Strong Significant Negative Correlation Research Articles

Visual outcomes and structural optical coherence tomography biomarkers after intravitreal dexamethasone implant for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-resistant macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant (Ozurdex) in retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related macular edema (ME) resistant to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy and to correlate them with certain optical coherence tomography biomarkers. Patients and methods This is a prospective interventional study that included 25 eyes of 25 patients with RVO-related resistant ME (15 branch RVO and 10 central RVO), who received six or more consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF but the central macular thickness (CMT) remained more than 350 µm 4 weeks after the last injection, or when the reduction in the CMT was less than 10% of the baseline. Optical coherence tomography examinations were carried out at baseline and at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits after intravitreal DEX implant. The correlation of the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) to the CMT, the ratio of the vertical diameter of the largest cyst to the maximum macular thickness (VDLC/MMT), the subfoveal choroidal thickness, and the extent of interruption of ellipsoid zone were evaluated 3 months following the DEX implant injection. Results The mean CDVA significantly improved from 0.92±0.25 LogMAR at baseline to 0.59±0.25 LogMAR (P<0.001) at the first month, to 0.49±0.26 LogMAR (P<0.001) at the third month, and to 0.70±0.34 LogMAR (P<0.001) at the sixth month following intravitreal DEX implant injection. The mean CMT significantly improved from 596.08±156.83 μm at baseline to 310.92±80.77 μm (P<0.001) at the first month, to 269.08±62.35 μm (P<0.001) at the third month, and to 433.84±110.75 μm (P<0.001) at the sixth month. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness significantly decreased from 306.84±50.41 μm at baseline to 274.16±36.88 μm (P=0.001) at the first month, to 256.56±41.56 μm (P<0.001) at the third month, and to 271.72±33.18 μm (P<0.001) at the sixth month following the intravitreal DEX implant. The VDLC/MMT ratio significantly decreased from 0.54±0.17 at baseline to 0.26±0.03 (P<0.001) at the first month and to 0.19±0.03 (P<0.001) at the third month following the intravitreal injection of DEX implant. At the sixth month postinjection, the reduction was insignificant (0.46±0.18, P=0.112). A significant strong negative correlation was found between the extent of the ellipsoid zone interruption and the CDVA after 3 months (r=−0.827, P<0.001). A moderate negative correlation was found between the VDLC/MMT ratio and the CDVA after 6 months (r=−0.424, P=0.035). The mean change in the CMT was significantly correlated with the mean decrease in the CDVA in the central RVO group after 6 months (r=0.800, P=0.010). Conclusion Intravitreal DEX implant was an effective and safe management option for RVO-related ME resistant to anti-VEGF therapy. However, after 6 months of follow-up, recurrence of ME was observed in most cases. Significant correlations were found between the change in CDVA and the change in CMT and the baseline VDLC/MMT ratio.

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.

Deciphering the link: A cutting-edge exploration of the intriguing connection between recurrent pregnancy loss and rare earth elements-Lutetium, praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and cerium.

To evaluate the levels of serum rare earth elements (REEs): lutetium [Lu], praseodymium [Pr], samarium [Sm], dysprosium [Dy], and cerium [Ce] in pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and evaluate their relationship with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage. A case-controlled study was conducted on a cohort of 60 female participants, with first-trimester healthy pregnant women as the control group and pregnant women with a history of consecutive abortions as the recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) group. Following blood collection, serum concentrations of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Oxidative stress and DNA damage were evaluated through TAC and DNA damage marker (8-OHdG). Serum levels of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were higher in women with RPL compared with control (P < 0.001). Intriguingly, a strong significant negative correlation was observed between TAC and REEs (P < 0.05). Lu, Dy, and Ce demonstrated a significant positive correlation with increased DNA damage in the RPL group (P < 0.05). Contrary, there was no evidence of a correlation between 8-OHdG and Pr and Sm. The study highlights a potential association between Lu, Sm, Dy, and Ce and an increased risk of RPL, highlighting REE-induced toxicity as a major risk factor for RPL. The outcome of the study is to advance our understanding of the interplay between rare earth elements and RPL, with potential implications for reproductive medicine, environmental health, and the development of preventive strategies for individuals at risk of RPL.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Medications among Type2 Diabetic Patients Attending Primary Health Care Center in Cairo

