Significant Moderate Positive Correlation Research Articles

Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Red Cell Distribution Width

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent health problem in the Kurdistan region/Iraq. Numerous biochemical parameters are important for screening and monitoring of diabetes mellitus, Red Cell Distribution Width is one of them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil Teaching Hospital, Rizgary Teaching Hospital, and Layla Qassim primary health care center in Erbil city-Kurdistan region/Iraq from 1st of August, 2022 to 31st of July, 2023 on one hundred and twenty type 2 diabetic patients. Many biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated and compared with Red Cell Distribution Width in this study. Results: The mean Red Cell Distribution Width of diabetic patients was (16.64%); 61.7% of them had a high Red Cell Distribution Width. A weak positive correlation was observed between Red Cell Distribution Width -CV and each female gender, Body Mass Index, White Blood Cell count, and triglyceride (p?0.05). A potent positive and significant correlation was noticed between Red Cell Distribution Width -CV and fasting blood sugar (r=0.76, p<0.001) as well as HbA1c level (r=0.92, p<0.001). A moderate positive significant correlation was observed between Red Cell Distribution Width -CV and cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as serum creatinine levels (p?0.05). A weak negative correlation between Red Cell Distribution Width -CV and HDL (p<0.001). Conclusion: The red blood cell distribution width might be a helpful marker in monitoring and assessing the severity of type 2 diabetes mellitus and could also help in predicting cardiovascular and renal complications.

Correlation and Conversion between the QuickDASH, Constant Score and Oxford Shoulder Score in Patients with Conservatively Treated Proximal Humerus Fractures

BackgroundThere is significant heterogeneity of outcome measures used in the research of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). Current evidence regarding the correlation and conversion between the various outcome measures is sparse. This study aims to study the correlation and conversion between the QuickDASH, Constant Score (CS) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) in conservatively treated PHFs. MethodsA prospective cohort study of patients (n=136) with conservatively treated PHFs between August 2017 and April 2020 was conducted. Patients had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. The three outcome measures (QuickDASH, CS and OSS) were collected at four time points - 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after injury. Changes in scores across time and correlation between each pair of outcome measures was calculated. A linear regression model was used to derive conversion equations which were then internally validated. ResultsA significant strong negative correlation was observed between the OSS and QuickDASH (coefficient: -0.746; p< 0.001), a significant moderate negative correlation was observed between the CS and QuickDASH (coefficient: -0.581; p< 0.001), and a significant moderate positive correlation was observed between the CS and OSS (coefficient: 0.697; p< 0.001). The six derived regression equations showed low mean differences between predicted and actual values (ranging from -1.21 to 2.51). The correlation between actual and predicted values was moderate to strong, ranging from a coefficient of 0.57 in the conversion from the CS to QuickDASH to 0.74 in the conversion from the CS to OSS and OSS to CS. ConclusionIn a cohort of patients with conservatively managed PHFs, moderate to strong correlations were seen in pairwise comparisons of the OSS, QuickDASH and CS. With linear regression analyses, six regression equations were derived to estimate one score from another. On internal validation, there was good agreement between the means of the predicted and actual scores but high within-individual variability. These formulae can help to compare studies with heterogeneous outcome measures and facilitate meta-analyses. However, these equations should not be used to predict one score from another in an individual due to variability when converting individual scores.

