based learning – in terms of their focus on innovative training of students.

Oxygen Saturation Curve Analysis in 2298 Hypoxia Awareness Training Tests of Military Aircrew Members in a Hypobaric Chamber.

We aim to provide reference values for military aircrews participating in hypoxia awareness training (HAT). We describe several parameters with potential biomedical interest based on selected segments and slopes of the changes in oxygen saturation (SatO2) during a standard HAT. A retrospective analysis of 2298 records of the SatO2 curve was performed, including 1526 military men aged 30.48 ± 6.47 years during HAT in a hypobaric chamber. HAT consisted of pre-oxygenation at 100% and an ascent to 7620 m, followed by O2 disconnection starting the phase of descent of SatO2 until reaching the time of useful consciousness (TUC), and finally reconnection to 100% O2 in the recovery phase. Using an ad hoc computational procedure, the time taken to reach several defined critical values was computed. These key parameters were the time until desaturation of 97% and 90% (hypoxia) after oxygen mask disconnection (D97/D90) and reconnection (R97/R90) phases, the time of desaturation (TUC-D97) and hypoxia (TUC-D90) during disconnection, the total time in desaturation (L97) or hypoxia (L90), and the slopes of SatO2 drop (SDSAT97 and SDSAT90) and recovery (SRSAT97). The mean of the quartiles according to TUC were compared by ANOVA. The correlations between the different parameters were studied using Pearson's test and the effect size was estimated with ω2. Potentially useful parameters for the HAT study were those with statistical significance (p < 0.05) and a large effect size. D97, D90, R97, and R90 showed significant differences with small effect sizes, while TUC-D97, TUC-D90, L97, L90, and SDSAT97 showed significant differences and large effect sizes. SDSAT97 correlated with TUC (R = 0.79), TUC-D97 (R = 0.81), and TUC-D90 (R = 0.81). In conclusion, several parameters of the SatO2 curve are useful for the study and monitoring of HAT. The SDSAT97 measured during the test can estimate the TUC and thus contribute to taking measures to characterize and protect the aircrew members.

Trends in Psychiatric Day Care Practices in Japan: An Analysis Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims Open Data.

Psychiatric day care is a key framework for outpatient rehabilitation in Japanese psychiatric treatment. It targets a wide range of diseases and performs various roles. The current status and utilization of psychiatric day care in Japan have changed owing to an increase in the availability of other social resources and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, no reports have quantitatively analyzed the trends or current situation of psychiatric day care in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the status of the operation of psychiatric day care in Japan and its trends by sex, region, and age group. Based on the publicly available data from the Japanese National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB Open Data), we investigated changes in the numbers related to psychiatric day care nationwide from fiscal year (FY) 2017-2021. Furthermore, we calculated the numbers of psychiatric day care facilities use per 1,000 people by prefecture, sex, and age group in 2021. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare the total number of psychiatric day care facilities used in months during periods of emergency declarations and priority preventative measures with those used in months when there were no such periods. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was conducted to examine the correlation between the numbers of psychiatric beds per 100,000 people and the annual numbers of psychiatric day care facilities use per 1,000 people in each prefecture. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare the number per 1,000 people per year of prefectures with or without capital- and government-designated cities and compare the annual total number (FY 2017-2021) by sex. Overall, the number of psychiatric day care facilities use tended to decrease. The monthly data showed a significant decrease in the total number of psychiatric day care facilities' usage during periods of emergency declarations and priority preventative measures (p=0.02). The numbers of "psychiatric short care" use increased in 2021 and those of psychiatric day-night care (>3 years / >3 days per week) use showed an increasing trend from 2020. The overall number of psychiatric day care facilities' usage per 1,000 people by prefecture was significantly lower in prefectures having cities with populations of 700,000 or more (p<0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between the number of psychiatric day care facilities use per 1,000 people by prefecture and the number of psychiatric beds per 100,000 people by prefecture (r=0.61, p<0.01). The usage of psychiatric day care facilities was significantly lower for women (p<0.01). In terms of age group, the use of psychiatric day care facilities was significantly lower for younger age groups (under 65 years of age) (p<0.01). Trends in the numbers reflected differences in user attributes and regional differences. It is necessary to establish a management system tailored to individual attributes and in regions where support is difficult to reach.

