Significant Statistical Correlation Research Articles

Cognitive Imapirment in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation to Dysability, Duration and Type of Disease.

Cognitive dysfunctions are often presented as a symptom in multiple sclerosis which is associated with both structural and functional imapirments of neuronal networks in the brain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dysability, duration and type of disesase on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. This study included 60 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 18 years of age or older and were able to give written informed consent. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) screening test. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between clinical characteristics and MoCa test scores. Out of 63.33% of patients had EDSS <=4.5. Disease lasted longer than 10 years in 30% of patients. 80% had relapsing-remitting MS and 20% had secondary progressive MS. 84,2 % of patients with EDSS ≤ 4.5 had cognitive dysfunction. Higher disability (rho=0,306, p<0,05), progressive type of disease (rho=0,377, p< 0,01) and longer disease duration (rho=0,282, p<0,05) were associated with worse overall cognitive functions. Level of disability showed statistical significant correlation with the executive functions and language domains of cognition (p<0.01). Longer disease duration was significant correlated with executive functions (p<0,01) and language domains (p<0,01), while progressive type of disease was signifacant correlated only with executive functions domain (p<0,01). MoCa score variables did not show a statistically significant difference in relation to the number of relapses per year and the use of imunoterapy. Statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between executive functions domain and level of disability, disease duration and progressive type of disease, while language domain significantly correlated only with disability level and progressive type of disease. High percentage of MS patients has cognitive impairment. Patients with higher disability were presented with lower cognitive abilities, especially in executive functions and language domains. Higher frequency of cognitive impairment were presented in progessive forms of disaese and longer disease duration with strong influence on executive functions domains of cognition.

Oral Manifestations Associated with COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study of Recovered Iraqi Patients.

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of oral manifestations related to COVID-19 infection among a sample of recovered patients in the Basrah province of Iraq. Methodology. This cross-sectional study included a total of 574 individuals from Basrah city, Iraq (196 males and 378 females), who had been previously infected with COVID-19. A questionnaire was developed and used to record the demographic data, medical history, severity of respiratory infection followed by hospitalization along with oral signs and symptoms that occurred during the COVID-19 infection and their persistence after recovery. Oral manifestations were reported in 88.3% of the studied sample. The most common oral manifestation was ageusia (66.8%), followed by dry mouth (59%), gustatory changes (46%), dysphagia (40.5%), burning sensation (20.8%), oral ulceration (14.5%), and gingival bleeding (3.3%). The findings suggested that ageusia was the only symptom that persisted following recovery from the COVID-19 infection. The results showed a significant statistical correlation between the incidence of oral manifestations and the severity of COVID-19 infection followed by hospitalization. A significant correlation was also found between the age groups and COVID-19 oral manifestations, whereas no significant statistical relationship was observed between gender, smoking, and systemic diseases. COVID-19 infection has considerable impacts on the oral cavity and salivary glands and after recovery from the infection, some patients continue to complain of ageusia for several months. There is a positive correlation between the incidence of oral signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection and the severity of the infection.

Behavioral and Metabolic Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases among Population in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of death worldwide, and they are attributable to genetic and physiological determinants, behavioral risk factors and environmental impacts. The aim of this study is to assess behavioral risk factors for metabolic disease using demographic and social-economic aspects of the population characterized by risk factors, and to investigate relations among lifestyle risk factors (alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical inactivity, intake of vitamins, fruits and vegetables) that are responsible for the majority of NCD deaths in the Republic of Srpska's (RS's) population. This is a cross-sectional study based on the analysis of a survey conducted among 2311 adult (≥18 years) persons (54.0% women, and 46.0% men). The statistical analysis was carried out by using Cramer's V values, clustering, logistic regression (binomial, multinomial and ordinal), a chi-square test and odds ratios. In the case of logistic regression, we provide the prediction accuracy in percentages. A significant statistical correlation between demographic characteristics (gender and age) and risk factors was observed. The highest difference according to gender was observed in alcohol consumption (odds ratio (OR) = 2.705, confidence interval (95% CI) = 2.206-3.317), particularly in frequent consumption (OR = 3.164, 95% CI = 2.664-3.758). The highest prevalence of high blood pressure was registered in the elderly (66.5%); the same holds for hypertension (44.3%). Additionally, physical inactivity was one of the most common risk factors (33.4% physically inactive respondents). A significant presence of risk factors was confirmed among the RS population, with higher involvement of metabolic risk factors among the older population, while the prevalence of behavioral factors was related to younger age groups, particularly in the case of alcohol consumption and smoking. A low level of preventive awareness was observed among the younger population. Therefore, prevention is one of the most important instruments related to decreasing NCD risk factors in the RS population.

