Significant Weak Positive Correlation Research Articles

Nutritional status, dietary habits, and their relation to cognitive functions: A cross-sectional study among the school aged (8-14 years) children of Bangladesh.

Limited research addressed links between nutritional status, dietary habits, and cognitive functions in young children. This study assessed the status of cognitive functions and their association with nutritional status and dietary habits of school age children of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional multi-centre study was conducted on 776 participants in 11 conveniently selected educational institutions. A printed questionnaire with three sections (Section 1: background information, section 2: PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale, and section 3: semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire) was utilized for the data collection purpose. Sections 1 and 3 were self-reported by parents, and trained volunteers completed section 2 in-person along with the anthropometric measurements. Statistical analyses were done in Stata (v.16). Mean with standard deviation and frequencies with percentages were used to summarize quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Pearson's chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to explore bivariate relationships. The mean age of the participants was 12.02±1.88 years, and the majority (67%) were females. The prevalence of poor cognitive function was 46.52%, and among them, 66.02% were females. In terms of body mass index (BMI), 22.44% possessed normal weight, 17.51% were overweight, and 5.19% were obese. This study found a statistically significant relationship between BMI and cognitive functions. Furthermore, different dietary components (e.g., protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, iron, magnesium) showed a significant (p<0.05 for all) weak positive correlation with cognitive function. BMI and dietary habits were associated with the cognitive function of young children in Bangladesh. Although the cross-sectional design of the study precludes causal relationships from being determined, the study finding deserves further examination via longitudinal research.

Imaging evaluation and volumetric measurement of the space surrounding the diploic veins.

The diploic veins have been suggested to be involved in the excretion of cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial waste products; however, to date, there have been no reports evaluating the space surrounding the diploic veins. Therefore, we aimed to visualize the distribution of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) in the space surrounding the diploic veins and to evaluate the spatial characteristics. Ninety-eight participants (aged 14-84years) were scanned 4h after intravenous GBCA injection at Nagoya University Hospital between April 2021 and December 2022. The volume of the space surrounding the diploic veins where the GBCA was distributed was measured using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with the application of three-axis motion-sensitized driven equilibrium. The parasagittal dura (PSD) volume adjacent to the superior sagittal sinus was also measured using the same images. Both volumes were corrected for intracranial volume. The correlation between age and the corrected volume was examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient; the relationship between the corrected volume and sex was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A significant weak negative correlation was observed between the volume of the space surrounding the diploic veins and age (r = -0.330, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant weak positive correlation between the PSD volume and age (r = 0.385, p < 0.001). Both volumes were significantly greater in men than in women. There was no correlation between the volume of the space surrounding the diploic veins and the volume of the PSD. The volume of the space surrounding the diploic veins was measurable and, in contrast to the volume of the PSD, was greater in younger participants. This space may be related to intracranial excretory mechanisms and immune responses during youth, requiring further research.

Information Visualization on the Reading Comprehension for Elementary School Students in Malaysia

Visualization strategies are strategies that utilize images to help strengthen the students' understanding of reading comprehension. Through this strategy, students will describe the meaning obtained from the text in the form of rough sketches. The use of these images allows the students to be more focused on the continuation of reading because they understand the meaning more clearly. This study aims to investigate the impact of information visualization techniques on reading comprehension performance among elementary school students in Malaysia. The study adapted quantitative study through a quasi-experimental design and survey questionnaire. 300 students from Standard 4 to Standard 6 (10 to 12 years old) were chosen as the participants of the study. They were divided into Experimental Group (n=150) and the control Group (n=150). The experiment has been done in 2 classes per week, in a total of 6 weeks. The participants in the Experimental Group were taught reading comprehension using visualization technique, while the students in the Control Group were taught using conventional method. The reading comprehension score for all the students were recorded both in pre-test and post-test. After the experiment, the students in Experimental Group were asked to answer a set of questionnaires. The finding shows that the student in the Experimental Group has higher increment in terms of their reading comprehension score compared to the students in the Control Group after the experiment. Statistical analysis of Pearson correlation found a very weak significant positive correlation between visualization technique and reading comprehension score (r=0.188, p&lt;0.005). The analysis of Multiple Linear regression also shows that visualization technique has a small effect only on the reading comprehension score (R2=.275, R2Adj=.233, p&lt;0.001). It was also found that there is a significant difference on the information visualization technique on the reading comprehension score based on gender. The study concludes that there are other factors that affect the students’ level of reading comprehension such as the students’ cognitive ability, and the environment of study, in which visualization technique is only a fraction in improving the reading comprehension.

