Spearman Rank Coefficient Research Articles

"Correlation of ultrasound scores with endoscopic activity in Crohn's disease: a prospective exploratory study".

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is being widely accepted as a reliable tool to monitor Crohn's disease (CD). Several IUS scores have been proposed, but none has been formally accepted by international organisations. Our aim was to compare the available scores regarding their correlation with endoscopic activity. Consenting CD patients undergoing ileocolonoscopy at our Unit between September 2021 and February 2023 were included. Endoscopic activity was defined as SES-CD≥3, or Rutgeerts score ≥i2b for operated patients. IUS was performed within 6 weeks from endoscopy and scored with IBUS-SAS, BUSS, Simple-US, and SUS-CD. All correlations were performed using Spearman's rank coefficient (rho=ρ). ROC curves were compared with Hanley&McNeil methodology. Out of 73 CD patients, 45 (61.6%) presented endoscopic activity, of whom 22 severe (30.1%). All IUS scores showed significant positive correlation with endoscopy (p<0.0001), with IBUS-SAS ranking the highest (ρ=0.87). Similarly, IBUS-SAS was the most correlated with clinical activity (ρ=0.58). ROC analysis of IBUS-SAS for any endoscopic activity showed the highest AUC (0.95 [95% CI 0.87-0.99]), with sensitivity of 82.2% and specificity of 100% for a cut-off value of 25.2. IBUS-SAS was statistically superior to all other scores to detect severe endoscopic activity (SES-CD ≥ 9 or Rutgeerts i4). All IUS scores provided solid correlation with endoscopy and clinical symptoms. IBUS-SAS outperformed the others due to a more granular description that might particularly help in stratifying different levels of disease activity. Therefore, the use of IBUS-SAS in Centres with well-founded expertise in IUS may be suggested.

868 Analysis of the Surgical Edge of Adult-Type Diffuse Astrocytomas and its Correlation With Prognosis

INTRODUCTION: Glioma cells extend beyond the macroscopic margins of the tumor, making it impossible to pursue a cure based only on surgical treatment in patients with the diagnosis of Adult-Type Diffuse Glioma (ATDG). The tumor volume left behind in the surgical bed is a significant predictor of recurrence and survival. In the present study, we analyzed the grade of malignancy in the surgical edge (SE) after tumor removal and correlated it with progression-free survival (PFS) in patients diagnosed with ATDG. METHODS: Surgical edge biopsy samples were obtained after tumor removal in 15 patients (3 A2; 2 A3; 2 A4; and 8 GBM, WHO CNS 5); the samples were analyzed by three neuropathologists and were classified in a GOM (2, 3, or 4). An MRI was performed within 48 hours after surgery in all patients to assess the extent of resection. PFS was obtained from clinical and MRI follow-up. Data analysis was conducted using a nonparametric Spearman rank coefficient correlation test. RESULTS: Correlation analysis between the highest grade of malignancy found in the SE and PFS was -0.8080 (95% CI = -0.9359 to -0.4920, p &lt; 0.0001). See Image 1. CONCLUSIONS: A strong correlation between the GOM in the SE and PFS was found in ATDG Astrocytomas. See Image 2 and 3.

Association of Respiratory Functional Indices and Smoking with Pleural Movement and Mean Lung Density Assessed Using Four-Dimensional Dynamic-Ventilation Computed Tomography in Smokers and Patients with COPD.