Contraction-Induced H Reflexes of the Upper and Lower Limbs in Healthy Adults.

Contraction-induced H reflexes are a late neurophysiologic response elicited with submaximal nerve stimulation during isometric muscle contraction. Mediated by spinal pathways, like other H reflexes, their use has remained somewhat limited despite a long history of development dating back to the original description by Hoffman. There is a paucity of data on normal reference ranges, which this article aims to add to. Contraction-induced H reflexes were elicited from the first dorsal interosseous, flexor carpi radialis, and tibialis anterior bilaterally in 100 healthy volunteers. Reference values, including side-to-side variation, were calculated. Pearson test and multiple regression were used to evaluate the relationship of H-reflex latency to height, age, and sex of participants. The mean onset latencies of 28.00, 17.44, and 31.10 ms were seen for first dorsal interosseous, flexor carpi radialis, and tibialis anterior muscles, respectively. The calculated allowable side-to-side latency difference in individual participants was 3 to 4 ms. A correlation to participant height was seen. This work provides normal reference values of contraction-induced H reflexes to three muscles, including allowable side-to-side variation. The latter suggests that bilateral testing evaluating for asymmetry within an individual is likely to be optimally sensitive. The relationship to height is also confirmed.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Pain Severity in Patients With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronicoral ulcerative condition with an elusive etiology that is associated with excruciating pain. Psychological factors have been suspected as a possible risk factor in its onset and development. Depression, anxiety, and stressplay pivotal roles in how people experiencepain. Hence, we aimed to explore the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and the severity of pain perceived due to recurrent ulcers in RAS patients. Materials and methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 248 patients, comprising 124 diagnosed with RAS and 124 healthysubjects without this oral condition. Patients from both of these groups were matched with regard to age and sex and recruited over a period of one year from a dental hospital in Bengaluru, India. Patients with any other oral lesions, painful oral conditions, or systemic and psychological illnesses were excluded. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed in these patients using theDepression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Utilizing a Visual Analog Scale, ulcer-related pain was assessed in patients with RAS. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Pearson's correlation test in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (released 2019, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The chi-square analysis showed that participants with RAS showed a statistically significanthigher prevalence of extreme stress (n = 39, 31.5%), extreme anxiety (n = 82, 66.1%), and depression (n = 38, 30.6%) as opposed to those without this oral condition. A moderately positive correlation was observed in the Pearson's test between the severity of pain experienced and stress and anxiety (r = 0.65 and 0.60, respectively, p < 0.05), while a mild positive correlation was observed between the severity of pain and depression (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusion Depression, anxiety, and stressinfluenced the severity of pain in these lesions, dictating the need for a holistic approach that integrates psychological interventions in the management of such chronic oral conditions with psychological links.

Influence of Economic Connectedness on Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Adenotonsillectomy Outcomes.

To examine the influence of economic connectedness (EC), a measure of social capital, on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and adenotonsillectomy outcomes in children. Retrospective study. Single tertiary medical center. The study population included 286 children who were referred for full-night polysomnography for OSA and underwent adenotonsillectomy. The primary outcome was the relationship between EC and the presence of severe OSA, and secondary outcomes included postoperative emergency room visits and residual OSA after adenotonsillectomy. Linear regression, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson's χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression were used for categorical and continuous data as appropriate. In this population, the median age was 9.0 (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.9-11.7) and 144 (50.3%) were male. The majority were white (176, 62.0%), black (60, 21.1%), and/or of Hispanic ethnicity (173, 60.9%). The median EC of this population was 0.64 (IQR = 0.53-0.86). Higher EC was associated with decreased odds of having severe OSA (odds ratio: 0.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-0.61). However, EC was not associated with either postoperative emergency room visits or residual OSA. EC was significantly associated with severe OSA (ie, apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 10) but not with postoperative emergency room visits or residual OSA after adenotonsillectomy. Further research is needed to understand the effects of various social capital measures on pediatric OSA and adenotonsillectomy outcomes.

