Nonparametric Spearman Correlation Research Articles

Penggunaan Korelasi Spearman Untuk Menguji Hubungan Suhu Dan Besarnya Curah Hujan Bulanan di Kota Padang

Rain is one of the important hydrological components. Factors that affect the amount of rainfall in an area are temperature, air humidity, air pressure and wind direction. Previous research stated that there is a strong relationship between temperature and the amount of rainfall. This research was conducted to find out how strong the relationship between the amount of monthly rainfall that occurs in Padang City and the average temperature that occurs in each month for the last 30 years. The research method used is to use quantitative methods using descriptive statistics and non-parametric (spearman correlation test). The selection of the Spearman correlation test was carried out based on the results of the data normality test using the One Sample Anderson-Darling, Ryan-Joiner and Kolmogorov-Smirnov method. Data on temperature and rainfall for the city of Padang are not normal even though they have been normalized using the Box-Cox tranformation method. Spearmen's correlation test shows that there is no significant relationship between the amount of rainfall and temperature with a correlation level of only 9% with a P-Value of 0.087 > 0.05 or 0.001. Further research is needed to find out how strong other factors such as air pressure, humidity and wind direction are on the amount of rainfall in the city of Padang.

Association of the ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms with global disparities in COVID-19-related deaths.

The aim of the study was to investigate the gene polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rates worldwide. The prevalence of ACE I/D, AGT M235T, and AT1R A1166C alleles' frequencies in different populations was assessed. Data on COVID-19-related cases and deaths were acquired from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, which included weekly reports by country and continent. An Excel tool was developed to visualize the acquired data of mortality and incidence by classifying them by continent/country across specific periods of time. Spearman's nonparametric correlation was used to evaluate the association between country-based frequencies in RAS gene polymorphisms and COVID-19-related deaths. While China constituted the initial reservoir of COVID-19, incidence/mortality rates in Europe and America outnumbered the figures in the former. A clear association was identified between death rates and ACE D/I ( r = 0.3659; P = 0.033), as well as AGT A/G variants ( r = 0.7576; P = 0.015). Data on AT1R polymorphisms suggested no correlation with mortality rates. Our results demonstrated a significant disparity in COVID-19-related susceptibility and mortality among different populations and corroborate the importance of gene polymorphisms in predicting and consequently improving patients' outcomes.

Correlation of Renal Tissue Oxygenation to Venous, Arterial, and Capillary Blood Gas Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Neonates.

The aim of the study is to assess the correlation of renal regional tissue saturation of oxygen (RrSO2) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in preterm neonates to venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) obtained from umbilical venous catheters (UVCs), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) obtained from umbilical artery catheters (UACs), and capillary oxygen saturation (ScO2) from capillary heel blood draws. A secondary analysis of a prospective RrSO2 monitoring study in preterm neonates born <32 weeks gestational age. Neonates with any blood gas obtained during RrSO2 monitoring were included. RrSO2 was compared with simultaneous O2 saturation using non-parametric Mann Whitney U-test and Spearman correlation coefficient. In 35 neonates, 25 UVC, 151 UAC, and 68 heel capillary specimens were obtained. RrSO2 was lower than the median SvO2 (58.8 vs. 78.9, p <0.01), SaO2 (51.0 vs. 93.2, p <0.01), and ScO2 (62.2 vs. 94.25, p <0.01). RrSO2 values correlated to both SaO2 and ScO2 (r = 0.32; p <0.01, r = 0.26; p = 0.03), but not SvO2 (r = 0.07; p = 0.74). In this secondary analysis, RrSO2 was consistently lower than blood gas O2 saturations and correlated with SaO2 and ScO2 but not SvO2. Lack of a correlation to SvO2 could be due to the small UVC sample size limiting statistical power. Future studies should prospectively evaluate if RrSO2 truly primarily reflects venous oxygenation in preterm neonates. · Renal oxygenation correlates with arterial and capillary oxygen saturation.. · Renal oxygenation did not correlate with venous oxygenation from umbilical venous catheters.. · Studies are needed to determine if renal oxygenation primarily reflects venous or arterial oxygen..

Connectomic Basis for Tremor Control in Stereotactic Radiosurgical Thalamotomy.

