Significant Differences In Values Research Articles

Traditional and Non-traditional Lipid Profiles in Bosnian Patients with Probable Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia.

Background:Conflicting data exist on traditional lipid profiles in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), whereas scarce number of studies evaluated non-traditional lipid profiles in patients with AD and VD. Studies have shown that ethnic background may affect lipid profile.Objective:The aim of the present study was to conduct comparative assessment of traditional and non-traditional lipid profiles in Bosnian patients with AD and VD.Methods:A controlled, cross-sectional study was performed with 66 patients with AD, 50 patients with VD, and 60 control subjects. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test was used for an evaluation of the global cognitive function. The Hachinski ischemic score was used to distinguish patients with VD from those with AD. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein -cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) levels were determined using standard enzymatic colorimetric techniques, whereas the Friedewald formula was used to calculate low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The non-traditional lipid indices such as TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were separately calculated. The differences between the groups were analyzed with ANOVA followed by the Tuckey posthoc test or with the Kruskal Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test.Results:Results of the present study have shown that patients in AD group had significantly lower level of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, Non-HDL-C and significantly lower atherogenic index compared to the control group (CG) and compared to the VD patients. Significant difference in values of TG and VLDL-C was observed between VD and the CG, whereas no significant difference in values of TC, LDL-C, atherogenic index and Non-HDL-C was observed between these two groups. Our results have also shown that TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were significantly lower in AD patients compared to the VD and CG. Moreover, TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly lower in VD compared to the CG. However, a significant difference in TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C was not observed between VD and the CG.Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study it can be deduced that there is a difference in traditional and non-traditional lipid profiles between AD and VD patients of Bosnian descent. Obtained results suggest that lipids are decreased in AD and in VD to a certain extent. However, since there is an inconsistence in literature whether there is an association between cholesterol and cognition, large prospective studies are required to elucidate this controversy.

Clinicoradiographic comparison of sagittal condylar guidance angle determined by dynamic and radiographic methods

Aim: This in vivo study was conducted to compare sagittal condylar guidance angle measured (SCGA) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) panoramic-section and CBCT cross-section and extraoral Gothic arch tracing method (EGTM) in completely edentulous patients.Materials and Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 completely edentulous individuals were evaluated. Radiologically, two modalities of CBCT imaging were used to record SCGA, i.e., CBCT panoramic section view and CBCT cross-sectional view. After recording, the CBCT of the patient SCGA was measured using the Frankfort horizontal reference line and mean curvature line. The most superior and most inferior points of the curvature were identified to determine the mean curvature line. SCGA was measured in the clinical method using EGTM with Hight tracers for the same patients. Data obtained using three methods were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: The mean right and left SCGA using CBCT panoramic view was 29.33 and 29.52, respectively. The mean right and left SCGA using CBCT cross-sectional view was 31.24 and 31.63, respectively. The mean right and left SCGA using extraoral Gothic arch method was 26.67 and 27, respectively. The SCGA differed significantly among the groups.Conclusion: There was a significant difference in values of SCGA when evaluated using the three techniques. The radiographic methods (CBCT panoramic section view and CBCT cross-sectional view) were comparable but varied significantly from extraoral Gothic arch tracing technique.

Association of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and Qualitative C-Reactive Protein with the Severity of COVID-19 Disease

Introduction: After December 2019, the word “COVID” became the nightmare to the civilisation. As per the nomenclature laid by World Health Organisation (WHO), the disease is called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the causative virus is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARSCoV-2). By August 11th 2021, the virus caused around 43 lac deaths with an infection burden of approximately 20.3 crore worldwide. Many studies are published from most of the corners of the world regarding clinical features, laboratory parameters and radiological features of the disease to identify the infection at an early stage. Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) are among the most commonly studied parameters in COVID-19, though in India, a smaller number of studies were done in this regard. As the disease itself is new to the medical fraternity, maximum studies were done with small sample size which requires more studies to confirm the findings. Aim: To find out the association of on-admission serum LDH and qualitative CRP with the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective observational study conducted for three months from May to July 2021. A 114 Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients were included as per the inclusion-exclusion criteria of which 57 were from Intensive Care Unit (ICU), considered as ‘severe’ patients and 57 from ward, taken as ‘non severe’ patients. Required blood parameters including LDH and CRP values were obtained from Laboratory Information System (LIS) and clinical data was obtained from hospital database. The values were analysed using statistical software. Results: Present study showed significant difference in values of LDH among ICU and ward patients (p=0.0001), also significant difference of CRP positive percentage between these two groups (p=0.0003) was observed. Conclusion: Present study concluded that on-admission LDH and CRP can be used as a marker of severity in COVID-19 disease.

Relevance of health education to e-learning-associated problems among the school-going adolescents in Bareilly city: An interventional study.

E-learning has assumed a significant part during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Imposition of health education has productive outcomes on e-learners. To evaluate the outcome of health education in preventing and controlling the e-learning-associated health problems among the school-going adolescents in Bareilly city by imparting health education and comparing the pre- and post-intervention findings. An interventional study was led in Bareilly city, Uttar Pradesh, India, among the school-going adolescents aged 10-19 years. All participants were explained about the objectives of the study, and an informed written consent was obtained from the parents or guardians of the study subjects. Data were collected, and their clearing, coding, and recoding were performed appropriately in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. After this, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 23.0) for windows. The pre- and post-effects of health education on the health problems of students involved in e-learning were assessed by comparing the data and applying the paired sample Wilcoxon rank test. The pre- and post-effects of health education upon the health problems of students involved in e-learning were evaluated. The various health parameters selected for the comparison were as follows: concentration, mood, behaviour, fitness, headache, body-ache, vision problems, academic performances, body mass index (BMI), sleep cycle, and anxiety. The pre- and post-comparison of all health parameters showed a statistically significant difference. The outcome of the study stated a statistically significant difference in values of pre- and post-health parameters (concentration, mood, behaviour, fitness, headache, body-ache, vision problems, academic performances, BMI, sleep cycle, and anxiety) associated with e-learning. Hence, this research is highly relevant to the practice of primary care physicians.

Fenofibrate-Nicotinamide Cocrystals: Molecular Docking Studies and Evaluation in Tablet Dosage Form

The objectives of present investigation were to evaluate prepared cocrystals of fenofibrate and nicotinamide for pre-compression characteristics, docking studies for target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, evaluate performance of cocrystals in tablet dosage form and to carry out in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity. The cocrystals were prepared by antisolvent addition method. Docking studies of cocrystals and pure fenofibrate against of target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha were carried out by using PyRx (version 0.8) docking tool, AutoDock Vina as docking program. The prepared cocrystals were evaluated for pre-compression properties like angle of repose, bulk density and Carr’s index. Cocrystals were formulated in tablet dosage form and evaluated for official and unofficial quality control tests. The antihyperlipidemic activity carried out in rats by using Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemia model. Cocrystals binds with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha with more binding affinity as compared with fenofibrate. Cocrystal shows binding energy of -9.3 kcal/mol while fenofibrate shows -8.5 kcal/mol. The pre-compression properties were within the limits of United States Pharmacopeia guidelines. The pure fenofibrate tablet showed 24.7 % drug release at the end of 90 min and cocrystal based tablet showed 100 % at 45 min. There was no statistically significant difference in values for all biochemical parameters in case of in vivo activity for cocrystals in comparison with pure fenofibrate. From the docking studies we can conclude that cocrystals showed stronger more substantial formed stable complexes with target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, but no statistically significant difference in pharmacodynamic studies.

ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННО-ВРЕМЕННАЯ ДИНАМИКА АМПЛИТУДЫ СУТОЧНЫХ КОЛЕБАНИЙ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ АТМОСФЕРНОГО ВОЗДУХА НА ДАЛЬНЕМ ВОСТОКЕ РОССИИ

To identify the spatial, inter-annual and inter-seasonal dynamics of the daily amplitude of air temperature, the author uses the data from 99 weather stations in the Russian Far East for the period of 2000– 2019. It is shown that the maximum values of the daily amplitude are typical for the continental territories in the north, while the minimum ones – for the continental areas in the south, and for sea stations. For almost all weather stations, the amplitude is minimal in winter – in December and January. In general, a clear annual range and significant differences in values during the year were revealed for continental stations. The maximum at the continental northern stations is shown for April, while at the continental southern stations – in February. Marine areas are characterized by a smoothed seasonal course of the studied parameter, with a certain dimly marked maximum in February-March. A decrease in the day–to-day dynamics of air temperature amplitude over the period of 2000–2019 was revealed due to a faster increase in minimum temperatures as compared to maximum, which is typical for most of the weather stations. At the same time, an increase in the amplitude is shown at some stations, which is associated with a higher positive trend of maximum temperatures.

Association between bipolar affective disorder, use of antidepressants and osteoporosis

Introduction/Objective. Osteoporosis is one of the most common comorbid disorders in depressive mood disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the use of antidepressants and osteoporosis in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Methods. The study included 73 inpatients, aged 50?72 years, male and female, hospitalized with a depressive episode of BPAD from 2016 to 2020 at the Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, divided into two groups: a) the first group (40) was treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in combination with mood stabilizer (lithium carbonate/lamotrigine); b) the second group (33) was treated with mood stabilizer only. Study included two control groups as well. Clinical measurements of bone mineral density at lumbar spine and hip was made using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. CrossLaps and levels of calcium and vitamin D were collected from blood samples. The data was analyzed by the analysis of variance and the Kruskal?Wallis test. Results. Osteoporosis was registered in 25% of patients in the first group and in 18% of patients in the second group, while osteopenia was observed within 40% of patients in the first group and in 37% of patients in the second group. There was significant difference in value of CrossLaps, and the level of 25(OH)D vitamin between the control groups and the first two groups, as well as in prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Conclusion. Depressive episodes in BPAD is connected with higher prevalence of osteoporosis. Patients treated with SSRIs have higher prevalence of osteoporosis than patients treated with mood stabilizers only.

The renewed bestseller clause of the copyright act

The bestseller clause of the Copyright Act is an older legal institution of Hungarian copyright law. The rule was taken over by Hungarian law from the German Copyright Act. The bestseller clause provides protection for a creator in a weaker contractual position than the user. It provides effective assistance for the subsequent consideration of unforeseen circumstances at the time of the conclusion of the contract. Its primary purpose is to remedy the post-contractual shift in value using the special means of judicial amendment of the contract.The legal institution of the bestseller clause is a special regulatory solution compared to the provisions of the Civil Code on invalidity. It is a special provision compared to invalidity in the event of a significant difference in value, however, it provides a strong limitation on the legal consequences of invalidity.It only provides an opportunity for the court to amend the contract and eliminate the striking difference in value.The rule has very poor judicial practice, both in Hungary and abroad. The primary reason for this is that the parties apply contractual arrangements that avoid future uncertainties regarding the amount of the royalty.One of the aims of the DSM Directive is to extend the legal opportunities for weaker contracting parties, including the EU-level harmonization of the bestseller clause. According to Article 20 DSM, Member States shall ensure that in the absence of an applicable collective bargaining agreement providing for a mechanism comparable to that set out in this Article, authors and performers or their representatives are entitled to claim additional, appropriateand fair remuneration from the party with whom they entered into a contract for the exploitation of their rights, or from the successors in title of such party, when the remuneration originally agreed on turns out to be disproportionately low compared to all the subsequent relevant revenues derived from the exploitation of the works or performances. The essay examines the possible effects of the extension of the bestseller clause to new areas in the national copyright law and the relationship between the new provisions and civil law invalidity rules.

Comparative evaluation of implant stability with and without autologous platelet-rich fibrin prior to prosthetic loading - A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

Context:Status of bone–implant interface or osseointegration can be assessed by using resonance frequency analysis (RFA), which measures implant stability. A modified implant surface can significantly enhance osseointegration and reduce healing period. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) consists of fibrin mesh with entrapped platelets and leukocytes that release a huge number of growth factors which contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration.Aims:The present study aims to evaluate the effect of PRF on osseointegration in terms of implant stability.Settings and Design:This was a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.Materials and Methods:Sixty surgical sites were divided randomly into two groups. In Group 1 (thirty sites), PRF was placed in osteotomy sites before implant placement whereas no PRF was placed in Group 2 (thirty sites). Stability was measured using RFA in terms of implant stability quotient (ISQ) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.Statistical Analysis:Intergroup comparison was done using Mann–Whitney U-test. Intragroup comparison was done using Friedman's test followed by pairwise comparison using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results:On intergroup comparison, Group 1 showed higher values for ISQ which were statistically significant (P < 0.05) at 1 week and 1 month. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found at baseline and 3 months. Intragroup comparison and further pairwise comparison revealed a highly significant difference for values between all pairs of time intervals (P < 0.01) with higher values at 3 months.Conclusions:PRF has a significant effect on osseointegration of dental implants during the early healing period prior to loading.

Agile and generic work values of British vs Indian IT workers: a culture-clash case

PurposeAfter deciding to become agile, many information technology (IT) units struggle; they underestimate the needed managerial expertise to alter their current culture toward an agile one, particularly when cross-cultural (f)actors are involved. Given that work values are the key to an organizational culture, the study derived a set of agile work values of culturally diverse IT professionals together with a set of well-known generic work values. Consequently, the authors illustrate that managers in charge of the transition to an effective agile culture must pay serious attention to the specific value constellations of its often highly diverse workforce.Design/methodology/approachA literature review resulted in an initial list of agile work values. Then, mainly through a Delphi round, 12 agile-specific work values were established. These were survey rated, along with the validated set of 18 generic work values, by 102 British and Indian IT professionals in a digital service and consulting firm that was requested by its client to become agile. The observations made in 14 feedback group-interview-type dialogs enriched the surveyed data further.FindingsIn the current exploratory study, four generic value dimensions were complemented by two agile-specific ones: team communication and shared responsibility. Among the British and Indian (on-site and offshore) workers, only 2 of the 30 current work values were shared while 7 significant value differences were found, explaining the noted employee bitterness, productivity losses and client disengagement. This situation was reflected in the many discrepancies between the professionals' ideal agile way of working and how their unit was currently functioning.Originality/valueThe multi-method study shows an over-optimistic approach to becoming agile in a common cross-cultural context; insights are gained on how to optimize agile ways of organizing IT work when British IT workers collaborate with Indian IT workers. It may benefit many agile practitioners and managers working with(in) cross-culturally mixed and partly remote teams.

Platelet Morphological Assessment Based on Shelf-Life of Concentrated Platelet Components

Concentrated platelet components are the components or platelets that are processed through centrifugation from whole blood or a single donor. The components of the concentrate platelets are stored in an agitator at a temperature of 20-24◦C with a maximum shelf-life of five days. During the storage, a change in component metabolism occurs, which is characterized by alteration in platelet morphology as an indicator of decreasing quality of platelet components. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of the components of platelets based on the shelf-life by measuring the platelet morphological values with the Kunicki method. This study applied an experimental method by conducting inspections of the regional blood transfusion unit (UTDD) of the Indonesian Red Cross of Jakarta Capital Special Region (PMI DKI Jakarta). Platelet morphological values of six components of platelets were examined by the Kunicki method on day 0 to day 5 of shelf-life. Quality assessment was carried out based on a significant difference-dependent t-test and comparison with normal value. The results of the study by performing statistical analysis of the significant difference-dependent t-test showed a significant difference of values between day 0 and day 1 to day 5 of shelf-life. Comparison with normal values ​​depicted that all samples stored on day 4 had a morphological value of more than 200. On day 5 of shelf-life, the platelet morphology values ​​of five samples were below 200. The quality of the concentrated platelet components is said “good” if it is above 200. This study concluded that there was a significant difference in the platelet morphology values between the components of concentrated platelets on day 0 and day 1 to day 5 of shelf-life. All samples were of good quality until day 4 of storage. However, on day 5 of storage, only one sample was good in quality.

Minimization of traffic delay in traffic flows with coordinated control

The method and results of transport research, carried out by field research method, on the determination of the main indicators of traffic flows with significant unevenness of the movement on the arterial street in conditions of coordinated control is reviewed in the paper. Time parameters of traffic light control for which a reduction in traffic delay is achieved in direct and opposite traffic flow by the change of permissive signal depending on traffic intensity are determined using the simulation method. Change (increase) of the duration of the permissive signal provides uninterrupted movement of vehicles` group during their passage of stop-line at traffic light objects. The proposed method can be used on sections of transport networks with coordinated control, where there is significant heterogeneity of traffic flow, and it prevents the dissipation of groups that consist of vehicles with different dynamic characteristics. Such a result is being performed in the case when in the system of automated control, which combines adjacent intersections on an arterial street, fixed-time program control of traffic light signalization is operating. In this condition, there is a possibility to adjust the duration of signals of traffic light groups by correcting the width (permissive signal duration) and angle of inclination (speed of movement) of the timeline in coordination graphs. The scientific novelty of this research is that the method of traffic delay minimization in conditions of coordinated control acquired further development. The essence of the method is in the controlled change of the range of permissive signal duration in conditions of simultaneous control of the speed of movement between adjacent intersections. Practical value is the application of different programs of traffic light control on sections of arterial streets in transport districts where a significant difference of values of traffic intensity by directions is in morning and evening peak periods.

Analisis Nilai dan Volume Transaksi Timah Pada Bursa Timah Indonesia Sebelum dan Setelah Kebijakan Multi Bursa

The implementation of mandatory regulations of tin export through commodity multi-exchange has been considered effective in suppressing illegal tin trading practices, building transparency in transaction and export record, and creating added value for tin export. However, the essence of a multi-exchange policy should also promote the increasing in value and volume of tin transactions. This analysis aims to see the difference in the value and volume of tin transactions before and after the multi-exchange policy. By using the Paired Sample t-test, there are shown significant differences in value and volume of tin transactions whereby the value and volume transacted after the multi-exchange policy is relatively lower. The decrease in transaction value will affect the state tin royalty revenue. Interestingly, the decline in transaction value is driven by the high disparity between the value and volume of transactions between the two exchanges. Therefore, trade policies that support the consolidation of the tin market are urgently needed to optimize state royalty revenues.

The Role of HMG COA Reductase Inhibitors on the Progression of Coronary Artery Disease: Focus on Prediction Model

Abstract Currently, an integrated site-specific and patient-specific comprehensive predictive model of plaque progression in various CVD is not available. In this study, we considered medical records of 256 patients obtained within the EU H2020 SMARTool project which is carefully designed to collect the features from various domains relevant for disease which are used in everyday clinical practice. The database contains detailed information of patients with suspected CAD disease regarding the clinical status, risk factors, routine blood analyses, CAD morphology and progression and current therapy. Results showed that there was statistically significant difference of values of this parameter for the SMARTool patients with and without disease progression, measured at the follow-up, F(1,250)=33.39, p &lt; 0.001, while the CAD Score in the follow-up is significantly different from the score measured at the initial time point, F(1,254)=76.244, p &lt; 0.001. The significant interaction of statins is achieved with aspirin F(1,252)= 3.921, p=0.049, while interactions with other medicaments are insignificant for CAD Score. The results showed that there was no significant interaction of statins and dyslipidemia, F(1,251)=0.877, p = 0.350. Also, there was no significant interaction of statins and hypertension, F(1,245)=0.283, p=0.596. The CAD score in the baseline was significantly different among patients who were further prescribed with therapy than those who were not, and this trend remained unchanged after a given time period, i.e. those patients who were at risk had progression in addition to statins, but the combination of statins and aspirin was shown as effective in decreasing the CAD Score. The Random Forest classifier applied on 24 selected features is the most reliable among all tested ML algorithms for the prediction of CAD progress.

The Effectiveness of Blended-Based Training on Teachers Competence in Padang Lawas District

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of blended-based training on improving the teachers competence to act their main roles in preparing appropriate learning administration. The research was conducted in Padang Lawas Regency North Sumatra. To achieve the objective, pre-experimental research by one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. Research subjects were from teachers in Padang Lawas District with 31 teachers. The instrument which was used was a portfolio and individual test by writing the lesson plan and all tasks collected by google drive. The data analysis technique was performed using SPSS Statistic 20 by one simple paired t-test. The finding showed that blended-based training had a significant difference of values where the post-test score was bigger than the pre-test score where the significant value (2-tailed) was 0.000.05 could improve the teachers’ professionalism. Thus, blended training can improve teacher professionalism in Padang Lawas District.

Short-term effects of exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, O3 on lung function test indices among students of Tehran city, Iran

Introduction: The adverse health effects of air pollution have been observed in many epidemiological studies. The aim of this research was to study the effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions in schoolchildren in Tehran city. Materials and methods: Total number of 167 schoolchildren were selected to participate in this study. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generalized estimating equation (GEE) to determine the relationship of air pollution and lung function tests. Results: The result of this study showed that there are statistically significant differences in value of air pollution between areas. The results present that concentration of O3, PM10, NO2 has a negative association with lung function tests but concentration of CO, PM2.5, and SO2 had no association with decreased lung function tests. Time variable of air pollution was not statistically significant effect on lung function test. Conclusion: In this study, we conclude that air pollution in Tehran city can be decreased lung function test indexes that may be affected by short-time exposure to air pollutant.

Impact properties of continuously textile reinforced double fabric layered riot-police-helmet-shells

The manuscript is a section of research completed for the overall impact performance of riot-police-helmet-shells having continuously textile reinforcement. In this research paper, manufacturing of double fabric layered helmet and its impact analysis has been discussed. Moreover, energy contained and blocking forces at various zones at the police-head protector shells were assessed. Results are also compared with the previous work for the impact evaluation of single piece riot-police-helmet-shell. The comparative results show significant difference in values in comparison with single layered riot-police-helmet-shell. These results can lead to the development of Riot-police-helmet-shells that can resist high velocity impact.

The relationship between air pollutants and spirometric indices in schoolchildren of five areas in Tehran

Objectives: The adverse health effects of air pollution have been observed in many epidemiological studies. The aim of this research was to study the effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions in schoolchildren inTehran city. Methods: Atotal number of 167 schoolchildren were selected to participate in this study. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation(GEE) to determinethe relationship of air pollution and lung function tests. Results: The result of this study showed that there are statistically significant differences in value of air pollution between areas.The results present that concentration of O3, PM10, NO2 has a negative association with lung function tests but concentration of CO, PM2.5, and SO2 had no association with decreased lung function tests. Time variable of air pollution was not statistically significant effect on lung function test. Conclusion: in this study, we conclude that air pollution in Tehran city can be decreased lung function test indexes that may be affected by short-time exposure to air pollutant.

Application of 2D Gait Analysis for the Assessment of Gait Disturbance in Patients with Spastic Tetraparesis.

The aim of the study was to explore the use of 2D gait analysis for assessing gait abnormalities in patients with spastic tetraparesis associated with spinal cord injury and other lesions of the cervical spinal cord.Materials and MethodsThe study included 12 patients with tetraparesis of various etiologies. Gait assessment was performed by video analysis using reflective markers (1.5 cm) and a special walking platform. The spatial coordinates of the markers were determined by capturing the reflected light with infrared LEDs located around the lenses of video cameras.ResultsUsing 2D gait analysis, numerical indicators of gait disturbance in spastic tetraparesis were obtained. We found a prolongation of the stand phase with a shortening of the swing phase (from 81.9 [76.1; 89.2] to 85.3 [74.4; 90.2]%; p=0.97) and the period of the double step (from 0.50 [0.45; 0.96] to 0.40 [0.34; 0.66]; p=0.4) in comparison with the target (normal) values (60% — for the stand phase; 1.41 — for the double-step period). The movements in the hip, knee, and ankle joints are described using numerical values.We then compared the data obtained from the left and right sides of the patient’s body: there were no statistically significant differences between the two sets of data. We also compared the gait characteristics before and after treatment (in 4 patients). Statistically significant differences in values were obtained for the stand and swing phases (p=0.035), the range of motion in the hip joint (p=0.01), and gait velocity (p=0.046). Kendall’s analysis revealed no significant correlation between the data obtained by video gait analysis and the gait changes by the Modified Ashworth Scale (р>0.05).Conclusion2D gait analysis is a promising method for quantifying gait disturbance in patients with spastic tetraparesis. It allows one to identify characteristic gait patterns, in particular, an increase in the stand phase with a shortening of the swing phase and the double step period, as well as a decrease in the range of motion in the hip joints with an increase in the knee and ankle ones.

Vitamin D in pediatric patients with obesity and arterial hypertension

The purpose of this study was to find potential differences in vitamin D levels between different groups: overweight children with hypertension, normal-weight children with hypertension, overweight children with normal blood pressure and normal-weight children without hypertension, representing the control group. We also wanted to determine whether there are correlations between vitamin D levels and other clinical laboratory parameters, to evaluate the potential need for substitution. We measured vitamin D, homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate and magnesium serum levels in all groups. We also took anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, body mass index (BMI)) and observed patients’ blood pressure. The results were analyzed with SPSS statistic tool with basic statistical methods. The study included 175 children between 5 and 18 years of age. Fiftyseven were healthy (group A—control group), 41 normal-weight with hypertension (group B), 44 overweight with hypertension (group C) and 33 overweight with normal blood pressure (group D). The results showed statistically significant differences in values of vitamin D between all groups—A and B (p = 0.003), A and C (p < 0.001), A and D (p < 0.001), B and D (p = 0.043), B and C (0.030), except for groups C and D (p = 0.830). There were statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and BMI (r = − 0.196, p = 0.010), systolic pressure (r = − 0.190, p = 0.002), diastolic pressure (r = − 0.149, p = 0.050), homocysteine (r = − 0.208, p = 0.007), triglycerides (r = − 0.196, p = 0.011) and apolipoprotein A1 (r = 0.222, p = 0.007), confirmed in multivariate model. For the blood pressure, the higher the systolic blood pressure, the lower the average vitamin D was. The pilot study shows significant differences in serum vitamin D levels between all groups of children, apart from groups C and D. These results, combined with statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and systolic and diastolic blood pressure suggest the need for monitoring and potential substitution of vitamin D in in pediatric patients with hypertension.