MRI-based pedicle bone quality score: correlation to quantitative computed tomography bone mineral density and its role in quantitative assessment of osteoporosis

BACKGROUND CONTEXTBone quality in the pedicle region generally determines screw pullout strength, insertion torque, and vertebral body loading characteristics. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), as the gold standard for evaluating bone mineral density (BMD), cannot measure the BMD of specific parts, such as pedicle, and DEXA is limited in many ways. Recent studies have shown a correlation between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and BMD measured using DEXA or quantitative computed tomography (QCT). However, no studies have been reported on the MRI-based pedicle bone quality (PBQ) score. Moreover, few studies have investigated the relationship between MRI-based PBQ and osteoporosis. PURPOSETo create a new site-specific MRI-based PBQ assessment method and assess its diagnostic capacity in patients with normal BMD and osteopenia/osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 156 patients underwent lumbar fusion surgery for chronic low back pain at our hospital between 2021 and 2022, with lumbar QCT and T1-weighted MRI performed before surgery. OUTCOME MEASURESCorrelation of the PBQ score with QCT BMD, and the association between the PBQ score and presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. METHODSBMD of the lumbar was calculated as the mean BMD of the L1 and L2 vertebral bodies on the basis of asynchronous QCT measurements. The PBQ score, which is the average of the bone quality values of both pedicles on the basis of site-specific T1-weighted sagittal MRI images, was calculated by dividing the median signal intensity of the L1–L4 pedicles by the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid at the L3 level. The interobserver reliability of the PBQ score was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the predictive performance of PBQ for osteoporosis. The PBQ score was compared with QCT BMD, as the gold standard, using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTSIn total, 156 patients participated in this study, including 51 in the Normal BMD group and 105 in the osteopenia/osteoporosis group. The PBQ score in the osteopenia/osteoporosis group was significantly higher than that in the normal BMD group (3.19±0.55 vs. 2.84±0.51, p<.001). The VBQ and PBQ scores were calculated by 2 authors and were in good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.949 and 0.929, respectively). Pearson's test showed a significant negative correlation between PBQ and QCT BMD (r=−0.4887, p<.001). The optimal cutoff PBQ score to differentiate patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis from those with normal BMD was 3.160, with a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 72.5%, and AUC of 0.776. The PBQ score correlated more strongly with QCT BMD (r=−0.4887) than VBQ (r=−0.4078). CONCLUSIONSIn this study, we propose a novel, MRI-based pedicle-specific bone quality score. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between the PBQ score and QCT BMD. The PBQ score showed diagnostic utility, differentiating between patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis and those with normal BMD (AUC=0.776), and the PBQ score correlated more strongly with QCT BMD than VBQ.

An evaluation of Nesfatin–1 levels in Awassi sheep according to the type of birth