Depression and associated risk factors among emergency medicine interns: Results from a national longitudinal cohort study.

Despite depression being common in residents, there are no published studies on the prevalence and risk factors for depression in emergency medicine (EM) interns. Our objectives were to explore the prevalence of depression among EM interns and to identify risk factors for depression including sleep, work hours, rotation type, race, ethnicity, sex, and age. The Intern Health Study is a national longitudinal cohort study on intern mental health in all specialties. Secondary analysis was performed for EM interns only in this study. Data were collected from 2007 to 2021 and study participants completed a pre-intern year baseline survey and quarterly surveys throughout intern year, which included demographics and information on depressive symptoms, work hours, sleep, and rotation specifics. Depression severity was objectified using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) with scores of 10 and higher meeting criteria for moderate to severe depression. A total of 1123 EM interns completed all surveys. The prevalence of moderate to severe depression among EM interns before starting internship was 4.8%. At Months 3, 6, 9, and 12 of intern year, the prevalence of moderate to severe depression was 17.8%, 20.5%, 20.8%, and 18.8%, respectively. PHQ9 scores were significantly higher at Month 3 of intern year compared to pre-intern year, but there were no differences at subsequent time points during intern year (p < 0.001). Females were more likely to have PHQ9 scores of 10 or above at all time points (p < 0.001). Clinical rotation type had a significant effect on PHQ9 scores, with intensive care unit rotations having a significantly higher PHQ9 score than other rotations (p < 0.001). Pearson's correlation revealed significant weak positive correlations between work hours and PHQ9 at each time point (r = 0.195, 0.200, 0.202, 0.243) and significant weak negative correlations between sleep hours and time off with PHQ9 (-0.162, -0.223, -0.180, -0.178; all p < 0.001). Many EM interns experience moderate to severe depression. Female EM interns are more likely to be depressed than male interns. Numerous factors influence depression scores for interns, many of which are modifiable.

Early Emergency Medicine Milestone Assessment for Predicting First-Year Resident Performance.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires emergency medicine (EM) residency training programs to monitor residents' progress using standardized milestones. The first assessment of PGY 1 resident milestones occurs midway through the first year and could miss initial deficiencies. Early assessment of PGY 1 EM resident milestones has potential to identify at-risk residents prior to standard midyear evaluations. We developed an orientation syllabus for PGY 1 residents followed by a milestone assessment. Assessment scores helped predict future milestone scores and American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) In-Training Examination (ITE) scores for PGY 1 residents. From 2013 to 2020, we developed and implemented Milestone Evaluation Day (MED), a simulation-based day and written exam assessing PGY 1 EM residents during their first month on the 23 ACGME 1.0 milestones. MED stations included a history and physical with verbal presentation, patient simulation, vascular access, wound management, and airway management. MED, Clinical Competency Committee-generated (CCC-generated) milestone, and ABEM ITE scores were averaged and compared utilizing Pearson's correlation coefficient. Of 112 PGY 1 EM residents, 110 (98%) were analyzed over an 8-year period. We observed a moderate positive correlation of MED and CCC-generated milestone scores (r = .34, p < .001). There was a nonstatistically significant weak positive correlation of MED and ABEM ITE scores (r = .13, p = .17). An early assessment of EM milestones in the PGY 1 year can assist in the prediction of CCC-generated milestone scores for PGY 1 residents.