Social Integration and Development of Boy Child in Kenya

Over the years, so much emphasis has been placed on raising girls to higher levels that society has forgotten about the boy child. At the time, society in Africa and particularly in Kenya was content with the boy child's position and unconsciously focused on the girl child to the alienation of the boy. The callous disregard for boys has caused a ecline in their development and performance and caused an identity crisis. Consequently, a significant majority of the African boychild have grown into ysfunctional adults. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the role of social integration on the development of boy child in Kenya. The study used an explanatory research design. The target population unit of analysis was all the 3,500,000 students, 113,200 teachers, 10,463 principals, 3,400,000 parents, 14 heads of mental health hospitals, 129 heads of prisons, and 47 county education officers respectively in Kenya. Stratified-Systematic sampling and purposive sampling were used to identify a sample size of 1,682 respondents selected using the Krejcie and Morgan Table formula. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive moderate correlations between responsibilities (r= 0.11, p&lt;0.05), relationships (r=0.12, p&lt;0.05), and mentorship (r=0.33, p&lt;0.01) with boy child development suggest that these factors not only independently contribute to development but also interact synergistically to establish a robust framework for social integration. The findings from this study offer valuable insights for policymakers and implementers in addressing critical gender disparities and enhancing the development and performance of boys. This has broader implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa Vision 2050, and Kenya Vision 2030.

Foot Progression Angle in Relation to Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the difference in the foot progression angle and measure spatiotemporal parameters of gait of children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to examine the relation among foot progression angle of right and left lower limb and spatiotemporal parameters of gait. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and Correlation study. SUBJECTS: Sixty children with spastic diplegia, aged 5 to 8 years. The participants were categorized into 3 age groups of equivalent number: group A (5 to 6 years), group B (6 to 7 years), as well as group C (7 to 8 years). METHODS: Foot progression angle and spatiotemporal parameters of the gait for both feet were evaluated utilizing a dynamic footprint. RESULTS: a moderate negative significant correlation was noted among left FPA and right step length, and right stride length. There was moderate positive significant correlation among left FPA and cadence . A weak non-significant correlation was observed among right and left FPA and gait parameters among three groups. CONCLUSION: foot progression angle assessment and spatiotemporal measurements and the correlation among them can give objective and quantitative data that could be utilized in rehabilitation and clinical evaluations to identify functional deficiencies.

The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish version of Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease.

The aim was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. Thirty patients diagnosed with SSc according to the 2013 EULAR/ACR criteria were included. After recording the demographic data of the patients, dyspnea was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), exercise capacity with the 6 Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), fatigue level with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), disease activity with the Medsger Disease Severity Scale, skin involvement with the Modified Rodnan Skin Score, and dyspnea level with the mMRC Dyspnea Scale. The mMRC Dyspnea Scale was administered to the patients with SSc who did not receive any treatment for test-retest reliability at 1-week intervals. The observed scale range in mMRC (TR) was 0-4, and twelve out of the thirty patients (40%) were classified as having "moderate dyspnea." mMRC (TR) showed a significant moderate positive correlation with VAS dyspnea (rho: 0.718), a low negative correlation with 6MWD (rho: -0.445), and a low positive correlation with FSS (rho: 0.385). The weighted kappa statistic, used as an agreement scale for ordinal responses, was found to be 0.587 (indicating moderate agreement). The Turkish version of the mMRC Dyspnea Scale demonstrates validity and reliability in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease.

Impact of the February 6, 2023, Turkey earthquake on post-traumatic stress disorder, internet addiction and insomnia: A cross-sectional study.

After earthquakes, individuals may increase their internet usage to cope with post-traumatic stress symptoms, potentially leading to internet addiction and sleep disturbances. This study aims to determine the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), internet addiction and insomnia in earthquake survivors 1 year after the event and to explore the relationships between these variables. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April and June 2024 through face-to-face interviews with 554 individuals who survived the February 6, 2023 earthquake in Turkey, 1 year after the event. Data were collected using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between PCL-5, YIAT-SF and ISI based on the Pearson correlation test (r = .32 and .44, respectively; p < .05). According to the logistic regression analysis, experiencing physical injury during the earthquake and the loss of first-degree relatives were found to predict the severity of PTSD symptoms (p = .04, OR = 2.44, 95% CI [1.04, 5.65]; p < .001, OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.26, 3.06], respectively). Additionally, the YIAT-SF and ISI variables were found to be statistically significant predictors of PTSD symptom severity (p < .001, OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01, 1.07]; p < .001, OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.12, 1.23], respectively). It is concluded that the severity of PTSD symptoms in earthquake survivors is associated with the severity levels of insomnia and internet addiction. Additionally, it is determined that experiencing injury or loss of a loved one during the earthquake may increase the severity of PTSD symptoms. To protect earthquake survivors from the risk of PTSD, it may be necessary to provide psychosocial support focussed on positive coping strategies for internet addiction and insomnia.