To correlate the ratio of the non-dependent to dependent aspects of the maximal pleural movement vector (MPMVND/D) and gravity-oriented collapse ratio (GCRND/D), and the mean lung field density (MLD) obtained using four-dimensional (4D) dynamic-ventilation computed tomography (DVCT) with airflow limitation parameters and the Brinkman index. Forty-seven patients, including 22 patients with COPD, 13 non-COPD smokers, and 12 non-smokers, with no/slight pleural adhesion confirmed using a thoracoscope, underwent 4D-DVCT with 16 cm coverage. Coordinates for the lung field center, as well as ventral and dorsal pleural points, set on the central trans-axial levels in the median and para-median sagittal planes at end-inspiration, were automatically measured (13-17 frame images, 0.35 seconds/frame). MPMVND/D and GCRND/D were calculated based on MPMV and GCR values for all the included points and the lung field center. MLD was automatically measured in each of the time frames, and the maximal change ratio of MLD (MLDCR) was calculated. These measured values were compared among COPD patients, non-COPD smokers, and non-smokers, and were correlated with the Brinkman index, FEV1/FVC, FEV1 predicted, RV/TLC, and FEF25-75% using Spearman's rank coefficients. MPMVND/D was highest in non-smokers (0.819±0.464), followed by non-COPD smokers (0.405±0.131) and patients with COPD (-0.219±0.900). GCRND/D in non-smokers (1.003±1.384) was higher than that in patients with COPD (-0.164±1.199). MLDCR in non-COPD smokers (0.105±0.028) was higher than that in patients with COPD (0.078±0.027). MPMVND/D showed positive correlations with FEV1 predicted (r=0.397, p=0.006), FEV1/FVC (r=0.501, p<0.001), and FEF25-75% (r=0.368, p=0.012). GCRND/D also demonstrated positive correlations with FEV1 (r=0.397, p=0.006), FEV1/FVC (r=0.445, p=0.002), and FEF25-75% (r=0.371, p=0.011). MPMVND/D showed a negative correlation with the Brinkman index (r=-0.398, p=0.006). We demonstrated that reduced MPMVND/D and GCRND/D were associated with respiratory functional indices, in addition to a negative association of MPMVND/D with the Brinkman index, which should be recognized when assessing local pleural adhesion on DVCT, especially for ventral pleural aspects.

The Effect of the Histone Chaperones HSPA8 and DEK on Tumor Immunity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Complex immune contexture leads to resistance to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the need for new potential biomarkers of immunotherapy in HCC is urgent. Histone chaperones are vital determinants of gene expression and genome stability that regulate tumor development. This study aimed to investigate the effect of histone chaperones on tumor immunity in HCC. Bioinformatics analyses were initially performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and were validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Immune-related histone chaperones were screened with the Spearman rank coefficient. Consensus clustering was utilized to divide the HCC samples into two clusters. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA analyses were performed to assess immune infiltration. The expression of immunomodulatory genes, chemokines and chemokine receptors was analyzed to evaluate sensitivity to immunotherapy. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were included in weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the hub genes. Enrichment analyses were used to investigate the functions of the hub genes. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were conducted to draw survival curves. A Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify independent risk factors affecting prognosis. HSPA8 and DEK were screened out from 36 known histone chaperones based on their strongest correlation with the ESTIMATE score. Cluster 2, with high HSPA8 expression and low DEK expression, tended to have stronger immune infiltration and better sensitivity to immunotherapy than Cluster 1, with low HSPA8 expression and high DEK expression. Furthermore, WGCNA identified 12 hub genes closely correlated with immune infiltration from the DEGs of the two clusters, of which FBLN2 was proven to be an independent protective factor of HCC patients. HSPA8 and DEK are expected to be biomarkers for precisely predicting the effect of immunotherapy, and FBLN2 is expected to be a therapeutic target of HCC.

Calibrating a hydrological model in ungauged small river basins of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau based on near-infrared images

River discharge monitoring sites are scarce in high mountain basins, especially on the Tibetan Plateau where rivers are widely distributed. The potential for estimating river discharge using remote sensing has been widely utilized for large continental rivers, while its application to smaller regional rivers has been limited. To address this issue, we investigate the reliability of calibrating a hydrological model for two small subbasins lacking discharge data in the upstream region of the Heihe River located on the Tibetan Plateau, based solely on multiple pixel ratio (MPR) data derived from near-infrared satellite images. Using six independent calibration schemes based on discharge or MPR data, the value of MPR data for hydrological modeling is explored. We first calibrate a model using observed discharge data and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies (NSEs) based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (Q-NSE scheme). We then use estimated discharge values derived from MPR data and identify different parameter sets that result in the highest NSEs in a Monte Carlo-based uncertainty framework (Q-NSE-1, Q-NSE-2 and Q-NSE-3 schemes). Spearman rank coefficients between MPR data and observed discharge data are then used as an alternative way to calibrate the model (MPR-SR scheme). The MPR-SR scheme is also applied with a simple water-balance filter, which removes parameter sets, which result in either underestimated or overestimated total discharge volumes (MPR-SRF scheme). The Babao River Basin and Yeniugou River Basin are used to compare the different calibration schemes and to perform parameter sensitivity analyses. The MPR-SRF calibration scheme achieved better performance in both river basins, with NSEs of 0.63 and 0.62, respectively, during the validation period. This study demonstrates the potential of the MPR-SRF calibration scheme to enhance models of small ungauged river basins lacking ground discharge observation data, and provides insights into how remote sensing data can be more effectively combined with hydrological modelling.