The physiological process of birth can cause stress in animals because it affects many mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the type of birth on the Nesfatin–1 level and to explain the relationship with oxidative stress parameters in Awassi breed sheep. The study included a total of 60 sheep with a singleton birth in 3 groups: as Group 1 (n:20) including animals that had a normal birth, Group 2 (n:20) that had a difficult birth (dystocia), and Group 3 (n:20) including sheep that gave birth by caesarean section. Blood samples were taken from the sheep in all the groups within 10 min of the birth, for the measurement of Nesfatin–1, total antioxidant capacity (TAS), and total oxidant capacity (TOS). The data obtained were examined with One–Way Variance Analysis, and relationships between the data with the Pearson test. Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in respect of Nesfatin–1, TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels (P&lt;0.001). The Nesfatin–1, TOS, and OSI levels were determined to be lowest in the normal birth group and highest in the caesarean birth group (P&lt;0.001). The TAS level was highest in the normal birth group and lowest in the caesarean birth group (P&lt;0.001). A significant negative correlation was determined between Nesfatin–1 and TAS (r=-0.932, P&lt;0.001), and a significant positive correlation was determined between Nesfatin–1 and TOS, and between Nesfatin–1 and OSI (r=0.957, P&lt;0.001; r=0.960, P&lt;0.001, respectively). These results demonstrated a significant difference in Nesfatin–1 level according to the type of birth. Therefore, Nesfatin–1 could be a new biomarker in the determination of oxidative stress in sheep according to the type of birth, and it was concluded that one of the interventions that would decrease oxidative stress after dystocia and caesarean births would be to provide an increase in endogenous Nesfatin–1 because of its antioxidative property.

Does the esv3587290 Copy Number Variation in the VANGL1 Gene Differ as a Genetic Factor for Developing Nephritis in Mexican Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients?

A ~3-kb deletion-type DNA copy number variation (CNV, esv3587290) located at intron 7 of the VANGL1 gene (1p13.1, MIM*610132) has been proposed as a genetic factor in lupus nephritis (LN) development in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients across European-descent populations, but its replication in other ethnicities has been inconsistent and its association with LN in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains unknown. Here, we performed an exploratory association study in a sample of 66 unrelated cSLE Mexican patients (11 males, 55 females; ages 7.8 to 18.6 years). Two stratified groups were compared: cSLE patients with (N = 39) or without (N = 27) LN, as diagnosed by renal biopsy (N = 17), proteinuria (N = 33), urinary protein-creatinine ratio > 0.2 (N = 34), and erythrocyturia and/or granular casts in urinary sediment (N = 16). For esv3587290 CNV genotyping, we performed an end-point PCR assay with breakpoint confirmation using Sanger sequencing. We also determined the allelic frequencies of the esv3587290 CNV in 181 deidentified ethnically matched individuals (reference group). The obtained genotypes were tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium using the χ2 test. Associations between LN and esv3587290 CNV were tested by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and using Pearson's χ2 tests, with a 95% confidence interval and p ≤ 0.05. The esv3587290 CNV allele (OR 0.108, 95% CI 0.034-0.33, p = 0.0003) and the heterozygous genotype (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.119-0.9811, p = 0.002) showed a significant protective effect against LN development. Finally, we characterized the precise breakpoint of the esv3587290 CNV to be NG_016548.1(NM_138959.3):c.1314+1339_1315-897del in our population. This report supports the notion that a broad genetic heterogeneity underlies the susceptibility for developing LN.

The impact of laterality on the incidence and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer

IntroductionEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, yet the impact of ovarian laterality has received limited attention. Materials and methodsWe conducted a comprehensive investigation into the impact of laterality (left-right and bilateral-unilateral) on EOC incidence and prognosis, focusing on distinct subtypes. Binomial tests and Pearson's χ2 tests were employed to compare occurrence rates among laterality groups. Cox regression analyses were used to create a proportional hazards model for tumor prognosis. Nomograms were developed and validated, including internal validation via bootstrapping. ResultsOur study encompassed 20,790 EOC patients, revealing disparities in incidence and prognosis between unilateral and bilateral cases. Unilateral tumor development was notably predominant in clear cell, endometrioid, brenner, and mucinous subtypes, while bilateral involvement was more frequent in serous ovarian cancer. Laterality differences, reflecting disparities between the left and right sides, were chiefly evident in the incidence rates across various stages and in the prognosis of specific subtypes. Notably, mucinous ovarian cancer exhibited significantly better prognosis on the right side compared to the left (right tumors: HR = 0.745, p = 0.015, CI: 0.587–0.945). ConclusionThese findings emphasize the importance of considering ovarian laterality —both left-right and bilateral-unilateral aspects —as a critical factor influencing EOC incidence and prognosis, necessitating attention in clinical practice.

