Spearman Rank Order Correlation Research Articles

Information Systems and Operational Efficiency of Maritime Firms in Port Harcourt

The study examined the relationship between information systems and operational efficiency of maritime firms’ in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to address the specific objectives of this study. The RBV theory was adopted in this study and also quantitative research design using a correlational method of investigation. The population consists of 16 maritime firms in Port Harcourt. Census sampling was applied with focus on managers. Four managers per firm were sampled; a total of 64 managers were sampled. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach alpha test and it stood at 0.88 higher than the benchmark of 0.7. The data collected for this study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated. The result of the analysis revealed that the information system is significantly and positively related to the operational efficiency of maritime firms’ in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The empirical results of this study confirmed this as a positive and significant relationship was found between processing transaction systems and operational efficiency of maritime firms, and between electronic data interchange and operational efficiency of maritime firms. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the information system with its dimension of processing transaction system and electronic data interchange will improve operational efficiency of maritime firms in Port Harcourt. This study recommends that maritime firms should leverage on information systems as this would ensure reduction in cost and improve operational efficiency; they should use processing transaction system in order to facilitate the recording, tracking, and management of business transactions within the organization and the port, and they should adopt electronic data interchange for processing of documents and timely delivery of same.

Development of Air Cell System Following Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy for Pediatric Cholesteatoma.

Background: The development of temporal bone pneumatization is related to the postnatal middle ear environment, where the development of air cells is suppressed with otitis media in early childhood. However, whether air cell formation restarts when mastoidectomy is performed during temporal bone pneumatization remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated temporal bone pneumatization after canal wall up (CWU) tympanomastoidectomy for middle ear cholesteatoma in children. Methods: In total, 63 patients, including 29 patients with congenital cholesteatoma (CC) and 34 patients with acquired cholesteatoma (AC), were assessed using a set of pre- and postoperative computed tomography images. The air cells of the temporal bone were divided into five areas: periantral (anterior), periantral (posterior), periantral (medial), peritubal, and petrous apex. The number of areas with air cells before and after surgery was compared to evaluate temporal bone pneumatization after surgery. Results: A total of 63 patients, comprising 29 with CC and 34 with AC (pars flaccida; 23, pars tensa; 7, unclassified; 4), were evaluated. The median age of patients (18 males and 11 females) with CC was 5.0 (range, 2-15 years), while that of the AC group (23 males and 11 females) was 8 (range, 2-15 years). A significant difference in air cell presence was identified in the CC and AC groups after surgery (Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Between the two groups, considerably better postoperative pneumatization was observed in the CC group. A correlation between age at surgery and gain of postoperative air cell area development was identified in the CC group (Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient, r = -0.584, p < 0.001). In comparison with the postoperative pneumatization rate of each classified area, the petrous apex area was the lowest in the CC and AC groups. Conclusions: Newly developed air cells were identified in the temporal bones after CWU mastoidectomy for pediatric cholesteatoma. These findings may justify CWU tympanomastoidectomy, at least for younger children and CC patients, who may subsequently develop air cell systems after surgery.

Knowledge, attitudes, and current practices toward lung cancer palliative care management in China: a national survey

ScopeThe present investigation seeks to illuminate the current state and disparities in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals regarding the management of lung cancer palliative care (LCPC) in China, while simultaneously assessing the prevalence and context of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage in the management of cancer-related pain.MethodsA total of 2093 healthcare practitioners from 706 hospitals across China completed a structured questionnaire that probed various facets of LCPC management. The questionnaire consisted of seven thematic sections, incorporating chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact probabilities to statistically assess the discrepancies in KAP among healthcare professionals across different hospital grades. Ordered data distributions among hospital grades were compared using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multiple-choice items were subjected to multiple-response cross-tabulation analysis, while the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient was employed to gauge potential associations among variables.ResultsAround 84.2% of the respondents perceived anti-tumor therapy to be of equal importance to palliative care. Statistically significant differences (χ² = 27.402, P = 0.002) in satisfaction levels were observed, with participants from Tertiary hospitals demonstrating higher satisfaction compared to those from Secondary and Primary hospitals. Pain emerged as the most prevalent symptom necessitating LCPC. Major impediments to LCPC adoption included patients’ and families’ concerns about the safety of long-term palliative care-related drug use. 31.1% of the respondents cited the most frequent rationale for PCA use as cases involving patients who required systemic administration of large opioid doses or exhibited intolerable adverse reactions to opioids. The principal deterrents against the use of PCA for cancer pain management were (1): apprehension about adverse drug reactions due to overdose (2), concern about the potential for opioid addiction, and (3) the anticipated increase in patients’ economic burdens. Over the preceding 24-month period, 33.9% of the surveyed healthcare practitioners reported no engagement in either online or offline LCPC-related training initiatives.ConclusionThis study emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive training in LCPC among Chinese health personnels, particularly focusing on the effective management of cancer pain symptoms.