Motility Mapping Quantification Using the Classical Optical Flow Algorithm for Small Bowel Crohn's Disease: Comparison with Balloon-assisted Enteroscopy Findings.

To quantify bowel motility shown on cine MRI using the classical optical flow algorithm and compare it with balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) findings in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This retrospective study included 29 consecutive patients with CD who had undergone MR enterocolonography (MREC) and BAE between March and May 2017. We developed computer software to present motion vector magnitudes between consecutive cine MR images as bowel motility maps via a classical optical flow algorithm using the Horn-Schunck method. Cine MR images were acquired with a balanced steady-state free precession sequence in the coronal direction to capture small bowel motility. The small bowels were divided into three segments. In total, 63 bowel segments were assessed via BAE and MREC. Motility scores on the maps, simplified MR index of activity (sMaRIA), and MREC score derived from a 5-point MR classification were assessed independently by two radiologists and compared with the CD endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS). Correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank coefficient. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of motility score for differentiating CDEIS was calculated; a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Motility score was negatively correlated with CDEIS (r = -0.59 [P < 0.001] and -0.54 [P < 0.001]), and the AUCs of motility scores for detecting CDEIS ≥ 3 were 88.2% and 78.6% for observers 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences in the AUC for detecting CDEIS ≥ 3 and CDEIS ≥ 12 between motility and sMaRIA or MREC score. The motility map was feasible for locally quantifying the bowel motility. In addition, the motility score on the map reflected the endoscopic inflammatory activity of each small bowel segment in patients with CD; hence, it could be used as a tool in objectively interpreting cine MREC to predict inflammatory activity in CD.

Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Patients Suffering from Fibromyalgia after the Classic and Tensegration Massage

Abstract Pain in the course of fibromyalgia (FMS) is a serious therapeutic problem of modern medicine. Patients experience generalized pain within the musculoskeletal system, which significantly reduces the perceived level of quality of life. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of therapeutic massage on the alleviation of pain in fibromyalgia and the change in HRQoL after the use of this type of therapy, including the classic and tensegration massage. The study group consisted of 41 people suffering from FMS (F:21; M:20). The mean age of all the studies people was 40 ± 9.6 years. All studied people participated in two short therapeutic series consisting of three procedures. The interval between the therapeutic series was two months. The series included: a single series of the classic massage and the tenseg-ration massage, respectively. Before and after each of the therapeutic series, the patients completed a survey questionnaire, based on the EQ-5D-5L standard. The analysis for independent variables was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon pair order test for dependent variables, and the Spearman rank coefficient was determined. The assumed level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. A greater effectiveness of the tensegration massage compared to the classic massage was confirmed by analyzing the results of EQ-5D-5L. Analysis of the relationship between the first and second measurement in each of the EQ-5D-5L domains before and after the massage indicated significant relationships in the case of the tensegration massage (p ≤ 0.05 in each domain except the self-care domain p = 0.116). In the case of classical massage, a significant relationship was noted only in the domains of: pain and discomfort (p = 0.045) and anxiety and depression (p = 0.012). A significantly higher average level on the EQ-VAS scale was confirmed after the applied tensegration massage (I-TM:76.3 ± 16.9; II-TM:87.9 ± 13.6; p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the beneficial effect of physical activity and BMI on the effectiveness of fibromyalgia treatment and the level of HRQoL was demonstrated. Massage is an effective therapeutic method in fibromyalgia, allowing to improve health and thus HRQoL. Factors such as physical activity and BMI are also important.