Abstract Background Poor adherence to medications is a major public health problem. Non-adherence results in disease progression, reduced functional abilities, a lower quality of life, waste of medication and increase use of medical resources such as nursing homes, hospital visits and hospital admissions. Objective To measure the prevalence and factors affecting adherence to medications among T2DM patients attending primary health care center of Saraya El Quobba. To measure the agreement between MTA (Measure Treatment Adherence) and ARMS (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale) questionnaires as a tool of measurement treatment adherence. Methods A Cross sectional study was carried out in family medicine center of Saraya El Qubba in Cairo on 130 participants who had been diagnosed T2DM at least3 months before. Patients with T1DM, Patients with known history of psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment, Patients with communication problems such as aphasia, severe hearing or visual impairment were excluded. Selection of participants was done through Systematic Random Sampling. Data about adherence was collected using structured questionnaires MTA (Measurement Treatment Adherence) and ARMS (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale) questionnaires. Results 62.6% of our sample were females, 38.9% belonged to age group of 60-70 years, 71.8% were married, 29% had intermediate education, 61.8% were unemployed. The level of adherence among patients attending primary health centre of Saraya El Quobba was 65.6%. Many factors were found to affect medication adherence as regular monitoring of blood glucose level (76.7%), regular follow up visit (75.9%), presence of family support (20.6), monthly income (84.2%) and educational level. There was a statistically significant strong negative correlation between the 2 measurements scores (r=-0.8644, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion The level of adherence was high among the participants in the current study. Many factors were found to affect medication adherence as regular monitoring of blood glucose level, regular follow up visit, presence of family support, monthly income, both high and low educational level. Agreement between to questionnaires was found.

Liver mechanosignaling as a natural anti-hepatitis B virus mechanism

The mechanisms underlying the natural control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have long been an intriguing question. Given the wide physiological range of liver stiffness and the growing attention to the role of mechanical microenvironment in homeostasis and diseases, we investigated how physical matrix cues impact HBV replication. High matrix stiffness significantly inhibited HBV replication and activated YAP in primary hepatocyte culture system, a key molecule in mechanosignaling. YAP activation notably suppressed HBV transcription and antigen expression. Several YAP-induced genes exhibited strong anti-HBV effects. Single-cell analysis of liver tissue from male individuals with active HBV replication revealed a strong significant negative correlation between YAP signature activation and HBV transcript levels. Intraperitoneal administration of YAP small molecule agonist potently controls HBV in male mouse models. These findings unveil a mechanism that involves the mechanical environment of hepatocytes and YAP to clear hepatotropic viral infection in the liver, providing new perspectives for HBV cure studies and antiviral development.

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 between sperm DNA fragmentation and methylation in male partners of couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss

With ∼50% recurrent pregnancy loss cases being termed idiopathic (iRPL), understanding of contribution of male factors to iRPL is still lacking. Higher prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and lower sperm 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels have been previously reported in male partners of iRPL couples and shed light on importance of the male gamete in maintenance of a successful pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the serum sex steroid hormone levels, sperm DFI and 5-mC and correlation between them in male partners of fertile and iRPL couples. Further, correlation between sperm DFI and 5-mC with semen parameters and paternal age in both groups were determined. 36 male partners of fertile couples and 45 male partners of women experiencing iRPL were enrolled for this study and semen and blood samples were collected. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by ELISA; sperm DFI and global 5-mC were determined by TUNEL assay and ELISA respectively. Significantly higher serum testosterone levels were noted in the iRPL group (p = 0.028). Incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in the iRPL study group but with no significance difference. No significant differences in sperm 5-mC values were noted. Upon correlation analysis within both groups, strong significant negative correlation of sperm DFI % and 5-mC % was observed in the control group (p < 0.001) but not the iRPL group (p = 0.249). Hence, we infer that with lower 5-mC levels in sperm genome, there is a higher incidence of sperm DFI in fertile men. However, this trend is not noted in men of iRPL group which could possibly be due to other underlying epigenetic alterations in genomic regions probably unsusceptible to fragmentation. On the other hand, no significant correlations of semen parameters, testosterone, estradiol and paternal age with sperm DFI and 5-mC were noted in both groups.