Given the increased use of stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy and other ablative therapies for tremor, new biomarkers are needed to improve outcomes. Using resting-state fMRI and MR tractography, we hypothesized that a "connectome fingerprint" can predict tremor outcomes and potentially serve as a targeting biomarker for stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy. We evaluated 27 patients who underwent unilateral stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy for essential tremor or tremor-predominant Parkinson disease. Percentage postoperative improvement in the contralateral limb Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Clinical Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) was the primary end point. Connectome-style resting-state fMRI and MR tractography were performed before stereotactic radiosurgery. Using the final lesion volume as a seed, "connectivity fingerprints" representing ideal connectivity maps were generated as whole-brain R-maps using a voxelwise nonparametric Spearman correlation. A leave-one-out cross-validation was performed using the generated R-maps. The mean improvement in the contralateral tremor score was 55.1% (SD, 38.9%) at a mean follow-up of 10.0 (SD, 5.0) months. Structural connectivity correlated with contralateral TRS improvement (r = 0.52; P = .006) and explained 27.0% of the variance in outcome. Functional connectivity correlated with contralateral TRS improvement (r = 0.50; P = .008) and explained 25.0% of the variance in outcome. Nodes most correlated with tremor improvement corresponded to areas of known network dysfunction in tremor, including the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway and the primary and extrastriate visual cortices. Stereotactic radiosurgical targets with a distinct connectivity profile predict improvement in tremor after treatment. Such connectomic fingerprints show promise for developing patient-specific biomarkers to guide therapy with stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy.

Consistency and Discrepancy between Visibility and PM2.5 Measurements: Potential Application of Visibility Observation to Air Quality Study.

High-quality measurements of air quality are the highest priority for understanding widespread air pollution. Visibility has been widely suggested to be a good alternative to PM2.5 concentration as a measure. In this study, the similarities and differences between visibility and PM2.5 measurements in China are checked and the results reveal the potential application of visibility observation to the study of air quality. Based on the quality-controlled PM2.5 and visibility data from 2016 to 2018, the nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) values between stations for PM2.5 and visibility-derived surface extinction coefficient (bext) decrease as the station distance (R) increases. Some relatively low ρ values (&lt;0.4) occur in regions characterized by the lowest (background) levels of PM2.5 and bext values, for example, the Tibetan and Yungui Plateau. The relatively lower ρ for bext compared to PM2.5 is probably caused by the predefined maximum threshold of visibility measurements (generally 30 km). A significant correlation between PM2.5 and bext is derived in most stations and relatively larger ρ values are evident in eastern China (Northeast China excluded) and in winter (the national median ρ is 0.67). The abrupt changes in specific mass extinction efficiency (αext) imply a potentially large influence of alternation of visibility sensors or recalibrations on visibility measurements. The bext data are thereafter corrected by comparison to the reference measurements at the adjacent stations, which leads to a three-year quality assured of visibility and bext datasets.

How do Older Adults Spend their Leisure Time? A Population-Based Study in Yazd, Iran

Introduction: An important issue associated with old age is how to spend the leisure, which can help preserve independence, bring happiness and vitality and reduce mental disorders and indifference. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how older adults spend their leisure time.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 270 elderly participants (&gt; 60 years) in Yazd city, Iran from July to September 2019. The two stage sampling method was applied. A researcher-made leisure activity questionnaire was used for data gathering. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed. The data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The mean leisure time of participants was 5.09 ± 3.54 hours. Most of the participants (74.4 %) spent their leisure time at home. Physical activity (25.2 %) and travel (33.8 %) were at a low level while religious activity (61.6 %) was the most frequent. Of the participants, 50.7 % were moderately satisfied with their leisure.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Considering the low level of physical activity and travel in older adults' leisure time, both the government and families are suggested to make the required plans to increase older adults' physical activity and time for travel.