Correlation of Diabetic Symptoms with Severity of Diabetes Mellitus in Middle-Aged Population

Purpose: To investigate the correlation of symptoms of Diabetes with the severity of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Middle-aged subjects with diabetes. Participants: 68 subjects with diagnosed diabetes mellitus between the ages of 40 and 60 with/without symptoms of neuropathy were included. Participants with neurological disease, recent surgical procedures or injuries to feet, vascular disease, and cognitive impairment were excluded. Method: In a cross-sectional observational study, a total of 68 middle-aged diabetic subjects were interviewed in terms of demographic data, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), HBA1c, duration of diabetes, and associated medical conditions. All participants were examined by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). MNSI consists of 2 parts. 1) questionnaire 2) clinical examination. Analysis: Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20 &amp; Spearman correlation test was applied. Results: In mild diabetes, hba1c has a weak positive correlation (r=0.232) with MNSI-1 and a very weak positive (0.016) correlation with MNSI-2. In moderate diabetes, hba1c has significant(p=0.003) strong positive correlation (r=0.703) with MNSI-1 and significant (p=0.019) moderate positive correlation (r=0.0596) with MNSI-2. In severe diabetes, hba1c has significant (p=0.028) moderate positive correlation (r=0.532) with MNSI-1 and significant (p=0.034) moderate positive (0.515) correlation with MNSI-2 Conclusion: Diabetic symptoms are moderately correlated with moderate &amp; severe levels of Diabetes based on hba1c in the middle-aged population. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Middle age, Diabetic symptoms, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument.

The Correlation Between Students’ Performance in Mathematics and Physics in Form Six National Examinations 2023 in Selected Schools in Tanzania

This study investigates the correlation between student performance in Mathematics and Physics in Form Six National Examinations in Tanzania. The research adopts a correlational design using a quantitative approach, focusing on ten advanced public secondary schools, with a sample of 100 students who took both subjects in 2023. Regression analysis assessed the relationship between the subjects, with examination results serving as the primary data source. Grades were coded using a standardized scale (A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, D = 4, E = 5), and the analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.717) between Mathematics and Physics performance, suggesting that proficiency in Mathematics contributes to success in Physics. The study’s findings align with previous research, highlighting the importance of mathematical skills in understanding Physics concepts. Given the statistically significant results, the study recommends integrating teaching strategies that reinforce the connection between Mathematics and Physics, continuous teacher professional development, and improved resource allocation to enhance student outcomes. While limitations such as the small sample size and reliance on exam results were noted, the research provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers, suggesting that strengthening mathematical competencies can positively impact Physics performance, with implications for improving academic outcomes in science education in Tanzania.

A Novel Screening Tool for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition with long waiting lists for the gold standard polysomnography (PSG) test. Screening tests are essential to identify and prioritize patients with severe OSA. Current questionnaires do not accurately detect severe cases. This study aims to develop an alternative screening tool based on anthropometric and morphological characteristics to determine the severity of OSA. Methods: The study included 149 patients with sleep apnea symptoms who did not have additional diseases. The obstructive sleep apnea morphologic scale (OSAMS) was created using 5 parameters: 3 internal parameters related to the upper respiratory tract (tonsil size, oropharyngeal passage, and hypopharyngeal-laryngeal examination) and 2 external parameters (neck circumference and body mass index). Each parameter was scored, and the total scores were correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of PSG to determine the severity of OSA. Results: A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between AHI and OSAMS scores (rho = .491; P < .001). A grand total score >4 provided 80.3% sensitivity and 53.9% specificity to identify patients with severe OSA. OSAMS demonstrated superior results compared to existing questionnaires for OSA screening in our study group. Conclusions: OSAMS is a potential alternative to existing questionnaires to screen patients with severe OSA, offering a practical approach based on morphology during physical examinations.