Hospital efficiency in the eastern mediterranean region: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent rising costs and shortages of healthcare resources make it necessary to address the issue of hospital efficiency. Increasing the efficiency of hospitals can result in the better and more sustainable achievement of their organizational goals. The purpose of this research is to examine hospital efficiency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles published on hospital efficiency in Eastern Mediterranean countries between January 1999 and September 2020, identified by searching PubMed through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The reference lists of these articles were checked for additional relevant studies. Finally, 37 articles were selected, and data were analyzed through Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v.2.2.064). Using the random-effects model, the mean hospital efficiency in Eastern Mediterranean hospitals was 0.882 ± 0.01 at 95% CI. Technical efficiency (TE) was higher in some countries such as Iraq (0.976 ± 0.035), Oman (0.926 ± 0.032), and Iran (0.921 ±0.012). A significant statistical correlation was observed between the hospital efficiency and the year of publication and sample size (p < 0.05). Efficiency plays a significant role in hospital growth and development. Therefore, it is important for healthcare managers and policymakers in the EMR to identify the causes of inefficiency, improve TE, and develop cost-effective strategies.

Relationship between maternal Vitamin D levels and neonatal Vitamin D levels with delayed neonatal hypocalcemia - A hospital-based observational study

Background: Vitamin D has important role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body including calcium metabolism. Fetuses and neonates are dependent on their mothers to get adequate supply of Vitamin D. Maintaining adequate maternal Vitamin D levels may be highly beneficial for their fetuses and the babies. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find a correlation, if any, between maternal Vitamin D status and neonatal Vitamin D levels and delayed neonatal hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods: Fifty mother infant pairs with neonatal late onset hypocalcemia were included in the study. Detailed clinical history along with simultaneous maternal and neonatal blood samples were taken for estimation of calcium, phosphorus, parathormone (intact), and Vitamin D levels. Results: Mean maternal and neonatal serum Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D) levels were 19.5±7.5 and 15±8.5, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between maternal and neonatal Vitamin D levels (P=0.001). There was also a direct correlation between low maternal Vitamin D levels and delayed hypocalcemia in neonates (P=0.048). Mean maternal and neonatal serum calcium levels were 9±1.5 mg/dl and 6.2±0.4 mg/dl, respectively. There was no significant statistical correlation between the two (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Maternal Vitamin D level appears to be an important determinant of neonatal Vitamin D and serum calcium levels.

Comparing Northwest Evaluation Association’s Benchmark Assessment Scores to College Board’s ACCUPLACER Scores: Is There A Correlation?

The research examined the relationship between the Northwest Evaluation Association's (NWEA) benchmark assessment (Measure of Academic Progress [MAP]) scores and the score a student receives on the College Board's ACCUPLACER Reading and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics test and differences between test scores. The correlation between the two scores could help predict which of their students would score as college-ready on the ACCUPLACER test by their NWEA scores. The school started administering the ACCUPLACER tests to classify students as college ready in 2022-2023. Students previously at Maine Virtual Academy had NWEA scores, and the question addressed is how the NWEA scores correlated to ACCUPLACER scores. This is important when considering what interventions are necessary to prepare students for their postsecondary goals, whether their plans include college or a career. The data analysis of 99 high school students in grades 11 and 12 revealed a significant statistical correlation between the NWEA scores and the ACCUPLACER scores in both Reading and Math. The NWEA scores of a student can be used to predict their college readiness. Keywords: NWEA, ACCUPLACER, college-readiness DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-6-14 Publication date: February 28 th 2023

To evaluate the role of lactate dehydrogenase as biomarker in the progression of potentially malignant disorders in smokers and gutkha chewers.

