Correlated Research Articles

Patchy acute effluvium in and around the donor area following FUE hair transplant and its predilection for two-day session and high graft extraction cases

: With the advancements in Follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique of hair transplant (HT) advanced grades of baldness are taken up nowadays requiring higher donor grafts and surgery often extends to the second day. This has brought into light some lesser known complications of hair transplant like acute donor site effluvium (ADE).Data on ADE is scanty; more research is needed on associated clinico-etiological factors and presentations of the condition.of our study was to study various clinico-epidemiological factors in patients of acute donor effluvium and to assess the relationship of number of grafts extracted with severity of ADE. : It was a centre based retrospective cross sectional study in which 30 patients of ADE were enrolled. Clinical and photographic record of all patients of ADE presenting in the last 3 years was screened. Age, gender, co-morbidities, personal habits, grade of androgenetic alopecia, total graft extraction, severity of hair loss and duration of surgery was compiled along with photographs and follow up notes. Mean age of patients was 33.9±5.4 years. All patients were male. Out of 30 patients 5(16.6%) were smokers and 7(23.3%) alcoholic. In 22(73.3%) of the cases of ADE the HT lasted for more than a day. The maximum duration of surgery in all cases didn’t exceed 2 days. Out of 30 cases of ADE, total grafts extracted exceeded 4000 in 28(93.3%) of cases; only 2(6.7%) of the cases had a graft extraction of <4000. There was a significant and direct correlation between the severity of ADE hair loss (using SALT score) and the number of total scalp grafts extracted (r=0.657, p=0.024). ADE was seen more with advanced baldness requiring high scalp graft extraction of >4000 grafts and when surgery extended to second day. Hair loss in ADE correlated directly with the number of scalp grafts harvested.

Sensitive and reliable detection of KIT p.D816V mutation in decalcified archival bone marrow trephines

AbstractThe majority of mastocytosis cases are characterized by an activating mutation in the KIT gene in codon 816. The detection of this alteration is of importance for proper diagnostic workup. Therefore, reliable and sensitive methods for the detection of KIT Codon 816 hotspot mutations in various types of patient samples are required. Since mutated cancer genes are often overexpressed, we evaluated the feasibility and sensitivity of KIT p.D816V detection by analysing mRNA/cDNA instead of genomic DNA. From 80 bone marrow trephines harboring a KIT p.D816 mutation, seven were only mutated by mRNA/cDNA pyrosequencing and 11 only by digital PCR analysis of genomic DNA. These results clearly demonstrate that detection of clinically relevant mutations in mRNA extracted from routinely processed decalcified archival bone marrow trephines is not only possible in a reliable fashion but under many circumstances advantageous. This enables the direct correlation of genomic data with high-quality morphological evaluation.

Coxiellaburnetii (Q fever) exposure in wildlife professionals

IntroductionAlthough occupational exposure to Coxiella burnetii has been studied previously, the zoonotic risk in wildlife environments remains unclear and has yet to be fully established.MethodsAccordingly, the present study aimed to serologically assess professionals with daily contact with free-living and captive wildlife in Paraná State, Brazil, along with the potential associated risk factors for C. burnetii exposure.ResultsOverall, 25 out of 309 (8.1%) wildlife professionals were seropositive, including 6/54 (11.1%) national and 7/125 (5.6%) state park employees, 6/92 (6.5%) zookeepers, and 6/38 (15.8%) animal service workers, with titers ranging from 32 to 128. No statistical association was found between seropositivity and associated risk factors, including the working location.DiscussionOur results differ from those of previous studies in Brazil, which found 8/893 (0.9%) indigenous, 1/18 (5.5%) police officers, and 44/200 (22.0%) former Black slaves to be seropositive. This study is the first serological investigation of C. burnetii among park rangers, zookeepers, and animal service workers in Brazil, showing no statistically significant risk factors for seropositivity. As the seroprevalence in this study was higher than that in previous surveys of healthy (asymptomatic) human populations, C. burnetii exposure may also be an occupational risk for wildlife professionals owing to their contact with the natural environment in Brazil.