Exploring the Impact of Medical Complexity on Nursing Complexity of Care in Paediatric Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

To explore the impact of medical complexity, defined by the number of chronic conditions, on the complexity of care, as described by the frequency of nursing diagnoses (NDs) and nursing actions (NAs), in paediatric patients. Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted in an Italian university hospital and involved the analysis of electronic health records for neonatal and paediatric patients who were consecutively admitted from January to December 2022. The sample was classified into three categories-non-chronic, single chronic and multimorbid patients-according to their clinical profiles. NDs recorded within the first 24 h from patient hospital admission and NAs performed throughout the hospital stay were counted for each group. Distinct variations in the prevalence and patterns of NDs and NAs were observed across different levels of medical complexity. A significant moderate positive correlation between the number of NDs and NAs was found. However, the frequency of NDs did not directly correlate with the number of chronic conditions. Conversely, a weak but significant negative correlation was identified between the quantity of NAs and the number of chronic conditions. While the frequency of NDs showed a stable but decreasing trend as the number of chronic conditions increased, a higher number of chronic conditions were associated with a lower quantity of NAs. We discovered a notable variation in the complexity of care across varying levels of medical complexity in paediatric patients. Our findings suggest that the complexity of care does not necessarily correspond to the degree of medical complexity. The observed negative relationship between the number of chronic conditions and the quantity of NAs underscores the need for further research to explore this unexpected finding and its implications for clinical practice. Without the adoption of standardised nursing terminologies, such as nursing diagnoses (NDs) and nursing actions (NAs), assessing the complexity of care in paediatric settings can be challenging. Integrating clinical nursing information systems that incorporate standardised NDs and NAs into electronic health records is crucial for accurately documenting and analysing the complexity of care and its relationship with medical complexity. In paediatric patients, the frequency of nursing diagnoses (NDs) at hospital admission is significantly associated with the quantity of nursing actions (NAs) delivered during hospitalisation. However, there is no correlation between the frequency of NDs and medical complexity, as defined by the number of chronic disorders. Specifically, the frequency of NDs decreases with increasing medical complexity, while the quantity of NAs is negatively associated with the number of chronic disorders. This indicates that the complexity of care cannot be inferred solely from medical complexity, and additional factors need to be explored. These findings enhance understanding of how complexity of care relates to medical complexity in paediatric patients. Insights into the prevalence and patterns of NDs and NAs can benefit nurses, managers, researchers and policymakers by informing clinical and organisational decision-making to ensure high-quality care. The study adhered to the RECORD Statement. Patients, service users, caregivers or public members were not directly involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of data or in writing this paper. Patients contributed only to data collection.