Musculoskeletal pain among medical residents: role of workplace safety climate and sexual harassment

BackgroundWorkplace factors are important predictors of occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among different occupational populations. In healthcare, a psychologically unsafe work environment can negatively affect the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of physicians. This study aimed to examine the relationship between workplace violence, sexual harassment and musculoskeletal pain among Egyptian physicians in their years of residency.MethodsWe distributed an online self-administered questionnaire to 101 residents working in various healthcare sectors in Egypt. It included sections on demographic data, working conditions, widespread pain index (WPI), pain interference short-form, workplace violence and harassment questionnaire, psychosocial safety climate questionnaire (PSC) and sexual harassment climate questionnaire.ResultsAll residents had at least one painful site on the WPI (range 1–11). The mean WPI was 3.5 ± 2.4, and 39.6% satisfied the criteria of having widespread pain by having at least 4 pain sites. Widespread pain index showed a weak statistically significant negative correlation with workplace PSC score (rho = − 0.272, p = 0.006), and a statistically significant weak positive correlation with the calculated total abuse index (rho = 0.305, p = 0.002). Workplace violence and abuse, as measured by a calculated abuse index was the only significant predictors of widespread pain among residents.ConclusionWPV was found to be a predictor of musculoskeletal pain among medical residents. Healthcare organizations need to address WPV by employing preventive strategies to minimize its hazardous effects and ensure a safe working environment for physicians.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG SELECT GROUP OF FILIPINO PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS

Introduction: Studies that suggested a link between depression, anxiety, stress (DAS) and musculoskeletal symptoms (MSKS) were limited to those conducted prior to the pandemic. This study was conducted during blended learning and determined the prevalence of DAS and MSKS among undergraduate physical therapy students (UPTS), the influence of sex and year level to the severity of DAS and MSKS, and the correlation between DAS and MSKS. Methods: This online cross-sectional survey collected information about the sex and year level of the respondents, and used Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) to determine the level of DAS and the number of MSKS, respectively. Non-proportional, consecutive sampling was used to recruit enrolled regular UPTS from participating schools in Region IV-A. Data analyses were done using descriptive and inferential statistics, with alpha set at 0.05. Results: Of the 249 respondents consisting of primarily female and third-year students, 65.29%, 68.45%, and 69.62% have reported DAS, respectively. Anxiety (r=0.30) and stress (r=0.29) have statistically significant weak positive correlation with MSKS. DASS-21 and SNMQ scores were not affected by the sex and year level of the respondents. Discussion: DAS is prevalent in the selected group of UPTS in Region IV-A. The researchers were unable to establish a strong link between DAS and MSKS. This might have been primarily due to sampling bias introduced by the sampling method employed and the limited number of participating schools. The researchers recommend the use of randomized sampling, subgroup analysis, and involving more schools to verify the results obtained in this study.

Eating Habits of People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrition is a cornerstone of diabetes mellitus prevention and management; therefore, it is essential to enable patients to adopt healthy eating habits. Previous studies have not yet documented the main errors in the eating habits of Portuguese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aims to identify the main errors in the eating habits of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Portugal and to evaluate its associations with sociodemographic variables. Cross-sectional multicentric study in a convenience sample of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Primary Health Care Units. The UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire (UKDDQ) - translated and adapted, was applied from July to October 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Of the 550 participants, 52.2% were female, 68.3% were 65 years or over, 55.8 % had an education level up to the fourth grade, 24.7% had economic deprivation, and the mean time since diagnosis was 10.60 ± 8.13 years. Only 36.2% of the sample had a healthy UKDDQ score. Less than 50% of the sample had healthy scores for the items "high-fiber rice or pasta", "high-fiber bread", "butter, margarine and vegetable oils" and "vegetables and pulses". Only 8.9% of the sample had a healthy consumption of fiber. About 70.4% reported healthy scores for the consumption of "high-added-sugar foods" and 54.7% for "high-saturated fat". A statistically significant weak positive correlation was found between the UKDDQ score and age (ρ = 0.201, p < 0.001) with a more frequent choice of healthy foods with increasing age. Female respondents reported healthier habits, particularly in the consumption of "high-saturated fat" and "high-fiber foods". The majority of our sample did not take advantage of the potential benefits of healthy eating habits. The main food groups whose consumption should be emphasized or discouraged were individualized, particularly the need to encourage the consumption of high-fiber foods. Targeted educational actions must focus especially on younger and/or male patients.