The cardiac-fetal-placental unit: fetal umbilical vein flow rate is linked to the maternal cardiac profile in fetal growth restriction

The functional maternal-fetal hemodynamic unit includes fetal umbilical vein flow and maternal peripheral vascular resistance. This study investigated the relationships between maternal and fetal hemodynamics in a population with suspected fetal growth restriction. This was a prospective study of normotensive pregnancies referred to our outpatient clinic for a suspected fetal growth restriction. Maternal hemodynamics measurement was performed, using a noninvasive device (USCOM-1A) and a fetal ultrasound evaluation to assess fetal biometry and velocimetry Doppler parameters. Comparisons among groups were performed with 1-way analysis of variance with Student-Newman-Keuls correction for multiple comparisons and with Kruskal-Wallis test where appropriate. The Spearman rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between maternal and fetal hemodynamics. Pregnancies were observed until delivery. A total of 182 normotensive pregnancies were included. After the evaluation, 54 fetuses were classified as growth restricted, 42 as small for gestational age, and 86 as adequate for gestational age. The fetus with fetal growth restriction had significantly lower umbilical vein diameter (P<.0001), umbilical vein velocity (P=.02), umbilical vein flow (P<.0001), and umbilical vein flow corrected for fetal weight (P<.01) than adequate-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age fetuses. The maternal hemodynamic profile in fetal growth restriction was characterized by elevated systemic vascular resistance and reduced cardiac output. The umbilical vein diameter was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.261), whereas there was a negative correlation between maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.338) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0267). The fetal umbilical vein time averaged max velocity was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.189) and maternal inotropy index (rs=0.162), whereas there was a negative correlation with maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.264) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0.171). The fetal umbilical vein flow and the flow corrected for estimated fetal weight were positively correlated with maternal cardiac output (rs=0.339 and rs=0.297) and maternal inotropy index (rs=0.217 and r=0.336), whereas there was a negative correlation between maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.461 and rs=-0.409) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0.336 and rs=-0.408). Maternal and fetal hemodynamic parameters were different in the 3 groups of fetuses: fetal growth restriction, small for gestational age, and adequate for gestational age. Maternal hemodynamic parameters were closely and continuously correlated with fetal hemodynamic features. In particular, a maternal hemodynamic profile with high systemic vascular resistance, low cardiac output, reduced inotropism, and hypodynamic circulation was correlated with a reduced umbilical vein flow and increased umbilical artery pulsatility index. The mother, placenta, and fetus should be considered as a single cardiac-fetal-placental unit. The correlations of systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, and inotropy index with umbilical artery impedance indicate the key role of these 3 parameters in placental vascular tree development. The umbilical vein flow rate and, therefore, the placental perfusion seems to be influenced not only by these three parameters but also by the maternal cardiovascular kinetic energy.

A network analysis and support vector regression approaches for visualising and predicting the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia

This study aims to (1) correlate and visualise the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic spread via Spearman rank coefficients of network analysis (NA) and (2) predict the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed and death cases via support vector regression (SVR) based on COVID-19 dataset in Malaysia between July 2020 to June 2021. The NA indicated increasing connectivity between different states throughout the time frame, revealing the most complex network of COVID-19 transmission in the second quarter of 2021. The SVR model predicted future COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malaysia in the second half of 2021. The study demonstrated that the NA and SVR could provide relatively simple yet valuable artificial intelligence techniques for visualising the degree of connectivity and predicting pandemic risk based on confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Malaysian health authorities used the NA and SVR model results for preventive measures in highly populated states.

HUBUNGAN KEPEMIMPINAN KETUA KELOMPOK TANI DENGAN EFEKTIVITAS KELOMPOK TANI DI KECAMATAN PUSOMAEN KABUPATEN MINAHASA TENGGARA (STUDI KASUS: KELOMPOK TANI TEKAD BERSAMA DESA MINANGA SATU)

This research aims to examine and analyze the relationship between the leadership of the farmer group leader and the effectiveness of the “Tekad Bersama” farmer group in Minanga Satu Village, Pusomaen District, Southeast Minahasa Regency. This research was conducted for 3 months starting from September to November 2021. The data used in this study were primary data and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from interviews with members of farmer groups using a list of questions that had been developed directly using a questionnaire. Secondary data were obtained from the Minanga Satu village office, as well as literature studies from the results of previous studies related to research and articles from print media and the internet. The method used in sampling is done by census, where all members of the population are used as samples with the number of members of the farmer group is 15 people. While the analytical method used is the Spearman Rank Coefficient Correlation Test (rs). The results showed that the leadership of the collective determination farmer group in Minanga Satu village was in the high category. The effectiveness of the Tekad Bersama farmer group in Minanga Satu Village is in the high category. From the results of the Spearman Rank test and the significance test at the 95% confidence level, it was found that the relationship between the leadership of the head of the farmer group and the effectiveness of the farmer group had a significant relationship.