High-Throughput Transcriptomics Identifies Chemoresistance-Associated Gene Expression Signatures in Human Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcomas, clinically aggressive cancers of endothelial origin, are a rare subtype of soft-tissue sarcomas characterized by resistance to chemotherapy and dismal prognosis. In this study, we aim to identify the transcriptomic biomarkers of chemoresistance in angiosarcoma. We examined 72 cases of Asian angiosarcomas, including 35 cases treated with palliative chemotherapy, integrating information from NanoString gene expression profiling, whole transcriptome profiling (RNA-seq), immunohistochemistry, cell line assays, and clinicopathological data. In the chemoresistant cohort (defined as stable disease or progression), we observed the significant overexpression of genes, including SPP1 (log2foldchange 3.49, adj. p = 0.0112), CXCL13, CD48, and CLEC5A, accompanied by the significant enrichment of myeloid compartment and cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways, as well as neutrophils and macrophages. RNA-seq data revealed higher SPP1 expression (p = 0.0008) in tumor tissues over adjacent normal compartments. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant moderate positive correlation between SPP1 protein and gene expression (r = 0.7016; p &lt; 0.00110), while higher SPP1 protein expression correlated with lower chemotherapeutic sensitivity in patient-derived angiosarcoma cell lines MOLAS and ISOHAS. In addition, SPP1 mRNA overexpression positively correlated with epithelioid histology (p = 0.007), higher tumor grade (p = 0.0023), non-head and neck location (p = 0.0576), and poorer overall survival outcomes (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.07–3.18, p = 0.0288). There was no association with tumor mutational burden, tumor inflammation signature, the presence of human herpesvirus-7, ultraviolet exposure signature, and metastatic state at diagnosis. In conclusion, SPP1 overexpression may be a biomarker of chemoresistance and poor prognosis in angiosarcoma. Further investigation is needed to uncover the precise roles and underlying mechanisms of SPP1.

Possible Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Open-Label Clinical Study.

Currently, no treatment can fully and finally treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This study aimed to evaluate the possible efficacy of autologous intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in treating patients with PHN. A prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study was conducted on 45 patients with PHN attending the Dermatology Outpatient Clinics of Sohag University Hospital, Egypt, between November 2019 and November 2021. Patients were subjected to full clinical general and dermatologic examinations. Patient's assessment included severity of pain through visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), and verbal rating scale (VRS), in addition to Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short-Form (SF-36). Patients were treated by autologous PRP injection every 2 weeks for 2 months (4 sessions). Patients were evaluated before every session and 3- months after the last session. There was a significantly decreased VAS, NRS, VRS, and SF-36 questionnaire values in the last session and three months after the last session. There was a highly significant moderate correlation between both scales (VAS and VRS) and patient's age in years and who have aggravating factors. Likewise, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between scales (VAS and VRS) and the disease duration, medical co-morbidities, and associated myalgia. These findings require further confirmations on more inclusive large-sized multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials with longer follow-up. This clinical pilot study concluded that autologous intralesional PRP injection was an effective therapeutic option for patients with PHN.

Comparative immunohistochemical expression of Beta catenin and CD163 between dysplastic / non-dysplastic oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions (EX-VIVO STUDY)

BackgroundOral lichen planus is a well-known chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder, which has clinical and histological presentation that mimics oral lichenoid reaction. According to the fifth edition of WHO, both conditions are considered as oral potentially malignant disorders. Recent studies on oral potential disorders documented deregulation of some signaling molecules related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Therefore this study aimed to compare the immune expression of β-catenin & CD163 in dysplastic /non-dysplastic cases of Oral lichen planus & oral lichenoid lesion. In addition, a statistical correlation between both immune markers was done regardless of the type of the study group.MethodsFour study groups were designated as 2 groups of Oral lichen planus (one dysplastic & one non –dysplastic) and the other 2 groups were oral lichenoid lesions (one dysplastic & one non –dysplastic). Ten cases in each group were collected and investigated by immunohistochemistry. The area percent of beta catenin and also counting of m2 macrophages expressing + CD163 marker was calculated in the study groups.ResultsThe Statistical analysis highlighted a statistically significant difference between the studied groups. Moreover, Pearson correlation test reported a significant moderate positive correlation between beta catenin & CD163 expression in the studied cases.ConclusionOur findings supported new perceptions of the mechanism by which tumor associated macrophage specific β-catenin signaling promotes the aggressive behavior of oral potential malignant disorders.Clinical relevanceEvidence of the relationship between beta catenin and M2 macrophages (+ CD163) may enhance the development of macrophage-based strategies for treatment and improve the prognosis of such cases.