Assessment of Early Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy in the Dog by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).

Inherited primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Beagle dogs is a well-established large animal model of glaucoma and is caused by a G661R missense mutation in the ADAMTS10 gene. Using this model, the study describes early clinical disease markers for canine glaucoma. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to assess nine adult, ADAMTS10-mutant (median age 45.6 months, range 28.8-52.8 months; mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP): 29.9 +/- SEM 0.44 mmHg) and three related age-matched control Beagles (mean diurnal IOP: 18.0 +/- SEM 0.53 mmHg). Of all the optic nerve head (ONH) parameters evaluated, the loss of myelin peak height in the horizontal plane was most significant (from 154 +/- SEM 38.4 μm to 9.3 +/- SEM 22.1 μm; p < 0.01). There was a strong significant negative correlation between myelin peak height and IOP (Spearman correlation: -0.78; p < 0.003). There were no significant differences in the thickness of any retinal layers evaluated. SD-OCT is a useful tool to detect early glaucomatous damage to the ONH in dogs before vision loss. Loss in myelin peak height without inner retinal thinning was identified as an early clinical disease marker. This suggests that initial degenerative changes are mostly due to the loss of myelin.

Assessing the influence of El Niño on the California precipitation regime during the satellite precipitation era

AbstractA strong El Niño condition is likely to bring heavy precipitation over California. However, the 2015/2016 El‐Niño generally considered similar and comparable to another extreme event—the 1997/1998 El Niño—failed to bring above‐average precipitation over California. The muted influence of the 2015–2016 El‐Niño on California rainfall has renewed interest in the relationship between El Niño and California precipitation variability. This study assesses seasonal and regional aspects of the precipitation regimes in California for the past two decades using primarily satellite‐based precipitation products. Two satellite‐based precipitation datasets—Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks‐Climate Data Record (PERSIANN‐CDR)—along with the ground‐based measurement—Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) dataset as a reference—are analysed to understand the seasonal and regional influence of El‐Niño on precipitation regimes during the 2001–2019 period using Multivariate El Niño Southern Oscillation Index (MEI). The results show that El Niño's impact on precipitation rate varies in different seasons and regions. Specifically, we observe a statistically significant strong negative correlation (−0.72 to −0.66) between MEI and precipitation rate over southern California during the El Niño months. Both satellite precipitation products and ground‐based precipitation measurements indicate a similar El Niño–precipitation relationship over California during the study period. These results contradict the pre 2000 ‘classic’ story that El Niño was positively correlated with higher California precipitation.

Exploring the Relationship Between Serum Creatinine and Salivary Creatinine Levels in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background In this study, researchers investigated non-invasive methods for analyzing creatinine levels by using saliva to address the need for frequent phlebotomy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, which can damage their veins due to repeated blood withdrawals for creatinine level assessments. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in a tertiary healthcare setting conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with CKD. After collecting serum and salivary creatinine, we used Pearson correlation to assess the correlation between the two factors. Results The mean age of the patients was 50 years with a standard deviation of ± 15.32 years. 33 (66%) patients were males and 17 (34%) were females. Most patients were in the age group of 51 - 70 years, comprising 26 (52%) of the sample. The serum creatinine and salivary creatinine values ranged between 7.26-12.00 and 0.45-0.98, respectively. The median values were 9.72 and 0.75, respectively. There was a very weak positive linear relationship between serum and salivary creatinine levels; however, there was no significant association between them (p = 0.52). Nonetheless, a statistically significant, moderately negative linear correlation exists between serum urea and serum albumin (r = -0.36; p = 0.01). Additionally, there is a statistically significant weak negative linear correlation between serum chloride and serum urea (r = -0.3; p = 0.03). Comparing serum chloride and serum sodium reveals a statistically significant, moderately positive linear relationship (r = 0.4; p = 0.004). Serum phosphorus and serum creatinine display a statistically significant moderate positive linear relationship (r = 0.44; p = 0.001). Moreover, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine exhibit a statistically significant strong negative linear correlation (r = -0.79; p < 0.001), while eGFR and serum phosphorus demonstrate a statistically significant weak negative linear correlation (r = -0.30; p = 0.03). Conclusion The study found no significant association between salivary and serum creatinine levels. Further multicentric studies on a larger population must be conducted to find the potential correlation between serum and salivary markers.

