Significant Statistical Correlation Research Articles

Intestinal Fatty Acid-binding Protein in Patients with Psoriasis: A Marker of Impaired Intestinal Permeability Barrier and its Relation to Demographic Data and Clinical Characteristics

Abstract Background: Alterations of intestinal microbiota may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Dysbiosis may cause disruption of the intestinal barrier, which contributes to immune activation by translocation of microbial antigens and metabolites. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) serves as a biomarker of enterocyte damage. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentration of I-FABP in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study on fifty psoriatic patients and thirty-five age and sex-matched healthy volunteers as a control group were enrolled in the study, serum I-FABP concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Concentration of serum I-FABP was higher in patients compared to controls (P = 0.04). The serum level of I-FABP was higher in patients with skin phototype IV than in those with skin phototype III (P = 0.040). There were significant positive statistical correlations between I-FABP with age and disease duration. Conclusion: I-FABP, a biomarker for gut permeability, is increased in psoriasis and correlates with disease duration and age. Further investigations are needed to determine whether reinforcing intestinal barrier may be a new therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Parental Acceptance as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental displayed acceptance predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also used questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.552, n=356, p<.05) between parental degree of displayed acceptance and learners’ overall behavioural adjustment. It was further revealed that there were statistical significant (p<.05) positive correlation between parental degree of displayed acceptance and all the five aspects of behavioural adjustment (Emotion Symptoms Conduct Problem, Hyper-creativity, Peer relationship Problem and Pro-social Behaviour) explored into. However, all the correlations were weak but it was evident that conduct problem adjustment reflected the highest correlation (r=.448), while peer problem adjustment had the least correlations (r=.331) to parental degree of displayed acceptance. From the regression analysis, it was also established that parental displayed acceptance alone accounted for 30.5% of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the pupils. In addition, linear regression reveal that if the parental display of acceptance was improved by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of overall behaviour adjustment of children would improve by .552 standard deviation units. Similarly, if improve their parental display of acceptance by one unit then the level of overall behaviour adjustment among the children would improve by .301 units. From the qualitative findings, it was found that parental psychological unavailability, negative criticism and over-emotional were associated with pupils’ behavioural maladjustments.

Parental Expressed Warmth as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental expressed warmth predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The unit of analysis included 218 primary schools. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also employed questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. The study adopted the triangulation approach to measure the validity of the instruments. Split half method was also used to establish the reliability of instruments whereby the correlation coefficient value of .808 was established. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.682, n=356, p<.05) between parental expressed warmth and pupils’ overall behavioural adjustment. The statistical significant (p<.05) positive correlation were also established between parental warmth and all the five aspects of learners’ behavioural adjustment (conduct problems, peer relationship problems, emotional symptom, hyperactivity and pro-social behaviours). Further analysis reveals that parental warmth alone accounted for 46.5% (Coefficient R2 = .465) of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the class 7 and 8 pupils and it was evident that parental warmth was a significant predicator of the overall learners’ behavioural adjustment [F (1, 354) = 308.067, p < .05). The study also established that as parental warmth increased by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of behaviour adjustment of pupil would also increase by .682 standard deviation units. Similarly, if the parental warmth increases by one unit then level of overall adjustment would improve by .292 units; this is a substantial effect from one independent variable. From qualitative findings, it was established that that parents as role model for their children were crucial for children to acquire pro-social behaviours. On this note it was found that most pupils develops unacceptable behaviours because of parental frequent discouragements, unclear guidance and unsupportive home environment that did not promote children’s use of proactive and problem-focused coping styles. The way parents communicate to their children was also found to have a positive effect on children’s behavioural adjustment. Loving children unconditionally by providing developmentally-appropriate physical care and environment (feeding, clothing and home safety) was also found to foster children’s positive emotional development and fewer behaviour problems at school and home.

Association of tobacco exposure with demographic and clinicopathological factors in patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma - A single-center experience.