Symptomatic dry eye disease among university students.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition often characterized by a reduction in tear film quantity or quality. This study aimed to determine the frequency of DED and its associated subjective symptoms among students of Mu'tah University. In this cross-sectional study conducted at Mu'tah University, Mu'tah, Jordan, from January to April 2022, 489 students completed an online patient-reported DED symptom questionnaire and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Moreover, 106 participants underwent clinical examinations using the Schirmer test I and fluorescein tear breakup time (TBUT). Approximately 74.6% of the students self-reported experiencing DED symptoms, and 72.6% had an OSDI score > 12, which is considered the threshold for an abnormal ocular surface. Clinical examinations revealed low Schirmer test scores ( < 10 mm) in 26.4% (n = 28) and 25.5% (n = 27) of the right and left eyes, respectively. We observed low TBUT scores ( < 5 s) in 19.8% (n = 21) and 18.9% (n = 20) of the right and left eyes, respectively. We noted significant differences between the self-reported DED symptoms and the Schirmer test scores (P = 0.003 for both right and left eyes), TBUT (P < 0.001 for both right and left eyes), and OSDI score (P < 0.001 for each self-reported DED symptom). We observed a weak significant positive correlation between Schirmer test scores and TBUT in the right (r = + 0.30; P = 0.002) and left (r = + 0.34; P < 0.001) eyes; a negligible significant inverse correlation between OSDI scores and Schirmer test scores in the right (r = - 0.24; P = 0.013) and left (r = - 0.23; P = 0.019) eyes; and a negligible significant inverse correlation between the OSDI score and TBUT of the left eye (r = - 0.25; P = 0.011) but not of the right eye (r = - 0.17; P = 0.077). The frequency of DED symptoms in this study was higher than that previously reported based on foreign statistics. The presence of self-reported DED symptoms was significantly associated with higher OSDI scores. Self-reported DED symptoms were more frequent than the abnormalities detected using objective methods. Therefore, a combination of subjective and objective measures may provide higher diagnostic yield for DED. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Relationship and Attributive Impact of Self-Regulation, Language Learning Strategies, and Second Language Anxiety to Second Language Learning of Grade 11 Students

Second language (L2) learning is a complex process for language learners, which is evident in the language performance of Filipino learners who are performing poorly in writing and reading in English. Based on several studies with findings that corroborate the influence of self-regulation, Language Learning Strategies (LSS), and L2/ESL anxiety on L2 learning, the present descriptive-correlational study aimed to determine the relationship and attributive impact of self-regulation, LLS, and L2/ESL anxiety on L2 learning in a defined Philippine university. The data were collected from 447 Grade 11 participants using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using mean, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that self-regulation has a weak positive significant correlation with L2 learning, while LLS and L2/ESL anxiety have no significant relationship with L2 learning. As for the attributive impact, the findings suggested that self-regulation is directly proportional to L2 learning, and LLS are indirectly proportional to L2 learning. As for L2/ESL anxiety, it has no significant impact on L2 learning. The findings became the basis of the recommended strategies for second language teachers.

Mindfulness and Academic Resilience of Suburban High School Students

Being a suburban high school student is complicated. They must overcome numerous challenges, obstacles, and risks to fulfil their role as high school students. High school students need more facilities and infrastructure to develop their full potential, which can result academic setbacks. Academic resilience and mindfulness are two factors that can assist individuals in avoiding experiencing setbacks during the learning process. This study aimed to examine the correlation between mindfulness and academic resilience among suburban high school students. The research employed a quantitative method and correlational design. The study utilized the incidental sampling technique in which the sample comprised of 535 suburban high school students in Semarang Regency. The employed research instruments were the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (α = .914) and the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30) (α = .958). The data were analysed using Spearman's Rho correlation test. The study demonstrated weak significant positive correlation between mindfulness and academic resilience (r = .162 and sig = .000). This demonstrated that mindfulness was one of the factors associated with increased academic resilience among suburban high school students.