Psychosocial predictors of attitude toward premarital sexual practice among university students, Ethiopia

ObjectivesPremarital sexual practice during adolescence may lead to different sexual and reproductive health problems, including HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study was to assess psychosocial predictors of attitudes toward premarital sex among Bahir Dar University students.MethodsA correlational design was used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 375 respondents for the study, although the analysis was based on the 361 questionnaires that were returned from the field and found useful for analysis. Data was collected using a self-developed and modified instrument on standardized scales. The internal consistency of the Perception of Peer Pressure Scale was 0.83, while the self-esteem measuring scale had a reliability of 0.77. The internal consistency of the sexual attitude inventory scale was 0.97. The data were quantitatively analyzed using (inferential statistics) logistic regression, one sample t test, and an independent sample t test.ResultsThe findings of the study showed that all the psychological variables investigated were found to significantly predict premarital sexual relationships among the respondents. Male students with the experience of premarital sex have a higher level of self-esteem and exposure to peer pressure than their female counterparts. A study suggests that male students with the experience of premarital sex have a higher level of self-esteem and exposure to peer pressure than their female counterparts. Self-esteem negatively predicted attitudes toward premarital sex.ConclusionScaling up the level of school counseling, especially in the area of sexual adjustment and modification of the psychological variables investigated, was recommended.

Pemberian Asupan Gizi Seimbang terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Perkembangan Anak Usia Dini

This study aims to determine the effect of the application of balanced nutritional foods on early childhood growth and development at Sindang State Kindergarten. This study uses a Quantitative research method with a survey type. This method is used in evaluation to make a systematic, factual, and accurate description of the facts and properties of a particular population or area. The total research population was 33 children, then taken using purposive sampling so that the research respondents became 15 children. The instruments used in this study used observation sheets in the form of checklists with data collection through observation, documentation, and structured questionnaires regarding the effect of the application of balanced nutritional feeding on early childhood growth and development. The data analysis technique used a simple linear regression test using the help of the SPSS technique. This research data analysis technique tests validity, descriptive statistics, normality, homogeneity, simple linear regression, correlation, and dependent sample tests using statistics with the help of SPSS. Based on the results of this study there is a significant effect of balanced nutritional feeding on early childhood growth and development in Sindang State Kindergarten. This is evidenced based on the Ftable results calculated using the f test with a sig of 0.05 is 2.70 so that fcount>ftable (9.006> 4.543). This shows that Ha is accepted Ho is rejected, which means that providing balanced nutritional food has a positive and significant effect on the growth and development of children after early age at TK Negeri Sindang.

Influence of Democratic Leadership Style on Teachers’ Performance in 12 Year-Basic Education in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda

Numerous studies have found that democratic leadership style is commonly applied in Rwanda schools. However, less is known about its influence on teachers’ performance in 12 year-basic education. This article intends to investigate the influence of democratic leadership style on teachers’ performance in terms of instructional planning, student assessment, and teacher-parent collaboration. A quantitative method was used for data collection, utilizing a correlational research design with a sample size made of 164 teachers and 12 head teachers for 12 schools. Proportional sampling was used in determining the number of teachers from each school, simple random sampling to select teachers from the total number of teachers at each school, and purposive sampling to select all head teachers. Data were gathered through the questionnaires distributed to the teachers. Regression and correlational analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 27). The findings revealed that the democratic leadership style has a positive influence on teachers' performance in 12-year basic education. Specifically, 94.7% of the variation in teachers' performance is explained by the democratic leadership style, as indicated by an R-square value of 0.947. The results show that as head teachers increase the use of democratic leadership, teachers' performance improves in areas such as instructional planning, student assessment, and teacher-parent collaboration. Based on these findings, government is recommended to establish a policy framework that explicitly explains and encourages the application of democratic leadership style in 12 year-basic education.