Collective Security and the African Regional Integration

The end of the cold war and the marginalization of Africa, coupled with the vicious cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, disease and internecine conflicts are reasons for the aggressive support for African regional integration and security mechanism. Meanwhile, commitments to African regional integration have been constrained by a highly ambivalent critique of the colonial heritage of sovereignty, and unwilling to transfer any of such freedom to supra-national bodies. Yet this has the potential of enhancing their ability to coordinate the implementation of collective security. The objective of this research therefore is to place the relationship between the African regional integration and the efficacy of collective security within the region. The study adopted the Survey research design. The main instrument for data collection was structured questionnaires. The Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that, there is a significant relationship between African regional integration and collective security/ effective deterrent to aggression, and also that, there is a significant relationship between the failure of African regional integration and the security dilemma confronting the region. The researcher therefore recommends that for the purpose of conflict management, the partnership between the UN and the AU, with its corresponding sub-regional organizations, should be akin to a pyramid. Regional security integration should rest on concepts of good governance, sound civil-military relations and commitments to democracy and human rights, and that regional security arrangements need to focus on modest measures for the prevention and containment of conflicts, rather than utopian ideas and complex institutional mechanisms.

Social Support as a Correlate of Depression and Quality of Life Among Nigerian Older Adults: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Reduced social support has been associated with presence of depression and reduced quality of life among older adults. The relationships may be better understood by exploring the interactions of individual domains among the constructs. This cross-sectional survey involved a consecutive sample of 206 (116 females and 90 males) older adults living in a Southern Nigeria community. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Geriatric Depression Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD Questionnaire, were used to measure social support, depression, and quality of life respectively. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, multiple regression and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient, at 0.05 alpha level. Prevalence rate of depression among participants was 45.5%. Social support was perceived to be low by 37.4% of participants with the lowest mean social support score coming from friends domain. Participants' quality of life was generally fairly good (> 60%) with the lowest scores coming from the intimacy domain. Significant correlations between social support domains and each of quality of life (p < 0.05) and depression were respectively positive and negative; but weakest for the friend and strongest for significant others domains. All quality of life domains were significantly correlated with social support except the death and dying domain. All the domains of social support (family and significant other) were significant predictors of depression except the friend domain. Significant others around individual older adults particularly those with depression ought to be educated on the importance of their roles. Stakeholders including healthcare providers may create and support programmes for improved social networking for the older adults in order to enhance their general wellbeing and quality of life.

Validity of the Active Australia Survey in an Australian cardiac rehabilitation population

ObjectivesTo examine the long-term validity of the Active Australia Survey in a cardiac rehabilitation population using accelerometry as the reference measure. DesignCohort validation study. MethodsCardiac rehabilitation participants with coronary heart disease were recruited to a prospective cohort study. Over 7-days, 61 participants wore an ActiGraph ActiSleep accelerometer (1-second epoch, 10-minute bout) and completed the self-administered Active Australia Survey at baseline, 6-weeks, 6 and 12-months. Total daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from both methods was compared using Bland–Altman plots and Spearman rank-order correlations. ResultsParticipants tended to over-report moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with more active participants more likely to over-report moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. There was a good level of agreement between the accelerometer 1-second epochs and Active Australia Survey at all time points (mean bias between accelerometer 1-second epochs and Active Australia Survey (ratio) 1.04, 1.16, 1.14, and 1.06, respectively), with weak–moderate correlations (ρ = 0.3–0.48). Conversely, there was a poor level of agreement between the accelerometer 10-minute bouts and Active Australia Survey at all time points (mean bias between accelerometer 10-minute bouts and Active Australia Survey (ratio) 6.78, 9.09, 6.35, and 5.68, respectively), with weak–moderate correlations (ρ = 0.3–0.52). Agreement between the two measures did not improve over time for both 1-second and 10-minute bout accelerometry data. ConclusionsThe Active Australia Survey may be an acceptable self-report measure of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in cardiac rehabilitation attendees when capturing any time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The Active Australia Survey may be useful to routinely monitor physical activity levels over-time in Australian cardiac rehabilitation programmes at both individual and group levels. Trial registrationTrial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12615000995572, http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12615000995572.aspx.