Relationship of Adiponectin and High-Sensitivity CReactive Protein with Left Ventricular Dysfunction among Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Background: Decreased levels of adiponectin (APN) and elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been found as predictors of left ventricular dysfunction and cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship of APN and hs-CRP with the severity of left ventricular dysfunction among Egyptian patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 Egyptian patients who underwent clinically indicated CAG at Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia - Egypt, from May 2009 to December 2010. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) scoring system was used to assess left ventricular function based on echocardiographic findings. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship of APN and hs-CRP levels with echocardiographic LVEF score, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare clinical and biochemical parameters among patients according to left ventricular function at P-value &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: The mean hs-CRP level had a significant weak negative correlation with the mean HDL-cholesterol level (r = -0.222; P = 0.048), while the mean APN level had a significant weak negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.269; P = 0.007) but a significant weak positive correlation with the mean hs-CRP level (r = 0.215; P = 0.031) and a significant moderate positive correlation with the mean HDL-cholesterol level (r = 0.302; P = 0.002). Left ventricular function in patients undergoing CAG was normal in 34 (34%), mildly impaired in 41 (41%) patients and moderately impaired in 25 (25%), with significantly different mean hs-CRP levels among the three groups (P = 0.025) that increased from normal to moderately impaired left ventricular function. However, there was no statistically significant difference in left ventricular function according to the mean level of APN.&#x0D; Conclusion: The hs-CRP level is negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol, while APN is negatively correlated with BMI and hs-CRP but positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol in Egyptian patients undergoing CAG. The hs- CRP level correlates with the severity of left ventricular dysfunction. However, left ventricular function does not appear to correlate with APN levels.

Exam stress and the metacognitive strategies of reading in students with dyslexia: The role of motivational mechanisms and educational support.

Despite numerous studies on dyslexia, there is still a lack of empirical data on the factors determining the functioning of students with dyslexia in the context of written exams. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the relationship between sources of stress in an exam situation and the reported use of reading strategies by dyslexic students in terms of motivation and therapeutic interventions in the educational environment. This descriptive-analytical study used data from a larger project focused on children with and without dyslexia. The research sample (n = 640) included girls (n = 280) and boys (n = 360) aged between 14 and 15 years (M = 14.40, SD = 0.55), attending the 7th or 8th grade in Polish mainstream primary schools. Random and intentional sampling was used. All students completed four questionnaires. The results were analyzed using regression analysis in Model templates for PROCESS v4 for SPSS by Hayes. The study showed significant weak and moderate positive correlations between the sources of exam stress and the reading strategies reported by students, ranging from 0.186 to 0.570, as well as significant moderate and strong correlations between reading strategies and experienced educational support, ranging from 0.229 to 0.505, and between reading strategies and motivation to read, ranging from 0.582 to 0.701. The type of stress source significantly influenced the selection of specific reading strategies. Motivation acted as a mediator, while educational support was a moderator in the relationship between exam stress and the reported use of reading strategies. Based on our results, the source of stress may be perceived as factors activating metacognitive mechanisms aimed at selecting appropriate strategies for working with texts. Researchers and teachers should be aware of the need to undertake activities to support students with dyslexia focused on developing the ability to recognize the sources of exam stress and select effective coping strategies.

Improving Wake-Up Times for Spine Surgery Using New OR Team Checklist Protocol and Communication

Introduction: Prolonged post-anesthesia wake-up times present a threat to patient safety. Shorter wake-up times allow for intraoperative physical exams and potential to re-operate quickly in case of detected neurologic deficits, which may allow for a better neurologic outcome. Furthermore, shorter wake-ups may reduce length of hospital stay, lowering healthcare costs. Methods: We studied how a standardized spine deformity surgery checklist and new OR team communication impacted post-anesthesia wake-up times after scoliosis surgery. We used a Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA to compare 17 wake-up times recorded prior to using the new surgery checklist and teamwork protocol to 468 wake-up times recorded over three years after implementation of the new protocol. We used a Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze how wake-up times varied based on surgical duration with the new protocol. Results: After one year of the new protocol, wake-up times reduced from an average of 16.6 minutes to an average of 7.6 minutes. Wake-up times further declined to an average of 6.0 minutes by years two and three of the new protocol, with significant reductions in these years (p=0.024 and p=0.030, respectively). Improvements to the protocol were made over time in response to outliers. Nearly 75% of wake-up times were less than five minutes with the new protocol. Wake-up times recorded using the new protocol showed a significant weak positive correlation with surgical duration (r=0.092, p=0.047). Conclusion: The standardized surgery checklist and new team communication promotes significantly shorter post-anesthesia wake-up times, irrespective of surgical duration. While using a comprehensive surgery checklist may take a few more minutes up front, that time is saved at the end with shorter wake-up time, creating net time savings while improving safety. Key steps to promoting a shorter intraoperative wake-up include: 1) using a bispectral index monitor (BIS) with a goal in the 50s, 2) standardized target anesthetic dosing parameters, 3) eliminated anesthetic drug variability, 4) every-thirty-minute timeouts to monitor patient status, and 5) sub-three-minute pre-surgery wake-up time goals verbalized to the OR team.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragmatic excursion changes after major laparoscopic surgeries in the Trendelenburg position under general anaesthesia: A prospective observational study.