Clinical characteristics of hemodynamics and laboratory parameters of recipients during orthotopic heart transplantation

Objective. To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of recipients during orthotopic heart transplantation according to intraoperative monitoring. Materials and methods. The clinical and laboratory data of 38 patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation for vital indications in the period from 2022 to 2024 were studied. The average age of patients was (38.5 ± 13.5) years. There were 35 men (92.1%) and 3 women (7.9%). Peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial and central venous pressure were measured in each recipient delivered to the operating room at 5 stages of the operation during orthotopic heart transplantation. Results. The main cause of chronic heart failure with subsequent heart transplantation in all 38 (100%) patients was dilated cardiomyopathy. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) acidosis and hypercapnia in recipients during heart transplantation were most pronounced at the first stage of surgery, before the connection of a heart–lung machine. Acidosis during heart transplantation had a mixed metabolic and respiratory genesis with hypercapnia and lactatacidosis. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increased lactate content at the first and second stages and statistically significant (p < 0.05) hyperglycemia at all stages of surgery were found. Central venous pressure was statistically significantly (p<0.05) higher than the reference values at the stages of sternum cutting and before the connection of the heart–lung machine. A direct statistically significant (p<0.05) correlation between the level of arterial blood pH and the level of central venous pressure (r=0.334) was established, with the corresponding linear regression equation: pH=4.7043+central venous pressure × 0.02391. Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of recipients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation demonstrated a direct correlation between mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis and central venous pressure. Peripheral hemodynamic parameters in orthotopic heart transplantation were characterized by instability at the stage of heart–lung machine disconnection.

Influence of intestinal permeability and endotoxinemia on the course of asthma in obese patients

Objective. To study the characteristics of asthma with a severe course in obese patients and to evaluate the relationship of the level of intestinal endotoxin (ET) and fecal zonulin with clinical, laboratory and instrumental indicators in such patients. Materials and methods. The study included 98 patients with asthma combined with obesity (group 1 – mild asthma (n = 47), group 2 – severe asthma (n = 51)) and 45 obese patients without asthma composed the comparison group. A complete standard examination and tests were conducted in all the patients. Intestinal ET, fecal zonulin, TNF-a, IFN-g, IL-4, 6, 10, 17, total IgE levels were assessed as well. The IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 application software package was used for statistical calculations. The results were considered as statistically significant at the level of p 0,05. Results. In patients of both groups, the average age of onset was 43 years. The median duration of BA characteristics was higher in patients of group 2: 14 [10; 19] years (p = 0.013). In all groups, CRPhs values increased significantly and the highest ones were in patients with severe asthma (p 0.001). Significantly lower levels of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, IL-10 (p0.001) with uncontrolled course of asthma (p = 0.008) and rare control (p = 0.009) occurred in patients of group 2. Higher levels of TNF-a, IFN-g, IL-6,17, intestinal ET, fecal zonulin were revealed in patients of group 2 (p≤0.001). The level of fecal zonulin positively correlated with the level of intestinal ET in patients of group 2 (p0.001, rs=0.813). In patients of group 2 direct correlations of the fecal zonulin and intestinal ET with BMI, WC, HC, WC/HC, lack of BA control, CRPhs, TNF-a, IL-6,17, IFN-g, LDL were established and inverse correlations were with IL-10, HDL, FEV1, AST; a negative correlation of fecal zonulin levels with FVC was also revealed. Conclusions. The obtained results allow us to speak about the existence of a clinical complex “severe asthma – obesity – intestinal endotoxemia and increased intestinal permeability” which is characterized by the predominance of pro-inflammatory markers, increased levels of intestinal ET and fecal zonulin, reduced function of external breathing.