The variations in health cost based on the traditional obesity parameters among patients with coronary artery diseases undergoing cardiac catheterization

BackgroundIn the literature, obesity has been correlated with coronary artery diseases (CADs) and high health costs. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between obesity parameters and the health costs among patients with CADs undergoing cardiac catheterization.MethodA secondary data analysis was done for an original study. The original study was conducted among 220 hospitalized patients undergoing cardiac catheterization from two main hospitals located in the Middle and Northern regions of Jordan. Bivariate Pearson’s correlation and forward linear regression analysis were calculated in this study.ResultsThe average health cost for the participants was 1,344 JOD (1,895.63 USD). A significant positive moderate correlation (r = 0.4) was found between hip circumference (HC) and health cost. There were significant positive weak correlations between low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and depression, and the health cost (correlation coefficient 0.17, 0.3, 0.29, 0.22 and 0.17, respectively. HC, waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body adiposity index (BAI) were significantly associated with health costs among male participants. In contrast, among females, none of the obesity parameters was significantly associated with health costs. The forward regression analysis illustrated that an increase of HC by 3.9 cm (β (0.292) * SD (13.4)) will increase the health cost by 1 JOD (0.71 USD). The same analysis revealed that HS-CRP increased by 0.4 mg/dl (β (0.258)*SD (1.43)), or triglycerides increased by 8.3 mg/dl (β (0.241)* SD (34.3)), or depression score increased by 0.32 score (β (0.137)* SD (2.3)), or total cholesterol increased by 4 mg/dl (β (0.163)* SD (24.7)), the health cost will increase by one JOD (0.71 USD).ConclusionHealthcare providers, including nurses, should significantly consider these factors to reduce the health costs for those at-risk patients by providing the appropriate healthcare on time.

Identification of urban street trees for green belt development for optimizing pollution mitigation in Delhi, India.

The current study evaluated the effects of air pollution on selected street trees in the National Capital Territory during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons to identify the optimally suitable tree for green belt development in Delhi. The identification was performed by measuring the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), anticipated performance index (API), dust-capturing capacity (DCC) and proline content on the trees. The APTI of street trees of Delhi varied significantly among different tree species (F11,88.91 = 47.18, p < 0.05), experimental sites (F3,12.52 = 6.65, p < 0.001) and between seasons (F1,31.12 = 16.51, p < 0.001), emphasizing the relationships between trees and other types of variables such as the climate and level of pollution, among other factors. This variability emphasizes the need to choose trees to use for urban greening in the improvement of air quality in different environments within cities. Ascorbic acid (AA) concentration and relative water content (RWC) had a strong influence on APTI with an extremely significant moderate positive correlation between AA concentration and APTI (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) along with RWC and APTI (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of AA concentration and RWC are linked to increased air pollution tolerance. The PCA bi-plot indicates AA has poor positive loading coefficients with PC1 explaining 29.49% of the total variance in the dataset. The highest APTI was recorded in Azadirachta indica (22.01), Leucaena leucocephala (20.65), Morus alba (20.62), Ficus religiosa (20.61) and Ficus benghalensis (19.61), irrespective of sites and seasons. Similarly, based on API grading, F. religiosa and F. benghalensis were identified as excellent API grade 6 (81-90%), A. indica and Alstonia scholaris as very good API grade 5 (71-80%), M. alba, Pongamia pinnata and Monoon longifolium as good API grade 4 (61-70%) and Plumeria alba as moderate API grade 3 (51-60%) in different streets of Delhi. As these plants are indigenous to the region and hold significant socio-economic and aesthetic significance in Indian societies, they are advisable for avenue plantations as part of various government initiatives to support environmental sustainability.