To evaluate the role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a biomarker in the progression of potentially malignant disorders in smokers and gutkha chewers. The total of 70 individuals having the habit of chewing gutkha and smoking were selected for the study and divided into four groups. Group 1: 20 individuals having the habit of smoking, Group 2: 20 individuals having the habit of chewing gutkha, Group 3: 20 individuals having the habit of smoking and gutkha chewing, and Group 4: 10 healthy individuals. In the present study showed that unstimulated whole saliva from group 1, group 2, and group 3 individuals, there was a significant decrease in isoenzymes LDH-1 and LDH-2 and there was no effect on LDH-3 isoenzyme. In the present study, there is a significant increase in salivary isoenzyme LDH-4. The result indicated that there is an effect of carcinogen (tobacco)-enhanced activity on salivary LDH. The present study showed 70 volunteers reported a statistical significant correlation among the groups. The individuals with habit of smoking and gutkha chewing showed P value <.001 with a significant increase in the isoenzyme LDH-4. A significant increase in the buccal micronuclei of exfoliated cells in the oral mucosal cells of smokers and gutkha chewers. This shows a positive relationship between LDH isoenzymes and the individuals with the smoking and chewing of tobacco. There was a significant correlation between the levels of salivary LDH isoenzymes and cytomorphometric analysis of oral epithelium in smokers and gutkha chewers.

P195 Is fecal calprotectin truly valuable in the management of isolated small bowel Crohn’s disease?

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with different locations and behaviors. Although fecal calprotectin (FC) is recommended [1, 2] and has been used to monitor IBD, clinical practice has raised doubts about its utility in small bowel (SB) CD. Even though initial studies did not find a role for FC in SB CD, recent literature confirmed its acuity in SB active inflammation [2]. In fact, recent studies have confirmed a correlation between FC values and the degree in inflammatory activity in magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) [3, 4, 5, 6]. However, all these studies included patients with simultaneous colonic disease. Therefore, we evaluated the role of FC in predicting active inflammation in patients with isolated SB CD. Methods 40 patients with L1 CD according to Montreal classification [7] who underwent MRE, FC and C-reactive protein (CRP) assessment [maximum time between all exams was 60 days] were included. MRE data included disease location and extension, SB wall thickness and contrast enhancement, presence of SB dilation, fistulous tracts, inflammatory masses or abscesses, mesenteric findings. FC was both evaluated as a continuous variable and divided into 3 categorical variables: &amp;lt; 50 mg/g (“negative”), 50-150 mg/g (“low”) and &amp;gt; 150 mg/g (“high”). CRP was also divided in &amp;lt; 0.5 mg/dl (“negative”), 0.5-1 mg/dl (“low”) and &amp;gt; 1 mg/dl (“high”). Non parametric tests were used to correlate MRE findings with continuous FC and CRP values and Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to correlate categorical FC and CRP values. Results FC values ranged from 0 to 2872 mg/g, with an average of 301 mg/g. 31.7% had “negative”, 24.4% “low” and 43.9% “high” FC values. Table 1 represents MRE findings. We found a significant statistical correlation between both continuous and categorical FC values with positive mesenteric findings (p=0.0283 and p=0.037), increased bowel wall thickness (p=0.0455 and p=0.039) and presence of stenotic segments (p=0.0193 and p=0.05). All stenosis had signs of active inflammation. We did not find any correlation between FC and disease location or extension, bowel wall contrast enhancement or presence of penetrating disease. CRP values did not correlate with any of MRE findings. Conclusion Although imaging exams are essential for initial evaluation and treatment response in ileal disease, FC is a useful tool to evaluate active disease in isolated SB CD with both inflammatory (B1) and stenotic (B2) disease, in predominantly inflammatory stenosis. Our results do not support FC use to monitor penetrating (B3) disease.