Relationship between liquidity and profitability: An analysis of Indian cement companies

The ultimate aim of working capital management is to enable a firm to maximize profits from its operations and to maintain enough liquidity at the same time. As liquidity and profitability are inversely related to each other, hence increasing profitability would tend to reduce firms’ liquidity and too much attention on liquidity would tend to affect the profitability. Though every firm tries to maximize the profitability by preserving the liquidity but, increasing profits at the cost of liquidity might cause serious trouble to the firm and this problem might lead to financial insolvency as well. Thus an effective balance between liquidity and profitability is very much required to achieve both of the objectives of every firm, i.e. liquidity and profitability. To increase profit, a firm need to forgo liquidity which might damage the firm’s goodwill, deteriorate firm’s credit standings and that might lead to forced liquidation of firm’s assets and excessive liquidity on the other hand indicates the accumulation of idle funds that don’t fetch any profits for the firm. Hence a study is very much required to understand how firms earn profit without compromising the liquidity. This study is an attempt to establish the relationship between the liquidity and profitability of top ten Indian cement companies. The data has been analyzed using Spearman's Rank Coefficient of Correlation and it is found that both liquidity and profitability is negatively correlated which confirms the theoretical viewpoint.

Analysis of financial liquidity and predicting the bankruptcy risk of Indian cement companies

Liquidity is important to the efficient running of any business. Maintaining liquidity on a daily basis is a critical part of managing working capital to guarantee that the company works effectively and achieves its obligations.Efforts to boost profitability, on the other hand, are likely to lower businesses' liquidity, and a focus on liquidity may have an adverse effect on profitability. The study's major goal was to determine if organizations can make a profit while retaining essential liquidity, or whether they are willing to compromise liquidity to make a bigger profit. The data has been analyzed using Motaal's Liquidity Assessment Test and Spearman's Rank Coefficient of Correlation. This study makes an attempt to examine the link between the sample businesses' liquidity and profitability, as well as the possibility of bankruptcy. Among the ten selected cement companies, UltraTech Cement, Shree Cement, Ambuja Cement, ACC, J.K. Cement, Ramco, Birla Corporation, JK Lakshmi, Rain Industries, and India Cement, UltraTech Cement, Shree Cement, Ambuja Cement, ACC, J.K. Cement, Ramco, Birla Corporation, JK Lakshmi, Rain Industries, India Cement and UltraTech. Shree Cement, according to Motaal's liquidity test, has the best liquidity status.

Development of an Interprofessional Handoff Assessment for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Background and Purpose: Handoff communication, especially interprofessional (IPE) handoff communication, has been shown to make up a large portion of communication errors in health care. There is variability in the way professionals are trained and deliver the pertinent patient information in handoffs, which, causes confusion, makes recall difficult, and increases the incidence of medical errors. Thus, this study aimed at assessing IPE handoffs for individuals who are trained in SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) method of IPE communication developed by TEAM STEPPS®. Method: To assess IPE handoffs for those who are trained with the SBAR method, an existing tool was modified to make it more explicit to IPE handoff communication using descriptors from SBAR. Reliability and internal consistency were evaluated using videos of IPE handoffs of doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Results: Spearman rank coefficients for the revised assessment domains ranged from 0.56 to 0.86, indicating a strong correlation. The communication and content domains had the highest level of correlation. The interrater reliability of the 5 raters was 0.85, indicating high reliability. Discussion and Conclusion: This assessment proved to be simple and reliable to measure IPE handoff communication skills during emergent situations between DPT students and standardized nurses. Thus, this assessment can be used to assess interprofessional handoffs, develop competencies improved teamwork, and reduce medical errors.

CT scan versus bioelectrical impedance spectrometry sarcopenia assessment to predict chemotherapy toxicity in early breast cancer.