The impact of workplace bullying on employees’ work withdrawal behavior and the significance of psychological safety in China’s multi-ethnic regions

In China's multi-ethnic regions, the phenomenon of workplace bullying can be compared to a mental shackle, which inhibits the work enthusiasm of the bullied, makes the bullied feel depressed, frustrated, and other negative feelings, and makes many employees miserable. This study aimed to develop a correlation between workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. The data collection for this study primarily involved gathering information. through questionnaires from 357 employees within 42 Yunnan-listed enterprises in China's multi-ethnic regions. All statistical data, including frequency, proportion, average, and variability measures, were analyzed using a software tool designed to process statistical information. The finding indicated there exists a direct correlation amongst workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior in China's multi-ethnic regions. Incorporating psychological safety into the model, subsequent mediation effect testing reveals that there is a partial mediating role of psychological safety in the correlation among workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior. This research contributes to the existing theoretical investigation on the correlation among workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and their psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. Additionally, it explores how psychological safety can mediate these effects. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for enterprises operating in China's multi-ethnic regions by providing practical strategies for human resource management and conflict reduction within organizations.

Awareness of community-led total sanitation and its impact on sanitation among residents of Kilifi and Marsabit Counties, Kenya

Background: Community-based strategy known as community-led total sanitation (CLTS) is frequently employed to address open defecation and the health issues it causes. Inadequate sanitation is one of the biggest health and environmental problems in the world, contributing to approximately 775,000 deaths per year. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) and its impact on sanitation among communities in Kilifi and Marsabit Counties in Kenya. Methods: The study adopted a comparative study design. Purposive and multistage sampling were used to recruit study respondents in this study. Fischer's formula was used to determine the sample size for this investigation where 811 study participants were enlisted for the research. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to estimate the impact of CLTS intervention on sanitation status. A significance level of 0.05 was employed as the threshold for all tests conducted in this study. Results: From this study, Among those fully conversant with CLTS, 98% resided in Kilifi County; 77% in Marsabit were fully aware of CLTS. The majority(87.7%) of the study respondents were fully aware of CLTS. Despite CLTS intervention resulting in a 42% increase in households owning a sanitation facility, There was no significant statistical association between CLTS intervention and sanitation status (t=0.42, p=0.0835). Conclusion: The study established that the level of awareness of CLTS in both counties was high. The results from this study demonstrated that CLTS intervention programs had an impact on sanitation levels in Kilifi and Marsabit counties.

Prediction of genetic profile of breast carcinoma on MRI using a combination of DCE‐MRI, DWI, and MR spectroscopy: A prospective observational study

AbstractBackgroundClassification of breast cancer based on gene expression has emerged as the standard approach in its management, owing to the distinct prognoses and treatment responses observed among different subtypes. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the imaging features of the molecular subtypes of breast cancer using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) with the combined assessment of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and MR spectroscopy (MRS).MethodsThis was a prospective observational single‐center cohort study, which included women with BI‐RADS 4−5 lesions on mammography/ultrasound (US) who subsequently underwent 1.5 T MRI (encompassing DCE‐MRI, DWI, and MRS). The histological subtypes of breast cancer were assessed. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki‐67 status, and human epidermal growth receptor‐2 (HER2) expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), defined four molecular subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2‐enriched (Her2en), and triple‐negative breast carcinoma (TNBC). Statistical associations between the four molecular subtypes and MRI features were investigated.ResultsFifty patients were included in the study. Circumscribed margins were significantly correlated with triple‐negative tumors compared to others (78% versus 6%, p < 0.001). Spiculated margins were observed in non‐triple negative tumors. Rim enhancement was significantly correlated to triple‐negative tumors compared to all other subtypes (71.4% versus 25%, p = 0.035). Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were significantly lower for luminal subtypes compared to non‐luminal subtypes (p < 0.001). The total choline (tCho) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was higher in triple‐negative tumors. A combined algorithm using DCE‐MRI, DWI, and MRS can predict TNBC and Her2en with specificity of 86.6% and 100%, respectively, and sensitivity of 100% and 85.37%, respectively.ConclusionThe combination of mMRI with DCE‐MRI, DWI, and MRS can accurately differentiate the molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma.