Correlation between VCAM-1 Level and Absolute Monocyte Count in Coronary Artery Disease

To prove the correlation between VCAM-1 level and absolute monocyte count among Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients. The study was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were 74 CAD patients who had been proven by coronary angiography and were treated in the Cardiology Department of Central General Hospital by Dr. Kariadi Semarang. This study was conducted from March to July 2021. VCAM-1 levels were examined with the ELISA method, using BioTek ELX800 Microplate reader (USA), and absolute monocyte count was analyzed with flow cytometry method, using Hematology Analyzer SYSMEX XN-1000 (Japan). Statistical analysis was done by Pearson's correlation coefficient test, in which p&lt;0.05 was considered significant. The mean VCAM-1 level was (361.78±128.01) ng/mL. The mean absolute monocyte count was (0.48±0.17) ×103/µL. The result of the Pearson correlation test showed a moderate positive correlation between VCAM-1 levels and absolute monocyte count in CAD patients (p=0.00; r=0.46). There was a moderate positive correlation between VCAM-1 level and absolute monocyte count in CAD patients. A positive correlation exists between VCAM-1 level and absolute monocyte count among CAD patients.

Association between APOL 1 Risk Genotypes and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy among Sub-Saharan Africans in Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense Endemic Rural Area

Purpose. The relationship between APOL1 variants and cardiovascular disease remains controversial, thus, this study assessed the association between APOL1 high-risk genotypes and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among sub-Saharan African in T.b. gambiense endemic area. Methodology. We enrolled 238 subjects living in the region of Masimanimba, an endemic area of T.b.gambiense HAT. We evaluated the association between LVH on echocardiography and the status of APOL1 genes in participants with or without HAT. APOL1 high-risk genotype (HRG) was defined as the presence of two risk variants (G1/G1, G2/G2, or G1/G2), and a low-risk genotype (LRG) with the presence of 0 or 1 single variant. Student’s and Pearson's Chi2 tests or Fisher’s exact test were used to compare means and proportions. The Wilcoxon/Mann–Whitney test was used to compare medians. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent determinants of LVH. Odds ratios were provided with their 95% confidence intervals (Cis). Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05, based on 2-tailed test. Findings. The prevalence of LVH (31.5%) increased with age and was similar in HAT-infected and non-infected subjects (29.8% vs. 32.6%; p=0.376). The trend of a greater left ventricular mass in participants with LVH carrying APOL1 HRG compared to those with LRG was not statistically significant (141g/m2 vs. 125 g/m2; p = 0.253). The frequency of HRG among participants with LVH was similar between HAT-infected and non-infected (15.8% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.806). Age ≥ 38 years [OR 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4-4.5), p = 0.001], hypertension [OR 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1-5.3), p = 0.034], WHR &gt; 0.5 [OR 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0-3.6), p = 0.018] and CKD [OR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.0-3.0), p = 0.049] were associated with LVH. In multivariable logistic regression analysis age ≥ 38 years was the only independent determinant of LVH [ORa 2.0 (95% CI: 1.1-3.8), p = 0.020]. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy. An assessment of cardiovascular risk is essential for individuals with LVH carrying APOL1 HRG in order to benefit from early and appropriate medical intervention. Further larger prospective follow-up survey is required to assess the incidence of LVH in individuals with APOL1 HRG variants.