Comparison of body composition components and anaerobic performance parameters of elite male motorcycle speedway riders between pre- and post-competitive season.

The purpose of this study was to compare body composition components and anaerobic capacity indices in elite motorcycle speedway riders before and after the competitive season. This study included 12 volunteer male motorcycle speedway riders from the highest speedway league in Poland (PGE Speedway Ekstraliga) (age: 22.7 ± 6.0years, body height: 171.3 ± 4.0cm, body weight: 62.5 ± 3.1kg). Before and after the competitive season, an assessment of body composition and Wingate test (WAnT) on a cycle ergometer with analysis of acute cardiorespiratory and biochemical responses was conducted. Sport level for all riders was defined by the number of heats won (WS), the total number of points scored in all heats including bonus points (PTS + B), and the percentage of heats won (%W). The motorcycle speedway riders participated in an average of 75.3 ± 15.0 total heats (HS) and obtained PTS + B equal 136.8 ± 48.2. The anaerobic performance, body composition, cardiorespiratory and biochemical responses did not changed after the competitive season. The significant statistical correlations were noted between the differences in the Fatigue Index during WAnT and total number of heats (r = -0.61) and with PTS + B (r = -0.58). Positively correlations were observed also between HS and differences: fat mass (FM) (r = 0.60) and percentage of fat mass (r = 0.61) (all p < 0.05). These findings reveal that the HS during the competitive season is related to the stabilization of anaerobic capacity in the WAnT. The HS is positively correlated with an increase in fat mass, and additional fat mass can adversely affect athletic performance in speedway.

General medicine interns’ attitude in continuing their education in emergency medicine residency programs

Introduction: Emergency medicine (EM) is a relatively new medical specialty, which concerns patients who need vital and urgent medical care. This study aimed to evaluate the general medicine interns’ attitude in continuing their education in EM residency programs.&#x0D; Methods: This study is a prospective cross-sectional study, which was performed on 180 medical students during their internship using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 26 software.&#x0D; Results: One hundred and eighty medical students in the internship period with the mean of 25.65 ± 2.72 (23 – 46) years were studied (53.3% male; 76.7% single). Only 33 (18.3%) interns indicated their interest in continuing their education in EM residency programs. 30 (16.66) cases were not interested in continuing their education in any residency program (61.1% of whom cited migration as the reason, 13% cited not working as a specialist, 14.8% indicated lack of economic justification, and 11.1% cited other reasons for not wanting to enter residency programs). The mean overall interest score to EM residency program was 59.61 ± 12.66 % (20 – 96.41%). The lowest and highest interest scores obtained in the economic status (47.91 ± 21.13%) and education status (70.59 ± 15.77%) of EM specialty, respectively. The mean overall interest score was not statistically different between male and female students (p = 0.366). There was a significant statistical correlation between gender and type of discipline chosen, and female mostly chose non-surgical disciplines (p = 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The interest of general medicine interns in continuing their education in EM residency program was average. The economic field of EM has been one of the best factors in attracting students to continue their studies in this field.

Phenotyping of Silique Morphology in Oilseed Rape Using Skeletonization with Hierarchical Segmentation

