Spearman's Test Research Articles

Exploring the Link Between Oral Health Factors and Hearing Impairments in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Hearing-impaired children may face challenges in communication, social interaction, academic performance, and emotional well-being, which can have a notable impact on their overall quality of life. Beyond these challenges, oral health can also be significantly impacted. The relationship between hearing impairment and dental diseases is an intriguing and interconnected aspect of overall well-being that merits attention and exploration. This study aimed to assess the relationship between various oral health factors and hearing impairments. Methodology This cross-sectional study involved 90 hearing-impaired children aged 6-12 years. To evaluate the children's hearing abilities, diagnostic tools such as pure-tone audiometry were employed. To measure dental health, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (dmft) indices, as well as plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were calculated. The chi‑square test was used to identify significant differences between genders. Spearman's test was used to determine the correlation between variables. Results The severity of hearing impairment varied, with 5.6% having severe hearing loss, 8.9% having profound hearing loss, and 85.6% having complete hearing loss. The mean DMFT score was 2.5 ± 1.86, with no significant difference observed between males and females. The mean dmft score was 4.2 ± 3.12, with no significant difference between genders. However, there was a difference in the PI scores between males and females. Males presented a higher PI score of 2.6 ± 0.09 compared to 1.8 ± 0.08 for females. The overall mean PI was 2.1 ± 0.80. The mean GI was 1.5 ± 0.90, and no significant difference was observed between males and females. Spearman's test identified a significant positive correlation between the severity of hearing impairment and both PI scores (p = 0.000) and GI scores (p = 0.000). Conversely, the severity of hearing impairment showed a weak positive correlation with both DMFT scores (p = 0.487) and dmft scores (p = 0.229), but these correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions The connection between oral health and severe hearing impairment in children is significant and has potential implications. Pediatric healthcare providers, including dentists and audiologists, need to work collaboratively to monitor the oral and aural health of young patients.

Perspectives on climate action and the changing burden of infectious diseases among young Italian doctors and students: a national survey.

The eco-climatic crisis has been defined by the World Health Organization as the "single biggest health threat facing humanity," influencing both the emergence of zoonoses and the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The aim of this survey was to explore knowledge, eco-anxiety and attitudes toward the ecological and climate crisis among young Italian doctors and medical students. A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023, by administering an anonymous questionnaire to Italian doctors and students of medicine. Endpoint of the study was a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) score on ecological and climate crisis (0-20 points). Association between variables and KAP score was assessed by Kruskal-Wallis' or Spearman's test, as appropriate, and significant variables were included into ordinal regression model and reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Both KAP and eco-anxiety scores showed acceptable levels of consistency with Cronbach's alpha. A total of 605 medical doctors and students living in 19 Italian regions were included in the study. Median age [Q1-Q3] was 27.6 [24.1-31.3] and females were 352 (58.2%). Despite showing good attitudes toward climate action, knowledge gap were found, with 42.5% (n = 257) of the respondents not knowing the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreements and 45.5% (n = 275) believing that climate change is caused by sunspots. Fears suggestive for eco-anxiety were common. At multivariable ordinal regression, high levels of eco-anxiety (aOR 1.29, p = 0.001) and low trust in government action (aOR 1.96, p = 0.003) were associated with a higher KAP score. Only one Italian medical school offered an educational module on climate change. Young Italian doctors and medical students are concerned about the climate crisis but show poor knowledge of these topics. The Italian academic system should urgently respond to this need.

Discovery of mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795 as a Potential Biomarker and Intervention Target for Ischemia Reperfusion Injury-Induced AKI.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with higher perioperative mortality and morbidity, as well as increased medical expenses. The molecular mechanisms underlying ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI remain unclear. We applied an RT-qPCR assay to measure the expression of mmu-lncRNA129814, hsa-lncRNA582795, and miRNA-494-5p, immunoblotting to detect IL-1α and cleaved caspase-3 expression, and TUNEL staining and flow cytometry (FCM) to evaluate apoptosis. The experiments were conducted using BUMPT and HK-2 cells, as well as C57BL/6J mice. Mechanistically, mmu-lncRNA129814 could sponge miRNA-494-5p and upregulate IL-1α expression to promote cell apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of mmu-lncRNA129814 ameliorated I/R-induced progression of AKI by targeting the miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α pathways. Interestingly, hsa-lncRNA582795, a homolog of mmu-lncRNA129814, also promoted I/R-stimulated HK-2 cell apoptosis and AKI progression by regulating the miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis. Finally, we found that patients with I/R-induced AKI exhibited significantly elevated plasma and urinary levels of hsa-lncRNA582795 compared to those who underwent ischemia-reperfusion without developing AKI. Spearman's test demonstrated a significant correlation between serum creatinine and plasma hsa-lncRNA582795 in I/R patients. Plasma hsa-lncRNA582795 showed high sensitivity but low specificity (86.7%) compared to urinary hsa-lncRNA582795. The mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795/miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis was found to modulate the progression of ischemic AKI, and hsa-lncRNA582795 could act as a diagnosis biomarker and potential therapy target of I/R-induced AKI.

Temporal trends in respiratory pathogens following the COVID-19 pandemic and climate variables: A unicentric retrospective evaluation of 24 pathogens in a temperate subtropical region.

Temperature and humidity are studied in the context of seasonal infections in temperate and tropical zones, but the relationship between viral trends and climate variables in temperate subtropical zones remains underexplored. Our retrospective study analyzes respiratory pathogen incidence and its correlation with climate data in a subtropical zone. Retrospective observational study at Moinhos de Vento Hospital, South Brazil, aiming to assess seasonal trends in respiratory pathogens, correlating them with climate data. The study included patients of all ages from various healthcare settings, with data collected between April 2022 and July 2023. Biological samples were analyzed for 24 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction and hybridization techniques; demographic variables were also collected. The data was analyzed descriptively and graphically. Spearman tests and Poisson regression were used as correlation tests. Tests were clustered according to all pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Between April 2022 and July 2023, 3329 tests showed a 71.6% positivity rate. Rhinovirus and RSV predominated, exhibiting seasonal patterns. Temperature was inversely correlated with the viruses, notably rhinovirus, but SARS-CoV-2 was positively correlated. Air humidity was positively correlated with all pathogens, RSV, rhinovirus, and atmospheric pressure with all pathogens and rhinovirus. Our results showed statistically significant correlations, with modest effect sizes. Our study did not evaluate causation effects. Despite the correlation between climate and respiratory pathogens, our work suggests additional factors influencing transmission dynamics. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between climate and respiratory infections in subtropical climates.

Daily spiritual experiences and self-efficacy of diabetic elderly: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between daily spiritual experiences and self-efficacy of diabetic elderly. A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving a cohort of 135 elderly individuals diagnosed with diabetes in 2023. The instruments utilized for data collection encompassed a demographic questionnaire querying variables such as age, gender, marital status, age of diabetes onset, educational background, and occupation. Additionally, the study incorporated the Daily Spiritual Experience and Spiritual Health questionnaire, as well as the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES). The research units reported an average of 42.37 (standard deviation [SD]=11.11) spiritual experiences, and the self-efficacy rate among the elderly with diabetes was 80.47 (SD=11.37). A Spearman's correlation coefficient test was conducted to examine the relationship between daily spiritual experiences and adherence to a drug regimen. The results did not indicate a significant correlation (P=0.19, r=0.11). Recognizing spiritual needs as a crucial facet of health, it is incumbent upon healthcare professionals to enhance the health and quality of life of patients. This is particularly pertinent for the self-efficacy of elderly individuals with diabetes. By identifying and bolstering daily spiritual experiences, healthcare workers can make a significant contribution to the well-being of these patients. This approach underscores the importance of a holistic perspective in healthcare, where spiritual needs are addressed alongside physical ones.

Relationship Between Pastoral Care and The Anxiety Level of Preoperative Patients at Santa Elisabeth Hospital Medan

Background: Anxiety is restlessness and helplessness, especially when illness occurs after surgery, and supports pastoral care to help patients be comfortable and at ease. The aim of study was to determine the relationship between pastoral care and anxiety levels in preoperative patients at Hospital Santa Elisabeth Medan. Methods: The Methods of research is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. The population of this study was all preoperative subjects. The sample size was 71 people. The research instrument is the APAIS questionnaire (Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale). The Amsterdam Preoperative Information and Anxiety Scale (APAIS) is one of the designs designed to assess the causes of anxiety before the operation, a tool was created to warn workers to assess the individual's risk. Results: The results showed that most of the recipients of pastoral care were in the good category (90.1%) and the majority in the emergency category (49.3%). Data analysis used Spearman's rank test for univariate and bivariate variables. Conclusion Spearman's level statistical test (rho) showed a value of r = (0.520) and the strength of the relationship resulted in a significant p-value = 0.000(p <0.05). Conclusions: The conclusion of this study is expressed that there's a relationship between peaceful bolster and uneasiness levels of patients some time recently surgery at Santa Elisabeth Clinic Medan and great peaceful care can diminish anxiety levels in patients who will experience surgery.

The role of the tutor in the consumption of psychoactive substances in times of pandemic within technological universities

At the end of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a scenario is observed that leaves repercussions in the Universities, among them it affected the students both in their performance, as well as in the social field, to cover these deficiencies, the role of the professor and the tutors was decisive. Therefore, the objective of this article is to describe the influence of the communication and motivation of the tutor on the consumption of psychoactive substances in times of pandemic. The research was quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal, a data collection instrument with a Likert scale was used through digital media to students of the system of technological universities in Mexico. A descriptive evaluation was carried out and the Spearman test was applied to determine the correlation between communication and motivation on drug use, as results it was possible to define that both have a very strong positive correlation (r=0.83).

Influence of The Social Environment on Student Learning Outcomes at Nagasari III Elementary School

Background: Student learning outcomes are one of the main indicators of the success of an education. Environment is a factor that affects the growth and development of living things. There are three places within the scope of the social environment, namely the family environment, the school environment, and the community environment. Research Metodes: This research design uses cross-sectional with a sample of 35 respondents. Data analysis used Spearman's rho test and t test, to determine the correlation of variables and significant influence. Results: There is no significant relationship between the two variables with a significant value (0.242 < 0.05). And there is no influence on the two variables with the value of tcount < ttable (-1.193 < 2.034). Conclusion: There is no significant relationship and influence between social environment and student learning outcomes.

Calidad del servicio y satisfacción del cliente en una microempresa

Micro-enterprises are the most numerous in the world, but they must maintain their sustainability over time, facing various factors such as globalization, competition, changes in the economy, free market, among others. To do so, microenterprises will have to manage themselves to achieve products and/or services with optimal quality and achieve the desired customer satisfaction. For this reason, this research work had the objective of determining the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in the food and beverage microenterprise Mimo's, Chaclacayo 2021. The approach is quantitative, basic type, non-experimental design, cross-sectional correlational, descriptive correlational level and hypothetical deductive method. The population was 213 clients, determining a sample of 67 clients. For both variables, a questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. In order to validate the objective, Spearman's Rho statistical test was used, reaching a value of p=0.000<0.05, so the alternative hypothesis that mentions that there is a significant relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction was accepted and gave a result of Rho=0.928, which confirms a very high positive correlation. It is recommended that Mimo's Food and Beverage Microenterprise continue to conduct periodic customer surveys on service quality and customer satisfaction so that with the results obtained, its managers can make decisions to improve quality and thus increase customer satisfaction.

La imagen y el posicionamiento de marca en los clientes de un restaurante de Trujillo

Brand image and brand positioning are critical aspects for the success of a restaurant. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between brand image and brand positioning in the customers of a restaurant, Trujillo, 2023. A quantitative research approach was used, of an applied type, with a correlational level and a non-experimental design; the survey was used as a research technique, with its instrument the questionnaire applied to a convenience sample made up of 60 customers of the restaurant, defined under a non-probabilistic sampling. The results according to Spearman's Rho test show a very strong positive correlation (0.910) between the variables brand image and brand positioning, with a bilateral significance level of (0.000). It is concluded that the higher the brand image, the higher the brand positioning among the restaurant's customers.

Elevated Plasma Levels of Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) Protein in Severe Obesity: Implications for Adipose Tissue and Inflammation.

BACKGROUND Preliminary data suggest an adipogenic role for growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), a pleiotropic molecule involved in inflammation, proliferation, and hemostasis through its Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors. This study compares Gas6 expression in plasma and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in 42 adults with obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m²) and 32 normal-weight controls to elucidate its role in obesity and related metabolic alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a case-control design, we measured Gas6 levels in plasma via a validated sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in adipose tissues through quantitative polymerase chain reactio with specific probes. Medians and correlations were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests. A general linear model assessed the impact of covariates on the Gas6-anthropometric relationship, with statistical significance determined by P values. RESULTS Plasma Gas6 levels were significantly higher in the obese group than in controls (P=0.0006). While Gas6 mRNA expression did not significantly differ in subcutaneous adipose tissue between groups, it was notably higher in visceral than subcutaneous adipose tissue in controls (P<0.05). A significant correlation was found between plasma Gas6 levels and body mass index (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Gas6 plasma levels are elevated in morbid obesity, particularly in visceral adipose tissue, and are linked to altered glucose tolerance in female patients. These findings highlight the role of Gas6 in obesity-related metabolic complications and suggest avenues for further research and potential therapies.

The Role of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Serum in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease of the musculoskeletal system that affects over 528 million individuals worldwide, with 73% of those diagnosed being aged 55 or older. The knee joint is most commonly affected, along with the hip and hand joints. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism. In chondrocytes, the presence of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates the expression of metalloproteinase. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the correlation between vitamin D (25(OH)D) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) serum in knee osteoarthritis. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted by the Rheumatology Division at RSMH Palembang. Patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis based on the 1990 ACR criteria were included. The chemoluminescent immunoassay and the Human Cartilage Oligometric Matrix Protein ELISA Reagent were used to measure the levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) and COMP serum. Results. Thirty participants took part in this study from July to December 2022. According to this study, 33% had insufficiency and 67% had a deficiency of vitamin D. Spearman's Rho test shows that there is a strong negative correlation between vitamin D (25(OH)D) and COMP serum. Conclusion. Vitamin D (25(OH)D) and COMP serum levels were significantly correlated in knee osteoathritis.

Correlation between sCTLA-4 and sCD86 Levels with Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients Based on SLEDAI Score

Background. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multisystem involvement which arises from multifactorial causes. Continuous exposure to autoantigens and chronic activation of the immune system, especially memory T lymphocytes, contribute to premature immunosenescence. sCTLA-4 and sCD86 are soluble costimulatory molecules of CTLA-4 and CD86, which play a role in the occurrence of immunosenescence in SLE. The presence of immunosenescence will cause higher morbidity and mortality. This research was conducted to establish the correlation between the increased levels of sCTLA-4 and sCD86 and the severity of SLE, as measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Methods. This analytical observational research utilized a cross-sectional approach involving 35 female SLE patients diagnosed according to the SLICC 2012 criteria. SLE disease activity was measured using SLEDAI score. Serum sCTLA-4 and sCD86 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test for comparisons and the Spearman test for correlation analysis, with a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results. sCTLA-4 levels were higher and significantly different in patients with moderate SLE (p=&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.05), and there was no significant difference in sCD86 levels (p=0.915; p&gt;0.05). Increased sCTLA-4 levels were positively correlated with the severity of SLE (r =0.361, p=0.033), while no significant correlation was observed in sCD86 levels (r=-0.094, p=0.591). Conclusion. Elevated sCTLA-4 levels were positively correlated with increased severity of SLE based on the SLEDAI score.

Correlation of Hba1c, Triglyceride, HDL with the Degree of Stenosis in Coronary Heart Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a disease caused by the narrowing of the coronary artery wall as a result of the atherosclerosis process. Atherosclerosis plays an important role from the beginning of plaque formation until plaque rupture which causes blood clots. Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia are one of the major risk factors for CHD. In patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, there was an altered lipid profile which led to endothelial damage that caused the formation of atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol labeled as good cholesterol was decreased due to uncontrolled LDL cholesterol labeled as bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol synthesis process was disrupted then causing plaque formation in the arteries which causes CHD. Aim: The aim of this study was to analysis correlation between HbA1c levels, triglyceride levels, HDL levels and the degree of stenosis in coronary heart disease sufferers with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: This study was an observational cross-sectional analytical study with total of 51 patients with CHD who underwent cardiac catheterization at Telogorejo Hospital. Semarang. The correlation test in this study using the Spearman test with p 0.05 is considered significant. Results: Results of this study show that there is no significant correlation between HbA1C levels and triglyceride levels (p= 0.793), and Hba1C with the degree of stenosis was (p= 0.685) but, there was significant correlation between HDL cholesterol level with the degree of stenosis (p=0.015). Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no significant correlation between the correlation of HbA1c levels and triglyceride levels with the degree of stenosis and there was a moderately negative significant correlation between HDL levels and the degree of stenosis.

Stress and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Individuals with multiple sclerosis may require daily care and support from caregivers due to the disease's progressive and unpredictable nature. However, the role of caregiving is not without its challenges, and caregivers themselves often face significant repercussions in terms of their quality of life, mental health, and stress levels. Our study aims to investigate the level of stress caregivers experience in their everyday life and the way stress affects their quality of life. Materials and Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study from 11 November 2023 to 20 March 2024 in healthcare units in Western Greece. All 96 participants were adult caregivers of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). We assessed caregivers' quality of life and stress levels using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, respectively. Non-parametric tests (Spearman's rho test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests) were used to identify possible correlations between the aforementioned scales and between stress levels and caregiver characteristics. Results: Caregivers reported high stress, with an average KCSS score of 36.82 ± 0.851. The mean SF-36 physical component summary score (PCS) was 59.59 ± 2.77, whereas the mental component summary score (MCS) was 45.69 ± 2.32. Stress levels in the KCSS were negatively correlated with both PCS and MCS of SF-36 and female gender, education level, monthly income, limits of mobility, and patient's level of dependence were associated with higher levels of stress. Conclusions: Stress was found to be negatively connected with caregivers' quality of life, affecting both physical and mental health. Female caregivers, caregivers with a primary education level and a low monthly income, and caregivers of patients with serious illnesses who rely primarily on daily help were the most affected.

Is there a difference in quality of photographs obtained using smartphones, compared to the photographs obtained via digital single-lens reflex camera?

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the quality of photographs obtained with three different cameras: I-phone, Samsung, and DSLR, as assessed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMSs). MethodsThis was an anonymous online survey study. The study population consisted of OMSs in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts who were members of their state societies. Primary outcome variable was ratings on the quality of extraoral and intraoral photographs obtained with three different cameras. Predictor variable was type of camera used to obtain the photographs: I-Phone, Samsung, and DSLR camera. Descriptive statistics were computed. Spearman test was utilized to analyze correlation between the outcome variables. ResultsMajority of respondents were from full time private practice (n = 84, 77.06%), followed by full time academia (n = 12, 11.01%). Spearman test revealed negligible correlation between extraoral and intraoral photographs on the best quality rating (0.15, p=0.13). Negligible correlation between extraoral and intraoral photographs were noted on the second best (0.15, p=0.11), and least quality rating (0.09, p=0.32). ConclusionStudy results revealed that there is no difference between the quality of photographs obtained using smartphones, compared to the photographs obtained via DSLR camera. Future discussions on an ideal application on smartphones would allow for consent and transfer of high-quality photographs via a secure messaging system between healthcare providers to address ethical concerns of confidentiality.

Evaluation of future nurses' knowledge, attitudes and anxiety levels about artificial intelligence applications.

Evaluating future nurses' perspectives on artificial intelligence, determining their missing or incorrect information on the subject and determining their anxiety levels are of great importance in terms of providing science and technology-based health services in the future. This research was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and anxiety levels of future nurses about artificial intelligence applications. The research was a descriptive type, conducted with 552 nursing students. In collecting data, 'Data collection form' and 'Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale' (AIAS) were used. Analysis of data was performed with descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, Spearman, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In the study, p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. It was determined that the students' average AIAS score was 51.68 ± 12.32. It was determined that 95.3% of the students did not receive training on artificial intelligence, and 94.0% did not have artificial intelligence-related subjects in their school courses. It was determined that 79.2% of the students wanted artificial intelligence-related subjects to be included in school courses. In the study, it was determined that the artificial intelligence anxiety levels of nursing students were high. It has been determined that students with negative feelings about artificial intelligence have higher artificial intelligence anxiety levels. Our suggestion; adding courses or subjects related to artificial intelligence to the university curriculum and starting to include nurses in the working processes during their student years.

Relationship between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width and respiratory failure in COPD patients.

The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been repeatedly demonstrated to be associated with risk of severity, progression, and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but data on respiratory failure (RF) in patients with COPD are very limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between NLR and RDW and the incident RF in patients with COPD. This is a retrospective study that reviewed data by examining the hospitalization medical records to identify those who were admitted with a diagnosis of COPD. Based on whether RF occurred during index hospitalization, patients were classified as COPD group and COPD combined with RF group. Also, healthy controls of the same age and sex were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio as the COPD group. Univariate comparisons were performed between three groups to examine differences. With the COPD group as reference, multivariable logistic regression was formed to identify the relationship between NLR and RDW and RF, with adjustment for multiple covariates. There were 136 healthy controls, 136 COPD patients and 62 patients with COPD combined with RF included for analysis. There was a significant difference for eight variables, including age, WBC, neutrophil, NLR, RDW, platelet, PLR, and CRP. The Spearman test showed the significant correlation between NLR and WBC (correlation coefficient, 0.38; P = .008), NLR and RDW (correlation coefficient, 0.32; P = .013), and NLR and CRP level (correlation coefficient, 0.54; P < .001). The multivariable logistic regression showed that age (every additional 10 years) (OR, 1.785), NLR (OR, 1.716), RDW (OR, 2.266), and CRP (OR, 1.163) were independently associated with an increased risk of RF. This study demonstrated the independent associative effect of NLR and RDW with RF in patients with COPD, exhibiting the potential clinical role in evaluating the progress of COPD to RF.

Continuous glucose monitoring and recreational scuba diving in type 1 diabetes: head-to-head comparison between Free Style Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 performance.

Background Scuba diving was previously excluded because of hypoglycemic risks for type 1 diabetic patients (T1DM). Specific eligibility criteria and a safety protocol have been defined, while continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have enhanced diabetes management. This study aims to assess the feasibility and accuracy of CGM Dexcom G7 (DG7) and Free Style Libre 3 (FSL3) in a setting of repetitive scuba diving in T1DM, exploring the possibility of non-adjunctive use. Material and methods The study was conducted during an event of Diabete Sommerso® association in November 2023. Participants followed a safety protocol, with capillary glucose as reference standard (Beurer GL50Evo). Sensors accuracy was evaluated through Median and Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MeARD and MARD) and Surveillance Error Grid (SEG) Analysis. Sub-analyses were performed by glycemic range, timing, gender. Data distribution and correlation was estimated by Spearman test and Bland-Altman plots. The ability of sensors to identify hypoglycaemia was assessed by contingency tables. Participants completed a satisfation questionnaire. Results Data from 202 dives of 13 patients were collected. The overall MARD was 31% for DG7 and 14.2% for FSL3, MeARD 19.7% and 11.6% respectively. FSL3 exhibited better accuracy in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic ranges. SEG analysis showed 82.1% (DG7) and 97.4% (FSL3) data on no-risk zone. FSL3 better performed on hypoglycemia identification (diagnostic odds ratio of 254.10 vs 58.95). Neither of sensors reached the MARD for non-adjunctive use. Patient satisfaction favored FSL3 for size and minimal bulk, while DG7 received positive feedback for versatility. Conclusions The study reveals FSL3 superior accuracy compared to DG7 in a setting of repetitive scuba diving in T1DM, except for hypoglycemic range. Both sensors fails to achieve accuracy for non-adjunctive use. Capillary tests remain crucial for safe dive planning, and sensor data should be interpreted cautiously. We suggest exploring additional factors potentially influencing sensor performance.

HbA1c and Pulsatility Index in Middle Cerebral Artery of Patients with Acute Thrombotic Stroke

Highlights:1. The findings of this study indicate that clinicians should remain vigilant, as effective glycemic control, reflected by optimal HbA1c levels, does not necessarily correlate with favorable distal cerebrovascular resistance, as measured by pulsatility index (PI).2. This study recommends that patients with acute thrombotic stroke undergo a comprehensive examination to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Abstract Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability in the world. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for stroke with an increase in blood viscosity associated with hyperglycemia, and HbA1c is a well-established biomarker primarily used for the long-term monitoring of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. The Pulsatility index (PI) parameter of Trans Cranial Doppler (TCD) can measure blood vessel resistance. This study was to prove the correlation between HbA1c and PI in Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) of acute thrombotic stroke patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted to thrombotic stroke patients treated at the neurological ward of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia from March 2019 to April 2020 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman test for numerical data and Chi-square for categorical data with a significant value of p &lt;0.05. There were 32 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 24 subjects (75%) were males and 8 (25%) females with a mean age of 56.41±13.22 years. PI MCA results were abnormal in 14 subjects (43.75%) with an average of 1.8±0.97 and PI MCA was normal in 18 subjects (56.25%) with an average of 0.87±0.15. The average HbA1c was 6.55±1.9%. There was no statistically significant association observed between HbA1c and PI in MCA examination (r=0.07; p=0.73). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate the lack of correlation between pulsatility index and HbA1c in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This underscores the importance of comprehensive cerebrovascular evaluation regardless of HbA1c status.