Ocular biometry parameters in mobile cataract surgery camp: a large-scale report from Nigeria

Background: Humanitarian missions and mobile camp surgeries have pivotal roles in cataract surgery in areas with limited resources. Ocular biometry is an important preoperative evaluation tool for cataract surgery candidates. Herein, we report the distributions of ocular biometric values among cataract surgery candidates in camp settings in southern Nigeria. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we retrieved data from consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery. All patients underwent a full ophthalmic examination using a slit-lamp biomicroscope. Age, sex, and preoperative biometric values, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), and axial length (AL), together with intraocular lens (IOL) power, were documented. Biometric values were obtained using A-mode ultrasonography. Results: Records of 567 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 66.0 (13.4) years revealed a male-to-female sex ratio of 1:1.24. Most participants were in the 66–70-year age group. Mean IOL power was significantly different between males and females (P &lt; 0.001). However, the biometric values were comparable between sexes (all P &gt; 0.05). There were significant differences in the mean IOL power (P &lt; 0.001) and ACD (P &lt; 0.05) between the age groups, indicating a decrease in ACD with age. However, the other biometric parameters were comparable between the age groups (all P &gt; 0.05). ACD had a significant weak negative correlation with LT (r = - 0.16; P &lt; 0.001) and IOL power (r = - 0.22; P &lt; 0.001) and a positive correlation with AL (r = + 0.24; P &lt; 0.001). LT had a significant weak negative correlation with VCD (r = - 0.16; P &lt; 0.001) and a positive correlation with AL (r = + 0.09; P &lt; 0.05). VCD had significant moderate positive and negative correlations with AL (r = + 0.39; P &lt; 0.001) and IOL power (r = - 0.34; P &lt; 0.001), respectively. AL had a significant strong negative correlation with IOL power (r = - 0.78; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study presents the mean distributions of ocular biometric parameters among cataract surgery candidates in camp settings in southern Nigeria. Age and sex were important determinants of IOL power and should be considered when planning eye camp supplies. AL had a strong inverse correlation with IOL power. Further multicenter national studies are required to verify these preliminary findings.

Correlation of sputum inflammatory markers with severity and blood inflammatory markers in bronchiectasis.

As a disease characterized by chronic neutrophilic inflammation, various sputum biomarkers have been investigated in the association with the severity and prognosis of bronchiectasis. However, there is lack of data on the association between sputum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels at clinical stable state and the clinical, spirometric and blood inflammatory parameters, as well as prognostic scores. The purpose of the study is to assess the association between sputum IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α levels at clinical stable state and various clinical and laboratory parameters in bronchiectasis. A prospective study was conducted in a major regional hospital and tertiary respiratory referral centre in Hong Kong, including 44 Chinese patients with bronchiectasis. The correlation between stable state sputum IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α levels with various clinical, laboratory and spirometric parameters in bronchiectasis, as well as FACED [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), age, chronic colonisation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, radiological extension and dyspnoea]/E-FACED (FACED plus exacerbations) scores were assessed. Baseline sputum IL-1β level was found to have significant moderate positive correlation with baseline blood high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level with Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.529 (P=0.001). Baseline sputum IL-8 level was found to have significant moderate positive correlation with baseline FACED and E-FACED score with r of 0.574 (P<0.001) and 0.539 (P<0.001) respectively. Baseline sputum TNF-α level was found to have significant moderate positive correlation with baseline FACED score with r of 0.520 (P<0.001). Sputum IL-1β and, IL-8 and TNF-α levels were shown to have significant correlation with various clinical, laboratory and spirometry parameters in bronchiectasis, as well as more severe disease as measured by FACED and E-FACED scores.

Validation of angiography-derived Murray law-based quantitative flow reserve (μQFR) against pressure-derived instantaneous wave-free ratio for assessing coronary lesions, a single-center study in Egypt