Diversity of Edible Aquatic Insects Inhabiting Rice Fields in Central Thailand

Abstract—Rice fields occupy great biodiversity and support a variety of living organisms, including edible aquatic insects. The goal of this study was to assess the richness and diversity of edible aquatic insects living in rice fields. A sampling of aquatic insects and physico-chemical parameters of the rice field water were made after irrigation. Three replications of sampling by aquatic net were collected from the bottom along the edge of the rice plots. The richness and diversity indices were analyzed. A total of 10 501 individuals, comprising 64 genera of aquatic insects belonging to six orders, were collected at different study sites. Among aquatic insects, the order Hemiptera occupied the highest abundance of the total insects collected. Richness showed a range of 14 to 50. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) showed a range of 1.877 to 3.450, whereas Simpson`s diversity index (D) showed a range of 0.7665 to 0.9605. Canonical Correspondence Analysis and non-parametric Spearman correlation revealed that some insect species were correlated positively with pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, and nutrients (nitrate and phosphate), and had a negative correlation with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids.

Retrospective study on bovine clinical mastitis and associated milk loss during the month of its peak occurrence at the National Dairy Farm in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Commercial dairy establishments are relatively young in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and as a result, there is lack of epidemiological data on mastitis in dairy farms. A retrospective data of seven years (2015-2021) were used to estimate the cumulative average monthly incidence rate of bovine clinical mastitis and evaluate associated milk loss at the National Dairy Farm. Data were extracted from the records of lactating dairy cows (n = 1300-1450) and analyzed using repeated measure and one-way ANOVA, non-parametric Spearman correlation, paired and unpaired t tests. The highest average cumulative monthly incidence rate was 49 cases per 1000 cows-year that was recorded in 2019 while the lowest was 19 cases per 1000 cows-year in 2021. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate of clinical mastitis significantly (p < 0.001) varied among the seven years. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate was associated with average monthly humidity (p < 0.01) and average monthly rainfall (p < 0.05); however, it was not associated with the average monthly temperature (p > 0.05). The average daily milk yield of cows with clinical mastitis (Mean ± SEM; 18.6 ± 0.54 kg) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than the average daily milk yield of clinical mastitis free cows (40.5 ± 0.29 kg). The largest average monthly milk loss due to clinical mastitis was 5% of the average total monthly milk production in 2019 while the lowest was 2% of the average total monthly milk production in 2021. The result of the study indicated the direct influence of weather conditions such as increased rainfall and humidity, which caused an upsurge in the incidence rate of clinical mastitis, leading to an increased loss in milk and hence the economy of the dairy farm. Proactive preventive measures along with good dairy farm practices that help mitigate the impacts of harsh weather conditions are recommended.

THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE DISTRESS THERMOMETER IN FAMILY SURROGATES OF ICU PATIENTS

Abstract Brief, reliable assessment tools are highly valued in both research and clinical settings. The single-item Distress Thermometer (DT) asks participants to rank their overall level of distress from zero to ten. Similar measures of distress perform well in oncology populations, but the validity of the DT has not been well tested with other populations. To determine its validity and reliability, we analyzed data from family surrogates (n=188) of critically ill ICU patients. Surrogates were asked to rate their distress during the first four days of the patient’s ICU stay and 6-8 weeks after discharge (n=127). Data were analyzed using Spearman non-parametric correlation due to the distributions of the data. DT scores at both baseline and follow-up were significantly correlated with anxiety (GAD-7: correlation coefficient (ρ)=.527, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.543, p&amp;lt;.0001, respectively), depression (PHQ-9: ρ=.480, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.399, p=.0002), distress (Kessler-6: ρ=.477, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.528, p&amp;lt;.0001), and negative religious coping (ρ=.149, p=.0426; ρ=.238, p=.0074). Results also indicated that spiritual well-being at baseline and follow-up (FACIT: ρ=-.391, p&amp;lt;.0001, ρ=-.443, p&amp;lt;.0001) and positive religious coping at baseline (RCOPE: ρ=-.164, p=.0253) have an inverse relationship with overall distress. At baseline, surrogates with better positive religious coping and/or more involvement in organizational religious activity (ρ=-.189, p=.0106) were more likely to report lower distress. The DT could be an efficient, single item predictor of outcomes that impact patient and family care. Future research could confirm its validity as a measure of distress, in a variety of clinical populations and environments that could inform clinical care for patients and families.