Almost a third of the global load of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs in India and can be attributed to the widespread use of tobacco and tobacco-related products in this part of the sub-continent. Records of 274 patients of OSCC treated between January 2018 and December 2019 in our institute were analyzed for the study for history of tobacco abuse and distribution of associated demographic, clinical, and pathological factors. The age of the patients in the study ranged from 31 to 82 years with a median age of 60 years. The ratio of oral cancer in males: females was 3:1. Exposure to tobacco was seen in the majority of patients (89%) who reported with oral carcinoma. Smokeless tobacco in the form of gutka was the most common abused tobacco, followed by bidi in our study. Tongue and buccal mucosa (38% and 36%, respectively) were the most common sites. Significant statistical correlation of tobacco use was seen with age, gender, clinical, and pathological tumor stages. With tobacco being the main cause of OSCC, further studies with a larger number of patients and preferably with a comparison arm of non-tobacco OSCC would help in elucidating the exact clinical and statistical correlation of tobacco with the clinicopathological factors.

Cognitive Imapirment in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation to Dysability, Duration and Type of Disease

Background: Cognitive dysfunctions are often presented as a symptom in multiple sclerosis which is associated with both structural and functional imapirments of neuronal networks in the brain. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dysability, duration and type of disesase on cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This study included 60 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Inclusion criteria were clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 18 years of age or older and were able to give written informed consent. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) screening test. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparisons between clinical characteristics and MoCa test scores. Results: Out of 63.33% of patients had EDSS <=4.5. Disease lasted longer than 10 years in 30% of patients. 80% had relapsing-remitting MS and 20% had secondary progressive MS. 84,2 % of patients with EDSS ≤ 4.5 had cognitive dysfunction. Higher disability (rho=0,306, p<0,05), progressive type of disease (rho=0,377, p< 0,01) and longer disease duration (rho=0,282, p<0,05) were associated with worse overall cognitive functions. Level of disability showed statistical significant correlation with the executive functions and language domains of cognition (p<0.01). Longer disease duration was significant correlated with executive functions (p<0,01) and language domains (p<0,01), while progressive type of disease was signifacant correlated only with executive functions domain (p<0,01). MoCa score variables did not show a statistically significant difference in relation to the number of relapses per year and the use of imunoterapy. Statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between executive functions domain and level of disability, disease duration and progressive type of disease, while language domain significantly correlated only with disability level and progressive type of disease. Conclusion: High percentage of MS patients has cognitive impairment. Patients with higher disability were presented with lower cognitive abilities, especially in executive functions and language domains. Higher frequency of cognitive impairment were presented in progessive forms of disaese and longer disease duration with strong influence on executive functions domains of cognition.

The Effect of Employee Engagement on Employee Performance in Ghana’s MSMEs Sector during COVID-19: The Moderating Role of Job Resources

Small, micro, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the globe were largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has plunged the business world into a serious crisis. However, Employee Engagement (EE) has been labeled as an essential nutrient that organizations need in order to survive in these turbulent times. This study was to examine the effect of EE on Employee Performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and how job resources moderate this relationship. The study used a sample size of 395 respondents who were chosen from a variety of MSMEs via a convenience sampling method. The study used a survey questionnaire design as the main method for collecting primary data. The results of the correlation analysis showed a statistical significant correlation between EE and employee performance. It was revealed that job resources moderated the relationship between EE and employee performance. Finally, the result showed that job resources had a significant effect on EE. Thus, it can be concluded that, in the face of COVID-19, EE is a significant predictor of the employees in the MSMEs sector performance.

IoT-Enabled Intelligent Dynamic Risk Assessment of Acute Mountain Sickness: The Role of Event-Triggered Signal Processing

The rapid developments in Internet of Medical Things open up new avenues for personalized healthcare. Continuously monitored physiological data can be collected by wearable devices and are transmitted to a remote server for real-time monitoring and diagnosis. This article concerns a risk assessment problem of acute mountain sickness (AMS) with data transmitted according to an event-triggered transmission schedule. An event-triggered signal processing approach is introduced to reconstruct the untransmitted information, based on which, a dynamic SpO <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\bf 2}$</tex-math></inline-formula> index (DSI) is further proposed for AMS risk evaluation. The performance of the proposed approach is analyzed through physiological data collected in a proof-of-the-concept study ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">N</i> =12). Statistical significant correlation of the DSI with AMS ground truth including Lake Louise score, deep sleep duration, deep sleep ratio, and mean SpO <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\bf 2}$</tex-math></inline-formula> during sleep is observed. More importantly, it is observed that the proposed event-triggered signal processing procedure can dramatically reduce the data transmission rate while maintaining the performance of the DSI assessment, through comparison of the DSI obtained using the proposed event-triggered approach with those obtained based on event-triggered raw data and continuously transmitted time-triggered data. The obtained results indicate the feasibility of adopting event-triggered data scheduling and signal processing to achieve AMS risk evaluation using data from wearable devices with limited communication/battery resources.

Job Design and Employee Engagementof the National Institute of GreaseENAP)

Background: There are many variables that affect the organizational commitment of human resources . One of these variables is jobs design because it is related to tasks, duties and responsibilities that are carried out by individuals Objectives: this study aims at determining the relationship between jobs design and its dimensions of the organizational commitment of human resources, in «the National Foundation of paint making in « Sig state of mascara ». sample and the methods: there are 172 permanent employees in the Foundation they were selected through a stratified random sample that amounted or reached 63 employees ; The Data were collected using a questionnaire and interview tool in accordance with the "job design model (Frederick P. Morgeso, Stephen E. Humphrey,2006 ) and organizational commitment model (Meyer and Allen, 1997), The data of study were analysed according to correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis according to the method of Entrée. Results: There was significant statistical correlation between the jobs design and organizational commitment, ( pearson = 0,639 ** / sig=0.000) ;Also , there is a significance effect of job Context (β =0,333) on the organizational commitment.

Assessment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients with Hypothyroidism and its Relationship with Thyroid Stimulating Hormones Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The auditory system needs thyroid hormone to develop normally. Additionally, endemic cretinism and people with thyroid hormone resistance have also been linked to hearing loss. Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and hearing impairment (HI) have been linked in earlier studies. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the sensorineural hearing loss in patients with hypothyroidism and its relationship with thyroid stimulating hormones levels. Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study. Study Duration: The study was conducted at department of ENT CMH, Multan from 01 January 2022 to 30th October 2022. Material and Methods: Sample size of 150 patients who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism were included through convenient sampling. Patients with external or middle ear inflammation or obstruction, as well as those who were unable to complete pure tone audiometry, were not included. Once participants gave their informed consent, a standard medical history and demographics form was used to compile data, and an audiogram was then performed to round out the picture. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: There were a total of 150 patients who participated in the study. The average age of patients who had hearing loss was 38.19 years old. Only 15.16% of patients were male, while 83.98% were female. Tinnitus was experienced by 11 people in their right ears and 10 in their left ears. Twenty (95.24%) patients reported having tinnitus for less than a year when they first visited our clinic. The duration of hypothyroidism in 36.7% of patients who presented to us was between 1 and 12 months, 32% between 13 and 24 months, 18.2% between 25 and 36 months, and 13.3% for more than 36 months. TSH levels ranged from 4.5 to 5.0 in 38 (62.29%) of the individuals with hearing loss, from 5.1 to 5.5 in 8 (13.11%), from 5.6 to 6.0 in 7 (11.47%), and from 6.1 to 6.5 in 8 (13.11%). Prolonged hypothyroidism has been shown to have an effect on hearing loss severity, as indicated by a significant statistical correlation (P value 0.001). Practical implication: This study is very important since its findings may enable researchers to carry out in-depth studies in the area with objectives. Pakistan has to conduct more research on the critical issue of SSNHL. Conclusion: According to the findings of our research, hypothyroidism has an effect on patient's hearing, which can lead to hearing impairment. Keywords: Thyroid function test, Hypothyroidism, Sensorineural hearing loss, Hormones Levels