The Association of High Lipoprotein(a) Concentration and Risk of Ischaemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-established risk factor for ischaemic stroke (IS). It is unclear whether Lp(a) is associated with IS in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to explore the association between the concentration of Lp(a) and the risk of IS in AF patients, hope to find the potential risk factor for the IS in AF patients. This study is a retrospective cohort study. The screened AF patients between January 2017 and July 2021 were matched at 1:1 by the propensity score matching (PSM) method in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Associations between Lp(a) and ischaemic stroke were analysed using logistic regression models, stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS software. The number of enrolled participates is 2258, which contains 1129 non-AF patients and 1129 AF patients. Among IS patients, the median Lp(a) concentration was higher than that of controls (17.03 vs. 15.36 mg/dL, P = 0.032). The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients revealed significant positive relationships between IS and Lp(a) (P = 0.032). In addition, a significant increase in IS risk was associated with Lp(a) levels >30.00 mg/dL in unadjusted model [OR:1.263, 95% CI(1.046-1.523), P = 0.015], model 1 [OR:1.284, 95% CI(1.062,1.552), P = 0.010], model 2 [OR: 1.297, 95% CI(1.07,1.573). P = 0.008], and model 3 [OR: 1.290, 95% CI (1.064, 1.562). P = 0.009]. The stratified analysis indicated that this correlation was not affected by female sex [1.484 (1.117, 1.972), P = 0.006], age ≤ 60 [1.864 (1.067-3.254), P=0.029], hypertension [1.359 (1.074, 1.721), P = 0.011], or non-coronary heart disease (CHD) [1.388 (1.108, 1.738), P = 0.004]. High levels of Lp(a) were significantly related to IS in AF patients and may be a potential risk factor in the onset of an IS in AF patients.

The Protective Effect of the Crosstalk between Zinc Hair Concentration and Lymphocyte Count-Preliminary Report.

An imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms is indicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque. The coronary artery and carotid disease, despite sharing similar risk factors, are developed separately. The aim of this study was to analyze possible mechanisms between trace element hair-scalp concentrations and whole blood counts that favor atherosclerotic plaque progression in certain locations. There were 65 (36 (55%) males and 29 (45%) females) patients with a median age of 68 (61-73) years enrolled in a prospective, preliminary, multicenter analysis. The study group was composed of 13 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD group) referred for surgical revascularization due to multivessel coronary disease, 34 patients with carotid artery disease (carotid group) admitted for vascular procedure, and 18 patients in a control group (control group). There was a significant difference between the CAD and carotid groups regarding lymphocyte (p = 0.004) counts. The biochemical comparison between the coronary and carotid groups revealed significant differences regarding chromium (Cr) (p = 0.002), copper (Cu) (p < 0.001), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.001) concentrations. Spearman Rank Order Correlations between lymphocyte counts and trace elements in the analyzed groups were performed, revealing a strong correlation with zinc (R = 0.733, p < 0.001) in the control group (non-CAD, non-carotid). Significant differences in hair-scalp concentrations related to atherosclerosis location were observed in our analysis. The interplay between zinc concentration and lymphocyte count may play a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease development.

Ultra-short-term wind power prediction model based on fixed scale dual mode decomposition and deep learning networks

In recent years, decomposition-based combination models have been widely used in wind power prediction. This type of method decomposes the highly volatile wind power into some relatively smooth subsequences, which reduces the difficulty of modeling. However, this might use information from future data in advance, creating the illusion of high prediction accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a wind power ultra-short-term prediction model based on fixed scale dual mode decomposition (FSDMD) and deep learning networks. First, the wind power series after fixed scale blocking is decomposed using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and use the improved variational mode decomposition (VMD) based on Spearman rank order correlation coefficient (SROCC) to decompose the obtained high-frequency components twice. Then, the appropriate mode components were selected by calculating the SROCC and experimental analysis, and combined with the convolutional neural network (CNN) and the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network to train the model. Finally, the historical data of wind turbines in a wind farm in Northwest China is used for example verification, and the comparison with other models in the two scenarios of sufficient and insufficient features. The results show that the proposed FSDMD–CNN–BiLSTM model has high prediction accuracy in both scenarios. Especially in the scenario of insufficient features, compared with CNN-BiLSTM model, RMSE, MAE and MAPE are reduced by 8.20,14.24 and 0.15, respectively. In addition, this paper verifies that mode decomposition can improve the performance of prediction model without using future features, which provides ideas for solving similar problems.

Health-associated changes of the fecal microbiota in dairy heifer calves during the pre-weaning period.

Neonatal calf diarrhea is a multifactorial condition that occurs in early life when calves are particularly susceptible to enteric infection and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Good calf health is dependent on successful passive transfer of immunity from the dam through colostrum. There are limited studies on the developing gut microbiota from birth to weaning in calves. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of immune status and diarrheal incidence on the development of the fecal microbiota in Jersey (n = 22) and Holstein (n = 29) heifer calves throughout the pre-weaning period. Calves were hand-fed a colostrum volume equivalent to 8.5% of their birthweight, from either the calf's dam (n = 28) or re-heated mixed colostrum (≤2 cows, ≤1d; n = 23) within 2 h of birth. All calves were clinically assessed using a modified Wisconsin-Madison calf health scoring system and rectal temperature at day (d) 0, d7, d21, or disease manifestation (DM) and weaning (d83). Weights were recorded at d0, d21, and d83. Calf blood samples were collected at d7 for the determination of calf serum IgG (sIgG). Fecal samples were obtained at d7, d21/DM [mean d22 (SE 0.70)], and at weaning for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the fecal microbiota. Data were processed in R using DADA2; taxonomy was assigned using the SILVA database and further analyzed using Phyloseq and MaAsLin 2. Significant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and calf performance data underwent a Spearman rank-order correlation test. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of colostrum source or calf breed on serum total protein. An effect of calf breed (p < 0.05) was observed on sIgG concentrations such that Holstein calves had 6.49 (SE 2.99) mg/ml higher sIgG than Jersey calves. Colostrum source and calf breed had no effect (p > 0.05) on health status or the alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota. There was a relationship between health status and time interaction (p < 0.001), whereby alpha diversity increased with time; however, diarrheic calves had reduced microbial diversity at DM. No difference (p > 0.05) in beta diversity of the microbiota was detected at d7 or d83. At the genus level, 33 ASVs were associated (adj.p < 0.05) with health status over the pre-weaning period.

Association Between MR Elastography Liver Stiffness and Histologic Liver Fibrosis in Children and Young Adults With Autoimmune Liver Disease.

Background: Liver fibrosis is an important clinical endpoint of progression of autoimmune liver disease (AILD); its monitoring would benefit from noninvasive imaging tools. Objective: To assess the relationship between MR elastography (MRE) liver stiffness measurements and histologic liver fibrosis, as well as to evaluate the performance of MRE and biochemical-based clinical markers for stratifying histologic liver fibrosis severity, in children and young adults with AILD. Methods: This retrospective study used an existing institutional registry of children and young adults diagnosed with AILD [primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), ASC (autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis), or AIH (autoimmune hepatitis)]. The registry was searched to identify patients who underwent both a research abdominal 1.5-T MRI that included liver MRE (performed for registry enrollment) and a clinically indicated liver biopsy within a 6-month interval. MRE used a 2D gradient-recalled echo sequence. One analyst measured mean liver shear stiffness (kPa) for each examination. Laboratory markers of liver fibrosis [aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4)] were recorded. For investigational purposes, one pathologist determined histologic METAVIR liver fibrosis stage, blinded to clinical and MRI data. Spearman rank-order correlation was calculated between MRE liver stiffness and METAVIR liver fibrosis stage. ROC analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance for identifying advanced fibrosis (i.e., differentiating METAVIR F0-F1 from F2-F4 fibrosis), calculating sensitivity and specificity at the Youden's index. Results: The study included 46 patients (median [IQR] age, 16.6 [13.7-17.8] years; 20 female, 26 male); 12 had PSC, 10 had ASC, and 24 had AIH. Median MRE liver stiffness was 2.9 kPa (IQR: 2.2-4.0 kPa). MRE liver stiffness and METAVIR fibrosis stage showed strong positive correlation (rho=0.68). For identifying advanced liver fibrosis, MRE liver stiffness had AUC of 0.81, with sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 90.0%; APRI had AUC of 0.72, with sensitivity of 60.0% and specificity of 85.0%; and FIB-4 had AUC of 0.71, with sensitivity of 64.0% and 85.0%. Conclusion: MRE liver stiffness measurements were associated with histologic liver fibrosis severity. Clinical Impact: The findings support a role for MRE in noninvasive monitoring of liver stiffness, a surrogate for fibrosis, in children and young adults with AILD.

