Strong Significant Correlation Research Articles

PET/CT-Based Absorbed Dose Maps in 90Y Selective Internal Radiation Therapy Correlate with Spatial Changes in Liver Function Derived from Dynamic MRI.

Functional liver parenchyma can be damaged from treatment of liver malignancies with 90Y selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). Evaluating functional parenchymal changes and developing an absorbed dose (AD)-toxicity model can assist the clinical management of patients receiving SIRT. We aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between 90Y PET AD voxel maps and spatial changes in the nontumoral liver (NTL) function derived from dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before and after SIRT. Methods: Dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI scans were acquired before and after treatment for 11 patients undergoing 90Y SIRT. Gadoxetic acid uptake rate (k1) maps that directly quantify spatial liver parenchymal function were generated from MRI data. Voxel-based AD maps, derived from the 90Y PET/CT scans, were binned according to AD. Pre- and post-SIRT k1 maps were coregistered to the AD map. Absolute and percentage k1 loss in each bin was calculated as a measure of loss of liver function, and Spearman correlation coefficients between k1 loss and AD were evaluated for each patient. Average k1 loss over the patients was fit to a 3-parameter logistic function based on AD. Patients were further stratified into subgroups based on lesion type, baseline albumin-bilirubin scores and alanine transaminase levels, dose-volume effect, and number of SIRT treatments. Results: Significant positive correlations (ρ = 0.53-0.99, P < 0.001) between both absolute and percentage k1 loss and AD were observed in most patients (8/11). The average k1 loss over 9 patients also exhibited a significant strong correlation with AD (ρ ≥ 0.92, P < 0.001). The average percentage k1 loss of patients across AD bins was 28%, with a logistic function model demonstrating about a 25% k1 loss at about 100 Gy. Analysis between patient subgroups demonstrated that k1 loss was greater among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, higher alanine transaminase levels, larger fractional volumes of NTL receiving an AD of 70 Gy or more, and sequential SIRT treatments. Conclusion: Novel application of multimodality imaging demonstrated a correlation between 90Y SIRT AD and spatial functional liver parenchymal degradation, indicating that a higher AD is associated with a larger loss of local hepatocyte function. With the developed response models, PET-derived AD maps can potentially be used prospectively to identify localized damage in liver and to enhance treatment strategies.

Sustainable development in ASEAN: The role of trade diversification, government revenue, and natural resources

AbstractOver the past few years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has experienced great economic expansion, which has resulted in varied degrees of diversified commerce, an elevated level of government revenue, and an increase in the demand for energy. The purpose of this study is to provide a solution to this conundrum by analyzing the effects of trade diversification (TDF), government revenues (GRN), gross domestic product (GDP), and natural resource rent (NTR) on the sustainable development of the ASEAN countries between the years 1981 and 2022. In order to accurately portray the concept of environmental sustainability, the ecological footprint (EFP) is utilized to represent sustainable development. The quantile‐based econometrics technique known as the Method of the Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) has been utilized in order to investigate the direction and amplitude of the asymmetric correlation that exists between the interaction of GRN, TDF, NTR, and EFP. According to the estimations of the MMQR, it is proposed that government revenues, which include significant financial incentives that promote the stringent execution of environmental rules, hence avoiding deleterious impacts on the environment, have negative coefficients at all quantiles (Q0.25 − Q0.90). Conversely, TDF and GDP have a positive and statistically strong significant correlation across all quantiles (Q0.25 − Q0.90), revealing that TDF reduces environmental sustainability and expands the size of the world's EFP by making energy‐intensive products more accessible. In addition, the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and the Common Correlated Effect Mean Group (CCEMG) both provide evidence that supports the correlation study by demonstrating that there is a similar pattern of causality across variables.

IMPACT OF PERIODONTAL HEALTH STATUS ON THE ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN SULAIMANI CITY BY USING ORAL HEALTH IMPACT PROFILE

Aim: The objective of this study is to create a valid and reliable Kurdish version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and to find the impact of periodontal health status on oral health related to quality of life (OHRQoL). Method: OHIP-14 was translated and checked for validity and reliability during the pilot study which involved 39 participants. After validation of the newly created Kurdish version of OHIP-14, 323 individuals participated in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study which involved documentation of their demographics and periodontal clinical parameters for all participants by the researcher using William’s periodontal probe. The newly fabricated Kurdish version of OHIP-14 was filled by the participants themselves. Results: Among participants, the total mean of OHIP-14 and the mean values of all subscale scores significantly increase with increasing the severity of periodontal diseases (P≤ 0.05) except for psychological discomfort, and physical disability. It was found that there was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between periodontal parameters (PI, BI, PPD, and CAL) and quality of life (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, it can be inferred that periodontal diseases pose negative impacts on the quality of life (QOL), with a more pronounced effect observed in participants suffering from severe periodontal diseases.