Silique morphology is an important trait that determines the yield output of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Segmenting siliques and quantifying traits are challenging because of the complicated structure of an oilseed rape plant at the reproductive stage. This study aims to develop an accurate method in which a skeletonization algorithm was combined with the hierarchical segmentation (SHS) algorithm to separate siliques from the whole plant using 3-dimensional (3D) point clouds. We combined the L1-median skeleton with the random sample consensus for iteratively extracting skeleton points and optimized the skeleton based on information such as distance, angle, and direction from neighborhood points. Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise and weighted unidirectional graph were used to achieve hierarchical segmentation of siliques. Using the SHS, we quantified the silique number (SN), silique length (SL), and silique volume (SV) automatically based on the geometric rules. The proposed method was tested with the oilseed rape plants at the mature stage grown in a greenhouse and field. We found that our method showed good performance in silique segmentation and phenotypic extraction with R 2 values of 0.922 and 0.934 for SN and total SL, respectively. Additionally, SN, total SL, and total SV had the statistical significance of correlations with the yield of a plant, with R values of 0.935, 0.916, and 0.897, respectively. Overall, the SHS algorithm is accurate, efficient, and robust for the segmentation of siliques and extraction of silique morphological parameters, which is promising for high-throughput silique phenotyping in oilseed rape breeding.

Verification of the Theoretical Energy Requirement of Underweight, Normal Weight and Overweight Young Women Using Ergospirometry

The research aim was to verify the theoretic energy requirement of young women and to calculate correlations between body mass index (BMI) and energy requirement, on the one hand, and the parameters obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis on the other. The study was conducted in a group of 32 women grouped based on their BMI: underweight n = 8, normal weight n = 15, and overweight n = 9. Predictive formulas were observed to underestimate the energy requirement compared to values obtained with the use of ergospirometry. The smallest difference in Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) estimates using an ergospirometry apparatus was observed for the Cunningham equation (underweight: 1507 vs 1350 kcal) and the Harris-Benedict equation (normal weight: 1641 vs 1437 kcal; overweight: 1882 vs 1609 kcal). A significant statistical correlation was recorded in the juxtaposition of BMI to weight in the normal weight and in the overweight group. REE estimation based on formulas has only limited predictive value. Indirect calorimetry is recommended for measuring the REE rather than predictive equations.

Blockchain Technology Awareness Among Managers of Large Enterprise

Digital transformation presents several challenges to businesses in today's world, and one such challenge is the ability to effectively adopt innovative technologies that allow for rapid access to information while maintaining the highest standards of security. One specific IT solution that meets these requirements is blockchain technology. The objective of this article is to examine the level of awareness about blockchain technology among managers and professionals from large companies in Poland's Silesian province, as well as to observe related thematic issues in blockchain technology. The research revealed that the managers' awareness of blockchain technology was comparable across all surveyed companies, regardless of their economic sector. The only significant statistical correlations were linked to whether the managers and professionals belonged to the digital or non-digital generation.

Knowledge of epilepsy among schoolteachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: With an incidence of 6 instances per 1,000 persons, epilepsy is a neurological illness that develops because of excessive neuronal impulses. Prejudice and social stigma are associated with epilepsy, and these factors affect kids more than the condition itself. Families dissuade their kids from participating in school, sports, and other activities because of stigma. We aimed to assess the level of knowledge concerning epilepsy among schoolteachers in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting 253 female and male schoolteachers in 13 schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a paper-based self-administered questionnaire using an epilepsy questionnaire that contains three sections to assess schoolteachers&amp;apos; knowledge, attitude, and social impact toward epilepsy, data were analyzed via SPSS. Results: Out of a total of 253 schoolteachers, 96.4% know about the disease epilepsy, and 60.5% of them had seen an epileptic seizure before. The majority 71.5% reported that epilepsy is a neurological disorder. Female schoolteachers 31.2% and male 7.1% believe that traumatic brain injury is the cause of epilepsy, there is a significant statistical correlation between the cause of epilepsy and gender (p = 0.004). 30.8% of females think epilepsy is an incurable disease unlike males 10.7% think that it is curable, there is a significant statistical relation (p = 0.001) Conclusion: The primary findings indicated that schoolteachers in Riyadh city have somewhat of a positive knowledge toward epilepsy. However, there is still a need to enhance certain aspects of schoolteachers&amp;apos; knowledge about epilepsy and increase awareness about the disease to avoid complications and discrimination.