Entrepreneurial Design Thinking and Marketing Performance of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial design thinking and marketing performance of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This study adopted a correlational research design, with the population of the study comprising 25 food and beverage firms in Rivers State. Sequel to the population of the study, which is 25 food and beverage firms, the study adopted a census study with a focus on the managerial staff (production manager, quality control manager, marketing manager, and procurement manager). The questionnaire was distributed in a frame of four (4) copies per firm. A total of one hundred (100) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha test and it stood at 0.88, higher than the benchmark of 0.7. The data collected for this study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated. The empirical results of this study confirmed that all the dimensions of entrepreneurial design thinking (creativity, and problem solving) were found to be significant predictors of marketing performance as measured by sales growth. Since all the dimensions of entrepreneurial design thinking are significant predictors of marketing performance, it is therefore concluded that entrepreneurial design thinking has the potential of improving marketing performance of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study recommends that: food and beverage firms should come up with creative designs, novel products and services that will catch the customer’s attention and improve marketing performance. Also, food and beverage firms, especially those facing different challenges, should adopt a problem solving approach to enable them to improve their sales growth.

Interrater reliability of the Fugl-Meyer Motor assessment in stroke patients: a quality management project within the ESTREL study.

The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMMA) is recommended for evaluating stroke motor recovery in clinical practice and research. However, its widespread use requires refined reliability data, particularly across different health professions. We therefore investigated the interrater reliability of the FMMA scored by a physical therapist and a physician using video recordings of stroke patients. The FMMA videos of 50 individuals 3 months post stroke (28 females, mean age 71.64 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 3.00) participating in the ESTREL trial (Enhancement of Stroke Rehabilitation with Levodopa: a randomized placebo-controlled trial) were independently scored by two experienced assessors (i.e., a physical therapist and a physician) with specific training to ensure consistency. As primary endpoint, the interrater reliability was calculated for the total scores of the entire FMMA and the total scores of the FMMA for the upper and lower extremities using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In addition, Spearman's rank order correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) were calculated for the total score and subscale levels. Secondary endpoints included the FMMA item scores using percentage agreement, weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients, and Gwet's AC1/AC2 coefficients. ICCs were 0.98 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.96-0.99) for the total scores of the entire FMMA, 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99) for the total scores of the FMMA for the upper extremity, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.70-0.92) for the total scores of the FMMA for the lower extremity. Spearman's rho ranged from 0.61 to 0.94 for total and subscale scores. The interrater reliability at the item level of the FMMA showed (i) percentage agreement values with a median of 77% (range 44-100%), (ii) weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients with a median of 0.69 (range 0.00-0.98) and (iii) Gwet's AC1/AC2 coefficients with a median of 0.84 (range 0.42-0.98). The FMMA appears to be a highly reliable measuring instrument at the overall score level for assessors from different health professions. The FMMA total scores seem to be suitable for the quantitative measurement of stroke recovery in both clinical practice and research, although there is potential for improvement at the item level.

Age is Associated with Level of First-Time Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Ordinal Analysis of Factors Influencing Timing of Cervical Degeneration

Symptomatic cervical spondylosis is often treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). However, few factors can predict which cervical level will degenerate and require intervention. This analysis evaluates pre-procedural factors associated with level of first-time single-level ACDF. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent single-level ACDF without prior history of spine surgery. Mann Whitney U-tests and Spearman rank-order correlation were performed for analyses of associations between variables of interest and ACDF level. Adjusted odds-ratios were calculated by proportional-odds logistic regression, with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), current tobacco use, history of neck trauma, preoperative radicular symptoms, and preoperative myelopathic symptoms as covariates. 141 patients met inclusion criteria, and age demonstrated a negative correlation with ACDF level, such that younger patients tended to have ACDF performed at inferior subaxial levels (p=0.0006, rho = -0.31, moderately strong relationship). Patients with pre-operative radicular symptoms and myelopathic symptoms were more likely to have ACDF performed at inferior (p=0.0001) and superior (p<0.0001) levels, respectively. Patient sex, BMI, current tobacco use, and history of neck trauma were not predictive of ACDF level. When adjusting for the above variables in a proportional-odds ordinal logistic regression model, a one year increase in age conferred a 4% increase in the odds of requiring an ACDF at a given superior level compared to the adjacent inferior level. Age is correlated with level of first-time single level ACDF. Individual subaxial levels may have unique biomechanical properties that influence degeneration.

Exploring coping strategies among caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan

ObjectiveTo explore the coping strategies of caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan.Materials and methodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenient sampling. The sample included...

WHIGET and TETRAS Ratings of Action Tremor in Patients with Essential Tremor: Substantial Association and Agreement.

Evaluating tremor severity is a critical component of diagnosing and clinically managing patients with essential tremor (ET). We examined the comparability of tremor severity ratings derived from two frequently used tremor rating scales: the Washington Heights-Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (WHIGET) rating scale and the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Scale (TETRAS). A trained assistant administered and videotaped a neurological examination, including eight items assessing upper limb action tremor (arms outstretched, arms in the wingbeat position, finger-nose-finger maneuver, and drawing of Archimedes spirals). An experienced movement disorders neurologist reviewed the videos and assigned WHIGET and TETRAS ratings. We calculated associations between TETRAS and WHIGET ratings using Spearman rank order correlations. Subsequently, we collapsed these ratings into four tremor severity categories (absent, mild, moderate, severe) and then two broader tremor severity categories (absent/mild, moderate/severe). We calculated weighted Kappa coefficients to assess agreement between category assignments based on the TETRAS and the WHIGET. Spearman's r' s were significant for all items (p's ≤ 0.001, mean r = 0.89). Weighted Kappa's revealed substantial to near perfect agreement for all eight items (mean k = 0.86, range = 0.64 to 1.00). Analyses revealed substantial strength of association and substantial to near perfect agreement between items rated with the WHIGET and TETRAS scales. These data indicated that ratings provided by each scale are highly comparable.

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high fasting plasma glucose from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019.

Given the rising prevalence of high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) over the past three decades, it is crucial to assess its global, national, and regional impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to investigate the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG and its distribution across various levels. The data for this research was sourced from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. To estimate the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG, we utilized DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool. The burden was measured using age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate. Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman rank order correlation method. Temporal trends were analyzed by estimating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Globally in 2019, there were a total of 487.97 thousand deaths and 13,093.42 thousand DALYs attributed to CKD attributed to HFPG, which represent a substantial increase of 153.8% and 120%, respectively, compared to 1990. Over the period from 1990 to 2019, the burden of CKD attributable to HFPG increased across all regions, with the highest increases observed in regions with high socio-demographic index (SDI) and middle SDI. Regions with lower SDI exhibited higher ASMR and age-standardized DALYs (ASDR) compared to developed nations at the regional level. Additionally, the EAPC values, which indicate the rate of increase, were significantly higher in these regions compared to developed nations. Notably, high-income North America, belonging to the high SDI regions, experienced the greatest increase in both ASMR and ASDR over the past three decades. Furthermore, throughout the years from 1990 to 2019, males bore a greater burden of CKD attributable to HFPG. With an increasing population and changing dietary patterns, the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG is expected to worsen. From 1990 to 2019, males and developing regions have experienced a more significant burden. Notably, the EAPC values for both ASMR and ASDR were higher in males and regions with lower SDI (excluding high-income North America). This emphasizes the pressing requirement for effective interventions to reduce the burden of CKD attributable to HFPG.

The Relationships among Exercise Behavior, Body Composition and Perceived Health Levels in University Students

Aim and Scope: Increasing physical activity level is important for public health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between regular physical activity level, body composition and perceived health levels of university students. Methods: Participants of this study were consisted of 331 university students including 158 females and 173 males. The mean ages were 21.85 years for females and 22.94 years for males, respectively. The Exercise Behavior Stages of Change Questionnaire was used to determine the physical activity level. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare two genders while Spearman rank order correlation was performed to test the relationship among variables. Findings: Results of our study showed that there are significant differences between males and females in all variables except age and exercise behavior stages. While the exercise behavior stages and perceived health level of those who exercise in females are significantly different from those of sedentary, height and exercise behavior level in males are more statistically significant in favor of those who exercise. While the health level in females is positively related to the age variable and negatively related to the BMI, there was no significant difference between the health and exercise level and other variables in males. Conclusion: As a result, it can be concluded that male and female university students do not engage in regular physical activity at a level that will affect their perceived health levels.

Innovative Behaviour and Opportunity Recognition in Food and Beverages Firms, Port Harcourt

The study examined innovative behaviour and opportunity recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study used a correlational research methodology, and the population consisted of 25 food and beverage businesses in Rivers State. The study used a census survey with a managerial staff focus in addition to its population of 25 food and beverage companies. One hundred twenty-five (125) copies of the questionnaire were made available in total. The data collected for this study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the data generated and analysed, it was empirically discovered that a positive and significant relationship exists between Innovative Behaviour and Opportunity Recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. Problem solving and creativity showed a strong positive relationship with s opportunity recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study concluded that engaging in innovative behaviour will achieve bumper success in many food and beverages firms. Following the conclusion above, the study therefore recommends that; Food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt should adopt problem solving approach to take advantage of market opportunities and improve sales and also food and beverages firms should be creative and innovative, especially through new product development, being first to market with new products.

Abstract 7195: Repurposing non-oncology drugs with MET inhibitory effect to overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer

Abstract Background and Aim: Osimertinib is the only 3rd generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the 1st line therapy of advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. However, drug resistance is severely limiting its clinical efficacy. Aberrant MET activation is an important mechanism causing osimertinib resistance. There is no effective therapeutic option after osimertinib failure. This study investigated the repurposing of non-oncology MET inhibiting drug to overcome osimertinib resistance. Method: A few clinically-approved drugs with putative MET inhibitory effects were identified by a computational drug repurposing tool called “DRAR-CPI” via analysis of the chemical-protein interactome of known MET inhibitors (crizotinib, cabozantinib, foretinib, and tivantinib). Fexofenadine (FEX), originally indicated for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, was chosen for detailed investigation in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines that exhibit aberrant MET activation with/without other EGFR-dependent osimertinib resistance mechanisms. The selectivity of kinase inhibition by FEX was evaluated by a KINOME profiling assay against a panel of human protein kinases. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the activation status of Met and EGFR downstream signaling. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) triggered by the most promising repurposed drug, presumably contributing to osimertinib resistance circumvention. Sulforhodamine B assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. The circumvention of osimertinib resistance by FEX was further verified in a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) from an advanced-stage osimertinib-refractory NSCLC patient. Result: FEX was found to inhibit recombinant MET kinase in cell-free assays in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also inhibited MET phosphorylation and other downstream signaling molecules in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines harboring EGFR T790M+MET amplification or EGFR T790M loss+MET amplification. KINOME profiling revealed a similar kinase inhibition profile between FEX and cabozantinib using Spearman rank order correlation analysis. Among the tested osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines, FEX showed the highest effectiveness in potentiating the anticancer effect of osimertinib in H820 cells (having MET amplification &amp; EGFR T790M mutation). Transcriptome profiling analysis in H820 cells before and after FEX treatment revealed that the majority of DEGs were enriched in EMT-related biological processes and pathways. FEX was further shown to significantly potentiate the antitumor effect of osimertinib in a drug refractory PDX model, without inducing notable weight loss in the animals. Conclusion: These findings advocate the clinical evaluation of repurposing FEX to overcome osimertinib resistance. Citation Format: Kenneth K.W. To, Kwong Sak Leung, William C.S. Cho. Repurposing non-oncology drugs with MET inhibitory effect to overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7195.