Inertial Measurement Unit and Heart Rate Monitoring to Assess Cardiovascular Fitness of Manual Wheelchair Users during the Six-Minute Push Test.

Manual wheelchair users (MWUs) are prone to a sedentary life that can negatively affect their physical and cardiovascular health, making regular assessment important to identify appropriate interventions and lifestyle modifications. One mean of assessing MWUs' physical health is the 6 min push test (6MPT), where the user propels themselves as far as they can in six minutes. However, reliance on observer input introduces subjectivity, while limited quantitative data inhibit comprehensive assessment. Incorporating sensors into the 6MPT can address these limitations. Here, ten MWUs performed the 6MPT with additional sensors: two inertial measurement units (IMUs)-one on the wheelchair and one on the wrist together with a heart rate wristwatch. The conventional measurements of distance and laps were recorded by the observer, and the IMU data were used to calculate laps, distance, speed, and cadence. The results demonstrated that the IMU can provide the metrics of the traditional 6MPT with strong significant correlations between calculated laps and observer lap counts (r = 0.947, p < 0.001) and distances (r = 0.970, p < 0.001). Moreover, heart rate during the final minute was significantly correlated with calculated distance (r = 0.762, p = 0.017). Enhanced 6MPT assessment can provide objective, quantitative, and comprehensive data for clinicians to effectively inform interventions in rehabilitation.

Correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and methylation in male partners of couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss

With ∼50% recurrent pregnancy loss cases being termed idiopathic (iRPL), understanding of contribution of male factors to iRPL is still lacking. Higher prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and lower sperm 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) levels have been previously reported in male partners of iRPL couples and shed light on importance of the male gamete in maintenance of a successful pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the serum sex steroid hormone levels, sperm DFI and 5-mC and correlation between them in male partners of fertile and iRPL couples. Further, correlation between sperm DFI and 5-mC with semen parameters and paternal age in both groups were determined. 36 male partners of fertile couples and 45 male partners of women experiencing iRPL were enrolled for this study and semen and blood samples were collected. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured by ELISA; sperm DFI and global 5-mC were determined by TUNEL assay and ELISA respectively. Significantly higher serum testosterone levels were noted in the iRPL group (p = 0.028). Incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be higher in the iRPL study group but with no significance difference. No significant differences in sperm 5-mC values were noted. Upon correlation analysis within both groups, strong significant negative correlation of sperm DFI % and 5-mC % was observed in the control group (p < 0.001) but not the iRPL group (p = 0.249). Hence, we infer that with lower 5-mC levels in sperm genome, there is a higher incidence of sperm DFI in fertile men. However, this trend is not noted in men of iRPL group which could possibly be due to other underlying epigenetic alterations in genomic regions probably unsusceptible to fragmentation. On the other hand, no significant correlations of semen parameters, testosterone, estradiol and paternal age with sperm DFI and 5-mC were noted in both groups.

Occupational and human health risks of exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in top soils from steel fabrication workshops