Laparoscopic surgeries result in increased intra abdominal pressure and cephalad displacement of the diaphragm. The Trendelenburg position can augment these respiratory changes. The primary objective of this study was to compare diaphragmatic excursions before and after a major laparoscopic pelvic surgery under general anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position using ultrasonography (USG). This prospective observational study included 90 patients of either gender, aged 20-60 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II. M-mode USG was used to assess diaphragm inspiratory amplitude (DIA) before induction of anaesthesia and 10 minutes after tracheal extubation. Factors such as age, gender, body mass index, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), pain, peak airway pressures, duration of pneumoperitoneum, duration and degree of Trendelenburg position and duration of anaesthesia were recorded. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the factors affecting change in DIA (ΔDIA). The mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) of measured DIA was 0.70 (0.598-0.809), P < 0.001. ΔDIA had a weak positive significant correlation with age, anaesthesia duration, pneumoperitoneum, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score 10 minutes after extubation. Multiple linear regression analysis showed 14.86% of the variance in DIA. Age (β = 0.008, P = 0.049), duration of anaesthesia (β = 0.002, P = 0.02) and VAS score 10 minutes after extubation (β = 0.128, P = 0.001) were significant independent predictors. DIA decreased significantly after pelvic laparoscopic surgeries performed in the Trendelenburg position. Age, duration of anaesthesia and pain after the procedure were significant independent predictors.

Validity and reliability of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory among Japanese women with cesarean section.

This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the expanded version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Japanese version (PTGI-X-J) among Japanese women who delivered by cesarean section. The study is a cross-sectional survey psychometric study. Participants were 517 Japanese women who were in the hospital after childbirth by cesarean section at six general hospitals and two obstetric clinics in Tokai Region, Japan. They completed a self-report questionnaire-which included sociodemographic and childbirth information and obstetric history, the PTGI-X-J, and the Postnatal Women Version of the Japanese-Language Version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-J-PWV). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the factorial validity of the PTGI-X-J. We confirmed the internal consistency reliability of the Postpartum Women Version of PTGI-X-J (PTGI-X-J-PWV) using Cronbach's α coefficients and examined Spearman's correlation coefficients between the PTGI-X-J-PWV and the IES-R-J-PWV. The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 22-item measure that comprised four factors: strength as mothers, spiritual change as mothers, new possibilities as mothers and appreciation of life, and relating to others as mothers. The PTGI-X-J-PWV exhibited good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.94), and a weak significant positive correlation with the IES-R-J-PWV (rs = 0.18, p < 0.001) was evident. The results of this study indicated that the PTGI-X-J-PWV was a valid and reliable tool for measuring postpartum posttraumatic growth among Japanese women who have delivered by cesarean section. By accurately measuring mothers' posttraumatic growth, midwives and nurses can provide the kind of care that encourages their growth as mothers.

Influence of the inbreeding level on the genomic assessment of Holstein bulls of different genealogical complexes