Human-built environment interactions: the relationship between subjective well-being and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics

The neighborhood is one of the most fundamental urban elements and acts as the intermediary link between the city and citizens to enhance the quality of life. The present study examined the significance of the relationship between the subjective well-being of citizens and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics in urban historical fabrics for creating healthy neighborhoods. To this end, a survey research method was employed, and the data were collected via questionnaires. The population consisted of all the citizens of the historical neighborhood of Sange Siah in Shiraz, Iran, who lived or worked in the neighborhood and used the neighborhood spaces daily. A Nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficient was run to assess the correlation between the variables. The results showed that the component of social inclusion from among the six components of subjective well-being had a significant positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics (r = 0.712). In the following, the components of satisfaction with life (0.614), mental well-being (0.569), positive and negative effect (0.526), and feeling of happiness (0.468) had a moderate positive correlation; and the component of physical and mental health also had a weak positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics (0.230). In addition, the concept of subjective well-being with a correlation coefficient of 0.579 had a moderate positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics, which indicates that the structural characteristics of the neighborhood have a significant relationship with the subjective well-being of the people living in the neighborhood.

367. Procalcitonin as a Potential Biomarker in the Study of Human Babesiosis

Abstract Background Procalcitonin (Pct) has been gaining momentum as a potential biomarker during parasitic infections as studies have demonstrated that Pct levels are significantly elevated during certain forms of protozoal sepsis. Given this, the goal of this pilot study is to determine the relationship between Pct levels and parasitemia (Par) during infection with Babesia microti and to elucidate the potential for Pct to be used as a biomarker in the study of babesiosis. Methods Babesia cases were collected from Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) and South Hampton Hospital (SHH) from 2012 to 2019. Median values of maximum Par and Pct throughout hospitalization were recorded and cases were referenced for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Correlation between maximum Par and Pct values were examined with the nonparametric Spearman rank correlation and fractional polynomials were used to assess the functional form of the correlation. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to identify cutoff points for Pct and maximum Par as markers for prediction of ICU admission. Results A total of 33 patients met the inclusion criteria for acute babesiosis. In fractional polynomial analysis, log-transformed Pct levels had a linear correlation with log-transformed maximum Par, r=0.556 (P=0.001, Fig 1A). In ROC curve analysis, a cut off level of ≥ 1.2 ng/mL for Pct had optimal prediction characteristics for ICU admission (sensitivity 62.5%, specificity 88%; correct classification 82%) with a relevant AUC of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.58–0.89; P=0.005, Fig 1B). A cut off level of ≥ 3.6% for maximum Par had optimal prediction characteristics for ICU admission (sensitivity 75%, specificity 92%, correct classification 88%) with a relevant AUC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58—0.89; P= 0.005, Fig 1B). Comparison of AUC for Pct and Par yielded no significant difference (P=0.8). Figure 1A. Linear correlation between log10-parasitemia and log10- procalcitonin levels. The linear correlation of the log-transformed variables was r=0.556 (P=0.001), similar to the nonparametric (Spearman) correlation coefficient (ρ=0.567). The red dots represent patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Figure 1B. Receiver-operator characteristic curve of parasitemia for prediction of intensive care unit admission (0.75; 95%CI: 0.58—0.89; P=0.005); optimal cut-off is 3.6%. Receiver-operator characteristic curve of procalcitonin for prediction of intensive care unit admission (C=0.77; 95%CI: 0.58–0.89; P=0.005); optimal cut-off is 1.2 ng/mL. Conclusion Our analysis demonstrated a positive linear correlation between Pct and maximum Par, which is the current standard marker for severe disease. Also, our ROC analyses estimate that Pct values ≥ 1.2 ng/mL and Par ≥ 3.6% suggests severe disease and need for ICU admission (Fig 1A, 1B). Given this, our findings suggest that Pct may have potential for predicting severe disease during babesiosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Early myocardial injury and coagulation activation in thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping.

Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping as a new strategy for stroke prevention. This study was established to observe the changes in myocardial injury and coagulation during the perioperative to provide the basis for anticoagulation strategy. Fifty-two patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who completed thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping alone and 52 matched controls with thoracoscopic lobectomy were included in the study. The changes in coagulation and myocardial enzyme during the perioperative period were compared by t-test or nonparametric test. Linear correlation analysis was performed on the trend changes of each indicator in the left atrial appendage clipping group. Compared with the control group, the postoperative cardiac troponin I level in the thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than that before the operation; there was no significant difference in the increase of myoglobin between the two groups. In the coagulation function, there was no significant difference in the increase of fibrinogen between the two groups. Postoperative D-dimer and fibrin degradation products were significantly increased, especially the left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than the control group, and even showed a trend of secondary increase. Cardiac troponin I was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor activity, and the Spearman nonparametric correlation coefficients were 1, 0.829, and 0.829, respectively (all p < .05). Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage closure surgery presents early myocardial injury and activation of coagulation function. The secondary increase of coagulation index needs our attention.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS THEIR TODDLERS DENTAL HEALTH CARE

Background: Caries are one of the dental and oral health problems that are still the highest sequence today. The prevalence of caries in Indonesia gets 90% in the toddler population. A mother's knowledge about dental health will determine the mother's attitude towards children's dental health care, and low maternal knowledge is associated with high caries prevalence. The working area of the Bangsalsari Public Health Center is one of the areas in Jember that have a relatively high number of caries cases in toddlers, which is more than half of the number of toddlers experiencing caries. The study aims to analyse the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of mothers in the maintenance of dental health of toddlers in the work area of the Bangsalsari Public Health Center, Jember. Methods: This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were selected by a total sampling technique and obtained by as many as 126 mothers of toddlers. Data were collected using a knowledge and attitude questionnaire each containing 10 questions. The research data that have been obtained are then carried out with a nonparametric Spearman correlation test. Results: Spearman test shows a significant value of 0.000 (p&lt;0.05), the correlation value obtained is r = 0.824 with a positive value. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes of mothers in dental health care for toddlers, and both variables have a unidirectional relationship with a very strong correlation level. Keywords : Attitudes of mothers, Dental health care, Knowledge, Toddlers

Statistical and Diagnostic Properties of pRRx Parameters in Atrial Fibrillation Detection.

Background: We studied the diagnostic properties of the percentage of successive RR intervals differing by at least x ms (pRRx) as functions of the threshold value x in a range of 7 to 195 ms for the differentiation of atrial fibrillation (AF) from sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: RR intervals were measured in 60-s electrocardiogram (ECG) segments with either AF (32,141 segments) or SR (32,769 segments) from the publicly available Physionet Long-Term Atrial Fibrillation Database (LTAFDB). For validation, we have used ECGs from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology–Beth Israel Hospital (MIT–BIH) Atrial Fibrillation Database. The pRRx distributions in AF and SR in relation to x were studied by histograms, along with the mutual association by the nonparametric Spearman correlations for all pairs of pRRx, and separately for AF or SR. The optimal cutoff values for all pRRx were determined using the receiver operator curve characteristic. A nonparametric bootstrap with 5000 samples was used to calculate a 95% confidence interval for several classification metrics. Results: The distributions of pRRx for x in the 7–195 ms range are significantly different in AF than in SR. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratios differ for pRRx, with the highest values for x = 31 ms (pRR31) rather than x = 50 (pRR50), which is most commonly applied in studies on heart rate variability. For the optimal cutoff of pRR31 (68.79%), the sensitivity is 90.42%, specificity 95.37%, and the diagnostic odds ratio is 194.11. Validation with the ECGs from the MIT–BIH Atrial Fibrillation Database confirmed our findings. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the diagnostic properties of pRRx depend on x, and pRR31 outperforms pRR50, at least for ECGs of 60-s duration.

Sustainability assessment of renewable energy site location using a combinatorial decision-making model under uncertainty and data reliability

ABSTRACT Decision-making has become one of the most important aspects of various problems. Accordingly, making the right decision accurately and efficiently based on the most influential criteria is still one of the critical challenges in this area. Among various optimisation issues, sustainable development of renewable energies is one the most crucial in which one of the significant prerequisites is considering the most suitable location for establishing renewable power plants. Based on these motivations, this paper developed a combinatorial multi-criteria decision model using Fuzzy-DEMATEL (FDEMATEL), Fuzzy-ANP (FANP) and Z-number-DEA (ZDEA) methods considering uncertainty and data reliability. For validation of the proposed model, a decision problem is considered for the location selection of a landfill with the aims of managing urban waste, reducing the total cost, improving the efficiency of waste disposal and community social issues. This model considers four indicators, including environmental, economic, social and strategic aspects. In addition, the Crisp-DEA (DEA) and Fuzzy-DEA (FDEA) methods are employed to validate the results using the Non-Parametric Spearman Correlation Test and a sensitivity analysis is performed for the ZDEA model. In the next step, a managerial analysis is presented. Finally, a comparison is discussed between the proposed model and existing decision models.

Correlation between trunk control and upper extremity function in subjects with cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is prevalent disability starting in early childhood characterized as a series of difficulties caused by Central Nervous System lesions. Motor and secondary musculoskeletal problems are seen in CP. The trunk plays an important role in the organization of postural control, balance and also provides free movement of upper limb but in subjects with CP may challenge by manual skills such as fine motor activities and may also have difficulty in maintaining trunk control. : Aim of the study was to assess and investigate the correlation between trunk control and upper limb function in subjects with cerebral palsy. Cross sectional study was conducted in which 34 Subjects from SBB College of physiotherapy, SVP hospital and private clinics were taken. Subjects diagnosed with any clinical type of either gender aged 6 to 15 years CP with Gross Motor Functional Classification System level Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, were included and recent trauma or surgery of upper extremity and spine (less ˂ 6 months) were excluded in the study by convenient sampling. After taken consent, Trunk Control Measurement scale (TCMS) were filled up by primary therapist and ABILHAND kids Gujarati version questionnaires were filled up by parents personal interview. : Data analysis for 34 subjects was done by using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft excels 2019. For data screened nonparametric Spearman correlation co˗ efficient test was used with level of significance kept at 5%. Results showed that there is strong positive correlation between trunk control and upper limb function (r ₌ 0.773 p ₌ 0.05) in subjects with cerebral palsy. Study concluded that Trunk Control is highly correlated with upper limb function in subjects with CP. Therefore, it is important in NeuroRehabilitation applications to improve upper limb function along with control of trunk.

The Esthetic Outcome of Interproximal Papilla Between Implant-Restored Unilateral and Bilateral Maxillary Central Incisors: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Restoring the esthetics of anterior teeth with implants is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the esthetic outcome of interproximal papilla between implant-restored unilateral and bilateral maxillary central incisors. A total of 56 adults with implant restorations in the maxillary central incisors were enrolled, including 40 cases of unilateral incisors and 16 cases of bilateral incisors. Photographic and radiographic assessments were performed, and patient-reported esthetic satisfaction was collected. The papilla index (PI) in the unilateral group was superior to that in the bilateral group (P = .002). Patients in the two groups reported equal satisfaction regarding the final esthetic outcome (P = .470). Statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups in papilla height (P = .000), implant-implant or implant-tooth distance (P = .002), and vertical distance from the implant platform to the bone crest (P = .000). In the bilateral group, tested variables were not correlated with PI by nonparametric Spearman correlation. In the unilateral group, the multivariate binary logistic regression model showed that incomplete papilla fill was associated with abutment type (OR = 0.019), implant-tooth distance (range, 2.1 to 6.2 mm; OR = 6.435), and distance from the bone crest to the contact point (range: 3.5 to 6.9 mm; OR = 4.589). In implant-restored maxillary central incisors, PI in the unilateral group was superior to that in the bilateral group. In the bilateral group, no clinical variable was correlated with PI. In the unilateral group, the risk of incomplete papilla fill was reduced by the customized zirconia abutment and was increased by the larger implant-tooth distance and higher distance from the bone crest to the contact point.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AUTOPHAGY-RELATED PROTEINS IN ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS AND DENTIGEROUS CYSTS