Influence of Sociodemographic Characteristics on cognitive Functions in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a a complex diesase that may be presented by different neurological symptoms causing impairment of physical, psychological and cognitive functions. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This study included 60 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 18 years of age or older and were able to give written informed consent. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) screening test. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between sociodemographic characteristics and MoCa test scores. Results: 76.66% were female patients. Average age of patients was 44.5 years. 70% of patients were married. 73,33% of patients had a high school degree, 20% had a college degree while only 6,66% had primary education. 38,33% of patients were employed, 33,33% were unemployed and 28,33% retired. 88.33% of patients had cognitive impairment, 68.33% having mild cognitive impairment. Executive functions (53,66%) and delayed recall (28,33%) were rated the worst. The median value of the Naming and Language MoCa domains of cognition showed statistical significant correlation with level of education (p&lt;0.05; p&lt;0.01).The mean value of the Language variable was statistically significantly lower in respondents aged 35 and over compared to respondents younger than 35 years (p=0,003;p&lt;0,01), Statistically significant correlation was found between the level of education and cognitive status (rho=0,276,p&lt;0,05), while the other variables (gender, age, marital status and employment ) did not show a statistically significant corellation. Conclusion: High perecentage of MS patients has cognitive impairment. Executive functions are rated the worst. Education is the major factor that contribute to better cognitive functioning in MS patients independent of age or employment status. The highest correlation is found between language and naming domains of cognition. Gender did not prove to be predictive factor of cognition in multiple sclerosis patients at any domain.

Intestinal Fatty Acid-binding Protein in Patients with Psoriasis: A Marker of Impaired Intestinal Permeability Barrier and its Relation to Demographic Data and Clinical Characteristics

Abstract Background: Alterations of intestinal microbiota may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Dysbiosis may cause disruption of the intestinal barrier, which contributes to immune activation by translocation of microbial antigens and metabolites. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) serves as a biomarker of enterocyte damage. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentration of I-FABP in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study on fifty psoriatic patients and thirty-five age and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control group were enrolled in the study, serum I-FABP concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Concentration of serum I-FABP was higher in patients compared to controls (P = 0.04). The serum level of I-FABP was higher in patients with skin phototype IV than in those with skin phototype III (P = 0.040). There were significant positive statistical correlations between I-FABP with age and disease duration. Conclusion: I-FABP, a biomarker for gut permeability, is increased in psoriasis and correlates with disease duration and age. Further investigations are needed to determine whether reinforcing intestinal barrier may be a new therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Parental Acceptance as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental displayed acceptance predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also used questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.552, n=356, p&lt;.05) between parental degree of displayed acceptance and learners’ overall behavioural adjustment. It was further revealed that there were statistical significant (p&lt;.05) positive correlation between parental degree of displayed acceptance and all the five aspects of behavioural adjustment (Emotion Symptoms Conduct Problem, Hyper-creativity, Peer relationship Problem and Pro-social Behaviour) explored into. However, all the correlations were weak but it was evident that conduct problem adjustment reflected the highest correlation (r=.448), while peer problem adjustment had the least correlations (r=.331) to parental degree of displayed acceptance. From the regression analysis, it was also established that parental displayed acceptance alone accounted for 30.5% of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the pupils. In addition, linear regression reveal that if the parental display of acceptance was improved by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of overall behaviour adjustment of children would improve by .552 standard deviation units. Similarly, if improve their parental display of acceptance by one unit then the level of overall behaviour adjustment among the children would improve by .301 units. From the qualitative findings, it was found that parental psychological unavailability, negative criticism and over-emotional were associated with pupils’ behavioural maladjustments.

Parental Expressed Warmth as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental expressed warmth predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The unit of analysis included 218 primary schools. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also employed questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. The study adopted the triangulation approach to measure the validity of the instruments. Split half method was also used to establish the reliability of instruments whereby the correlation coefficient value of .808 was established. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.682, n=356, p&lt;.05) between parental expressed warmth and pupils’ overall behavioural adjustment. The statistical significant (p&lt;.05) positive correlation were also established between parental warmth and all the five aspects of learners’ behavioural adjustment (conduct problems, peer relationship problems, emotional symptom, hyperactivity and pro-social behaviours). Further analysis reveals that parental warmth alone accounted for 46.5% (Coefficient R2 = .465) of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the class 7 and 8 pupils and it was evident that parental warmth was a significant predicator of the overall learners’ behavioural adjustment [F (1, 354) = 308.067, p &lt; .05). The study also established that as parental warmth increased by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of behaviour adjustment of pupil would also increase by .682 standard deviation units. Similarly, if the parental warmth increases by one unit then level of overall adjustment would improve by .292 units; this is a substantial effect from one independent variable. From qualitative findings, it was established that that parents as role model for their children were crucial for children to acquire pro-social behaviours. On this note it was found that most pupils develops unacceptable behaviours because of parental frequent discouragements, unclear guidance and unsupportive home environment that did not promote children’s use of proactive and problem-focused coping styles. The way parents communicate to their children was also found to have a positive effect on children’s behavioural adjustment. Loving children unconditionally by providing developmentally-appropriate physical care and environment (feeding, clothing and home safety) was also found to foster children’s positive emotional development and fewer behaviour problems at school and home.

Association of tobacco exposure with demographic and clinicopathological factors in patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma - A single-center experience.

Almost a third of the global load of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs in India and can be attributed to the widespread use of tobacco and tobacco-related products in this part of the sub-continent. Records of 274 patients of OSCC treated between January 2018 and December 2019 in our institute were analyzed for the study for history of tobacco abuse and distribution of associated demographic, clinical, and pathological factors. The age of the patients in the study ranged from 31 to 82 years with a median age of 60 years. The ratio of oral cancer in males: females was 3:1. Exposure to tobacco was seen in the majority of patients (89%) who reported with oral carcinoma. Smokeless tobacco in the form of gutka was the most common abused tobacco, followed by bidi in our study. Tongue and buccal mucosa (38% and 36%, respectively) were the most common sites. Significant statistical correlation of tobacco use was seen with age, gender, clinical, and pathological tumor stages. With tobacco being the main cause of OSCC, further studies with a larger number of patients and preferably with a comparison arm of non-tobacco OSCC would help in elucidating the exact clinical and statistical correlation of tobacco with the clinicopathological factors.

Cognitive Imapirment in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation to Dysability, Duration and Type of Disease

Background: Cognitive dysfunctions are often presented as a symptom in multiple sclerosis which is associated with both structural and functional imapirments of neuronal networks in the brain. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dysability, duration and type of disesase on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This study included 60 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 18 years of age or older and were able to give written informed consent. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) screening test. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between clinical characteristics and MoCa test scores. Results: Out of 63.33% of patients had EDSS &lt;=4.5. Disease lasted longer than 10 years in 30% of patients. 80% had relapsing-remitting MS and 20% had secondary progressive MS. 84,2 % of patients with EDSS ≤ 4.5 had cognitive dysfunction. Higher disability (rho=0,306, p&lt;0,05), progressive type of disease (rho=0,377, p&lt; 0,01) and longer disease duration (rho=0,282, p&lt;0,05) were associated with worse overall cognitive functions. Level of disability showed statistical significant correlation with the executive functions and language domains of cognition (p&lt;0.01). Longer disease duration was significant correlated with executive functions (p&lt;0,01) and language domains (p&lt;0,01), while progressive type of disease was signifacant correlated only with executive functions domain (p&lt;0,01). MoCa score variables did not show a statistically significant difference in relation to the number of relapses per year and the use of imunoterapy. Statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between executive functions domain and level of disability, disease duration and progressive type of disease, while language domain significantly correlated only with disability level and progressive type of disease. Conclusion: High percentage of MS patients has cognitive impairment. Patients with higher disability were presented with lower cognitive abilities, especially in executive functions and language domains. Higher frequency of cognitive impairment were presented in progessive forms of disaese and longer disease duration with strong influence on executive functions domains of cognition.