12078 Background: There is growing literature on the impact of the progressive loss of skeletal muscle known as sarcopenia in women with early breast cancer (EBC). Imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans are the most studied methods to detect sarcopenia in patients with cancer; however, most patients with EBC do not require routine CT scans. Bioelectrical impedance spectrometry (BIS) is a method that does not expose patients to radiation and provides measurements to assess sarcopenia instantaneously. The extent to which BIS-assessed sarcopenia correlates with CT-assessed sarcopenia is uncertain. It is also unclear whether sarcopenia detected with either method can be associated with chemotherapy tolerance To address these questions, we evaluated the correlation between CT and BIS sarcopenia and associations of sarcopenia by each method with chemotherapy related outcomes in patients with EBC. Methods: This retrospective study identified patients with EBC who received chemotherapy (ACT, TC, TH, THP), underwent BIS analyses (ImpediMed) at any point between diagnosis and treatment completion and also received a CT abdomen including L3 level. Axial CT L3 segments were analyzed using Slice-O-Matic software. CT L3, and BIS generated the Skeletal Muscle (SM). Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was then calculated to assess for sarcopenia: BIS SMI= (SM in kg)/ (patient height, m2) and CT L3 SMI (SM cm2/ height m2). Patients were divided into normal SMI, and sarcopenia (if BIS was used SMI &lt;6.75 kg/m2 and if CT SMI &lt;40 cm2/m2). Patient medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, grade 3 and 4 toxicity, including neuropathy symptoms, chemotherapy dose reductions, early treatment discontinuation or need for hospitalization during chemotherapy treatment. Spearman's rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between CT SMI and BIS SMI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to associate sarcopenia with outcomes, controlling for age and BMI. Results: 361 patients received chemotherapy, underwent BIS; of those 171 had L3 CT scans. The correlation between L3 CT SMI and BIS SMI was r= 0.64 p&lt;0.0001. In the multivariable model, sarcopenia assessed by L3 CT scan was associated with chemotherapy dose reduction (CI 0.04-0.60 p=0.01) and neuropathy (CI 0.10-0.95 P=0.04) but not with grade 3 or 4 chemotherapy toxicity (CI 0.13-1.09 p=0.07), early treatment discontinuation (p=0.3) or hospitalization (p=0.60). Sarcopenia assessed by BIS was associated with grade 3 or 4 chemotherapy toxicity (CI 0.2-0.83 p=0.01), neuropathy (CI 0.1-0.51 p=0.0003), early treatment discontinuation (OR 0.26 CI 0.11-0.80 p=0.001), and hospitalization (CI 0.12-0.68 p=0.004). Conclusions: There is a strong correlation between L3 CT scan and BIS screened sarcopenia in patients with EBC. Sarcopenia detected with either CT L3 or BIS is associated with worse chemotherapy tolerance.

Prognostic Value of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-RBD IgG Antibody Quantitation on Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

BackgroundAntibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 can be used as an indicator of recent or past vaccination or infection. However, the prognostic value of antibodies targeting the receptor binding protein (anti-RBD) in hospitalized patients is not widely reported.PurposeDetermine prognostic impact of SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantification at the time of admission on clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe conducted a pilot observational study on patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection to determine the prognostic impact of antibody quantitation within the first two days of admission. Anti-nucleocapsid IgG (anti-N) and Anti-RBD levels were measured. Anti-RBD level of 500 AU/mL was used as a cutoff to stratify patients. Spearman’s rank Coefficient (rs) was used to demonstrate association.ResultsOf the 26 patients included, those who were vaccinated more frequently tested positive for Anti-RBD (100% vs 46.2%, P = 0.005) with higher median titer level (623 vs 0, P = 0.011) compared to unvaccinated patients. Anti-N positivity was more frequently seen in unvaccinated patients (53.9% vs 7.7%, P = 0.03). Anti-RBD levels >500 were associated with lower overall hospital length of stay (LOS)(5 vs 10 days, P = 0.046). The analysis employing a Spearman Rank coefficient demonstrated a strong negative correlation between anti-S titer and LOS (rs=−.515, p = 0.007) and a moderate negative correlation with oxygen needs (rs =−.401, p = 0.042).ConclusionAnti-RBD IgG levels were associated with lower LOS and oxygen needs during hospitalization. Further studies are needed to determine if levels on admission can be used as a prognostic indicator.