Tachyarrhythmias burden in hospitalized patients with cancer: A nationwide propensity matched analysis.

e24032 Background: Remarkable progress has been made in the management of cancer with the advent of new therapies. However, significant concern exists over the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We aim to evaluate the different cardiac tachyarrhythmias in hospitalized cancer patients. Methods: The national readmission database (2016-2020) was queried to identify all-cause admissions for patients with active malignancy of any origin. Multivariate regression model was used to obtain adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Univariate screening was utilized for regression building model. Multicollinearity among different variables were determined by variation inflation factor (VIF). VIF &gt; 5 was taken as cut off for significant collinearity. Cohorts were stratified based on the presence of tachyarrhythmias. A propensity score matching (PSM) model, implementing complete Mahalanobis Distance Matching within the Propensity Score caliper (set at 0.2), matched cancer patients with and without tachyarrhythmias. Inverse Probability weighting(IPW) was utilized, and Pearson's x2 test was applied to the PSM matched cohorts to compare outcomes. Results: Among 10.6 million all-cause hospitalizations of cancer patients, about 1.7 million (16%) developed tachyarrhythmia. On a propensity-matched cohort, patients with active malignancy had the highest rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) (14.1%), followed by supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (1.1%), ventricular tachycardia (VT) (0.8%) and atrial flutter (AFL) (0.4%) [p &lt; 0.001]. Cancer patients with tachyarrhythmias had increased in-hospital mortality. The mortality was highest for VT (aOR 3.9, CI 3.7 - 4.01, P &lt; 0.001), followed by SVT (aOR 2.6,CI 2.51 - 2.67, p &lt; 0.001), AFL (aOR 2.5, CI 2.38 - 2.59, p &lt; 0.001 ) and AF (aOR 1.54, CI 1.52 -1.56, p &lt; 0.001). Readmissions among patients who developed tachyarrhythmias during index hospitalization showed that 18.7% and 34.3 % had recurrent AF, 17.4% and 33% had recurrent SVT, 17.3% and 32.1% had recurrent AFL, and 15.4% and 31.1% developed recurrent VT at 30 and 90- day readmissions respectively. Resource utilization was also higher in the cohort complicated by tachyarrhythmias, with the highest length of stay (LOS)(7 vs 4 days) and total cost ($31,718 vs $17,659) in hospitalization complicated by VT (p &lt; 0.001). A similar increase in LOS and total inpatient cost was also seen in cancer patients whose hospitalization was complicated with SVT, AFT and AF compared to patients without arrhythmias (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Hospitalizations in cancer patients complicated by tachyarrhythmias were associated with higher in-hospital mortality, LOS, and adjusted cost. VT is associated with the highest mortality; however, AF appears to be most prevalent during index admission and readmissions. This study signifies the importance of close cardiac monitoring in hospitalized cancer patients to prevent adverse outcomes.

Volume loss in the left anterior-superior subunit of the hypothalamus in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes motor neuron loss and progressive paralysis. While traditionally viewed as motor neuron disease (MND), ALS also affects non-motor regions, such as the hypothalamus. This study aimed to quantify the hypothalamic subregion volumes in patients with ALS versus healthy controls (HCs) and examine their associations with demographic and clinical features. Forty-eight participants (24 ALS patients and 24 HCs) underwent structural MRI. A deep convolutional neural network was used for the automated segmentation of the hypothalamic subunits, including the anterior-superior (a-sHyp), anterior-inferior (a-iHyp), superior tuberal (supTub), inferior tuberal (infTub), and posterior (posHyp). The neural network was validated using FreeSurfer v7.4.1, with individual head size variations normalized using total intracranial volume (TIV) normalization. Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons using independent sample t-tests. Correlations were calculated using Pearson's and Spearman's tests (p < 0.05). The standard mean difference (SMD) was used to compare the mean differences between parametric variables. The volume of the left a-sHyp hypothalamic subunit was significantly lower in ALS patients than in HCs (p = 0.023, SMD = -0.681). No significant correlation was found between the volume of the hypothalamic subunits, body mass index (BMI), and ALSFRS-R in patients with ALS. However, right a-sHyp (r = 0.420, p = 0.041) was correlated with disease duration, whereas right supTub (r = -0.471, p = 0.020) and left postHyp (r = -0.406, p = 0.049) were negatively correlated with age. There was no significant difference in the volume of hypothalamic subunits between males and females, and no significant difference was found between patients with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) scores ≤41 and >41 and those with a disease duration of 9 months or less. The main finding suggests atrophy of the left a-sHyp hypothalamic subunit in patients with ALS, which is supported by previous research as an extra-motor neuroimaging finding for ALS.