Correlation of Dysfunctional Lens Index with Lens Opacification System III in Age Related Cataract

Purpose: Age-Related changes in crystalline lens opacity and lens density contribute to formation of higher order aberrations resulting in reduced quality of vision. Precise quantification of cataract is important for predicting phacodynamics and educating patient. The iTrace(a ray-tracing aberrometer) provides Dysfunctional Lens Index (DLI). This study from Pakistan investigates the relationship between LOCS III and DLI in senile cataract. Study Design: Correlational study. Place and Duration of Study: Hashmanis Hospital, Karachi from March 2021 to May 2021. Methods: This study included 44 patients with age-related cataract. Demographic characteristics and complete ophthalmic examination of eyes including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and slit lamp biomicroscopy were performed. Age related cataracts were graded using the Standard technique of LOCS III. I-Trace was utilized for wave front analysis to calculate DLI. Results: BCVA and LOCS III nuclear opalescence score had strongest positive linear correlation (r=0.433, P&lt;0.01). DLI displayed a strong significant negative correlation to LOCS III Cortical Cataract (C) and LOCS III Posterior Sub-Capsular Cataract (P) score (r=-0.415 and r=-0.694; respectively). Conclusion: BCVA had insignificant and small to no correlation to LOCS III C score and P score. Whereas, DLI showed the strongest significant correlation to LOCS III C score and P score. Patient's optical quality determined by visual symptoms are more closely associated to DLI parameter as compared to LOCS III classification. DLI can provide a better objective way to elevate age related cataract, monitor the progression and determine phacodynamics.

Incidence, transmission, host range and population dynamics of aphids transmitting bean common mosaic virus of cowpea

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (Linn.) Wilczek] is an important pulse crop which belongs to family Fabaceae. Bean Common Mosaic is a major viral disease in cowpea resulting in significant yield losses to a tune of 70 per cent. The results showed that disease was widespread in all the surveyed areas, with the highest average per cent disease incidence being observed in Bagalkote (29.82%) followed by Vijayapur (27.41%), Dharwad (25.47%) and Belagavi district (18.89%). The disease incidence varied from 3.25 per cent to 69.56 per cent among the villages and from 12.94 per cent to 44.80 per cent among the taluks. The host range and transmission studies revealed that BCMV infecting cowpea is readily transmissible by sap, aphids and through seeds. The mechanical transmission was 71.43 per cent, aphid transmission was found to an extent of 54.42 per cent and the seed transmission of BCMV infecting cowpea was 64.00 per cent. The population of aphid (Aphis craccivora) was maximum during the 38th and 39th Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) with the mean value of 92.70 and 81.20, respectively. The aphid population varied at different crop stages. Aphid population build up showed a strong significant negative correlation with rainfall. There was a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and morning RH.

Heavy Metal Levels in Males With Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.

The toxic effects of heavy metals on biological systems are being investigated with increasing interest day by day. Our purpose was to investigate heavy metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in males with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and to determine whether there is a relationship between heavy metals and testosterone levels. Twenty-six male patients with IHH aged 18-50 and 22 healthy males aged 21-50 admitted to the Outpatient Department of Endocrinology for follow-up were enrolled.BMIs were calculated by measuring the height and weight of all participants. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were measured and compared between groups. Testosterone levels were measured to investigate whether there was a correlation with heavy metal levels. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were statistically higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). A moderately strong significant negative correlation was detected between the patients' testosterone and As levels (p=0.001, r=-0.609, R2=0.371). Decreased As and Cd levels were observed as the patients' ages increased (p=0.013, r=-0.471). Heavy metals might play potential roles in IHH. We hope that investigating heavy metal levels in IHH and adding toxicity-preventive treatments to hormonal therapies will be beneficial in the multifaceted management of the disease in clinical practice.