Endurance of leg muscle strength and endurance of arm muscle strength to the ability of swimming speed 200 meters breaststroke

The lack of breaststroke swimming ability among athletes has led to a decline in breaststroke swimming performance in the Solok city swimming association. This problem is thought to be related to the low endurance of leg and arm muscles to the swimming speed of 200 meters breaststroke. This correlational study aims to reveal the contribution of leg muscle endurance, arm muscles, and the joint contribution of both to swimming speed 200 meters breaststroke in athletes coaching achievements in the Solok city swimming association. This study involved 25 swimming athletes in Solok city, with total sampling technique. Data on leg muscle strength endurance was measured through the squat jump test, arm muscle strength endurance through the push up test, and swimming speed through the 200 meter breaststroke swimming test. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple correlations with a significant level of α = 0.05, and the contribution was calculated by the formula r² x 100%. The results of data analysis showed that leg muscle strength endurance contributed 74.65%, while arm muscle strength endurance contributed 70.06%. The combination of both contributed 74.99% to the ability of 200 meters breaststroke swimming speed of athletes coaching achievements in swimming associations in Solok city.

INFLUENCE OF FARMER MARKETING STRATEGIES AND WATER USERS ASSOCIATIONS ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN MIGORI COUNTY, KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate influence of farmer marketing strategies and water users associations on performance of smallholder irrigation projects, and was aimed at enhancing smallholder irrigation project outcome success in Migori County, Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on market orientation theory by Kohli and Jaworski (1990) and Narver and Slater (1990). This is because market orientation explains relationship between markets and organisational behaviour (Gotteland et al., 2007). Kohli and Jaworski (1990) explain customer needs, market competition and usefulness of a product as interacting to influence its marketability. Method: Using cross-sectional and correlational research design, the study collected data from 341 farmers out of a target population of 2815 in 15 smallholder irrigation projects in Migori County using a 5-Point Likert Scale questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results and Discussion: The results show that farmer marketing strategies accounts for 64.1% of findings in the model, with group marketing having the most significant influence on performance. The results also show that introduction of water users associations increases coefficient of determination (Δr2) by + 0.121, indicating a positive modest moderating influence on the relationship between predictor and dependent variables. Research Implications: The study confirms that farmer marketing strategies influence performance of smallholder irrigation projects, and that water users associations positively but modestly influence the relationship. Empirically, the study highlights the importance of cooperative societies, agro-processing and irrigation management transfer in smallholder irrigation. Originality/Value: This study adds to empirical data on farmer marketing strategies, water users associations and smallholder irrigation. In highlighting these aspects, the findings have potential to benefit development agencies in smallholder irrigation.

Defect recognition in Ti-6Al-4V fabrication by in situ monitoring of directed energy deposition using a laser beam

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V. Design/methodology/approach In situ monitoring was conducted to extract and quantify the monitoring characteristics of each frame. A two-dimensional contour map was generated using the quantified characteristics to determine the defect formation locations. Computational thermal-fluid dynamics software was used to determine which surface tension terms or shielding gas had a significant effect on the depression of the molten pool. Findings This study has made a significant contribution by revealing the direct correlation between the molten pool size and brightness with defect formation in laser-based DED of Ti-6Al-4V. It was found that in regions of reduced height, the molten pool exhibited increased size and brightness, leading to surface depressions due to vapor recoil pressure flattening the molten pool. Moreover, the results highlighted that the enhanced Marangoni forces, caused by a high-temperature gradient, hindered the proper accumulation of molten metal, exacerbating height reductions. This insight provides a deeper understanding of how molten pool dynamics directly influence surface quality, which is a critical factor in DED processes. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding of the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energy-deposited Ti-6Al-4V. Additionally, by using in situ monitoring and computational analysis, significant insights were gained into the factors influencing molten pool behavior and subsequent surface defects.

Relationship Between Perceived and Received Social Support in Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: The care of dependent people is eminently family-oriented, and often, there is a high level of dedication to this family care. Constant and continuous care leads to a series of negative psychological consequences. Social support has been related to improved mental health in family caregivers. We found heterogeneous results regarding the relationship between the types of social support received and the perceived level of support. In addition, to our knowledge, no reviews analyse this relationship among family caregivers. Objectives: Therefore, we objective to systematically synthesise the relationships between perceived and received social support in informal caregivers. Methodology: We have carried out a quantitative systematic review with a meta-analysis, registered in PROSPERO (id: CRD42023470047); the systematic search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus, until November 2023. After the selection and review of the results, twelve studies were obtained, two of which were eliminated due to a high risk of classification bias. Results: Regarding the results, a medium-size positive statistical association was found (r = 0.43). The results were consistent, accurate, and robust. The Trim and Fill test showed a variation of 7%. Subgroup analysis indicated no differences in the age group of the people cared for (adults or children), selection bias, and confounding bias. Conclusions: In conclusions, perceived social support is related to more social support received by family caregivers.

Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga city, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design

BackgroundSolid waste collectors play an important role in maintaining health and hygiene in cities globally. The risk levels are very high in low-income countries since solid waste collectors have low socio-economic status and are exposed directly, unknowingly, and without adequate personal protection to municipal solid waste that contains hazardous materials. Solid waste collectors in Ethiopia are at high risk of occupational injuries due to the manual collection of hazardous solid waste by hand. In Jigjiga city, so far, there has been no study or published research showing the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsAn institutional cross-sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, involving 247 solid waste collectors. Data was collected through an observational and structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info and STATA software programs. The study used systematic random sampling techniques and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the statistical association between the outcome variable and independent variables. The significance of the association was tested using the 95% confidence interval and p value (<0.05).ResultsThe overall prevalence of occupational injuries was 54.7% (95% CI: 48.2%, 60.6%). Training on health and safety measures before employment [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.24, 0.80)], sleeping problems [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.86, 5.78)] and Temporary workers [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.16, 3.95)] were significantly associated with occupational injuries.ConclusionThe prevalence rate of occupational injuries among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City was high. There should be preventive measures, like giving Training on Health and safety before employment, to safeguard the health and safety conditions of the workers.

Predictive modeling of the probability of gynecological complications of tamoxifen therapy: A prospective study

Background. It is well known that adjuvant therapy for breast cancer (BC) with tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia (EH). Currently, the problem of hyperplastic processes and endometrial cancer during long-term tamoxifen therapy is particularly relevant since the incidence of endometrial disorders has a direct correlation with the duration of tamoxifen therapy. Follow-up by a gynecologist should be tailored to consider the risk of endometrial cancer in women who survived BC to improve the early detection of endometrial cancer and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Aim. To predict adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of tamoxifen, including EH, endometrial polyps, and abnormal uterine bleeding, based on mathematical modeling in relation to the carriage of polymorphic variants of cytochrome P450 enzyme genes and drug transporter proteins. Materials and methods. A prospective pharmacogenetic study of 120 women with stage I–III luminal BC receiving tamoxifen was conducted. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence of polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes, followed by an assessment of their associations with ADRs of tamoxifen, namely with local gynecological symptoms. Results. Predictive models of ADR occurrence based on the logistic regression function have been created and validated by ROC analysis. We have developed a prognostic model to estimate the probability of developing a composite endpoint (polyp, EH, abnormal uterine bleeding) based on history and genetic risk factors. It was found that the predictors of the combination of local gynecological ADRs (EH, endometrial polyp, and abnormal uterine bleeding) include such factors as weight loss, the presence of asthenia, an increase in the number of births, carriage of the TT genotype of the ABCB1 3435 polymorphic variant and the GG genotype of the CYP2D6*4 polymorphic variant, GG of the CYP3A5 polymorphic variant. The relatively high incidence (43.3%) of local gynecological symptoms requires regular monitoring by obstetrician-gynecologists using instrumental methods (transvaginal ultrasound). Conclusion. This prognostic model has demonstrated high diagnostic effectiveness, which allows it to be implemented in the routine clinical practice of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