The effect of electronic newspapers on spreading the concept of genocide among the Aezidis

The importance of electronic newspapers has emerged as an inevitable, realistic and indispensable necessity in various fields. electronic newspapers are distinguished by their ability to influence and interact quickly as a new method in the field of media and communication and play an important and prominent role in the transfer of news and information in various fields and follow-up on what is broadcast on these sites, in monitoring what is happening in the internal and external environment, satisfying the psychological need and social. Our research topic talks about the role of social networking sites in spreading the concept of genocide among the Aezidis. This study aims to identify the role of social networking sites in spreading the concept of genocide among the Aezidis. The current study relied on the survey method through the questionnaire and statistical methods and test correlations. The main conclusions of the study were summarized as follows: 1. A large proportion of the respondents trust electronic newspapers to obtain information and news about the concept of genocide, and we conclude that the use of social media has become a daily necessity for different segments of society, especially the Aezidis. 2. The study proved the validity of the alternative hypothesis. There is a correlation of statistical significance between the demographic variables of the Aezidis and their use and their confidence in what social networking sites publish. 3. The study proved a significant direct correlation between the use and trust of the Aezidis on news and published materials to increase their knowledge ambition about the events and their utilitarian motives as a result of this trust and use.

اثر الصحف الالكترونية في نشر مفهوم الابادة الجماعية لدى الايزديين

The importance of electronic newspapers has emerged as an inevitable, realistic and indispensable necessity in various fields. electronic newspapers are distinguished by their ability to influence and interact quickly as a new method in the field of media and communication and play an important and prominent role in the transfer of news and information in various fields and follow-up on what is broadcast on these sites, in monitoring what is happening in the internal and external environment, satisfying the psychological need and social. Our research topic talks about the role of social networking sites in spreading the concept of genocide among the Aezidis. This study aims to identify the role of social networking sites in spreading the concept of genocide among the Aezidis. The current study relied on the survey method through the questionnaire and statistical methods and test correlations. The main conclusions of the study were summarized as follows: 1. A large proportion of the respondents trust electronic newspapers to obtain information and news about the concept of genocide, and we conclude that the use of social media has become a daily necessity for different segments of society, especially the Aezidis. 2. The study proved the validity of the alternative hypothesis. There is a correlation of statistical significance between the demographic variables of the Aezidis and their use and their confidence in what social networking sites publish. 3. The study proved a significant direct correlation between the use and trust of the Aezidis on news and published materials to increase their knowledge ambition about the events and their utilitarian motives as a result of this trust and use.

Corona disease anxiety and health related behaviors: What happened to primgravida women post COVID-19?

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has sparked psychological and behavioural changes among pregnant women across the globe and thereby might have a devastating impact on the fetal and neonatal outcomes. The dearth of information related to this significant topic can contribute to surge feelings of uneasiness and perinatal anxiety of primigravida women. Therefore, assessing and investigating the relationship between corona disease anxiety and health related behaviors among primigravida women post COVID-19, would provide an auxiliary template to the Ministry of health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to integrate this into their sustainable health agenda. MethodsA descriptive correlational research design was used in this study in which a convenient sample of 200 primigravida women completed a Corona disease anxiety scale (CDAS) and pregnant women's health- related behavior changes post COVID-19. ResultsMore than four fifth of the study subjects reported mild anxiety level (82%) and nearly three fifth of the studied primigravidas’ reported fair level of health-related behaviors (59%). Also, a statistical significant correlation was found between the studied primigravidas’ anxiety level and their health-related behavior including; healthy diet regimen, follow up visits, and protective personal measures (r = 0.273, P<0.001, r = 0.188, P<0.008, r = 0.242, P<0.001, r = 0.189, P<0.007, r = 0.407, P<0.001 and r = 0.309, P<0.001, respectively). ConclusionCorona disease anxiety was proved to be the independent predictor of health- related behavior. Mental health screening of primigravida women at the outset of any public health emergency should be prompted.

Clinical impact of ERG and PTEN status in prostate cancer patients underwent radical prostatectomy.

Phosphate and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) acts as a regulator of PI3-KAkt molecular pathway. ETS Related gene (ERG), an oncogene located in chromosome 21q22.2, is involved in prostate cancer (PCa) by serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a protein encoded by TMPRSS2 gene. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical impact of PTEN loss and ERG rearrangement in terms of oncologic results in patients diagnosed with localized PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy. Prospective data were collected from a total of 74 patients who underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized PCa and immunohistochemical study was performed in tissue samples. The primary antibodies for anti-ERG antibody as well as anti-PTEN antibody were obtained from DAKO. ERG was considered positive if at least 20% of the evaluated cells were stained at least with medium intensity. PTEN protein loss was considered when the intensity of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was mild or entirely negative across > 10% of tumor cells. Homogenous loss of PTEN was associated with higher clinical International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade (p = 0.018) while no statistical significant association was present regarding the presence of ERG rearrangement with either ISUPc or ISUPp. After a median follow up of 34 months, 24 patients developed biochemical recurrence. No statistical significant correlation of ERG status with biochemical recurrence was noted while PTEN was associated with biochemical recurrence development in a statistical significant way. Lastly the combination of PTEN loss with ERG rearrangement presence was detected more often in higher ISUPc and ISUPp as well as biochemical recurrence development, although in a non statistical significant way. Homogenous and heterogenous PTEN loss was associated with biochemical recurrence. No association of ERG and biochemical recurrence was noted. The combination of PTEN loss and ERG rearrangement presented a trend for higher ISUPc and ISUPp as well as biochemical recurrence but not in a statistical significant way.

The sense of dignity of care and the perceived social support for hospitalized elderly patients

IntroductionHospitalization is a common experience among elders all over the world, which often is associated with a high level of stress. These stressors can affect Patient Dignity (PD). In addition, the elders rely on many social support networks for aging-related challenges. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PD and perceived social support (PSS) in hospitalized elders. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the samples of this research were 360 older people 60 years old and older who were hospitalized in educational hospitals in Khorramabad city (Lorestan province in the western area of Iran). The applied instruments in this research included; demographic characteristics, PD, and the PSS questionnaires. ResultsThis study showed that %92.2 of hospitalized elders had at least one underlying disease. The men significantly had a lower sense of dignity in comparison with women. There was a significant statistical correlation between the increase in the PSS and the increase in the sense of dignity in elders. ConclusionThe elders perceived more social support and had more of a sense of dignity. The men had lower dignity in comparison with their women counterparts. Also, the elders who suffered an underlying disease had a lower sense of dignity.

Role of chest radiograph in predicting the need for ventilator support in COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 disease, a pandemic for more than two years, has major morbidity and mortality related to pulmonary involvement. Chest radiography is the main imaging tool for critically ill patients. As the availability of arterial blood gas analysis is limited in the Level I and II healthcare centres, which are major partners in providing healthcare in resource-limited times, we planned the present study. To assess the role of chest radiography in predicting the need for oxygen/ventilator support in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This hospital-based, retrospective study included 135 patients who needed oxygen/ventilator support and had optimal-quality chest radiographs at admission. All the chest X-rays were evaluated and a severity score was calculated on a predesigned pro forma. Statistical evaluation of the data obtained was done using appropriate tools and methods. Males outnumbered females, with a mean age of 54.35 ± 14.49 years. More than 72% of patients included in our study needed ventilator support while the rest needed oxygen support. There was a significant statistical correlation between the chest radiograph severity score and SPO2 /PaO2 levels in our study. Using a cut-off value >8 for the chest radiograph severity score in predicting the need for ventilator support in a Covid-19 patient, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 85.7%, 92.5% and 89.5%, respectively. Chest radiography remains the mainstay of imaging in critically ill COVID-19 patients when they are on multiple life-support systems. Though arterial blood gas analysis is the gold standard tool for assessing the need for oxygen/ventilator support in these patients, the severity score obtained from the initial chest radiograph at the time of admission may also be used as a screening tool. Chest radiography may predict the need for oxygen/ventilator support, allowing time for patients to be moved to an appropriate-level healthcare centre, thus limiting morbidity and mortality.

The Relationship between Musical Skills and Creativity in Children

Developing creativity at school is an essential element in teaching activities. One of the many factors that are crucial for developing creativity, according to much relevant research, is the developed artistic skills among the most prominent and musical skills as determinants for the development of creative thinking and skills. This study was conducted to determine whether this association of musical skills with levels of creativity is complementary and realistic in elementary schools in Kosovo. Therefore, 106 students aged 7–12 in several elementary schools in Pristina were surveyed through two standard instruments, a protocol for evaluating student achievement in the subject of music education and through the Williams Standard Test of Creative Thinking (WCTT 1994). The results showed a strong connection between musical skills and students’ creativity, these findings are also complementary in Kosovo, where according to the results we found that there is a significant statistical correlation between musical skills and creative thinking, in other words, students who display higher levels of musical skills also manifest themselves with a higher level of creativity in the educational process and in everyday life, as well as those students with a solid level (many of well) of musical skills have a high level of creative thinking and vice versa.

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory conduction study in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers

BackgroundPosterior femoral cutaneous nerve (posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh) is a sensory nerve arises from the sacral plexus. Its terminal part supplies the skin of the posterior surface of the thigh and popliteal fossa, and it extends for a variable length below the popliteal fossa till the mid-calf region. The aim was to assess the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve antidromic sensory conduction technique and estimate its different sensory nerve action potential parameters’ reference values in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian participants. One hundred and twenty lower limbs of 60 apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers were included. Clinical evaluation and sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were done.ResultsPosterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential was elicited in 98 lower limbs (81.6%) of 52 individuals (86.7%). The obtained results of different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential were as the following: onset latency (2.04 ± 0.21 ms), peak latency (2.86 ± 0.25 ms), conduction velocity (59.45 ± 6.36 m/s) and amplitude (6.16 ± 2.29 μV). No significant differences between the two genders were found regarding different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential except for amplitude which was significantly larger among male participants (P = 0.030). No significant differences between the right and left lower limbs were found regarding different parameters of sensory nerve action potential. There was a statistical significant negative correlation between age and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve conduction velocity (P = 0.008). There was a statistical significant positive correlation between height and peak latency (P ≤ 0.0001), as well as, a statistical significant negative correlation between height and conduction velocity (P ≤ 0.0001). There was a statistical significant negative correlation between body mass index and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve peak latency (P = 0.008).ConclusionsThe research provides a reliable electrophysiological antidromic sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and normal cut-off reference values for posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential parameters. This is essential for the evaluation of suspected posterior femoral cutaneous nerve lesions.

Expanding Moment Magnitude Pools for Earthquake Magnitude Homogenization

A comparison on the influence of different moment magnitude pools on magnitude homogenization regressions was presented. The control moment magnitude pool is composed of earthquake records from GCMT. One version of expanding this base is to add earthquakes with a moment magnitude recorded by seismological agencies related to GCMT. Another approach to expanding the base is to add earthquakes from seismological agencies and projects that show a significant statistical correlation to GCMT via hypothesis testing. These moment magnitude pools were developed for Indonesia and South Korea. Magnitude homogenization was conducted by performing linear least squares regressions between the three moment magnitude pools and commonly used magnitude types from international seismological agencies ISC and NEIC. Magnitude homogenization regressions were also conducted on local Indonesian and South Korean agencies, DJA and KMA, respectively, with their various magnitude types. Most of the moment magnitude pools involving DJA and virtually all South Korean-related agencies ended up being identical, primarily due to the local magnitude types available for DJA, and the low number of earthquakes recorded for South Korea. A majority of the regression parameters for Indonesia and South Korea were statistically similar for surface and body wave magnitude types.

1048 MYOCARDIAL WORK AND OUTCOME IN PATIENTS PARADOXICAL WITH LOW FLOW, LOW GRADIENT AORTIC STENOSIS

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of non-invasive derived myocardial work (MW) indexes on outcome of patients with severe paradoxical low flow, low gradient (PLFLG AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods Complete demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory analyses and echocardiographic parameters were collected. Severe PLFLG AS was defined as indexed aortic valve area (iAVA) ≤0.6 cm2/m2, mean transaortic gradient &amp;lt; 40 mmHg and stroke volume index &amp;lt;36 ml/m2 and preserved LVEF &amp;gt;50%. MW was obtained from the non-invasive strain-pressure loop obtained pressure by combining GLS and the left ventricular systolic pressure, which was derived by adding the mean aortic valve gradient to systolic brachial pressure. Constructive MW (CMW), MW index (MWI), MW efficiency (MWE), and wasted MW (WMW) were measured. The normal values ​​considered for the MW parameters were: MWI ≥ 1300 mmHg%; CMW ≥ 1500 mmHg%; WMW &amp;lt; 240 mmHg%; MWE ≥ 90%. Odds ratio, sensitivity and specificity were used to quantify the ability of MW parameters (abnormal vs normal values) in predicting the primary outcome defined as all-causes mortality. Results study population included 30 patients with severe PLFLG AS undergoing TAVI. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (93%; n=28), dyslipidaemia (66%; n=20), diabetes (23%; n=7). Atrial fibrillation/flutter and chronic kidney disease were identified in 12 (40%) and 18 (60%) patients, respectively. Concomitant coronary artery disease and history of stroke were reported in 23% (n=7) and 10% (n=3), respectively. Society of Thoracic Surgeons score in overall population was mean 11,34±4,34. During median of 209 days (IQR: 104–213 days) all-causes mortality occurred in 13 patients (43%) (just 1 for non-cardiac death). Abnormal values of MWI, CMW and MWE identified significant statistical correlation with primary outcome [(odds ratio for primary outcome: 7.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 39.8); 7.5 (1.4 to 39.5) and 5.2 (1.1 to 25.3) respectively, Table 1)]. The MWI, CMW and MWE have the same sensitivity (62%) but higher specificity (82% for MWI and CMW, 88% for WMW and 76% for MWE). Conclusion In a population of patients with PLFLG-AS characterized by normal ejection fraction the abnormal MW parameters seem to be significantly associated with all-causes mortality during mid-term follow up and might provide additional information on outcome of this peculiar subgroup of patients with AS. Table 1

Mathematical proficiency among female teachers of the first three grades in Jordan and its relationship to their mathematical thinking

AimThe present study aimed at investigating the association of the mathematical proficiency and mathematical thinking skills among female teachers of the first three grades in public schools of Amman city, Jordan.MethodThe study adopted the descriptive analytical research approach. A sample of 174 female teachers of the first three grades was recruited in the present study. To collect data, the study used a mathematical proficiency tests (39 items) covering the domains of the conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competency, adaptive reasoning, and the productive desire. In addition, the study used a mathematical thinking skills test consisted of (20) items distributed over seven mathematical thinking skills; they were: Induction skill, conclusion skill, symbolizing skill, logical thinking skill, guessing skill, demonstration skill, and modeling skill. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (v. 26).ResultsThe study findings showed that female teachers of the first three grades had a moderate level of mathematical proficiency (43.60 ± 16.04), a good level of mathematical thinking skills (6.51 ± 4.628). In addition, the study found significant statistical positive correlation between mathematical proficiency and mathematical thinking skills (r= 0.681,p≤ 0.05) among female teachers of the first three grades in Amman.ConclusionThe study concluded that mathematical proficiency is significantly associated with mathematical thinking skills in their domains. The study recommended increasing female teachers’ competencies and skills related to mathematical proficiency and mathematical thinking throughout intensive courses and workshops.