BackgroundInstantaneous wave-free ratio (iwFR) is a well-validated method for functional evaluation of intermediate coronary lesions. A recently developed Murray law-based QFR (µQFR) allows wire-free FFR estimation using a high-quality single angiographic projection. We aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of µQFR as compared to wire-based iwFR for physiological assessment of coronary lesions in a sample of Egyptian patients.ResultsOver a one-year period, patients who previously underwent iwFR assessment of an intermediate coronary stenosis (40–90%) were retrospectively included. μQFR analysis was then performed offline using a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI)-aided computation software. All the measurements were performed blinded to iwFR results, and the agreement between iwFR and μQFR values was tested. Forty-nine patients (mean age 57.9 ± 9 years, 72.9% males) were included. Mean value of iwFR and μQFR was 0.90 ± 0.075 and 0.79 ± 0.129, respectively. There was a significant moderate positive linear correlation between μQFR and iwFR (r = 0.47, p = 0.001; 95% CI 0.22–0.68) with moderate-to-substantial agreement between the two methods (Kappa 0.6). In assessing the diagnostic accuracy of μQFR, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% CI 0.717–0.962) for predicting functionally significant lesions defined as iwFR < 0.89. The sensitivity and specificity of μQFR < 0.8 for detecting physiological significance of coronary lesions were 89% and 74% with positive and negative predictive values of 70 and 91%, respectively.ConclusionµQFR has good diagnostic accuracy for predicting functionally significant coronary lesions with moderate correlation and agreement with the gold standard iwFR. Angiography-derived µQFR could be a promising tool for improving the utilization of physiology-guided revascularization.

The impact of ankle-foot orthotics on selective motor control during gait in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit altered selective motor control during gait (SMCg). Ankle-foot-orthoses (AFOs) are used in this population to improve gait, by reducing the degrees of freedom at the ankle joint. However, the specific impact of AFOs on SMCg and whether this effect is more related to gait deviations or motor development remains unclear. Research questionDo AFOs impact SMCg, and is the change related to joint kinematics or age? MethodsGait analysis data from 53 children and adolescents with spastic CP, walking both barefoot and with AFOs, were included. Electromyography data from six lower-limb muscles, and lower limb joint kinematics were analyzed for both walking conditions. SMCg was quantified by the total variance in electromyography activity accounted for by one synergy (tVAF1), where an increase in tVAF1 indicates a decrease in SMCg. Kinematic gait deviation was assessed using the Gait-Profile-Score (GPS) and sagittal plane ankle Gait-Variable-Score (ankle-GVS). All analyses were performed for the more clinically involved leg only. ResultsWalking with AFOs resulted in a mean increase in tVAF1 of 0.02±0.07 (p=0.015) and a median increase in ankle-GVS of 3.4º (p>0.001). No significant changes were observed in GPS, and no correlation was found between the changes in tVAF1 and ankle-GVS. A significant positive moderate correlation was found between the change in tVAF1 and age, even with ankle-GVS as a covariate (r=0.45; p>0.001). SignificanceWalking with an AFO resulted in a small decrease in SMCg, with large inter-participant variability. Younger participants showed a greater decrease in SMCg, which may indicate greater neuromuscular plasticity in early developmental stages.

Positive Association between Patients' Perception of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation as a Personally Meaningful Experience and the Flourishing Aspect of Well-Being.

Chronic pain rehabilitation helps to reduce pain and restore valued life roles. Patients may have more positive outcomes when they perceive rehabilitation to be personally meaningful. This study examined associations between self-reported, personally meaningful rehabilitation and well-being. A pilot study was conducted using an online survey of people with chronic pain and experiences of rehabilitation. The PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a and The Flourishing Scale were used to explore well-being. A modified self-report measure, the Meaningfulness in Rehabilitation Scale, was pilot-tested for construct validity and used in the survey. Of the 48 participants (81% female; 19% male), most attended a generalist therapy practice (62%) once per week (33%) or once per fortnight (29%). No statistically significant relationship was found between self-reported meaningfulness in rehabilitation and pain interference or other patient and therapy characteristics (duration of chronic pain category, type of therapy practice, resolution of rehabilitation category, and frequency of appointments). The nonparametric analysis identified a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between self-reported meaningfulness in rehabilitation and the flourishing aspect of well-being. This raises important questions and suggests that patients' perception of rehabilitation as meaningful warrants further research. This pilot study provides valuable guidance to inform a larger investigation.