Evaluation of Knee Radiograph and its Interrelation between Body Mass Index and Range of Motion in Osteoarthritic Knee

Abstract Context: Assessing knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiologically is a well-recognised investigation technique. Range of motion (ROM) measurement gives an idea about the functional status of the joint. Body mass index (BMI) increment is one of the risk factors of worsening knee OA. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate OA radiologically and to search the status of BMI, ROM and Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of osteoarthritic knee patients and find their interrelations. Settings: This study was conducted at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh. Designs: This was a cross-sectional study. Methodology: Purposive selection of 66 primary OA knees was done. Compartmental distribution of osteoarthritic knee was determined. Radiographics were determined by KL score system. BMI was calculated conventionally. Maximum flexion, extension and total excursion were measured by a universal goniometer. Results: Fifty per cent of participants had tricompartmental OA. Patients with maximum KL score 2 had significantly more total excursion (127.44 ± 2.89) compared to maximum KL score 3 (121.51 ± 3.14) and 4 (110.00 ± 3.58). Subjects with normal BMI had significantly more total excursion (125.00 ± 4.21) compared to overweight (121.03 ± 6.84) and obese patients (122.54 ± 4.31) (P = 0.044). 60.9% of subjects with normal BMI had significantly more maximum KL score 2 compared to overweight (33.3%) and obese patients (7.7%). A positive correlation was present between BMI and maximal KL score (r = 0.345, P = 0.005). A significant strong negative correlation was found between maximal KL score and total excursion (r = −0.825, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Different percentages of unicompartmental, bicompartmental and tricompartmental knee OA were found. Osteoarthritic patients with higher BMI had lower ROM and increased KL radiographic scores.

Prevalence and impact of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 polymorphisms in Egyptian children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Background Recent findings demonstrate that complex immune system dysregulation plays a role in the etiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) Aim Aim The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 polymorphisms and levels in Egyptian children with ITP. Patients and methods In this case–control study, 25 Egyptian children with newly diagnosed ITP took apart. Their mean age was 9±2.56. They were treated at Tanta University Hospital’s Hematology Unit, Pediatric Department. Furthermore, 25 healthy age-matched and sex-matched children were included as controls. Both groups were subjected to complete blood count, PCR for IL-6 572G&gt;c=rs1800796 and IL-10 627A&gt;C=rs1800872, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. Results Eight percent of our patients tested positive for IL-6 (572) polymorphism (G/C), 4% tested positive in controls. Meanwhile 4% of cases tested positive for IL-10 (627) polymorphism (A/C), indicating that there was no statistically significant difference between groups. Patients’ levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were considerably higher (P&lt;0.0001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the acute and chronic cases, with the former having a higher level. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 and the platelet count showed a statistically significant strong negative correlation. Conclusion IL-10 polymorphisms are thought to play a part in the pathogenesis of childhood ITP. Moreover, IL-6, seems to predict susceptibility to primary ITP in Egyptian children making both promising biomarkers of clinical progression. However, a sizable prospective study is required to find out how cytokine gene polymorphisms affect childhood ITP.

Exploratory axis factoring for identifying the self-esteem latent factors and their correlation with the life quality of persons suffering from vitiligo.