IntroductionEnvironmental pollution caused by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from anthropogenic sources has become a global concern due to its deleterious effect on humans and ecosystem health. Therefore, this study evaluated the concentrations of PTEs, pollution level and human health risk in topsoil from ten (10) steel fabrication workshops in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Materials and methodsTen (10) composite soil samples were collected in November 2023, from 10 different steel fabrication workshops in proximity to residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. One (1) gram of processed sample was digested using aqua regia and PTE concentration estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Pollution index assessment was determined using enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I-geo) while descriptive statistics and correlation were subjected to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). ResultsThe result showed that Iron (Fe) (11,500 – 42,100 mg kg−1), Lead (Pb) (10.7 – 583 mg kg−1), Chromium (Cr) (16.3 - 49.7 mg kg−1), Zinc (Zn) (34.6 – 343 mg kg−1), Manganese (Mn) (109 – 840 mg kg−1), Nickel (Ni) (2.23 - 25.3 mg kg−1), Copper (Cu) (16.6 -107 mg kg−1) and Cadmium (Cd) (2.23 - 25.3 mg kg−1) were present. Mean concentration for Pb (179±202 mg kg−1) is higher than the Canada soil guideline value (CSGV) (140 mg kg−1) while other PTEs are within the recommended limit. Pollution indices revealed EF (Cd and Pb) and I-geo (Cd) as the primary pollutants in the soil while the strong significant correlation between Cr, Cu and Mn p < 0.05. Cr, Ni, Pb and that of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn p < 0.01 suggest an emanation from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Human health risk assessment revealed Fe as the most dosed PTE and ingestion as the major pathways of exposure especially to children being the most susceptible. Hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) values for PTEs were <1 and within the acceptable threshold (1 × 10−6 – 1 × 10−4) except for Pb (3.93E+01; 1.16E-03) in adults respectively. ConclusionThe study showed that the topsoil from the steel fabrication workshop is polluted with Pb and Cu toxicity and the adult (residents and workers) population exposed to the soil is potentially at a non-cancer and cancer risk.

Mean airway pressure - Minute ventilation product (mM): A simple and universal surrogate equation to calculate mechanical power in both volume and pressure controlled ventilation

Introduction Mechanical power represents the energy delivered by a mechanical ventilator onto the lungs. It incorporates all the variables participating in ventilator-induced lung injury, including driving pressure, tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure, and respiratory rate. The pitfall of mechanical power is its mathematical complexity, as the gold standard method of calculation involves deriving the inspiratory area under the pressure-volume curve of each breath. Prior studies attempted to create simplified equations, they lack clinical utility as calculations cannot be done by solely looking at ventilator settings or they require manipulation of variables. There are also different formulas depending on the type of the mode of ventilation used. This study offers a simplified, universal equation called the mean airway pressure - Minute ventilation product (mM equation) which renders mechanical power clinical application more feasible at the bedside. Methods and Statistics Data collection used the online SIVA simulator, which simulate mechanical ventilation and calculate the geometrical area of the inspiratory limb of the pressure-volume curve. Different combinations of passive scenarios with varying compliances (10-80 ml/cmH2O) and resistances (5-30 cmH2O/L/S) in each the VCV and PCV modes were accomplished by adjusting ventilator settings with respiratory rate (5-40 BPM), tidal volume (150-700 mL), DP (5-30 cmH2O), and PEEP (0-15 cmH2O), with different inspiratory times in PCV and different flows rates in the VCV. A total of 2,000 values were collected in each mode. Range of Mechanical power measured by the simulator: 0.1 - 105 J/min and range of mM equation (mean airway pressure x Minute ventilation): 0.37 - 820 cmH2O/L/min. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the relationship of the mM equation to the measured MP, and linear regressions were used for predicting the MP derived from the mM equation in each mode separately and when combining all data from both modes. T-test for equal variance and Bland Altmann plot were used to compare the reference MP measured (MPR) from the simulator to the one derived from the Mm formula (MPD). Results There was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.931), CI (0.961, 0.967) between the mM formula and the gold-standard method of calculating mechanical power for the combined two modes. For the VCV: there was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.936), CI (-0.963, 0.971). For the PCV: there was a statistically significant linear relationship (P &lt; 0.001) and strong correlation of determination (R2 = 0.936), CI (-0.964, 0.970). A linear regression model predicted the MP from the mM as follows: for both modes MP = 0.13 (mM) + 3.41, for PCV MP = 0.15 (mM) + 3.79, for VCV MP = 0.13 (mM) + 2.48. The derived mechanical power from the mM was not statistically different (P 0.498) from the calculated reference MP using two sample T-tests assuming equal variance. The Bland-Altman plot for VCV mode showed a mean of 0.78 with 95% CI (0.34, 1.22), SD (-13.27, 14.83). In PCV, a mean of - 0.53 with 95% CI (-0.68, -0.38), SD (-6.28, 5.22). For both modes, a mean of 0, with 95% CI (-0.2, 0.2), SD (-10.06, 10.05). Conclusion The mM equation and its MP derived formula is a reliable method of calculating mechanical power. The simplicity and universal nature of its calculation can provide significant clinical utility at the bedside. More studies are needed to validate this method of calculation. Keywords: Mechanical power, mean airway pressure, minute ventilation

Assessment of Early Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy in the Dog by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).