The studied 338 bulls of the new generation of US selection belong to the previously identified genealogical complexes (branches) of H.H.С. Manfred (Mf), B.M.T. Cleitus (Cl), Prelude (Pr)in the W. Ideal line and Blackstar Emori (BE), Magic (Mg), Adam (Ad) and G. Arlinda Chief (AC) in the R. Sovereign line. The influence of genetic factors: father, line, branch and level of inbreeding on the Genomic Estimation of Breeding Value (GEBV) for the productive qualities of young bulls was studied. On average, the inbreeding coefficient of the studied livestock is 13.14±0.15 from 12.72±0.54 to 15.98±1.26%, the genomic estimate for milk yield varied from 1204±101 to 1571±198 kg with an average value 1308±27 kg of milk.A significant weak positive correlation between the genomic assessment of bulls for milk yield and the inbreeding coefficient was revealed (r = +0.118, p?0.95).Differences in the GEBV of milk productivity traits between groups of bulls of different genealogical complexes are not significant. Significant differences in inbreeding coefficients only between Cl and AC (–3.08%, p?0.95), Ad and AC (–3.06%, p?0.95), BE and AC (–3.26%, p?0.95). Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a large influence on the genomic breeding value was established by the factor inbreeding coefficient - 42.4% for milk yield, 53.6% for fat content and 58.9% for protein content, which is comparable to the influence of the father on the GEBV for milk yield 42.6%, fat and protein content 50.8 and 46.0%, respectively.

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

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

Correlation of serum biochemical parameters and saliva pH in healthy individuals

Saliva has the potential to work alongside needles in standard medical diagnosis. Yet the number of studies aimed at deciphering the biochemical communication between saliva and the rest of the body’s systems is still very limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the interfluid interaction between saliva and serum by determining the correlation between saliva pH and serum biochemical parameters under mild conditions. Ultimately, using saliva may provide a stress-free diagnostic tool, but more ambitiously, the pH of saliva could present a genuine cost-effective screening tool that may immensely benefit areas with limited access to health care and diagnostic labs. Saliva and blood samples were collected from 43 randomly selected children (7–12 years), living in Jeddah, free from obesity and chronic or systemic body and mouth diseases. A complete serum biochemical analysis was performed, and the salivary pH of all samples was measured immediately at the time of collection. The correlations between saliva pH and serum biochemical parameters were investigated using Univariate and multiple linear regression models. Our results showed that pH has a weak significant positive correlation with total protein and a negative weak significant correlation with urea. Weak correlations suggest the existence of more serum factors to be investigated for their effect on the pH using a stepwise multiple linear regression. The multiple linear models’ calculated saliva pH values were close to the measured values, demonstrating its possible capacity to predict saliva pH using serum parameters. The regression model’s successful prediction of saliva pH using serum biochemicals reflects the significant correlations between the body fluids’ parameters and invites more research to elucidate these relationships.

Anxiety in adults with asthma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a Canadian perspective

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that affects millions of Canadians and often contributes to higher levels of anxiety among patients. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a time of increased anxiety and fear among the Canadian population, it was thought that those with asthma may experience heightened anxiety levels due to uncertain access to care, the potential to misinterpret asthma symptoms for symptoms of COVID-19 (or vice versa), and the concern about being treated differently by those around them when experiencing asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study sought to perform a cross-sectional analysis of the asthma-anxiety relationship in adults with and without asthma in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic from a Canadian perspective.MethodsThis study employed the COVID-19 Associated Anxiety in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma patients Experiencing Symptoms (CAAARES) survey, consisting of COVID-19-specific questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Data collection occurred through the Qualtrics XM platform and data analyses were conducted with the IBM SPSS Statistics 28 software.ResultsA total of 741 valid responses were collected (asthma group, n = 244; control group, n = 497). 31.6% and 26.2% of respondents in the asthma and control groups, respectively, met the diagnostic criteria for GAD. There was no significant difference (p = .067) in mean GAD-7 scores between the two groups. A Hierarchal Multiple Regression (HMR) model was developed, and neither asthma status nor ACQ-6 score had a significant predictive effect on the GAD-7 score. There was a statistically significant (p < .001) weak positive correlation (r = .22) between GAD-7 and ACQ-6 scores. In a simple mediation (SMM) model, perceived COVID-19 stress of others was not identified as a significant mediator of the relationship between ACQ-6 and GAD-7 (indirect effect β = 0.014).ConclusionOur study of a Canadian cohort demonstrates elevated levels of anxiety overall, amongst both asthma and control groups. While AR status was significantly greater in the asthma group, it was not a significant predictive variable of GAD-7 score. Our data suggests that COVID-19-specific factors appear to have a greater contribution to anxiety than asthma status or control.