Objectives To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7 and LC3A) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs). Study Design Eighteen OKCs and 18 DCs were submitted to immunohistochemistry. The percentages (cytoplasmic and nuclear) of positive cells for Atg7 and LC3A in the epithelial lining were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Results Compared to DCs, OKCs exhibited higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (P = .016) and nuclear (P < .001) positivity for Atg7. No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic (P = .070) and nuclear (P = .187) immunoexpression of LC3A were observed between OKCs and DCs. In DCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Atg7 (P < .001). Nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of LC3A was positively correlated in OKCs (P = .007) and DCs (P < .001). Conclusions The results suggest a role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OKCs and DCs. The more aggressive biological behavior of OKCs compared to DCs may be related to increased nuclear translocation and higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7. To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7 and LC3A) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs). Eighteen OKCs and 18 DCs were submitted to immunohistochemistry. The percentages (cytoplasmic and nuclear) of positive cells for Atg7 and LC3A in the epithelial lining were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Compared to DCs, OKCs exhibited higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (P = .016) and nuclear (P < .001) positivity for Atg7. No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic (P = .070) and nuclear (P = .187) immunoexpression of LC3A were observed between OKCs and DCs. In DCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Atg7 (P < .001). Nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of LC3A was positively correlated in OKCs (P = .007) and DCs (P < .001). The results suggest a role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OKCs and DCs. The more aggressive biological behavior of OKCs compared to DCs may be related to increased nuclear translocation and higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CXCL12 AND CXCR4 IN SYNDROMIC AND NONSYNDROMIC ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS

Objectives To evaluate the immunoexpression of chemokine CXCL12 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in odontogenic keratocysts associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (SOKCs) and nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocysts (NSOKCs). Study Design The percentages of cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining in epithelial and fibrous capsule cells of 22 SOKCs and 22 NSOKCs were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Results Higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCL12 was observed in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of NSOKCs compared to SOKCs (P < .001). No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 were observed between SOKCs and NSOKCs (P > .05). Compared to SOKCs, NSOKCs exhibited higher nuclear expression of CXCR4 in the epithelial lining and lower immunoexpression in the fibrous capsule (P < .05). In the epithelial lining of SOKCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 (P = .003). In the fibrous capsule of SOKCs and NSOKCs, cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were positively correlated (P < .001). Conclusions The results suggest a potential involvement of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the development of OKCs. The heterogenous expression of these proteins in SOKCs and NSOKCs may reflect differences in their pathogenesis and biological behavior. To evaluate the immunoexpression of chemokine CXCL12 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in odontogenic keratocysts associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (SOKCs) and nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocysts (NSOKCs). The percentages of cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining in epithelial and fibrous capsule cells of 22 SOKCs and 22 NSOKCs were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCL12 was observed in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of NSOKCs compared to SOKCs (P < .001). No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 were observed between SOKCs and NSOKCs (P > .05). Compared to SOKCs, NSOKCs exhibited higher nuclear expression of CXCR4 in the epithelial lining and lower immunoexpression in the fibrous capsule (P < .05). In the epithelial lining of SOKCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 (P = .003). In the fibrous capsule of SOKCs and NSOKCs, cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were positively correlated (P < .001). The results suggest a potential involvement of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the development of OKCs. The heterogenous expression of these proteins in SOKCs and NSOKCs may reflect differences in their pathogenesis and biological behavior.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AUTOPHAGY-RELATED PROTEINS IN PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMAS AND ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMAS OF SALI

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the immunoexpression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7, LC3A, p62, and phosphorylated mammalian target for rapamycin) in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands. <h3>Study Design</h3> The percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for Atg7, LC3A, p62, and <i>P</i>-mTOR in neoplastic cells of 20 PAs and 14 ACCs were determined and correlated with histopathologic parameters. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. <h3>Results</h3> Cytoplasmic expression of autophagy-related proteins was observed in all cases of PA and ACC, with high median percentages of positivity for Atg7 and p62. Compared to ACCs, PAs exhibited higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7, LC3A, and P-mTOR (<i>P</i> < .005), as well as higher nuclear expression of p62 (<i>P</i> < .0001). No significant differences in the immunoexpression of Atg7, LC3A, p62, and P-mTOR were observed according to histopathologic parameters of the tumors (<i>P</i> > .05). In PAs and ACCs, positive correlations were found for the immunoexpression of some autopaghy-related proteins (<i>P</i> < .05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Autophagy may be involved in the pathogenesis of PA and ACC of the salivary glands. The upregulation of this intracellular degradation system and the reduced nuclear translocation of p62 could contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of ACC of salivary glands.