Inherited primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Beagle dogs is a well-established large animal model of glaucoma and is caused by a G661R missense mutation in the ADAMTS10 gene. Using this model, the study describes early clinical disease markers for canine glaucoma. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to assess nine adult, ADAMTS10-mutant (median age 45.6 months, range 28.8-52.8 months; mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP): 29.9 +/- SEM 0.44 mmHg) and three related age-matched control Beagles (mean diurnal IOP: 18.0 +/- SEM 0.53 mmHg). Of all the optic nerve head (ONH) parameters evaluated, the loss of myelin peak height in the horizontal plane was most significant (from 154 +/- SEM 38.4 μm to 9.3 +/- SEM 22.1 μm; p < 0.01). There was a strong significant negative correlation between myelin peak height and IOP (Spearman correlation: -0.78; p < 0.003). There were no significant differences in the thickness of any retinal layers evaluated. SD-OCT is a useful tool to detect early glaucomatous damage to the ONH in dogs before vision loss. Loss in myelin peak height without inner retinal thinning was identified as an early clinical disease marker. This suggests that initial degenerative changes are mostly due to the loss of myelin.

Decoding defenses: Biochemical insights into insecticide resistance in tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Hemiptera: Miridae) from tea plantations of Eastern India

Helopeltis theivora is one of the major tea pests in India and the strategies of management largely depend on application of different insecticides. Resistance in ten field populations of H. theivora collected from different tea growing regions of Eastern India to three insecticides was evaluated by leaf dip method in the laboratory. The results showed varied levels of susceptibility in nine populations to thiamethoxam and deltamethrin with a resistance coefficient (RC) ranging from 2.04 to 30.95 and 1.56–59.81-fold, respectively. Upper Assam and Central Dooars populations showed high resistance to thiamethoxam and deltamethrin. A high resistance to deltamethrin was also recorded in the Eastern Dooars (RC = 52.74) and Western Dooars (RC = 53.07) populations. There was no resistance to quinalphos in any of the populations (RC = 0.11–0.60). The Darjeeling population was relatively susceptible to the insecticides. Biochemical enzyme assays suggested that glutathione S-transferases (GST), general esterase (GE) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities were high in most of the field populations as compared to the susceptible population. However, the expression of CYP was statistically at par between the Cachar, Tripura, Darjeeling and susceptible population. GST and GE activity displayed a strong significant correlation with LC50 values of thiamethoxam and deltamethrin while a moderate to strong linear relationship was recorded between CYP and the LC50s of thiamethoxam and deltamethrin, respectively. A weak positive correlation was established between LC50 of quinalphos and the enzymes. Synergistic assays reveal that the addition of synergists’ piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate with thiamethoxam and deltamethrin enhanced the toxicity of these insecticides. The results of this study will contribute to the insecticide resistance management and integrated management of H. theivora.

The Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in Urosepsis-Associated Delirium.

Introduction Urosepsis is a systemic, dysregulated, inflammatory reaction to a urinary tract infection and can have severeeffects on all systems, which can often leadto multi-organ failure and death. Sepsis-associated delirium is a common complication in critically ill patients, contributing to adverse outcomes and prolonged hospital stays. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a potential biomarker for sepsis severity and prognosis. Material and methods Our study investigates the utility of NLR in the diagnostic strategies for urosepsis-associated delirium in a cohort of 76 patients with sepsis and septic shock admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).We performed a single-centre retrospective observational study in the Craiova Clinical Emergency Hospital between June and October 2023. Results Patients with urological conditions that were diagnosed with urosepsis included 76 patients. These patients were clustered as follows: a group with delirium (37 patients, 48.7%) and another group without delirium (39 patients, 51.3%). Complete blood count parameters were obtained upon admission, and delirium was assessed using standardized diagnostic criteria. We identified a strong significant positive correlation between elevated NLR values on ICU admission and the development of delirium during hospitalization in urosepsis patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed similar diagnostic performance for NLR score. Conclusions The findings suggest that NLR may serve as a valuable biomarker for early detection, risk stratification, and guiding therapeutic interventions in urosepsis-associated delirium, thus improving outcomes in critically ill patients.

Correlation of anthropometric measurements with body mass index and estimation of the proportion of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese children: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEarly identification of overweight and obesity with the help of simple anthropometric tests can prevent from development of metabolic complications in these children. Body mass index (BMI) is the most...

Difficulty Falling Asleep is Associated with Poorer Therapeutic Outcomes in Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation.

The coexistence of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very prevalent. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an established second-line therapy for patients suffering OSA. Studies investigating the effect of the different aspects of insomnia on the therapeutic outcome are largely missing. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the impact of the different aspects of insomnia on the therapeutic outcome under HGNS therapy in clinical routine. This is a retrospective study including 30 consecutive patients aged 55.40 ± 8.83 years (8 female; 22 male) undergoing an HGNS implantation in our tertiary medical center between 2020 and 2023. All patients underwent preoperative polysomnography (PSG) according to AASM. First follow-up PSG was performed 95.40 ± 39.44 days after activation (30 patients) and second follow-up PSG was performed 409.89 ± 122.52 days after activation (18 patients). Among others, the following PSG-related parameters were evaluated: apnea-hypopnea index (n/h) (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (n/h) (ODI). Insomnia was assessed by the insomnia severity index (ISI) questionnaire. Preoperatively, all patients included filled out each ISI item. Spearman's-rho correlation coefficient was calculated for correlations. Preoperative score of ISI item 1 (difficulty falling asleep) was 1.93 ± 1.34 and preoperative cumulative ISI score (item1-7) was 18.67 ± 5.32. Preoperative AHI was 40.61 ± 12.02 (n/h) and preoperative ODI was 38.72 ± 14.28 (n/h). In the second follow-up, the mean difference in AHI was ∆ 10.47 ± 15.38 (n/h) and the mean difference in ODI was ∆ 8.17 ± 15.67 (n/h). Strong significant correlations were observed between ISI item 1 (difficulty falling asleep) and both ∆ AHI (r: -0.65, p=0.004) and ∆ ODI (r: -0.7; p=0.001) in the second follow-up. Difficulty falling asleep may hence negatively influence HGNS therapeutic outcome. Insomnia-related symptoms should be considered in the preoperative patient evaluation for HGNS.

Agronomic and Molecular Characterization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) Varieties in Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study addresses the breeding challenges of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) by utilizing agronomic, morphological, and molecular data to identify optimal parental combinations for enhanced cross-breeding. The research demonstrated significant variations and strong correlations among agronomic traits, with principal component analysis revealing complete variability at the fifth principal component. Key findings include the identification of TIS 8164 and TIS 0087/087 as closely related varieties, while molecular characterization highlighted Nwaoyinma and Umuspo 1 as promising parental combinations, providing a foundation for improved breeding strategies in sweet potato cultivation. Full Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.); 2n = 6x = 90) is a significant root crop globally. However, breeding and cross-breeding of the crop are difficult due to its enormous, complex genome and highly heterozygous hexaploid genetic makeup. This study used data on agronomic traits and morphological and molecular characterization to determine the best parental combinations for improved breeding and cross-breeding of the crop. Agronomic traits analysis and morphological characterization were carried out in the research farm while molecular analysis was done in the molecular biology laboratory. Results of the study show significant variations (p-value = 0.000) and a strong positive correlation among the majority of the agronomic traits and morphological characters, principal component analysis shows 100% variability at the 5th principal component, a dendrogram of agronomic traits analysis shows that TIS 8164 and TIS 0087/087 varieties are about 76% similar and Dixon variety is approximately 66.67% similar to the Umuspo 1 and the Butter Milk varieties, morphological characterization shows 37% similarity between the Umuspo 1 variety and the TIS 8164 variety, polymorphic information content shows polymorphism of 42.86% for IBS166 primer, 28.5% for IB02 primer and 14.29% for IBS199 and Ibu4 primers respectively, a dendrogram of molecular characterization shows no similarity between the Umuspo 1 variety and the other variety and 100% similarity between the TIS 8164 and the TIS 0087/087 varieties. The study concluded that the Nwaoyinma and the Umuspo 1 varieties are good parental combinations

#409 Correlation between ha factor concentration and urinary syndrome in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis when using rivaroxaban

Abstract Background and Aims Considering the pathogenetic role of factor X of the coagulation system in the formation and progression of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), as well as the mechanism of action of rivaroxaban, this study examined the concentration of coagulation factor X in peripheral blood. Aim of our study to reveal the pathogenetic relationship between the concentration of Xa factor and the severity of urinary syndrome in patients with CGN on the background of basic therapy with the inclusion of rivaroxaban. Method 108 CGN patients, on the background of 3-month baseline therapy with inclusion of rivaroxaban (AC+ group, 55 patients) and without anticoagulant (AC- group, 53 patients). Initially and after 3 months of the study the concentration of coagulation factor Xa in peripheral blood was studied. Results In CGN patients the concentration of Xa factor was significantly higher than in CG (122.17 ± 2.23% vs. 104.28 ± 6.54% in CG, p &amp;lt; 0.05). On the background of 3-month therapy including antiaggregant, corticosteroid hormone and cytostatic, the concentration of Xa factor decreased by 18.82 ± 0.64% (p &amp;lt; 0.001 reliability of difference with initial data). The use of rivaroxaban, as expected, was associated with a more significant decrease in Xa factor level—by 38.76 ± 1.40% (p &amp;lt; 0.001 significance of difference with baseline data; significance of difference in relative dynamics of Xa factor concentration between groups depending on anticoagulant use, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive strong correlation between the initial concentration of Xa factor in peripheral blood of CGN patients and the severity of hematuria (r = 0.83, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and a positive weak correlation between the concentration of Xa factor and cylindruria as a manifestation of proteinuria (r = 0.30, p &amp;lt; 0.01), as well as a positive weak correlation between the concentration of Xa factor and cylindruria at the end of the 3rd month of observation (r = 0.33, p &amp;lt; 0.01). There was also found a significant negative weak correlation between the initial concentration of Xa factor and the relative dynamics of hematuria (r = −0.48, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and cylindruria (r = −0.33, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion The study confirmed the pathogenetic relationship between the concentration of Xa factor and the severity of urinary syndrome in CGN patients. It was also found that initially high concentration of Xa factor is associated with less positive dynamics of urinary syndrome parameters.

#897 Peritoneal inflammation in PD-related peritonitis induces systemic eryptosis: in vitro and in vivo assessments

Abstract Background and Aims Erythrocytes (RBCs) have a highly specialized and organized membrane structure and undergo programmed cell death, known as eryptosis ( = stress-induced RBC death mechanism). Triggers of eryptosis include oxidative stress, inflammation and several uremic toxins. Our preliminary data show a significant increase of eryptosis during peritoneal dialysis (PD) -associated peritonitis in PD patients. The aims of this study were: assessment of incrementation of eryptosis in PD patients with peritonitis, evaluation of the relationship between systemic eryptosis in peritonitis and specific peritonitis biomarkers in PD effluent (PDE), and confirmation of the induction of eryptosis by peritonitis in a vitro setting. Method We enrolled 34 PD patients in stable condition (without systemic inflammation nor PD-related peritonitis in the last 3 months), 31 PD patients with acute peritonitis, and 17 healthy subjects (CTR). For PD stable patients, blood samples for eryptosis evaluation were drawn during the regular outpatient. For PD patients with peritonitis, blood samples and PDE samples were collected at the time of peritonitis diagnosis. PDE samples were used for peritoneal White Blood Cell count (pWBC), peritoneal Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (pNGAL) and peritoneal cytokines levels (IL-1β and IL-6) measurements. For in vitro study, healthy RBCs were exposed to plasma of 31 PD patients with peritonitis and plasma of CTR group for 2, 4 and 24 hours. Morphological markers of eryptosis (cell membrane scrambling, cell shrinkage) and eryptosis percentage (based on PS exposure at RBC surface and AnnexinV-binding) were evaluated by flow cytometric analyses in vivo and in vitro. Results Totally, 65 chronic PD patients were included in this study. 57% of patients were treated with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and 43% with automated PD (APD). The median PD vintage was 38 months (IQR 3.6–124.9 months). Table 1 reports clinical data for our PD population (Table 1). The percentage of AnnexinV-binding RBCs was significantly higher in PD patients than in CTR (2.7%; IQR 1.6–3.9 vs CTR: 0.8; IQR 0.7–1.3 P &amp;lt; .05). Eryptosis levels did not differ significantly between PD pts with and without diabetes, with and without hypertension, with and without cardiovascular disease. Eryptosis showed no significant differences between patients treated by CAPD/APD, and with Kt/Vurea values ≤ 1.7 and &amp;gt; 1.7. Generally, RBCs of all 65 PD patients were dramatically deranged in their morphology. In particular, RBCs from PD patients with peritonitis were characterized by dramatically deranged morphology and increased median cell volume in comparison with PD stable patients (P &amp;lt; .001). The percentages of AnnexinV-binding RBCs were significantly increased in the PD-associated peritonitis group (9.6%; IQR 4.2–16.7 versus 2.7%; IQR 1.6–3.9) (P&amp;lt;.0001) (Fig. 1). The percentage of AnnexinV-binding RBCs was significantly higher in PD patients with peritonitis than in healthy CTR (P &amp;lt; .001). We confirmed these in vivo data by in vitro results: healthy RBCs incubated with plasma from PD patients with peritonitis demonstrated a significant increase of eryptosis compared to healthy RBCs exposed to plasma from control group at all times (Fig. 2). Furthermore, significant positive strong correlations were observed between eryptosis level and all analysed peritoneal biomarkers of peritonitis (Spearman's rho pWBC = 0.77, P&amp;lt;.001, Spearman's rho pNGAL = 0.64, P = .001, Spearman's rho IL-6 = 0.61, P = .003 and Spearman's rho IL-1β = 0.64, P = .001,) (Fig. 3). Conclusion We investigated a potential connection between systemic eryptosis and peritoneal biomarkers of peritonitis. In particular, we theorized that the eryptosis enhancement is directly connected with peritonitis, and, based on the results, we hypothesized that the peritoneal membrane injury could be related to eryptosis. Upregulation of inflammatory markers could explain the increased rate of systemic eryptosis during PD-related peritonitis. In particular, we corroborated this point with our observations about in vitro induction of eryptosis by plasma from PD patients on the first day of peritonitis.