NCOG-09. ASSOCIATIONS OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION WITH BRAIN STRUCTURE, COMT GENOTYPE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN MELANOMA PATIENTS PRIOR TO ADJUVANT IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY

Abstract BACKGROUND Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) presents a significant concern in cancer patients. Yet, limited research addresses its prevalence and potential underlying risk factors in melanoma patients, including neurobiological, genetic, and psychological factors. METHODS We assessed cognitive functioning, cognitive complaints, brain gray matter (GM) properties, COMT genotype, and psychological factors (fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia severity, sleep difficulties, quality of life) in malignant melanoma patients (MMPs) before treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and compared with matched healthy controls (HCs). A total of 47 MMPs and 53 HCs were enrolled. Between-group differences were tested, and statistical associations between cognitive function and brain GM properties, COMT polymorphisms, and psychological factors were explored. RESULTS MMPs exhibited significantly lower levels of cognitive functioning compared with HCs across multiple cognitive tests (all p’s<.05), with a high prevalence of clinically significant CRCI (68.1% VS 26.4%). Analysis of GM properties revealed volumetric differences in the left cuneus between MMPs and HCs with MMPs having smaller volume compared to HCs. In MMPs but not in HCs, statistically significant associations were found between WAIS-IV Coding and right precentral cortical thickness, TMT-A and left inferior parietal cortical thickness, and BVMT-R Delayed Recall and right postcentral GM volume (all p’s<.01). COMT polymorphisms were associated with self-reported cognitive complaints but not with objective cognitive performance. Compared with HCs, MMPs reported higher levels of fatigue, anxiety, insomnia severity, and sleep difficulties, and lower levels of quality of life (all p’s ≤.009). Additionally, self-reported cognitive complaints in MMPs were associated with different cognitive test performances (all p’s<.05), fatigue (p<.001) and anxiety (p<.045). CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive cognitive and psychological assessments in MMPs referred for adjuvant ICI therapy. Understanding the complex array of symptoms including CRCI in this population can inform tailored interventions to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Examining the Influence of Transformational Leadership Style on Teachers’ Performance in 12 Year-Basic Education in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda

While numerous studies determined leadership styles in schools, limited research addresses the specific impact of transformational leadership on teachers’ performance in 12-year Basic Education. This study examined influence of transformational leadership on teachers’ performance in 12 Year Basic Education in Nyaruguru district, Rwanda. The study employed quantitative approach with correlational design, utilizing regression analysis and correlational analysis. This study used the sample of 164 teachers from 12 schools in Nyaruguru district. Proportional sampling determined the number of teachers from each school, and simple random sampling selected individual respondents. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using regression and correlation techniques with SPSS (version 27). Results indicate a significant positive relationship between transformational leadership and teacher performance: individualized influence accounts for 71% of performance variation, idealized influence 70.6%, intellectual stimulation 58.8%, and inspirational motivation 45.9%. Increased use of transformational leadership by headteachers enhances teachers' performance in instructional planning, student assessment, and parental collaboration. The study recommends that the government provide guideline documents on transformational leadership for schools and encourages headteachers to adopt this style to enhance teacher performance.

Pengaruh Parenting Style dan Teman Sebaya terhadap Nilai Karakter Remaja di Jorong Panta Kecamatan Matur

This research aims to determine the influence of parenting style and peers on the character values ​​of adolescents in Jorong Panta, Kenagarian Panta Pauh, Matur District, Agam Regency. This research uses a correlational design with a quantitative approach to analyze the relationship between two independent variables, its parenting style and peer influence, on the dependent variable, namely the formation of adolescent character. The research sample consisted of 55 teenagers aged 15 to 18 years, selected using sampling techniques. Data collection wast carried out through distributing questionnaires that measured three main dimensions: parenting style, peer influence, and adolescent character values. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression to determine the magnitude of the influence of each variable on adolescent character. The results of the research show that both parental style preferences and interactions with peers have a significant influence on the character formation of teenagers in Jorong Panta.