Significant Difference In Mean Levels Research Articles

Influence of career awareness on STEM career interests: examining the roles of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and gender

BackgroundThe studies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career interests have progressed substantially over the recent years. However, the influence of career awareness on STEM career interests is an area that requires further discussion. Evidently, Chinese adolescents have limited awareness and interest in STEM careers in the context of the Chinese cultural milieu, which can potentially constrain their future career trajectories. This study explored the influence of career awareness on the STEM career interests of Chinese high school students, examining the mediating roles of self-efficacy and outcome expectations for STEM courses in this relationship. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of gender on the average levels and interrelations of these variables. A sample of high school students from both eastern and western regions of China (N = 2542) was selected, and data was analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach.ResultsThe findings indicate that while STEM career awareness impacts various types of STEM career interests, minor differences exist in these effects. Specifically, the influence of STEM career awareness on analytical STEM career interests is entirely mediated by self-efficacy and outcome expectations in STEM courses. However, for life-survival and life-healthy STEM career interests, this mediation is only partial, with respective effects accounting for 39% and 45%. Notably, significant mean-level differences exist between male and female students in STEM career interests and self-efficacy in STEM courses, yet the relationships among these variables remain consistent across genders.ConclusionsThis study underscores the pivotal influence of career awareness in molding STEM career interests, shedding light on the mediating functions of self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses. Through a gender-based analysis, it offers valuable insights into the differing inclinations of male and female high school students in the STEM realm, while also revealing consistent patterns in the relationships among these variables across genders. These findings underscore the necessity for heightened efforts to bolster STEM career awareness and fortify self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses, particularly in domains characterized by notable gender disparities, aiming to foster equitable advancement within the STEM disciplines.

Longitudinal associations between Latine parents' support and their adolescents' science motivation and STEM career expectations.

Parents' science support and adolescents' motivational beliefs are associated with adolescents' expectations for their future occupations; however, these associations have been mostly investigated among White, middle-class samples. Framed by situated expectancy-value theory, the current study investigated: (1) the associations between parents' science support in 9th grade and Latine adolescents' science intrinsic value, utility value, and STEM career expectations in 11th grade, and (2) whether these indicators and the relations among them differed by adolescents' gender and parents' education. Study participants included Latine adolescents (n = 3060; Mage = 14.4 years old; 49% female) in the United States from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009. Analyses revealed a significant, positive association between parents' science support and Latine adolescents' science utility value. Additionally, there was a significant, positive association between parents' science support and Latinas' science intrinsic value, but not for Latinos' science intrinsic value. Latine adolescents' science utility value, but not their science intrinsic value, predicted their concurrent STEM career expectations. Though there were no significant mean level differences in adolescents' science utility value or parents' science support based on adolescents' gender, the measure of adolescents' science intrinsic value varied across girls and boys. Finally, adolescents whose parents had a college degree received greater science support from parents compared to adolescents whose parents had less education than a college degree. Findings suggest parents' science support and adolescents' intrinsic and utility values have potential associations with Latine adolescents' STEM career expectations near the end of high school.

Study some biochemical parameters in patients with Coronary artery disease with and without Type 2 diabetes

Background: Impaired lipid metabolism are well recognized factors for Coronary artery disease (CAD) which is the major reason of mortality and morbidity all over world. The incident of CAD with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing.
 Aim: The current study aimed to study some biochemical variables (vitamin D3, lipid profile, Insulin, FBG and HbA1C) in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease and compare them with healthy people.
 Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in human beings (apparently healthy and patients). It is statistically considered as [case- control study], the voluntaries were divided as following: 40 apparently healthy persons (40 male) were recruited through advertisement among laboratories and hospital staff in the three medical centers previously mentioned and from friends in Baghdad. 40 voluntaries patients with T2DM were taken, of them (40 male) were recruited from the specialized center for endocrinology and diabetes. 55 voluntaries patients who had CAD (55 male), 55 patients who have had T2DM with CAD (55 male).
 Results: the results evaluating the BMI of participant revealed that 16.3% had normal BMI, 55.8% were overweight and 27.9% were obese. 65.3% had vitamin D. insufficiency and 16.8% had vitamin D deficiency. The glycemic control evaluation shows that 37.4% had good glycemic control and 16.8% had poor control and 45.8% had excellent control. All participant had insulin resistance in which 31.6% had early resistance. Otherwise, a statistical significant difference in mean level of BMI, vitamin D, insulin level, HOMA-IR, FBS and HbA1c between the 4 groups. For lipid profile, Control group participant had significant lower total cholesterol level in compare to the other groups. Control group participant had significant lower TG level in compare to the other groups. Control group participant had significant higher HDL in compare in CAD group and CAD with DM group. Control group participant had significant lower LDL in compare in CAD group and CAD with DM group.
 Conclusions: Based on the results of the current study, it was found that there is a strong association between low vitamin D and cardiovascular disease, and it was also found that insulin resistance, which mainly causes type 2 diabetes, has increased health problems in CAD patients. On the other hand, the current study demonstrated that high levels of LDL and cholesterol were closely associated with events and increased risk of CAD.

Enhancing early functional independence following cardiac surgery: a quality improvement programme

Early mobility and activity programmes following cardiac surgery are vital for improved patient outcomes, as they accelerate the recovery of functional capacity and walking distance. We observed that only 5.3%...

Correlation of Magnesium Level with Cardiac and Hepatic Hemosiderosis Measured by T2*MRI Technique and Age in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Background: Given the association of hypomagnesemia with cardiac arrhythmia, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum magnesium levels with age and T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the heart and liver in patients with thalassemia major (TM). 
 Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 62 patients with β-thalassemia major aged 11-48 years were selected at the Amir-Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran. Serum magnesium, ferritin, and iron levels of patients were measured, and the rate of cardiac and hepatic hemosiderosis of patients was extracted according to the routine T2*MRI method. 
 Results: The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 32.6 years. The comparison of TM patients with and without hepatic/cardiac hemosiderosis demonstrated that mean levels of serum ferritin, serum iron, and age were significantly higher in TM patients with cardiac hemosiderosis than in hepatic/cardiac non-hemosiderosis (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in mean levels of serum magnesium in TM patients with and without hepatic/cardiac hemosiderosis (P = 0.279). Interestingly, the correlation of age with serum magnesium levels in TM patients revealed a statistically significant and moderate inverse correlation (r = -0.56, P = 0.013).
 Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia may occur in a time-dependent manner. It is recommended that, in addition to cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI, serum magnesium levels be measured by using magnesium replacement if necessary.

The predictivity of serum biochemical markers in acute biliary pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal disease requiring hospital admission. Among the etiology of AP gallstones (45%) and alcohol abuse (20%) are the most frequent causes of AP. Sixty-nine patients of AP who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated from July 2021- June 2022. The predictivity of serum biochemical marker alanine transaminase (ALT) in acute biliary pancreatitis and the mean serum biochemical markers (ALT, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, amylase and lipase level) in AP were evaluated. Total 69 patients with the diagnosis of AP were included. Forty-six (66.7%) were male and twenty-three (33.3%) were female out of which 12 (17.3%) were diagnosed as biliary pancreatitis and 57 (82.7%) had non-biliary pancreatitis. In non-biliary pancreatitis there were 41 male and 16 females. Non-biliary pancreatitis was more common in male and biliary pancreatitis was more common in female. There was no significant difference in mean levels of amylase in biliary and non-biliary pancreatitis (i.e. in non-biliary pancreatitis; mean ± SD = 387.14 ± 419.53, in biliary pancreatitis mean ± SD = 535.5 ± 533.51, p-value= 0.235 >0.05), the mean lipase was not significantly different in biliary and non-biliary pancreatitis (i.e.in non biliary pancreatitis; mean ± SD=1287.75±894.37, in biliary pancreatitis mean ± SD =1666.41 ± 1150.47, p-value =0.289 > 0.05). There was a significant difference seen among the mean levels of all other parameters (Bilirubin T&D, ALT, AST and ALP) the mean was found to be significant in biliary and non-biliary pancreatitis (i.e. p-value=0.000<0.05). Liver function test mainly ALT may predict biliary etiology of AP.

INTERLEUKIN-6 AND NKG2D AS PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN IRAQI FEMALES WITH PITUITARY GAND ADENOMA: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY.

The aim: To assess the role of circulating IL-6 & NKG2D in the prognosis of pituitary adenoma. Materials and methods: Thirty female with new diagnosis of prolactinoma (pituitary gland adenoma) were enrolled in the study. ELISA test was used to evaluate the level of IL6 and NKG2D. ELISA tests were conducted before the initiation of treatment and six months later. Results: There are significant differences in mean levels of IL-6 and NKG2D, and the anatomical type (tumor size) (-418.7 & 418.9, p<0.001) of anatomical tumor (-373.72 & -373.920, p=0.001). There is a significant difference between the two immunological markers (IL-6 & NKG2D) (-0.305; p<0.001). The IL-6 markers significantly decreased in means on follow up (-197.8; p-value≤0.0001) while the reverse occur in NKG2D, which increased in levels post-treatment compared with baseline measurement. The high expression of IL-6 positively correlated with the risk of macroadenoma (>10 microns) and poor resonse to treatment and vice versa (p<0.024). High expression of NKG2D significantly (p<0.005) correlated with good prognosis and increased chance for tumor response to medicine and shrinkage in size compared with low concentration. Conclusions: The higher the level of IL-6, the larger the size of adenoma (macroadenoma) and the poorer the response to treatment. The higher the level of NKG2D indidcate a better prognosis, therefore, IL-6 and NKG2D correlate negatively in prolactinoma patients.

Revisiting the bottleneck hypothesis: The role of sexual identity development in the career exploration and decision-making of sexual minority college students

Hetherington's (1991) “bottleneck hypothesis”, which maintains that the process of sexual identity development can hamper the career development of sexual minority college students, has received periodic study. We revisited this hypothesis using the social cognitive model of career self-management (CSM; Lent & Brown, 2013) as a theoretical framework. An online survey of 225 sexual minority and 287 heterosexual college students did not reveal a robust between-group bottleneck effect. For example, no significant mean level differences were observed between the two groups in career decision-making process and outcome variables, such as career decision-making anxiety and level of career decidedness. In addition, a CSM-based path model of career decision-making was found to be invariant across the two student groups. However, a few noteworthy within-group patterns were observed. For example, a cluster analysis suggested the presence of two sexual minority sub-groups who differed regarding level of outness and difficulties negotiating their sexual identity. The more identity-integrated cluster reported less decisional anxiety and greater decidedness than their less identity-integrated peers. Indicators of identity conflict and level of disclosure were also linked to perceived support and goals for future career exploration. The pattern of findings suggests that sexual minority identity development in college does not represent a monolithic bottleneck to career development. However, a more nuanced bottleneck effect in career decision-making may be linked to students' intrapersonal and social comfort in negotiating their sexual minority identity. Implications for the bottleneck hypothesis and further research on sexual minority students' career exploration and decision-making are discussed.

Persistent organic pollutants in female humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae from the Gulf of Maine

Contaminant studies in cetaceans can provide information about pollutant levels and patterns in a given region. Due to the confounding effects of reproductive status and maternal offloading in females, these studies typically focus on males. However, an improved understanding of contaminant burdens in female cetaceans is needed to better assess potential impacts to populations. The objectives of this study were to characterize concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of female humpback whales across age classes and to also better characterize maternal offloading of these pollutants to their offspring. A total of 36 blubber biopsy samples of female humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Gulf of Maine were analyzed to examine contaminant loads across females of different ages. Sampled individuals were individually-identified from longitudinal studies and assigned to age class (i.e., adult, subadult, juvenile, calf). Analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), chlordanes (CHLDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). The most abundant POPs were PCB congeners, with summed values ranging from 280 to 12,000 ng/g, lipid weight, which is above recent estimates of the threshold for adverse health effects. We found significant differences in mean values between adults and juveniles and between adults and subadults, with the exception of the less persistent HCHs for the latter. We also found significant differences in mean levels of ∑HCHs between the juveniles and subadults. Changes over age are consistent with maternal offloading and potentially important for evaluating population health and viability.

Efficacy of lumbar epidural steroid injections for lumbosacral radiculopathy in individuals with obesity: A retrospective comparative study

PurposeObesity, as defined by the CDC, is characterized by a body mass index exceeding 30. Over one third of the world's population is classified as overweight or obese. Furthermore, low back pain is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. Patients who do not respond adequately to conservative therapy can consider more invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injections (ESI) as treatment for their low back pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of lumbar epidural steroid injections for lumbosacral radiculopathy in individuals with obesity as defined by the CDC as BMI >30 as compared to non obese patients. The primary objectives were to examine the difference in pain relief, disability, and function using the Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and PROMIS 29 profile in obese patients who underwent lumbar epidural steroid injections as compared to non-obese patients for lumbosacral radiculopathy at baseline and 3 months post injection. ResultsThis study is a retrospective analysis of patients who have undergone lumbar epidural steroid injections for lumbosacral radiculopathy at a single academic center. These patients underwent assessment using validated measurement scales at baseline and 3 months post ESI. Information from the UT Southwestern Spine Center outcomes registry and procedure notes were obtained to analyze pain, disability, functional outcomes from 2016 to 2021. 343 participants took part in the study. The results showed no significant difference in mean levels of ODI, VAS, or PROMIS-29 v1 0.0 scores when comparing values from baseline to 3 months in groups stratified by a BMI of <30 vs a BMI of greater than 30. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in mean levels of ODI, VAS, or PROMIS-29 v1.0 scores when comparing values from baseline to 3 months in groups further stratified by class of obesity: class 1 (BMI 30 to ​< ​35), class 2 (BMI 35 to <40), class 3(BMI 40 or higher). ConclusionNo significant differences were discovered in outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar epidural steroid injections when stratified by BMI or by BMI class. These results have significant clinical implications. Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of low back pain. ESI is a frequently employed method to treat this pain after conservative approaches are exhausted; however, ESI in obese patients typically are associated with more radiation exposure and increased technical difficulty. This study indicates that obesity does not greatly affect the efficacy of lumbar epidural steroid injections. Obesity should not be a strict contraindication to lumbar ESI. In addition, the results can guide clinicians in a well-informed shared decision-making discussion with obese patients regarding the risks and potential benefits of lumbar ESI.

Ceramide changes in abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue among diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

BackgroundThis study profiles ceramides extracted from visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue of human subjects by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry to determine a correlation with status of diabetes and gender.MethodsSamples of visceral and abdominal wall subcutaneous adipose tissue (n = 36 and n = 31, respectively) were taken during laparoscopic surgery from 36 patients (14 nondiabetic, 22 diabetic and prediabetic) undergoing bariatric surgery with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 with ≥1 existing comorbidity or BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Sphingolipids were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry.ResultsAfter logarithm 2 conversion, paired analysis of visceral to subcutaneous tissue showed differential accumulation of Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), and Cer(d18:1/24:1) in visceral tissue of prediabetic/diabetic female subjects, but not in males. Within‐tissue analysis showed higher mean levels of ceramide species linked to insulin resistance, such as Cer(d18:1/18:0) and Cer(d18:1/16:0), in visceral tissue of prediabetic/diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic subjects and higher content of Cer(d18:1/14:0) in subcutaneous tissue of insulin‐resistant female patients compared with prediabetic/diabetic males. Statistically significant differences in mean levels of ceramide species between insulin‐resistant African American and insulin‐resistant Caucasian patients were not evident in visceral or subcutaneous tissue.ConclusionsAnalysis of ceramides is important for developing a better understanding of biological processes underlying type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Knowledge of the accumulated ceramides/dihydroceramides may reflect on the prelipolytic state that leads the lipotoxic phase of insulin resistance and may shed light on the predisposition to insulin resistance by gender.

An examination of the sentence task through in-person and online administrations

The Sentence Task (Rachman et al., 1996) has respondents write “I hope ___ is in a car accident,” filling the blank with a loved one. Used in many laboratory-based studies of Thought-Action Fusion (TAF), it is unclear whether the induced distress is TAF-specific. Four studies (total N = 405 undergraduates) examined the extent to which Task-induced anxiety is empirically correlated with conceptually relevant self-report measures. We also explored using the Task in an online format; two studies were in-person, two were online. First, completion of the Task resulted in significant (ps < .001) increase in anxiety in all four studies (ds ranged from 0.52 to 0.86). However, in three of the four studies, there was no significant correlation (ps > .05) between the magnitude of pre-to post-Task anxiety change and baseline measures (Thought-Action Fusion Scale, Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale). This suggests that the Task-induced anxiety may not be specific to TAF. Second, there were no significant mean-level differences for any variables whether assessed in-person vs. online. However, Task refusal was significantly higher for online (21.2%, 24.1%) vs. in-person (5.4%, 6.0%) administrations. Findings contribute to a better understanding of the Task and offer mixed support for use in an online format.

Comparing Glycemic Indices among Different Ethnic Groups Residing in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Increased prevalence and incidence rates within ethnic minorities have been reported by numerous studies on tribal differences in type 2 diabetes patients, sharing a western setting. This study was aimed at comparing glycemic indices among different ethnic groups residing in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. The study population consisted of apparently150 healthy male and female subjects; 116 Ijaws, 21 Igbos and 13 Yorubas residing in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. All subjects were aged between 16 and 48 years. 4 mls of Blood samples was collected from each subject. 2mls of the blood was withdrawn into EDTA for HbA1c estimation while the other 2mls was withdrawn into fluoride oxalate for fasting blood glucose. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined using the automated CLOVER A1c Analyser while FBG was assayed using Glucose Oxidase Method. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean levels of FBG among the studied groups (P-value &lt; 0.05) but there was no significant difference in the HbA1c mean levels (P-value &gt; 0.05). This study has revealed that ethnic differences may cause significant changes on fasting blood glucose but may not in HbA1c.

Does the tripartite influence model of body image and eating pathology function similarly across racial/ethnic groups of White, Black, Latina, and Asian women?

The tripartite influence model suggests that appearance pressures from family, peers, and the media contribute to thin-ideal internalization, which leads to increased body dissatisfaction and subsequent eating disorder pathology. The tripartite influence model was initially developed and tested among primarily White samples, and emerging research suggests racial/ethnic differences in mean levels of particular model constructs. Consequently, the model's appropriateness for understanding eating disorder risk in racial/ethnic minorities warrants investigation to determine its usefulness in explicating eating disorder risk in diverse populations. Participants in the current study were White (n = 1167), Black (n = 212), Latina (n = 203), and Asian (n = 176) women from five geographically disparate college campuses in the United States. Participants completed the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire - Appearance Evaluation Subscale, and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to compare mean levels of each construct across racial/ethnic groups. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to assess the appropriateness of the tripartite influence model for each racial/ethnic group, and to examine differences in the strength of the model pathways across groups. There were significant mean level differences across groups for most model constructs. However, results indicated similar model fit across racial/ethnic groups, with few differences in the strength of model pathways. Findings suggest that although some groups report lower levels of proposed risk factors, the sociocultural risk processes for eating pathology identified through the tripartite influence model are similar across racial/ethnic groups of young adult women. Such information can be used to inform culturally-sensitive interventions.

SUBCLINICAL VASCULAR DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE DYSLIPIDEMIA DEPENDING ON BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS: 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP RESULTS

Objective: The aim of the present study was to estimate the 5-year dynamics of vascular subclinical parameters in patients with severe dyslipidemia depending on blood pressure levels. Design and method: 1600 apparently healthy Saint-Petersburg inhabitants aged 25–65 years were randomly selected (sample from ESSE-RF national epidemiology survey) in 2013. All participants signed informed consent and filled in the questionnaire regarding risk factors, concomitant diseases and therapy. 134 patients with severe dyslipidemia (LDL-C&gt;4,9 mmol/l, or medication prescribed for dyslipidemia) were selected and invited for follow-up visit in 2018. Fasting lipids, glucose (Abbott Architect 8000) and vital signs were obtained. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were measured by VaSera VS-1500 (Fukuda). Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) was performed by My Sono U6 (Samsung). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 20. Results: Among 134 patients 45 were male and 89 - female. Only 46 patients (34.3%) were taking statins. There was a significant difference in mean levels of SBP/DBP at the visits 1 and 2 (132.25 ± 17.22/80.92 ± 9.34 and 133.98 ± 20.06/81.02 ± 11.62 mm Hg respectively, p &lt; 0.001 for both), creatinine (67.82 ± 10.34 and 70.86 ± 11.94 mmol/l, p &lt; 0.001) and lipid profile dynamics (TC – 6.93 ± 1.44 and 6.41 ± 1.46 mmol/l respectively, p &lt; 0.001; LDL-C – 4.81 ± 1.27 and 4.29 ± 1.31 mmol/l respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Table 1. Prevalence of subclinical vascular damage - 5-year observation. Conclusions: Prevalence of statin intake is still not high, even among patients with severe dyslipidemias. 5-year observation demonstrates more rapidly progressing artheriosclerosis according to CAVI in hypertensive patients. CAVI could be tested in further studies as the instrument of cumulative BP control being a marker of exposure of high BP levels.

Evaluation of vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients referred to Labafinejad hospital in Tehran and its relationship with disease severity and mortality

Background and aimsNovel Coronavirus (COVID-19) first appeared in China in late 2019 which was rapidly spread worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, it is crucial to determine the prognostic factors contributing to the development of severe disease and higher mortality. Herein we aimed to evaluate the correlation between the severity and prognosis of patients with COVID 19 with serum 25(OH)D levels.MethodThis descriptive retrospective study was performed from March to April 2020 at a referral center for patients with COVID-19, Tehran, Iran. The data collection was performed by a checklist consisting of the demographic features and laboratory assessments consisted of serum 25(OH)D were evaluated and recorded. And investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and clinical outcomes of patients.Result205 patients with a mean age of 59.71 years were enrolled. Our findings did not reveal a significant difference in mean levels of vitamin between improved (34.09) and deceased patients (34.54). However, in patients with severe disease, there was a considerable difference in levels of vitamin D in improved and deceased patients (P.value: 0.021). According to our results, the mortality rate was slightly higher in men (odds ratio:2.2). Furthermore, the mean age (64.20 vs. 58.51) and the presence of at least two comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.40) were significantly higher in deceased patients.ConclusionIn this study, we did not reveal a statistical difference in mean levels of vitamin D and the outcome of patients with COVID-19. We concluded that in patients with severe disease, vitamin D deficiency could affect the course of the disease and mortality, especially in comorbidity and older people.

FADS1 genetička varijanta rs174547 kao molekularno-genetički biomarker za procenu rizika razvoja kardiovaskularnih bolesti - studija iz Bugarske

The input of molecular genetic biomarkers allows individual assessment of metabolic pathways and the behaviour of the major enzymes responsible for nutrient conversion. This in turn enriches the nutrigenetic information fund, and the panels of well-studied gene variants and their interaction with nutrients can be used to create precise personalized diets. Our objective was to determine the significance of the rs174547 genetic variant in the fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) gene in the metabolism of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids ingested with food and to identify the potential of FADS1 rs174547 as a molecular genetic marker to be included in a panel of nutrigenetic studies in order to prepare a personalized diet plan. A total of 123 volunteers (43 men and 80 women) from Bulgaria, aged 28 to 65 years, were tested for rs174547 in the FADS1 gene. A DNA sample was taken from each volunteer by a non-invasive method (buccal swabs), and the genetic variant of each individual was determined by molecular genetic approaches. Their general health was assessed by taking anthropometric and body impedance measurements data and completing a lifestyle survey. The lipid profile included testing for triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and blood sugar. Information on the total food intake was collected through questionnaire methods. The results of the statistical tests show that there is a statistically significant difference between the two genotypes only in HDL cholesterol levels (P = 0.044, at P &lt; 0.05) - carriers of the C/T genotype have lower mean concentration values of HDL-cholesterol (1.27 mmol/l) than for T/T variant carriers (1.48 mmol/l). Among men, there were statistically significant differences in mean levels of total cholesterol (P = 0.012) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.008) between the two genotypes. Among women, there was a statistically significant difference between the two genotypes only in terms of mean triglyceride levels (P = 0.007). The differences in the other studied indicators do not satisfy the criterion for significance (P &lt; 0.05). The results suggest an effect of the intake of SFA (saturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) on the relationship between rs174547 polymorphism and plasma lipids (total and LDL-cholesterol) only in men. Studies of the Bulgarian population prove extremely low intake of omega-3 fatty acids due to low consumption of fish. These findings and the lack of data for Bulgaria on genetic variants of FADS1 are a prerequisite for conducting in-depth studies of both risk groups, such as patients with cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia or nutritional deficiency of LC-PUFAs, and in healthy people.

Dose equivalency and efficacy of biosimilar erythropoietin stimulating agents: Data from real clinical practice.

Recently, biosimilar erythropoietin stimulating agents become available in Kazakhstan. Important properties of the biosimilar such as dose equivalency to the original medicine (originator) and the ability to maintain hemoglobin target levels remain insufficiently described in many clinical settings. Thus, the current study aims to determine dose equivalency and hemoglobin target levels in a cohort of dialysis patients who were switched from the originator to biosimilar. Retrospective data of 74 patients from different dialysis centers who received at least 6 months of originator and switched to biosimilar and had at least 6 months follow‐up were analyzed. The clinical data of 32 male and 42 female patients were collected. The mean age was 52.5 ± 13.5 years. There is no significant difference in mean levels of hemoglobin during pre‐switching from originator to biosimilar (6 months prior) and post switching period (9 months after). Additionally, a subgroup analysis of 59 patients who received originator (epoetin beta), 6 months before the switch, showed similar level of hemoglobin (110.7 ± 14 vs 113.2 ± 10 g/L, P = .05) 6 months after the switch to biosimilar (epoetin zeta) at the equivalent dose regimen (69.5 ± 29 vs 68.1 ± 30 IU/kg/wk, P = .55). However, after 9 months of switching, patients using lower doses of biosimilar (69.5 ± 29 vs 63.3 ± 30 IU/kg/wk, P < .01), showed significantly higher levels of hemoglobin (110.7 ± 14 vs 114.7 ± 8 g/L, P = .01) compared to preswitching period. In conclusion, long‐term use of lower doses of biosimilar managed to maintain hemoglobin within the target levels.

SUN-275 DOSE EQUIVALENCY AND EFFICACY OF BIOSIMILAR ERYTHROPOIETIN STIMULATING AGENTS: DATA FROM REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE

Renal anemia is a common complication of end stage renal disease (ESRD) that require continuous replacement therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin stimulating agents (rESA) in most patients. Biosimilar erythropoietin stimulating agents (bESA) are available in Kazakhstan and that most of the dialysis centers switched their patients into the more cost effective bESA. However, important properties of bESA such as dose equivalency to rESA and the ability to maintain hemoglobin (HB) target levels were unknown. Thus, the current study aims to determine dose equivalency and HB target levels in a cohort of dialysis patients who were switched from rESA to bESA. Retrospective data of 74 patients from different dialysis centers were analyzed using different statistical methods. Inclusion: patients who received at least 6 months of rESA and switched to bESA and had at least 6 months follow up period. In addition, the results of a further 3 months period were analyzed to determine the long-term effect of bESA on dose equivalency and HB target level. Data of mean of ESA doses in IU/kg/week and mean HB levels in g/L, 6 months prior the reported switch were calculated and compared to the data from 6 months after the switch. The clinical data of 32 male and 42 female patients were collected. The mean age was 52.5 ± 13.5 years. There is no significant difference in mean levels of HB during pre-conversion from rESA to bESA (6 months prior) and post conversation period (9 months after) [Table 1], in fact the insignificant difference continued to decrease over the post-conversion period. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of patients who received epoetin beta (n=59) 6 months before the switch [Figure 1], showed similar level of HB (110.7±14 vs 113.2±10 g/L, p=0.053) 6 months after conversation to epoetin zeta at the equivalent dose regimen (69.5±29 vs 68.1±30 IU/kg/week, p=0.55). However, after the seven months of conversion, patients using lower doses of ESA (69.5±29 vs 63.3±30 IU/kg/week, p=0.0097), showed significantly higher levels of HB (110.7±14 vs 114.7±8 g/L, p=0.011) compared to pre-conversion period. The analyses of the retrospective data of dialysis patients, showed no inferiority of bESA compared to rESA on dose equivalency and maintaining HB target levels. Also, long-term use of lower doses of bESA managed to maintain HB within the target levels.

Diverse Long-Term Effects of Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence: Development of Externalizing Behaviors in Males and Females.

Using data from all three waves of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) longitudinal cohort study, this article examined the long-term effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure during childhood and early adolescence on subsequent externalizing behaviors (i.e., delinquency, violence, and drug offenses). A propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match a group of individuals reporting childhood/adolescence IPV exposure to those not exposed to IPV on key variables. Longitudinal latent class analyses (LLCA) were then utilized to estimate the longitudinal developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors separately for the IPV- and non-IPV-exposed males and females and compared with each other. PSM revealed that there were small but significant differences in mean levels of externalizing behaviors between IPV-exposed and non-IPV-exposed youth at Waves 2 and 3. Furthermore, LLCA indicated that there were three distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed males but four distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed females, non-IPV-exposed males, and non-IPV-exposed females. Overall, the IPV-exposed males had the largest number of life-course-persistent offenders as well as adolescents who started their offending at a very early age but rapidly declined by the end of the study period. However, the non-IPV-exposed males', albeit smaller, life-course-persistent group displayed by far the highest levels of externalizing behaviors of the entire sample. Females in the present study were largely similar to each other in the development of externalizing behaviors, regardless of IPV exposure. Policy implications are discussed.