Clinical longevity and trend analysis of 801 ultrathin ceramic veneers: A clinical cohort study

Statement of problemWhether ultrathin ceramic veneers are a suitable treatment alternative to conventional ceramic veneers is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this prospective clinical cohort study was to evaluate the efficacy and longevity of nonpreparation and minimally invasive ceramic veneers and the influence of existing restorations and ceramic type and to define the relationship between the number of veneers placed on different teeth and in different locations, as well as age and sex correlations. Material and methodsA total of 801 veneers were placed on incisors, canines, and premolars on maxillary and mandibular teeth between January 2011 and August 2019 (ABR number: RNN/92/19/KE). Feldspathic or feldspathic and lithium disilicate veneers were made, etched, silanated, and cemented. The restorations were evaluated 2 weeks after placement and then every 6 months by using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. The relationship between participant age and number of veneers was analyzed by using the Spearman rank coefficient test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Changes in the number of participants and veneers in subsequent years were analyzed based on the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The trend between the location of veneers and the sex of the participants was analyzed by using the chi-squared test for trend. Longevity tables and a survival curve for the veneers were prepared based on the Kaplan-Meier method. The relationships between veneer longevity and the type of ceramic used and the presence of restorations were compared by using the Taron-Ware test (α=.05). ResultsThe mean longevity of the intact veneers was 8.45 years. Clinical success was 99.7% after 1 year and 97.9% after 4 years; this value remained constant until the end of the study. Most participants were women (n=122; 84.1%), and the mean age was 41 years; median 40 years. The number of veneers placed on mandibular teeth each year increased over the subsequent years. ConclusionsThe longevity of ultrathin veneers after 9 years of observation was not related to the ceramic used or to the presence of a composite resin restoration. Veneers were more commonly placed in middle-aged women and in mandibular anterior teeth.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the simple shoulder test in the United Arab Emirates.

BackgroundThe Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a simple and short patient-reported outcome measuring functional limitations of the affected shoulder in patients with shoulder dysfunction. Although it is widely used in different clinical cultures, literature review to date revealed that the SST has not been yet translated nor validated in the Arabic language.Research objectivesTo translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Arabic version of the Simple Shoulder Test (SST).MethodologyA forward-backward translation method was adopted. One hundred and forty-one patients with shoulder pain were recruited for psychometric analysis based on the inclusion criteria. The test–retest reliability of the Arabic SST (ASST), pain, disability and total scores were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The construct validity of the ASST was tested by Spearman rank coefficients through comparing the Arabic SST scores to the severity of shoulder pain measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Arabic version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Internal consistency was assessed by the Cronbach’s alpha.FindingsOne hundred and forty participants (60 males and 80 females) with a mean (Standard Deviation) age of 39.3 (4.9) years participated in the study. The ICCs for score of ASST were reported high; pain 0.84 (0.78–0.93), disability 0.96 (0.93–0.97) and total score 0.95 (0.91–0.97). Similarly, the Cronbach α values for the ASST scores were also of high values with regards to pain (0.89), disability (0.94), and total score (0.97) respectively. Comparing the scores between the first and the second use of the ASST revealed no statistically significant mean differences of -1.9 (95% CI—3.61 to 0.17).ConclusionThe Arabic-translated version of the SST showed high reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity based on substantial correlations of the ASST with Arabic SPADI and VAS. We recommend the Arabic version of the SST for the evaluation of Arabic-speaking patients with shoulder dysfunction.

Genomic miscellany and allelic frequencies of Plasmodium falciparum msp-1, msp-2 and glurp in parasite isolates

IntroductionThe genomic miscellany of malaria parasites can help inform the intensity of malaria transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programs. This study was aimed at investigating the genomic miscellany, allele frequencies, and MOI of P. falciparum infection.MethodsA total of 85 P. falciparum confirmed isolates out of 100 were included in this study that were collected from P. falciparum patients aged 4 months to 60 years in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Parasite DNA was extracted from 200µL whole blood samples using the Qiagen DNA extraction kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. The polymorphic regions of msp-1, msp-2 and glurp loci were genotyped using nested PCR followed by gel electrophoresis for amplified fragments identification and subsequent data analysis.ResultsOut of 85 P. falciparum infections detected, 30 were msp-1 and 32 were msp-2 alleles specific. Successful amplification occurred in 88.23% (75/85) isolates for msp-1, 78.9% (67/85) for msp-2 and 70% (60/85) for glurp gene. In msp-1, the K1 allelic family was predominantly prevalent as 66.66% (50/75), followed by RO33 and MAD20. The frequency of samples with single infection having only K1, MAD20 and RO33 were 21.34% (16/75), 8% (6/75), and 10.67% (8/75), respectively. In msp-2, both the FC27 and 3D7 allelic families revealed almost the same frequencies as 70.14% (47/67) and 67.16% (45/67), respectively. Nine glurp RII region alleles were identified in 60 isolates. The overall mean multiplicity of infection for msp genes was 1.6 with 1.8 for msp-1 and 1.4 for msp-2, while for glurp the MOI was 1.03. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age groups (Spearman’s rank coefficient = 0.050; P = 0.6) while MOI and parasite density correlated for only msp-2 allelic marker.ConclusionsThe study showed high genetic diversity and allelic frequency with multiple clones of msp-1, msp-2 and glurp in P. falciparum isolates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In the present study the genotype data may provide valuable information essential for monitoring the impact of malaria eradication efforts in this region.

Associations Between Parental Occupational Balance, Subjective Health, and Clinical Characteristics of VLBW Infants.

ObjectiveVery low birthweight (VLBW) infants have an increased risk of mortality and frequently suffer from complications, which affects parental occupational balance. Occupational balance is the satisfaction with one's meaningful activities, which include everyday activities that people need to, want to, and are expected to do. In contrast to work-life balance, the construct of occupational balance addresses different activities equally and it applies to all persons, regardless of whether they are working or not. Parental occupational balance might be related to parents' and VLBW infants' health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate associations between parental occupational balance, subjective health, and clinical characteristics of VLBW infants.MethodsA cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in six Austrian neonatal intensive care units. Occupational balance and subjective health of parents of VLBW infants were assessed with six self-reported questionnaires. The following clinical characteristics of VLBW infants were extracted from medical records: gestational age, birthweight, Apgar scores, Clinical Risk for Babies II Score, and complications of prematurity. Spearman's rank coefficients were calculated.ResultsIn total, 270 parents, 168 (62%) female and their VLBW infants, 120 (44%) female, were included in this study. Parents' mean age was 33.7 (±6.0) years, mean gestational age of VLBW infants was 27 + 3 (±2) weeks. Associations between parental occupational balance, subjective health, and clinical characteristics of VLBW infants were identified (rs = 0.13 – 0.56; p ≤ 0.05), such as the correlation between occupational areas (rs = 0.22, p ≤ 0.01), occupational characteristics (rs = 0.17, p = 0.01), and occupational resilience (rs = 0.18, p ≤ 0.01) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia of VLBW infants.ConclusionOccupational balance is associated with parents' and VLBW infants' health. Interventions to strengthen parental occupational balance might increase parental health and thereby also improve health and developmental outcomes of their VLBW infants.

Ranking of Iranian medical universities based on altmetric indices

This study was aimed at evaluating the Iranian medical universities’ rankings and altmetric indices in ResearchGate and Academia.edu. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a scientometric method. Social networking measures were collected in MS Excel from January to February 2017. Data were analysed using SPSS software and the Spearman, chi-square and Kendall rank coefficient tests. Ranking information and altmetric indices of 50 Iranian medical universities were collected and analysed. All of the type-1 medical universities have been presented in the Academia.edu and ResearchGate social networks. A statistically significant relationship ( P &lt; 0.05) has been found between the ranking systems of the universities with altmetric indicators, such as the number of members in both social networks, the number of publications and the total RG score in ResearchGate. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the ranking of medical universities based on the H-index of science metrics with their presence in the ResearchGate social network ( P &lt; 0.05). The results of this study reveal a relationship between the universities’ ranking systems and altmetric indicators. These findings emphasise the necessity of increasing the presence of faculty members in social network activities in disseminating and sharing knowledge.