Evaluation of GSMaP Rainfall Data in the Aceh Region

Rainfall measurement data in the field is quite limited, however, satellite data obtained by remote sensing methods are widely available. However, its accuracy must still be tested using observational rainfall data. The objective of this research was to validate GSMaP satellite estimated rainfall data with Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) rainfall data at rain stations dispersed over Aceh Province's west-central region, as well as to identify the primary drivers for GSMaP data error. ARG and GSMaP data sources. A comparison of GSMaP data accuracy using a combination of Pearson and RMSE tests shows that GSMaP performance is very low in the dry and transition seasons and significantly better in the rainy season. GSMaP, on the other hand, is still unable to offer sufficient precise rainfall estimation data for each season. Meanwhile, a comparison by elevation shows that GSMaP data is not fully reliable.

Principal Component Analysis of a Real-World Cohort of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Cases: Demonstration of a Powerful Data-Mining Technique for Identifying Areas of Research.

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a descriptive exploratory statistical technique that is widely used in complex fields for data mining. However, it is rarely used in ophthalmology. We explored its research potential with a large series of eyes that underwent 3 keratoplasty techniques: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), conventional Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (ConDSAEK), or ultrathin-DSAEK (UT-DSAEK). All consecutive DMEK/DSAEK cases conducted in 2016 to 2022 that had ≥24 months of follow-up were included. ConDSAEK and UT-DSAEK were defined as preoperative central graft thickness ≥130 and <130 μm, respectively. Seventy-six patient, disease, surgical practice, and temporal outcome variables were subjected to PCA, including preoperative anterior keratometry, the use of sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) versus air for primary tamponade, and postoperative best corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Associations of interest that were revealed by PCA were assessed with the Welch t test or Pearson test. A total of 331 eyes were treated with DMEK (n = 165), ConDSAEK (n = 95), or UT-DSAEK (n = 71). PCA showed that ConDSAEK and UT-DSAEK clustered closely, including regarding postoperative best corrected visual acuity, and were clearly distinct from DMEK. PCA and follow-up univariate analyses suggested that in DMEK, 1) flatter preoperative anterior keratometry (average, K1, and K2) associated with more rebubbling (P = 0.004-0.089) and graft detachment (P = 0.007-0.022); 2) graft marking did not affect postoperative ECD; and 3) lower postoperative endothelial cell density associated with SF6 use (all P > 0.001) and longer surgery (P = 0.005-0.091). All associations are currently under additional investigation in our hospital. PCA is a powerful technique that can rapidly reveal clinically relevant associations in complex ophthalmological datasets.

The relationship of early postmenopausal symptoms, sexual function, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone with anxiety score in postmenopausal women referring to health centers of tabriz

Background. Anxiety is independently associated with severe quality of life impairment and severe postmenopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of early postmenopausal symptoms, sexual function, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with anxiety scores. Methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive correlational study, 117 eligible postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years with mild to moderate anxiety were selected using convenience sampling method. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Green's Menopause Symptoms Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were completed. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman tests and linear regression model. Results. By adjusting the confounding variables, the total score of FSFI and its sub-domains had no statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score (P&gt;0.05). The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale (r=0.535; P&lt;0.001) and sub-domains of anxiety (r=0.448; P&lt;0.001), depression (r=0.344; P&lt;0.001), and physical symptoms (r=0.509; P&lt;0.001), as well as the serum level of DHEA (r=-0.754; P&lt;0.001) had statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score. The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale and its sub-domains, except for the sexual dimension, and DHEA level could predict anxiety score. Conclusion. The score of menopausal symptoms and its subdomains, except for the sexual domain and DHEA level, could predict the anxiety score. The findings of this study show the importance of the relationship between early menopause symptoms and serum level of dihydroepiandrosterone with anxiety score in postmenopausal women. Practical Implications. It is suggested to conduct a more comprehensive study considering a wider sample size and socio-cultural factors and barriers.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Characteristics and Management of Uveal Melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland.

(1) Background: to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics and management of uveal melanoma (UM) in the National Referral Center in Poland. (2) Materials and Methods: the retrospective analysis of 1336 patients who were newly diagnosed with UM at the Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Oncology, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Krakow, Poland between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021. The demographic and clinical data were compiled, including localization, size, and treatment methods of tumors. (3) Results: In total, 728 patients with UM were included before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2018-2019, and 608 were included during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2020-2021. Fixed-base dynamics indicators for the incidence of uveal melanoma (base year 2018) in the National Referral Center in Poland were 80.22% and 86.81% in the years 2020 and 2021, respectively. UMs were statistically significantly larger and more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe in the year 2021 than in the year 2018 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0077, respectively). The rate of patients treated with enucleation increased from 15.94% in the year 2018 to 26.90% in the year 2021 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0005). (4) Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found in the management of uveal melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic with tumors being larger, more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe, and more often enucleated.

Association Between the Chemical Composition of Saliva and Serum in Patients with Kidney Failure

Background: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a severe nephrological condition that can lead to permanent kidney damage. Therefore, early disease diagnosis is key to preventing casualties. The gold standard method of diagnosis tends to evaluate changes in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, and parathormone hormones in blood after dialysis. However, serum evaluation is not always possible or easy for patients. Therefore, saliva evaluation has been proposed in recent years as an alternative. Objectives: The current article aims to evaluate metabolite in the saliva of ESRD patients. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 29 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment were selected. Their saliva and serum samples were taken. The number of biochemical factors, including sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, and parathormone hormone, was measured with an autoanalyzer device and related kits. Finally, the correlation of parameters in serum and saliva was examined using the Pearson test. Results: The results showed a significant positive relationship between the levels of sodium, urea, and creatinine in serum and saliva samples (P &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the serum and saliva levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and PTH (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Due to the significant correlation between some prominent biochemical factors in saliva and serum after hemodialysis in ESRD patients, saliva could be considered a non-invasive diagnostic fluid for monitoring kidney disease in the future.

Comparative effects of glazing versus polishing on mechanical, optical, and surface properties of zirconia ceramics with different translucencies.

This study compared the effects of glazing versus polishing on mechanical, optical, and surface properties of zirconia ceramics with different translucencies. In this in vitro study, 120 bar-shaped specimens (25 × 4 × 1.2 mm) were fabricated from three different types of zirconia with different translucencies (n = 40, DD Bio ZW, ZX2, and Cube X2). After sintering, each zirconia group was randomly divided into five subgroups of control (glazing), glazing + bur abrasion, glazing + bur abrasion + polishing with EVE Diacera® kit, glazing + bur abrasion + reglazing, and glazing + bur abrasion + polishing with EVE Diacera® kit + reglazing. The specimens underwent surface roughness, hardness, flexural strength, and translucency tests, as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for assessment of surface topography. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, Tukey test, and Pearson test (α = .05). Flexural strength, surface hardness, and translucency were significantly correlated with zirconia type. ZW zirconia had significantly higher flexural strength and surface hardness and significantly lower translucency than Cube X2 and ZX2 (p < .001). Surface roughness had no significant correlation with zirconia type (p = .274). Polishing created the smoothest, and bur abrasion created the roughest surface (p < .001). Flexural strength and hardness in most experimental groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .001). Translucency was not significantly different in bur abrasion and polishing groups, compared with the control group; however, reglazing significantly increased the translucency (p < .001). SEM micrographs confirmed the surface roughness results. XRD showed monoclinic phase only in reglazed groups. Of different surface treatments, polishing improved the surface properties and caused the smallest change in mechanical properties of zirconia with different translucencies.