Phase angle as an indicator of body composition and physical performance in handball players

BackgroundPhase angle (PhA), obtained from the bioimpedance analysis, is widely used in clinical situations and in sports. This study evaluated the association between PhA with body composition and physical performance of handball athletes.Methods43 national-level players (22.19 ± 3.86 years) of both sexes were evaluated regarding anthropometry, body composition, squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps, handgrip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.ResultsWe verified a correlation between PhA of the whole body and fat-free mass (r = 0.511), body mass index (r = 0.307), and body fat % (r = -0.303). There was a positive correlation between PhA of the whole body and SJ (r = 0.376), CMJ (r = 0.419), and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.448). Moreover, PhA of the upper limbs was more strongly correlated with handgrip for the dominant (r = 0.630) and non-dominant hand (r = 0.575) compared to PhA of the whole body considering both sexes. Similarly, segmental PhA had a stronger significant correlation with SJ (r = 0.402) and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.482) in males, as well as CMJ (r = 0.602) in females, compared to PhA of the whole body.ConclusionPhA of the whole body was positively related to fat-free mass, body mass index, body fat %, and lower- and upper-limbs strength in handball athletes. Segmental PhA might be used as a tool for estimating lower and upper limbs performance considering the sex, in preference to the PhA of the whole body.

Coronary artery disease severity and risk stratification of patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome using CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score

BackgroundRisk stratification assessment of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) plays an important role in optimal management and defines the patient’s prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score (comprising of the components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with a male instead of female sex category, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and family history of coronary artery disease respectively) to predict the severity and complexity of CAD and its efficacy in stratification for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with NSTE ACS without known atrial fibrillation.MethodsThis study included 200 patients (males 72.5%, mean age 55.8 ± 10.1 years) who were admitted with NSTE ACS. CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score was calculated on admission. Patients were classified into three groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score: low score group (< 2; 29 patients), intermediate score group (2–4; 83 patients), and high score group (≥ 5; 88 patients). Coronary angiography was conducted and the Syntax score (SS) was calculated. Clinical follow-up at 6 months of admission for the development of MACE was recorded.ResultsSS was significantly high in the high CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score group compared with low and intermediate score groups. CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had a significant positive strong correlation with syntax score (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). Smoking, vascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score were independent predictors of high SS. For the prediction of severe and complex CAD, CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score had a good predictive power at a cut-off value ≥ 5 with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 65%. Hypertension, vascular disease, high SS, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score were independent predictors of MACE. CHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score ≥ 4 was identified as an effective cut-off point for the development of MACE with 94% sensitivity and 70% specificity.ConclusionsCHA2DS2-VASC-HSF score is proposed to be a simple bedside score that could be used for the prediction of the severity and complexity of CAD as well as a risk stratification tool for the development of MACE in NSTE ACS patients.

Evaluation of metacognition, difficulties in emotion regulation and addiction severity levels of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between metacognition, difficulties in emotion regulation, and level of addiction severity in individuals with substance use disorder. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 participants at the Alcohol and Drug Addicts Treatment and Research Center between February and June 2023. The data were collected using the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MTQ-30), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form (DERS-16), and Addiction Profile Index (API). Results All the participants were male and polysubstance users; the age of the onset of substance use was 16.43 ± 5.95; they had been receiving treatment for addiction for an average of 1.79 ± 2.16 years. There was a strong positive significant correlation between the mean total MTQ-30 score and the mean total DERS-16 and API scores (r = .704, p < .001; r = .776, p < .001) and a moderate positive significant correlation between the mean total DERS-16 score and the mean total API score (r = .628, p < .001). It was determined that metacognition had an effect at a rate of 60.3% and difficulty in emotion regulation had an effect at a rate of 39.5% on the addiction severity of individuals. Conclusion Addiction severity was found to increase as the levels of metacognitive impairment and difficulty in emotion regulation increased.

The role of catchment population size, data normalization, and chronology of public health interventions on wastewater-based COVID-19 viral trends

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic presented the most challenging global crisis in recent times. A pandemic caused by a novel pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 necessitated the development of innovative techniques for the monitoring and surveillance of COVID-19 infections within communities. Wastewater surveillance (WWS) is recognized as a non-invasive, cost-effective, and valuable epidemiological tool to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in communities. Seven municipal wastewater sampling sites representing distinct sewershed communities were selected for the surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada over 8 months from March 2021 to October 2021. Viral RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2 and the normalization target pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) were concentrated from wastewater influent using the PEG/NaCl superspeed centrifugation method and quantified using RT-qPCR. Strong significant correlations (Spearman's rs = 0.749 to 0.862, P < 0.001) were observed between SARS-CoV-2 gene copies/mL of wastewater and clinical cases reported in each delineated sewershed by onset date. Although raw wastewater offered higher correlation coefficients with clinical cases by onset date compared to PMMoV normalized data, only one site had a statistically significantly higher Spearman's correlation coefficient value for raw data than normalized data. Implementation of community stay-at-home orders and vaccinations over the course of the study period in 2021 were found to strongly correspond to decreasing SARS-CoV-2 wastewater trends in the wastewater treatment plants and upstream pumping stations.

Comparison of Anthropometric and Cephalometric Measurements Obtained by Stereophotogrammetry and 3D Computed Tomography of the Nose Before Septorhinoplasty.

Computed tomography (CT) is normally used in evaluation of patients with esthetic and functional nasal deformities. Stereophotogrammetry (SPG) is a measurement device that is an alternative to CT and does not harm human health. In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate measurements obtained with CT and SPG. The measurements of 18 patients who applied to our clinic between January 2022 and August 2022 and planned for septorhinoplasty were performed on both 3D images obtained with paranasal sinus CT and SPG device (SLR type Vectra H1 system). Measurements included that dorsocolumellar length, columella-filtral length, nasal tip projection ratio (dorsocolumellar length/columella-filtral length), columella-labial angle, nasofrontal angle, tip deviation direction, tip deviation angle, tip deviation distance and dorsal nasal hump. Most of patients were male (61.1%). Mean age was 24.5 years. Only columella-labial angle measurements showed a low level of significant difference (p<0.05). However, there was no significance difference in other measurements (p>0.05). A significant strong correlation was observed between all Vectra and CT measurements (p=0.000). SPG device can be applied quickly in polyclinic without giving radiation to patient. Measurements can be taken automatically using a software. Its use in postoperative period does not carry any risk. Disadvantage of SPG is lack of information about internal nasal passage. However, there is a strong correlation between measurements obtained from both measurement devices. Therefore, SPG can be considered as an alternative to CT imaging in operation planning. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .