Significant Moderate Negative Correlation Research Articles

Presenteeism, Job Satisfaction, and Psychological Distress among Portuguese Workers in a Private Social Solidarity Institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Under normal circumstances, the working population exhibits high levels of psychological distress and presenteeism, a scenario which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, few studies have analyzed presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the current research. We aimed to explore the levels of presenteeism and associated factors, job satisfaction, and psychological distress in a sample of Portuguese workers in a Private Social Solidarity Institution (the acronym in Portugal is IPSS). In 2022, an observational, cross-sectional survey of workers from an IPSS in the central region of Portugal was conducted. The study included a total of 71 employees who granted written permission. The survey collected general and professional information, as well as the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6), the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (S20/23), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Presenteeism was reported by 32 (45.1%) workers and sickness absence by 38 (54.3%). Most of the individual S20/23 evaluations indicated a greater level of satisfaction (mean ≥ 4.5 pts.), except for the question related to salary, which received a higher level of dissatisfaction (mean = 3.36 ± 1.9 pts.). Around 50.7% of participants had a high or very high risk of suffering or of suffering a mental disorder. The correlation matrix indicated a significant moderate positive correlation between presenteeism and job satisfaction and a significant moderate negative correlation between presenteeism and psychological distress (p < 0.01). We found five predictors for presenteeism: marital status, quality of sleep, sickness absenteeism, health perception, and psychological distress (R2 = 0.358). We anticipate that our results will spark more studies about the practical consequences of presenteeism for fostering better health and well-being at work.

Correlation of Foot Posture, Dynamic Balance and Gait Speed in Community-dwelling Older Individuals

Introduction: Foot posture is crucial in maintaining stability and balance during movement. It encompasses the position and alignment of the feet and ankles, significantly impacting overall body stability and reducing the risk of falls. Dynamic balance refers to maintaining balance while in motion, encompassing walking, running, and jumping. Aim: To find a correlation between foot posture, dynamic balance and gait speed in community-dwelling older individuals. Materials and Methods: The correlational study included 100 community-dwelling older individuals who met the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Foot Posture Index was utilised as the outcome measure for foot posture, the Modified Four-Square Step Test (MFSST) for dynamic balance, and the Gait Speed Test for gait speed assessment. Results: The results revealed a weak positive correlation between gait speed and foot posture, with a statistically significant weak positive correlation observed in individuals with normal foot posture. In contrast, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between gait speed, dynamic balance, and pronated foot posture (r= 0.63, P < 0.05). Furthermore, a weak negative correlation was observed between gait speed and supinated foot posture, with a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between dynamic balance and supinated foot posture. Conclusion: Pronated foot posture demonstrated a stronger association with gait speed and dynamic balance than supinated and normal foot posture. These findings suggest that older adults with pronated foot posture experience greater effects on gait speed and dynamic balance. Keywords: Foot posture, Gait, Balance, Elderly

Cephalometric Assessment of Condylar Position among Individuals with Different Skeletal Malocclusion Patterns

Introduction: There are variations in growth and orientation of cranial base region where the maxilla and mandible articulate. This leads to differential movement of the maxilla and mandible causing changes in glenoid fossa and condylar position. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the condylar position in patients with different skeletal sagittal malocclusion patterns. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 individuals, having skeletal Class I, Class II and Class III relationship (55 in each group) selected by convenience sampling method after receiving ethical approval and informed consent. Lateral cephalograms were taken and measurements for determining condylar position were done and compared among three groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 16. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine the mean difference in between condylar positions of three skeletal malocclusion patterns and Mann-Whitney U test was done for their pairwise comparison. Results: There was no significant difference in posterior cranial base length (P=0.200) and saddle angle (P=0.517) in three skeletal malocclusion class groups. However, the three malocclusion patterns showed significant differences in gonian angle (P=0.001) and articular angle (P=0.013). Significant moderate negative correlation in saddle angle and articular angle (P<0.001) was observed. Conclusion: The findings of this study concluded that condylar position based on posterior cranial base length was not associated with different skeletal malocclusion patterns. However, articular angle was significantly lower in skeletal class III than in class II.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANCER INFORMATION OVERLOAD AND ATTITUDES FOR CANCER SCREENING IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WHO HAVE HAD SURGICAL PROCEDURE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

This study aimed to determine the relationship between cancer information overload and attitudes toward cancer screening in elderly patients who underwent surgery. A total of 123 geriatric individuals participated in the cross-sectional study. The mean age of the participants in the study was 70.63±5.81. It was determined that 17.1% of the individuals had cancer, 30.9% had cancer in their first degree relatives, 52% had cancer screening before, and the most common screenings were colonoscopy (23.6%), pap smear (14.6%), and breast self-examination (8.1%). It was determined that the total score averages of the attitude scale for cancer screening of those who obtained information about cancer from the internet/media were significantly lower (p=0.030). It was determined that there was a significant moderate negative correlation between cancer information overload and the total scores of the attitude scale for cancer screening (r=-0.303, p=0.001). To encourage screening in the geriatric population and to prevent the risks of unnecessary screening, arrangements should be made to facilitate access to accurate information.

Credit Risk and Profitability Position of Nepalese Private and Joint Venture Commercial Banks

Credit concentrations, credit processes and other externalities have made credit risk more important over the past decade, followed by liquidity issues. This study was conducted to compare the credit risk exposure of various banks in terms of their liquidity, capital ratio, size, operational inefficiency, loan growth rate, and non-performing loans. It also investigated the spontaneous relationship between credit risk and bank profitability. Secondary data of 5 years from ten banks (5 each from joint venture and private banks) have been collected. The descriptive and comparative study designs were employed and SPSS software was used for the analysis of data. The results showed that the private banks surpass joint venture banks in terms of capital ratio and operating efficiency, but joint venture banks lead private banks in terms of liquidity, capital ratio, total assets, loan growth rate, and non-performing loans. However, the independent sample t-test did not show any significant differences on liquidity, capital ratio, size, and loan growth rate. The Pearson’s correlation showed positive associations of capital ratio (moderate and significant), operating inefficiency (weak and insignificant), and loan growth rate (weak and insignificant) with ROA. In contrast, bank size and nonperforming loans have significant moderate negative correlations, but liquidity is not found to be correlated with ROA. The empirical findings of this study are considered helpful in evaluating the comparative credit risk exposure of the banking sector and have both managerial and academic implications.

Prospective Evaluation of the Correlation of Lung Ultrasonography Score and Blood Gas Parameters in Neonates With Respiratory Distress.

Introduction Lung ultrasonography (LUS) has become frequently used in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) because it is diagnostic, useful, harmless, radiation-free, and practical for bedside use due to its portability. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between lung ultrasound (LUS) scores and diagnoses of neonates hospitalized for respiratory distress and determine the value of the combined use of laboratory and imaging methods in patient evaluation by looking at the correlation between blood gas parameters and LUS score. Materials and methods Between March and July 2022, a total of 55 patients who were born term or premature and admitted due to respiratory distress in the NICU of Malatya Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. In this observational, prospective study, demographic information such as birth weights, gestational weeks, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, blood gas sample results, LUS results and scores, ventilation types, and discharge time were recorded during hospitalization in our unit. According to the newborns' clinical, laboratory, and radiologic evaluations, the diagnoses of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), or congenital pneumonia were made, and the relationship between the diagnoses and LUS scores was evaluated. The pH value and PCO2 value in the venous blood gas obtained on the day of LUS were recorded. Correlation analysis was performed between the LUS score and pH value, LUS score and PCO2 value. Results Twenty-seven newborns were diagnosed with TTN, 18 with RDS, and 10 with congenital pneumonia. There was a statistical difference between LUS scores and diagnoses (p<0.001). According to Spearman correlation analysis, a significant negative moderate correlation was found between LUS scores and venous blood gas pH value (p<0.001, r:-0.49). There was also a significant positive low, moderate correlation with venous blood gas PCO2 value (p<0.001, r:0.36). Conclusion This study demonstrates that LUS scoring has a role in determining the severity of disease and making diagnoses in patients hospitalized for respiratory distress. When LUS is widely used, it will be informative about the severity and prognosis of the disease, together with laboratory evaluation.