Our research aimed to measure the importance of self-esteem in assessing the disease burden in patients with vitiligo, which, according to our knowledge, had not been studied earlier. The purpose of this research study was to expand the state of knowledge regarding the influence of vitiligo on the quality of patients' life, with a particular focus on their self-esteem. We have formulated the following two hypotheses which include H1: two latent factors characterize the self-esteem of patients with vitiligo; H2: the self-esteem of the patients with Vitiligo is correlated with their life quality, by influencing it to a high degree. We have used two validated questionnaires called Rosenberg (Q1), for the evaluation of self-esteem (for proving H1), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (Q2), to measure the health-related quality of life of patients (for proving H2). Both questionnaires with 10 questions were applied to the same set of 114 carefully selected patients with no missing values to questions. An in-depth statistical and reliability analysis was performed on the outcomes provided by Q1, applying a scale and subscale reliability analysis, using the Cronbach's alpha reliability indicator (Cα). An exploratory analysis called Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) with Oblimin with Kaiser Normalization rotation was applied to prove H1, verifying the assumptions regarding the average variance extracted (AVE) and convergent and discriminant validity (CDV). A scale reliability analysis of outcomes provided by Q2 was performed for proving H2, by calculating Cα. Additionally, a nonparametric correlation analysis was performed, by calculating the Spearman r correlation coefficient between the Rosenberg index and DLQI index, and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Based on the provided data, the value of Cα obtained in Q1 was 0.84. As a result of applying PAF on Q1, H1 has been proven and two latent factors of self-esteem have been extracted. These factors were named competence (eigenvalue = 4.126; 41.258% of total variance explained) and value (eigenvalue = 1.857; 18.57% of total variance explained). For the two subscales determined by the two factors, we have obtained the Cα values of 0.848 and 0.8, all indicating good reliability. For testing H2, on Q2 data we obtained Cα = 0.914. The Spearman correlation coefficient r = -0.734 (p < 0.0001), between the self-esteem questionnaire evaluation result and the life-quality index result indicated the existence of a strong negative correlation, which is significant according to 95% CI [-0.81, -0.63]. The study focused on analyzing the self-esteem of patients with vitiligo. In addition, the psychometric properties of the Q1 questionnaire were analyzed and Q1 proved to have good internal consistency. PAF indicated a two-factorial structure, with factors called competence and value, proving H1, with a moderate correlation of 0.427 between the two latent constructs. The competence factor includes motivation, self-efficacy, initiative, and persistence in action. The value factor is much more complex, indicating a feeling, a personal evaluation, or a positive or negative attitude toward one's person, which better captures the entire phenomenology of self-esteem. The statistical analysis of the results provided by the self-esteem questionnaire included questions that proved to be internally consistent. The AVE and CDV assumptions were met. Q2 was proved to have excellent scale reliability. H2 proved a statistically significant strong negative correlation between the Rosenberg score and DLQI score.

Analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of air quality index (AQI) in the state of West Bengal, India from 2016 to 2021

The ambient air quality is progressively declining, especially in emerging countries, due to increased urbanization, high demands of energy, and industrialization. High risks to human health and environmental degradation are associated with air pollution. The analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a valuable tool for simplifying the communication of air quality in a specific region, making it easily comprehensible to the general public. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Indian air quality regulations recommend mathematical functions to compute sub-indices for calculating the AQI. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the AQI status from a different point of view (monthly, seasonal, and annual variations and association of AQI with meteorological factors) and estimate the future AQI. The monthly AQI values in West Bengal vary from “Satisfactory to Moderate” level from 2016 to 2021. In district-wise, the highest AQI was observed in Kolkata (189), Bardhaman (178), and Murshidabad (167) in the year 2016; Kolkata (180), Bardhaman (155), and Howrah (155) in 2017; Howrah (180), Kolkata (179) and Hoogly (166) in 2018; Howrah (170), Kolkata (156) and Bardhaman (156) in 2019; Howrah (150), South 24 Parganas (137), and Kolkata (136) in 2020 and Howrah (161), Kolkata (139), and South 24 Parganas (139) in 2021 respectively in Winter season. The association between meteorological parameters, such as temperature (r = − 0.605, p < 0.001), relative humidity (r = − 0.647, p < 0.001), and precipitation (r = − 0.821, p < 0.001) and AQI shows a significant strong negative correlation (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative influence of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity was 53.13%, 36.69%, and 10.18%, respectively, on AQI variation. Temperature plays a significant role in association with AQI distribution in the atmosphere than RH and precipitation. The distribution of AQI in the whole state of West Bengal showed a higher AQI observed in the Southern part compared to the northern part of the state. The study's conclusions and recommendations can help stakeholders and policymakers’ to control and improve the deterioration of air quality caused by concerns about AQI and human health.

Effect of internet pornography use frequency on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity in young Turkish men: the mediating role of dyadic adjustment.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of the frequency of using pornography on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity after controlling for other psychological factors. It then evaluated the mediating role of dyadic adjustment regarding this. This study included 66 young married heterosexual male patients who were diagnosed with psychogenic erectile dysfunction after organic causes were excluded. The patients filled out the form about demographics, the age of onset of pornography use, and the frequency of pornography use. All participants were evaluated using a comprehensive data form, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A significant strong negative correlation was determined between the International Index of Erectile Function scores and pornography use frequency (r = -0.535 and p < 0.001). Pornography use frequency and Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores were found to have a significant predictive effect on erectile dysfunction scores in hierarchical regression analysis after controlling for somatization, depression, and perceived stress, which are typically correlated with erectile dysfunction scores (Beta = -0.28, and 0.34 respectively, p = 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). The Sobel test conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of dyadic adjustment revealed that dyadic adjustment played a mediating role in the correlation between pornography use frequency and erectile dysfunction scores (z = -1.988 and p = 0.047, respectively). The most significant observation of this study was the specific causative effect of pornography use frequency on erectile dysfunction severity through dyadic adjustment, especially considering that the frequency of using pornography is a modifiable factor.

Influence of Perceived Family Functioning on Depression among Postmenopausal Women in Nigeria

This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, designed to determine the influence of perceived family functioning on depression among of post-menopausal women attending the family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to get the respondents’ socio-demographic and clinical parameters. Data were analysed to determine: the rate and severity of depression; how some socio-demographic factors related to depression in postmenopausal women, (PMW); whether there was an association between family function and depression among the women. Our survey revealed that 66.7% of PMW had some degree of depression and their sociodemographic factors were important markers for depression. One third of the women had no form of mood disturbance but 5.7% had severe depression necessitating referral to Neuropsychiatry clinic.The participants’ family function had statistically significant association with depression (χ2 =117, p-value = &lt;.001). Women in dysfunctional milieu were more likely to have depressive illnesses than those in functional families. There was also statistically significant strong negative correlation between respondents’ family function scores and their depression scores (Spearman’s rho = -0.622; sig. (2-tailed = &lt;.001). Using Independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test, the relationship between family function scores and depression categories was such that women with depression had significantly lower functional scores, when compared with those without depression.

Serum androgen level in association with dry eye in elderly male and postmenopausal female patients

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the association between objective and subjective indicators of dry eye syndrome (DES) and androgen level in elderly patients. Patients and methods This is a comparative cross-sectional study that included 80 Egyptian patients with DES. They were divided into two groups: Group A which consisted of 40 postmenopausal females and elderly males, and Group B which included 40 males and females under the age of 40 years. Each patient provided a medical history. The dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, which inquired about the presence, intensity, and frequency of symptoms of DES. Additionally, the tear film break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test were conducted. Serum androgen levels were measured using the ELISA test. Results The serum androgen was significantly lower in group A (12.6±8.19 ng/dl) than in group B (24±4.44 ng/dl), (P&lt;0.001). There was a strong significant negative correlation between androgen level and age (r=−0.60, P&lt;0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the TBUT and Schirmer’s test values and the amount of testosterone (T) (r=0.62, P&lt;0.001 and r=1.0, P&lt;0.001, respectively). The Schirmer’s test was significantly lower in postmenopausal female patients compared to male patients (mean=10.21±1.05 mm versus 12.46±1.13 mm, respectively, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion The serum androgen level was significantly lower in postmenopausal females and elderly males with DES compared to males and females under the age of 40 years, with a significant negative correlation between androgen level and age. Moreover, the TBUT and Schirmer’s test showed a significant positive association with T level. The Schirmer’s test results were significantly lower in postmenopausal females compared to males.