The Relationship between Levels of Serum Vit. D and Kidney Function in Diabetic Nephropathy Iraqi Patient

Background: According to several animal and human studies, Vitamin D appears to play a substantial role in the development of diabetic nephropathy, However, the possibility of vitamin D's Reno protective impact and influence on the reversal of already-existing renal damage remains speculative. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are ubiquitous worldwide and have been linked to a variety of pathophysiological conditions, including diabetes, allergies, autoimmune illnesses, pregnancy difficulties, and, more recently, worse COVID-19 clinical outcomes. From a translational perspective, the goal of this review is to look into the potential function of vitamin D in the development of diabetic kidney diseases Aim of the study: to evaluate the role of vit. D on renal function in patients with DMT1. Patient and Method: The total number of study participants was 120, divided into three groups: Group A: Included 40 patients have DM with NP (stage1, stage 2, stage 3a), Group B included 40 patients who had DM without NP, and group C included 40 healthy participants (control). Samples were taken from the Diabetic control clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center/Al-Kindy Hospital, Baghdad Teaching Hospital/ Medical City, and Al-Shaheed Al-Sadder General Hospital during the period from October 2021 to March 2022. Result: Statistically significant weak positive correlations were detected between vitamin D and GFR (r= 0.321, P= 0.001); while a significant moderate negative correlation was seen between vitamin D and HbA1c (r= -0.494, P= 0.001) and weak negative correlation was seen with B. Urea (r= -0.2, P= 0.028). No statistically significant correlations were detected between vitamin D and all of age, DM duration, and s. creatinine. Conclusion: Our data suggest a correlation between reduced levels of vitamin D3 and diabetes nephropathy and it may be a potential predictor for both the occurrence and severity of diabetic nephropathy

Assessment of hepatic function employing hepatocyte specific contrast agent concentrations to multifactorially evaluate fibrotic remodeling.

Diffuse parenchymal liver diseases are contributing substantially to global morbidity and represent major causes of deaths worldwide. The aim of our study is to assess whether established hepatic fat and iron quantitation and relaxometry-based quantification of hepatocyte-specific contrast material as surrogate for liver function estimation allows to evaluate liver fibrosis. Retrospective consecutive study. Seventy-two healthy patients (mean age: 53 years) without known liver disease, 21 patients with temporary elevated liver enzymes (mean: 65 years) and 109 patients with biopsy proven liver fibrosis or cirrhosis (mean: 61 years), who underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a hepatocyte-specific contrast agent [gadoxetate disodium, gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA), 0.25 mmol/mL Primovist, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany] at 1.5 T (n=133) and at 3 T (n=69), were included. Fibrosis was classified using the histopathological meta-analysis of histological data in viral hepatitis (METAVIR) and the clinical Child-Pugh scores. Gd-concentration were quantified using T1 map-based calculations. Gd-concentration mapping was performed by using a Look-Locker approach prior to and 912±159 s after intravenous administration of hepatocyte specific contrast agent. Additionally, parenchymal fat fraction, R2*, bilirubin, gender and age were defined as predicting factors. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated in a monoparametric (linear regression, predictor: Gd-concentration) and multiparametric model (predictors: age, bilirubin level, iron overload, liver fat fraction, Gd concentration in the left and right liver lobe). Mean Gd-concentration in the liver parenchyma was significantly higher for healthy patients ([Gd] =0.51 µmol/L) than for those with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis ([Gd] =0.31 µmol/L; P<0.0001) and with acute liver disease ([Gd] =0.28 µmol/L), though there were no significant differences for the latter two groups. There was a significant moderate negative correlation for the mean Gd-concentration and the METAVIR score (ρ=-0.44, P<0.0001) as well as for the Child-Pugh stage (ρ=-0.35, P<0.0001). There was a significant strong correlation between the bilirubin concentration and the Gd-concentration (ρ=-0.61, P<0.0001). The diagnostic accuracy for the discrimination of healthy patients and patients with known fibrosis or cirrhosis was 0.74 (0.71/0.60 sensitivity/specificity) in a monoparametric and 0.76 (0.85/0.61 sensitivity/specificity) in a machine learning based multiparametric model. T1 mapping-based quantification of hepatic Gd-EOB-DTPA concentrations performed in a multiparametric model shows promising diagnostic accuracy for the detection of fibrotic changes. Liver biopsy might be replaced by imaging examinations.

ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ СТАТУС ГИПЕРТЕНЗИВНЫХ ЛИЦ ПРИЗЫВНОГО ВОЗРАСТА И ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЬ ОТДЕЛЬНЫХ СТРЕССОГЕННЫХ ФАКТОРОВ С ПАРАМЕТРАМИ СУТОЧНОГО МОНИТОРИНГА АРТЕРИАЛЬНОГО ДАВЛЕНИЯ

The aim of the research was to study the psychological status of young men of military age with hypertension (AH) and to identify relationships with clinical data and the results of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (DBPM). Materials and methods: 181 young men aged 18 to 27 years inclusive (average 21.3±0.2 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of primary AH were examined. Comprehensive psychological testing was carried out among 26 volunteers using questionnaires recommended by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for psychological testing of persons called up for military service (Khanin-Spielberg scale (situational (ST) and personal anxiety (LT), “Prognosis” scale (nervous-psychic resistance (NPR), PSM-25 (experience of stress) and the HADS scale (anxiety and depression), studied the relationship between test results among themselves and with DBPM parameters, the value of the level of statistical significance was taken equal to 0.05. Results. A simple interpretation of a complex of psychological tests showed the psychological well-being of the examined hypertensive individuals. A correlation analysis of scores scored on various psychological scales among themselves confirmed the validity and informativeness of the selected methods. A statistically significant moderate negative correlation was found between the number of points assessing the NS of an individual with the duration of AH, estimated in years, which indicates the protective nature of psychological discharge in relation to AH. Thus, our data showed that NS is the main psychological resource of conscripts and determines the development of AH among military personnel. As one of the methods of safe psychological relaxation, the method of serial drawing was proposed (Sysoeva, Korneeva, 2018). In addition, moderate positive correlations were found between the scores scored on the scales assessing the experience of stress (PSM-25) and the level of depression (HADS) with the average daily and daily DBP values and the average daily heart rate. Conclusions. 1. Among the persons of military age with primary hypertension, there was revealed the predominance of low levels of situational, personal anxiety and stress, normal indicators of anxiety and depression, a high degree of neuropsychic stability, which negatively correlated with the duration of hypertensive anamnesis. 2. The results of psychological tests positively correlate with the DBPM parameters that characterize DBP, which allows us to consider the methods of psychological correction among young men of military age as additional non-drug measures.

Evaluation of the Coenzyme Q10 and Some Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common diagnosis and a leading cause of death in both males and females. It accounts for 30% of deaths worldwide, including 40% in high-income countries and approximately 28% in developing nations. Several cardiac markers have been used to diagnose and manage cardiovascular diseases. The Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a potential role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases by improving cellular bioenergetics. This study aimed to evaluate the role of CoQ10 and other biochemical parameters in IHD (angina pectoris and myocardial infarction). A case-control study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit of Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital and Al-Salam General Hospital in Nineveh Province, Iraq, for two months, from April 1 to June 1, 2022. It included 90 adult participants divided into case and control groups. The case group included 60 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and diagnosed with IHD (myocardial infarction or angina pectoris), and the control group included 30 healthy participants matched in age and gender with the case group. Subsequent assay of C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), troponin level, and serum CoQ10. In this study, 81.7% of patients in the case group were diagnosed with myocardial infarction. Means of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CRP, CPK, and troponin were significantly higher, while those of CoQ10 were significantly lower in the case group, compared to the controls. Statistically, a significant moderate negative correlation was detected between CoQ10 level and age. Moreover, significant weak correlations were observed between CoQ10 level and all serum LDH, CRP, and troponin levels. Patients with IHDs had considerably low serum levels of CoQ10, compared to the control group. The highest mean value of lipid profile, except for triglyceride, was observed in patients with IHD, compared to the control group. This explains the role that cholesterol compounds play in the progression of IHD. No significant correlations were found between CoQ10 with body mass index and CPK. The CoQ10 had a negative correlation with age, serum LDH, CRP, and troponin.

Age-related learning difficulty through trial-and-error method associated with decreased default mode network integration in healthy middle-aged adults

ABSTRACT Introduction Efficient learning is critical to adapting to different environments. There are well-known learning principles in cognitive rehabilitation, including errorless (EL) and trial-and-error (T&E) learning; however, little is known about their underlying neural mechanisms. In the current study, to understand the age-related changes in learning benefits and neural mechanisms applying EL and T&E learning methods in healthy middle-aged adults, we conducted a graph theoretical analysis using functional magnetic resonance imaging data and analyzed the relationship between learning benefits and age, as well as functional network connectivity and age, with both learning principles. Method A total of 43 participants performed a color-name association task through EL and T&E learning methods. We focused on the functional connectivity patterns of the default mode network (DMN) since previous studies demonstrated this network to be more distinctive and important for the T&E learning method than EL. Within-network functional connectivity was used as the graph metric. Results Age showed significant moderate negative correlations with T&E scores and within-DMN functional connectivity in the test state following T&E learning. Conversely, age was not significantly correlated with EL scores or within-DMN functional connectivity in either the EL learning or test states. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the age-related learning decline associated with decreased DMN integration with aging, when applying the T&E method but not the EL method, even in healthy middle-aged adults. Relationships between the underlying neural network and age are different depending on the learning method. This suggests the need to take into consideration the remaining learning ability through the T&E learning method compared to normal aging and to utilize residual DMN functioning, in addition to the comparison between score differences between EL and T&E methods, when tailoring an individual learning approach.

Detection of macular ganglion cell complex loss and correlation with choroidal thickness in chronic and recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy.

To investigate the association of ganglion cell complex thickness (GCCt), global loss volume percentage (GLV%), and focal loss volume percentage (FLV%) with structural and functional findings among patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CCSC) and recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy (RCSC) by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Among 29 patients with monocular affected central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), 15 had CCSC, and 14 had RCSC. The GCCt, FLV%, GLV%, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and sublesional choroidal thickness (SLCT) values were determined using OCT, and the association of these characteristics with neural structure parameters, choroidal morphology, features and functional alterations were estimated for the CCSC and RCSC patients. In CCSC, the affected eyes had significantly lower GCCt values than the fellow eyes in the macular regions (all P<0.05), with the highest GCCt observed in the inferior area. A significant association was found between the GCCt in different regions and the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; r=-0.696; -0.695; -0.694, P<0.05) in CCSC patients. A statistically significant moderate negative correlation indicated that long-term CCSC was associated with greater differences in the GCCt in different regions between affected and fellow eyes (r=-0.562; r=-0.556; r=0.525, P<0.05). Additionally, observation of thickened SFCT was associated with a worse FLV% (r=0.599; r=0.546, P<0.05) in both groups. Similarly, thickened SLCT was associated with FLV% in RCSC patients (r=0.544, P<0.05). The distribution and GCCt are associated with the duration and visual outcomes of CCSC, whereas there is no correlation among RCSC patients. FLV% may be instrumental in differentiating the various outer choroidal vessels (pachyvessels) in long-term CSC. These results suggest that neural structure parameters may aid in estimating and predicting the recovery of altered morphology and function in CCSC and RCSC patients.

Investigation of Pain, Function, Anxiety, and Depression Levels in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty Before Discharge

Objective: We aimed to investigate the pain, function, and anxiety-depression levels in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the early postoperative period. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight patients between the ages of 60-85 with TKA were included. From the follow-up files of the patients, data on physical characteristics, pain intensity, function, and anxiety-depression levels were used. Results: When the measurement scores were compared according to gender, no statistically significant difference was found in pain (p:0.49) and physical function (p:0.20). When anxiety-depression levels were compared, it was found that females got higher scores than males (p:0.00). While there was no significant relationship between the pain and knee scores; it was found that there was a moderate positive correlation between pain and anxiety-depression levels (r1:0.520, r2:0.514; p&amp;lt;0.01). There was a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between knee scores and anxiety-depression levels (r1:-0.469, r2:-0.482; p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that the physical and psychological states are interrelated. Evaluation in the postoperative period by considering both parameters; will provide a successful disease management process by playing an active role in the follow-up of patients.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СЕКРЕЦИИ ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-6, ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-1БЕТА, ИНТЕРЛЕЙКИНА-10, ФАКТОРА НЕКРОЗА ОПУХОЛИ-АЛЬФА, ИНТЕРФЕРОНА-ГАММА ПРИ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ТИПАХ АНЕМИИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ

Aim. To compare the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (INF-γ) in patients with HIV infection with anemia of chronic disease (ACD), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), as well as their combination. To assess the effect of the studied cytokines on erythropoiesis in each of the studied types of anemia in this category of patients. Material and methods. 125 patients with HIV infection were examined: 101 with anemia (55 men, 46 women, 39.4±9.6 years), 24 patients with HIV infection without anemia (13 men, 11 women, mean age 37.6± 7.37 years). In accordance with the Van Santen and Worwood criteria, by determining the transferrin saturation index (TSI), ferritin concentrations, C-reactive protein (CRP), patients with anemia were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – 36 patients with ACD (19 men, 17 women, mean age 41.7±11.8 years), group 2 – 30 patients with a combination of ACD/IDA (18 men, 12 women, mean age 41.2±10 years), group 3 – 35 patients with IDA (18 men, 17 women, mean age 35.4±7.1 years). In all patients, the number of erythrocytes, the concentration of hemoglobin, ferritin, CRP, CNT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interferon-gamma (INF-γ). For quantitative indicators, the arithmetic mean, standard error of the mean, and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated. Significance of differences between several unrelated groups was determined using the Kruskal-Wallis’s test. To assess the relationship between variables, the Spearman correlation coefficient I was calculated. Results. In the ACD group, the maximum concentration of IL-6 (36.6 [IQR, 11.5-51.1]) and IL-10 (21.6 [IQR, 11.4-28.8]) compared with the ACD/IDA group (IL-6 (9.1 [IQR, 5.1-11.4]), IL-10 (15.5 [IQR, (7.1-21.6)]), and IDA (IL- 6 (6.2 [IQR, 1.6–7.2]), IL-10 (8.6 [IQR, 3.9–9.3]) (p&lt;0.05). In the groups of patients with ACD and ACD/IDA, the maximum and almost equal concentrations of TNF-α (15.2 [IQR,6.1-24.1] in the ACD group and 17.3[IQR,7.9-17.3] in the ACD/IDA group), IL-1β (16.7[IQR,4.7-28.9] in the ACD group and 19.2 [IQR,3.9-28.8] in the ACD/IDA group), INF-γ ( 62.6[IQR,4.6-85.3] in the ACD group and 58.3[IQR,8.5-37.5] in the ACD/IDA group), which were statistically significantly higher than the concentrations of these cytokines in patients with IDA and the control group. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and IFN-γ between patients with IDA and the control group. Significant moderate and strong negative correlations were found in the groups of patients with ACD and ACD/IDA between all studied cytokines, erythrocytes and hemoglobin. In the IDA group, the correlation coefficients between cytokines, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin are low or absent. Conclusions. In patients with HIV infection, a wide prevalence of ACD has been shown, especially in patients with immunodeficiency and in the late stages of the disease. ACD, unlike IDA, has a complex multicomponent pathogenesis. This study shows the importance of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines in the development of ACD in HIV patients, including due to their negative effect on erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis. A working version of the classification of ACD (with a predominant iron deficiency, with impaired regulatory mechanisms of erythropoiesis, with insufficient production of erythropoietin) has been proposed. It is necessary to further study the pathogenesis of ACD in this category of patients to improve treatment.

7,10,13,16-Docosatetraenoic acid impairs neurobehavioral development by increasing reactive oxidative species production in Caenorhabditis elegans

AimsTo investigate human breast milk (HBM) lipids that may adversely affect infant neurodevelopment. Main methodsWe performed multivariate analyses that combined lipidomics and psychologic Bayley-III scales to identify which HBM lipids are involved in regulating infant neurodevelopment. We observed a significant moderate negative correlation between 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid (omega-6, C22H36O2, the common name adrenic acid, AdA) and adaptive behavioral development. We further studied the effects of AdA on neurodevelopment by using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model. Worms from larval stages L1 to L4 were supplemented with AdA at 5 nominal concentrations (0 μM [control], 0.1 μM, 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM) and subjected to behavioral and mechanistic analyses. Key findingsSupplementation with AdA from larval stages L1 to L4 impaired neurobehavioral development, such as locomotive behaviors, foraging ability, chemotaxis behavior, and aggregation behavior. Furthermore, AdA upregulated the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. AdA-induced oxidative stress blocked serotonin synthesis and serotoninergic neuron activity and inhibited expression of daf-16 and the daf-16–regulated genes mtl-1, mtl-2, sod-1, and sod-3, resulting in attenuation of the lifespan in C. elegans. SignificanceOur study reveals that AdA is a harmful HBM lipid that may have adverse effects on infant adaptive behavioral development. We believe this information may be critical for AdA administration guidance in children's health care.

Homecare patients’ quality of life and the burden of family caregivers: a descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to evaluate the quality of life of homecare patients and the burden of their family caregivers. The study was conducted in the home health care unit of a state hospital using a descriptive cross-sectional design. The data were collected from patients (n = 105) who agreed to participate in the study and their family caregivers (n = 105). The mean quality of life score of homecare patients was 68.15 ± 9.90 (M ± SD). The mean caregiving burden score was estimated to be at a moderate/high level with a value of 53.72 ± 13.30. A significant moderate negative correlation was found between the homecare patients’ quality of life and caregiver burden (r = −0.649; p < .05). The finding that higher family caregiver burden was associated with lower quality of life among homecare patients suggests that health professionals approach homecare patients together with their family caregivers.

Modifying the five-time sit-to-stand test to allow use of the upper limbs: Assessing initial evidence of construct validity among lower limb prosthesis users.

The Five-time Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS) Test is a performance-based measure used by clinicians and researchers to assess the body functions needed to accomplish sit-to-stand transitions (e.g., lower limb strength, balance, and trunk control). The current requirements for performance of the 5xSTS Test (i.e., crossing arms over the chest) may not be appropriate for many, if not most lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. The study aims were to (1) develop a modified five-time sit-to-stand (m5xSTS) Test protocol; (2) to examine initial evidence of known-groups construct validity among LLP users by comparing differences in performance by amputation level, amputation etiology, and functional level; and (3) to assess initial evidence of convergent construct validity by examining the correlations between m5xSTS performance with self-reported mobility (Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M)), self-reported balance confidence (Activities-balance Confidence Scale (ABC)) and functional capability (comfortable walking speed). Three-hundred sixty-one LLP users participated in this cross-sectional study. The investigators developed a m5xSTS Test protocol that allows tested individuals to use different assistance strategies (i.e., use of upper limbs to push off thighs, push up from the armrests, or use a walker) when needed to perform the test. The investigators recorded m5xSTS Test times and assistance strategies. Significant differences in m5xSTS Test times were found between those who did and did not use an assistance strategy, as well as between participants grouped by different amputation level, etiology, and functional level. Significant moderate negative correlations were found between m5xSTS Test times and PLUS-M T-score (ρ = -0.42, p<0.001), ABC score (ρ = -0.42, p<0.001), and comfortable walking speed (ρ = -0.64, p<0.001), respectively. The m5xSTS Test allows LLP users to perform sit-to-stand transitions in a manner that accounts for their functional impairments, is consistent with post-amputation training, and is safe for the tested individual. Results from this study provide preliminary evidence of known groups and convergent construct validity for the m5xSTS Test with a large national sample of LLP users.

Quantitative Texture Analysis of Parotid Gland Ultrasound Images Yield Higher Correlation with Scintigraphy than Semiquantitative Scoring in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients.

Ultrasound (US) can detect salivary gland abnormalities in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). This study aimed to compare the correlation among the semiquantitative US scores, texture features, and the quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) results. This retrospective study included 11 patients who were diagnosed with primary SS and underwent US examinations of the parotid glands and SGS simultaneously. We evaluated SGS quantitatively based on the calculation of maximum accumulation ratio (MAR) and stimulated excretion fraction (EF). The US findings were accessed through the semiquantitative Outcome Measures in Rheumatology scoring system and by gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture analysis. Spearman's rank correlation tests were performed. A significant moderate negative correlation was noted between the semiquantitative US score and MAR (rho = -0.57, P = 0.006), but not with EF (rho = -0.11, P = 0.613). The GLCM texture metrics, including contrast, dissimilarity, and homogeneity, were all determined to be significantly associated with both MAR and EF. The GLCM contrast correlated moderately to MAR (rho = -0.66, P = 0.001). The GLCM homogeneity highly correlated to EF (rho = 0.74, P < 0.001). The contrast and homogeneity can still discriminate the changes in MAR and EF in the subgroups with the same semiquantitative US scores. US findings on parotid gland can correlate with SGS results when analyzed based on GLCM texture features. With the GLCM texture metrics, US appears to be an excellent imaging tool for the assessment of the parotid glands in primary SS patients.

Correlation of Serum Ferritin Level with Heart T2 MRI in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiac complications in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) are one of the major causes of mortality in these patients which annually impose economic burden on the endemic countries. Heart T2 MRI is a good modality for evaluating iron overload. Our aim was to investigate the pooled correlation between the serum ferritin level and heart iron overload in TDT patients and compare the effect size in different geographical areas. PRISMA checklist was used to summarize the literature search. Three major databases were used for the papers and exported into endnote for screening. Data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet. The data were analyzed using STATA software. CC was considered as the effect size, and the amount of heterogeneity was indicated by I-squared. Meta-regression was used for age. Also, sensitivity analysis was performed. The present study showed a statistically significant negative correlation of the serum ferritin level with heart T2 MRI: -0.30 (95% CI -0.34, -25). This correlation was not significantly affected by the patients' age (p-value: 0.874). Given different geographic area, most of the studies from different countries indicated that the correlation between the serum ferritin and heart T2 MRI was statistically significant. The pooled analysis showed a significant negative moderate correlation between the serum ferritin level and heart T2 MRI in patients with TDT, regardless of their age. This issue underscores the importance of periodical evaluation of serum ferritin level in patients with TDT in developing countries with low financial supports and limited resources. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the pooled correlation of the serum ferritin level with iron concentration of other vital organs.

Modern Method of Commercial Embalming of Poisoned Decomposing Carcasses in Nigeria

Certain poisons speed-up the rate of decomposition of carcasses, and this has become a cause of concern to embalmers because of the difficulty in embalming such carcasses. Therefore, a suitable modern embalming method has been discussed in this study in order to abate, slow and even halt further decomposition of bodies as a result of poisoning. The study was carried out to validate the effectiveness of an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water on early decomposing poisoned bodies. Four domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were used for this experiment. Animals were sacrificed and allowed to reach the early stage of decomposition before embalmment. Arterial embalming technique was employed which was supplemented by hypodermic embalming technique. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the outcome of embalming and the independent variables such as volume of embalming fluid, humidity, room temperature, atmospheric temperature, and duration of embalming. The visible post embalming changes showed that decomposition was arrested on the eighth day, which was followed by mummification of the animals. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a statistically significant strong positive correlation between outcome of embalming and duration of embalming; a statistically significant moderate negative correlation with volume of embalming fluid; and a statistically significant moderate negative correlation with room temperature. An embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water in equal proportion is suitable for arresting early decomposition of poisoned bodies using arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques.