Strong Significant Negative Correlation Research Articles

Correlation of Dysfunctional Lens Index with Lens Opacification System III in Age Related Cataract

Purpose:  Age-Related changes in crystalline lens opacity and lens density contribute to formation of higher order aberrations resulting in reduced quality of vision. Precise quantification of cataract is important for predicting phacodynamics and educating patient. The iTrace(a ray-tracing aberrometer) provides Dysfunctional Lens Index (DLI). This study from Pakistan investigates the relationship between LOCS III and DLI in senile cataract. Study Design:  Correlational study. Place and Duration of Study:  Hashmanis Hospital, Karachi from March 2021 to May 2021. Methods:  This study included 44 patients with age-related cataract. Demographic characteristics and complete ophthalmic examination of eyes including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and slit lamp biomicroscopy were performed. Age related cataracts were graded using the Standard technique of LOCS III. I-Trace was utilized for wave front analysis to calculate DLI. Results:  BCVA and LOCS III nuclear opalescence score had strongest positive linear correlation (r=0.433, P<0.01). DLI displayed a strong significant negative correlation to LOCS III Cortical Cataract (C) and LOCS III Posterior Sub-Capsular Cataract (P) score (r=-0.415 and r=-0.694; respectively). Conclusion:  BCVA had insignificant and small to no correlation to LOCS III C score and P score. Whereas, DLI showed the strongest significant correlation to LOCS III C score and P score. Patient's optical quality determined by visual symptoms are more closely associated to DLI parameter as compared to LOCS III classification. DLI can provide a better objective way to elevate age related cataract, monitor the progression and determine phacodynamics.

Heavy Metal Levels in Males With Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.

The toxic effects of heavy metals on biological systems are being investigated with increasing interest day by day. Our purpose was to investigate heavy metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in males with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and to determine whether there is a relationship between heavy metals and testosterone levels. Twenty-six male patients with IHH aged 18-50 and 22 healthy males aged 21-50 admitted to the Outpatient Department of Endocrinology for follow-up were enrolled.BMIs were calculated by measuring the height and weight of all participants. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were measured and compared between groups. Testosterone levels were measured to investigate whether there was a correlation with heavy metal levels. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were statistically higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). A moderately strong significant negative correlation was detected between the patients' testosterone and As levels (p=0.001, r=-0.609, R2=0.371). Decreased As and Cd levels were observed as the patients' ages increased (p=0.013, r=-0.471). Heavy metals might play potential roles in IHH. We hope that investigating heavy metal levels in IHH and adding toxicity-preventive treatments to hormonal therapies will be beneficial in the multifaceted management of the disease in clinical practice.

Exploratory axis factoring for identifying the self-esteem latent factors and their correlation with the life quality of persons suffering from vitiligo.

Our research aimed to measure the importance of self-esteem in assessing the disease burden in patients with vitiligo, which, according to our knowledge, had not been studied earlier. The purpose of this research study was to expand the state of knowledge regarding the influence of vitiligo on the quality of patients' life, with a particular focus on their self-esteem. We have formulated the following two hypotheses which include H1: two latent factors characterize the self-esteem of patients with vitiligo; H2: the self-esteem of the patients with Vitiligo is correlated with their life quality, by influencing it to a high degree. We have used two validated questionnaires called Rosenberg (Q1), for the evaluation of self-esteem (for proving H1), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (Q2), to measure the health-related quality of life of patients (for proving H2). Both questionnaires with 10 questions were applied to the same set of 114 carefully selected patients with no missing values to questions. An in-depth statistical and reliability analysis was performed on the outcomes provided by Q1, applying a scale and subscale reliability analysis, using the Cronbach's alpha reliability indicator (Cα). An exploratory analysis called Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) with Oblimin with Kaiser Normalization rotation was applied to prove H1, verifying the assumptions regarding the average variance extracted (AVE) and convergent and discriminant validity (CDV). A scale reliability analysis of outcomes provided by Q2 was performed for proving H2, by calculating Cα. Additionally, a nonparametric correlation analysis was performed, by calculating the Spearman r correlation coefficient between the Rosenberg index and DLQI index, and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Based on the provided data, the value of Cα obtained in Q1 was 0.84. As a result of applying PAF on Q1, H1 has been proven and two latent factors of self-esteem have been extracted. These factors were named competence (eigenvalue = 4.126; 41.258% of total variance explained) and value (eigenvalue = 1.857; 18.57% of total variance explained). For the two subscales determined by the two factors, we have obtained the Cα values of 0.848 and 0.8, all indicating good reliability. For testing H2, on Q2 data we obtained Cα = 0.914. The Spearman correlation coefficient r = -0.734 (p < 0.0001), between the self-esteem questionnaire evaluation result and the life-quality index result indicated the existence of a strong negative correlation, which is significant according to 95% CI [-0.81, -0.63]. The study focused on analyzing the self-esteem of patients with vitiligo. In addition, the psychometric properties of the Q1 questionnaire were analyzed and Q1 proved to have good internal consistency. PAF indicated a two-factorial structure, with factors called competence and value, proving H1, with a moderate correlation of 0.427 between the two latent constructs. The competence factor includes motivation, self-efficacy, initiative, and persistence in action. The value factor is much more complex, indicating a feeling, a personal evaluation, or a positive or negative attitude toward one's person, which better captures the entire phenomenology of self-esteem. The statistical analysis of the results provided by the self-esteem questionnaire included questions that proved to be internally consistent. The AVE and CDV assumptions were met. Q2 was proved to have excellent scale reliability. H2 proved a statistically significant strong negative correlation between the Rosenberg score and DLQI score.

Analysis of spatiotemporal distribution of air quality index (AQI) in the state of West Bengal, India from 2016 to 2021

The ambient air quality is progressively declining, especially in emerging countries, due to increased urbanization, high demands of energy, and industrialization. High risks to human health and environmental degradation are associated with air pollution. The analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a valuable tool for simplifying the communication of air quality in a specific region, making it easily comprehensible to the general public. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Indian air quality regulations recommend mathematical functions to compute sub-indices for calculating the AQI. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the AQI status from a different point of view (monthly, seasonal, and annual variations and association of AQI with meteorological factors) and estimate the future AQI. The monthly AQI values in West Bengal vary from “Satisfactory to Moderate” level from 2016 to 2021. In district-wise, the highest AQI was observed in Kolkata (189), Bardhaman (178), and Murshidabad (167) in the year 2016; Kolkata (180), Bardhaman (155), and Howrah (155) in 2017; Howrah (180), Kolkata (179) and Hoogly (166) in 2018; Howrah (170), Kolkata (156) and Bardhaman (156) in 2019; Howrah (150), South 24 Parganas (137), and Kolkata (136) in 2020 and Howrah (161), Kolkata (139), and South 24 Parganas (139) in 2021 respectively in Winter season. The association between meteorological parameters, such as temperature (r = − 0.605, p < 0.001), relative humidity (r = − 0.647, p < 0.001), and precipitation (r = − 0.821, p < 0.001) and AQI shows a significant strong negative correlation (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative influence of temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity was 53.13%, 36.69%, and 10.18%, respectively, on AQI variation. Temperature plays a significant role in association with AQI distribution in the atmosphere than RH and precipitation. The distribution of AQI in the whole state of West Bengal showed a higher AQI observed in the Southern part compared to the northern part of the state. The study's conclusions and recommendations can help stakeholders and policymakers’ to control and improve the deterioration of air quality caused by concerns about AQI and human health.

Effect of internet pornography use frequency on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity in young Turkish men: the mediating role of dyadic adjustment.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of the frequency of using pornography on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity after controlling for other psychological factors. It then evaluated the mediating role of dyadic adjustment regarding this. This study included 66 young married heterosexual male patients who were diagnosed with psychogenic erectile dysfunction after organic causes were excluded. The patients filled out the form about demographics, the age of onset of pornography use, and the frequency of pornography use. All participants were evaluated using a comprehensive data form, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A significant strong negative correlation was determined between the International Index of Erectile Function scores and pornography use frequency (r = -0.535 and p < 0.001). Pornography use frequency and Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores were found to have a significant predictive effect on erectile dysfunction scores in hierarchical regression analysis after controlling for somatization, depression, and perceived stress, which are typically correlated with erectile dysfunction scores (Beta = -0.28, and 0.34 respectively, p = 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). The Sobel test conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of dyadic adjustment revealed that dyadic adjustment played a mediating role in the correlation between pornography use frequency and erectile dysfunction scores (z = -1.988 and p = 0.047, respectively). The most significant observation of this study was the specific causative effect of pornography use frequency on erectile dysfunction severity through dyadic adjustment, especially considering that the frequency of using pornography is a modifiable factor.

Influence of Perceived Family Functioning on Depression among Postmenopausal Women in Nigeria

This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, designed to determine the influence of perceived family functioning on depression among of post-menopausal women attending the family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to get the respondents’ socio-demographic and clinical parameters. Data were analysed to determine: the rate and severity of depression; how some socio-demographic factors related to depression in postmenopausal women, (PMW); whether there was an association between family function and depression among the women. Our survey revealed that 66.7% of PMW had some degree of depression and their sociodemographic factors were important markers for depression. One third of the women had no form of mood disturbance but 5.7% had severe depression necessitating referral to Neuropsychiatry clinic.The participants’ family function had statistically significant association with depression (χ2 =117, p-value = &lt;.001). Women in dysfunctional milieu were more likely to have depressive illnesses than those in functional families. There was also statistically significant strong negative correlation between respondents’ family function scores and their depression scores (Spearman’s rho = -0.622; sig. (2-tailed = &lt;.001). Using Independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test, the relationship between family function scores and depression categories was such that women with depression had significantly lower functional scores, when compared with those without depression.  

A novel stemness classification in acute myeloid leukemia by the stemness index and the identification of cancer stem cell-related biomarkers.

Stem cells play an important role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, their precise effect on AML tumorigenesis and progression remains unclear. The present study aimed to characterize stem cell-related gene expression and identify stemness biomarker genes in AML. We calculated the stemness index (mRNAsi) based on transcription data using the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm for patients in the training set. According to the mRNAsi score, we performed consensus clustering and identified two stemness subgroups. Eight stemness-related genes were identified as stemness biomarkers through gene selection by three machine learning methods. We found that patients in stemness subgroup I had a poor prognosis and benefited from nilotinib, MK-2206 and axitinib treatment. In addition, the mutation profiles of these two stemness subgroups were different, which suggested that patients in different subgroups had different biological processes. There was a strong significant negative correlation between mRNAsi and the immune score (r= -0.43, p<0.001). Furthermore, we identified eight stemness-related genes that have potential to be biomarkers, including SLC43A2, CYBB, CFP, GRN, CST3, TIMP1, CFD and IGLL1. These genes, except IGLL1, had a negative correlation with mRNAsi. SLC43A2 is expected to be a potential stemness-related biomarker in AML. Overall, we established a novel stemness classification using the mRNAsi score and eight stemness-related genes that may be biomarkers. Clinical decision-making should be guided by this new signature in prospective studies.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Financial Condition and Mortality in Polish Regions

The study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial condition and mortality in Polish voivodeships. To achieve this objective, the relationship between the number of deaths before and during the pandemic and the financial condition of the provinces in Poland was studied. The study covered the years 2017–2020, for which a one-way ANOVA was used to verify whether there was a relationship between the level of a province’s financial condition and the number of deaths. The results of the study are surprising and show that before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a higher number of deaths in provinces that were better off financially, but the relationship was not statistically significant. In contrast, during the pandemic, a statistically significant strong negative correlation between these values was proven, which, in practice, shows that regions with better financial conditions had a higher number of deaths during COVID-19.

Whether the enhanced terrestrial vegetation carbon sink affect the water resources in the middle-low latitude karst areas of China?

To meet the carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives, the middle-low latitude karst areas of Southwest China have become popular research areas due to their rich terrestrial carbon sink storage capability. However, whether the enhanced terrestrial vegetation carbon sink will consume more water resources in this area is still unclear. In this research, three mid-small basins that represent different levels of carbon sink and human activity were selected in the middle-low latitude karst area of Southwest China. Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) was used to indicate the variation in the carbon sink, and the remote sensing-driven distributed time-variant gain model (RS-DTVGM) and a new runoff monitoring technology named the remote sensing hydrological station (RSHS) were integrated to quantitatively analyze the correlation between the carbon sink and water resources from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that 1) in the past 20 years, the NEP of the three basins all showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while the runoff of all basins showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The opposite trends of NEP and runoff supported the negative correlation between NEP and runoff. 2) The enhanced carbon sink will consume more water, but on the premise of similar climatic and geographical conditions, the significant strong negative correlation between the carbon sink and water resources will gradually weaken and become insignificant as the land use/cover change (LUCC) occurs and the forest background conditions improve from approximately 35% to more than 80%. 3) The serious drought event had a large influence on the water yield and carbon sink, and the basin with higher forest coverage could resist extreme drought by consuming more runoff to retain more carbon. This research quantitatively answered the question of whether the enhanced carbon sink will consume more water resources in the middle-low latitude humid karst areas, which provide valuable implications to managers who want to increase carbon sinks but worry about lost water resources, and the results can be used to promote the co-evolution of the water-carbon system, thereby achieving the carbon neutrality objective.

A Multicenter Study Assessing Burnout and Work Engagement in Student Pharmacists and Faculty Members

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to characterize work engagement and burnout as well as potential demographic factors associated with each student and faculty member at 2 pharmacy programs in the US. MethodsA survey including the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 (UWES-9) and a single-item burnout measure was conducted from April to May 2020. Demographic data including age range, gender, and other characteristics were also collected. Mean UWES-9 scores, scoring category results, and the proportion of the cohorts reporting symptoms of burnout were reported. Point biserial correlation was used to compare the relationship between UWES-9 mean scores and burnout rates. Regression analyses were also performed to assess variables predictive of work engagement and burnout. ResultsStudents (N = 174) reported a mean UWES-9 score of 3.0 (SD = 1.1), while faculty members (N = 35) reported a mean of 4.5 (SD = 0.7). Over half (58.6%) of the students and 40% of faculty members reported symptoms of burnout. Faculty members demonstrated a strong significant negative correlation between work engagement and burnout (r = −0.35), while students did not (r = 0.04). Regression analyses found no significant demographic factors predictive of UWES-9 scores in students or faculty, while first year students were less likely to report burnout symptoms, and no significant factors for burnout were found in faculty. ConclusionOur study found that work engagement scores and burnout symptoms were inversely correlated in pharmacy faculty members surveyed but lacked correlation in students. Larger, more robust studies should be conducted to further elucidate the relationship between work engagement and burnout.

The Association of High Sensitivity C-reactive protein and Nitric Oxide with Elevated Blood Pressure during Dialysis in Intradialytic Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) is a procedure to replace part of kidney function in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Hemodynamic disturbances during HD may include elevated blood pressure (BP). It is reported that about 5–15% of patients undergoing regular HD have increased BP during HD. This condition is called intradialytic hypertension (IDH). Increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are associated with decreased endothelial dilatation response of blood vessels. Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the mediators that act as a vasodilator to regulate vascular pressure. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the factors thought to contribute to the incidence of IDH. AIM: This study aimed to determine the association of hs-CRP and NO with elevated BP in IDH. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, from November 2021 to April 2022. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling methods. The levels of hs-CRP and NO were examined in all patients. The correlation between hs-CRP and NO was performed using the Spearman test, while the association of hs-CRP and NO with elevated BP was performed using the Fisher- exact test or Chi-square test. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in this study. The median hs-CRP, NO, and systolic BP (SBP) of the patients were 6.55 mg/dL (0.50–43.5),  27.77  mg/dL (3.65–72.19), and 20 mmHg (10–30), respectively. The correlation analysis showed that there was a strong significant negative correlation between hs-CRP levels and NO (r = −0.680, p = 0.000). Based on the Chi-Square or Fisher Exact test, there was a significant association between hs-CRP levels and elevated SBP (OR = 5.06; 95% CI = 1.095–23.44; p = 0.040), as well as between NO levels and elevated SBP (OR = 17.14; 95% CI = 3.063–95.938; p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between hs-CRP and NO levels with elevated SBP in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with IDH. ESRD on hemodialysis (ESRD on R-HD) patients with hs-CRP ≤3 mg/dL or NO levels &lt;25 mg/dL tends to have increased SBP ≥20 mmHg after HD compared to ESRD patients with low hs-CRP or high NO levels.

Effect of seagrass cover loss on seawater carbonate chemistry: Implications for the potential of seagrass meadows to mitigate ocean acidification

Seagrass meadows are important marine ecosystems for mitigating ocean acidification because of their ability to raise the pH of seawater during the day. This ability may decrease as a result of the loss of these meadows, which is primarily caused by human activities and climate change. Here, we test the effect of seagrass cover loss on seawater carbonate chemistry to understand how the loss of seagrass meadows affects their ability to mitigate ocean acidification. pH, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) were measured in experimental tidal pools with varying proportions of seagrass coverage: 0% (mimicking a complete loss of seagrass meadows); 1%–29% (mimicking the greatest loss of seagrass meadows); 30%–59% (mimicking a moderate loss of seagrass meadows); and 60%–100% (mimicking the lowest loss of seagrass meadows). It was found that as seagrass cover decreased, pH and ΩAr levels in seawater decreased proportionally during the day, while pCO2 and DIC increased. Additionally, correlation analysis showed a strong significant positive correlation between the seagrass cover and pH (rs = 0.9096, p < 0.0001) and ΩAr (rs = 0.9031, p < 0.0001), as well as a strong significant negative correlation between the seagrass cover and pCO2 (rs = −0.9068, p < 0.0001) and DIC (rs = −0.8947, p < 0.0001). These results imply that the 7% annual global loss in seagrass meadows may limit seagrass meadows’ ability to raise the pH of their surrounding seawater during the day, reducing their potential to mitigate ocean acidification. The study recommends that management strategies that minimize anthropogenic activities that cause seagrass loss be implemented in order for seagrass meadows to continue mitigating ocean acidification within their ecosystem and nearby ecosystems.

Change of Direction Deficit: A Promising Method to Measure a Change of Direction Ability in Adolescent Basketball Players.

The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between vertical jumping performance, linear speed, change of direction speed (CODs) time and the COD deficit (CODD) in adolescent basketball players and to analyze the CODD between faster and slower players based on linear speed performance. Thirty-eight male basketball players (age: 15.47 ± 0.51 years; body height: 185.19 ± 5.67 cm; body mass: 71.87 ± 7.29 kg) completed countermovement jumps (CMJ) with and without an arm swing, squat jumps (SJs), linear sprints at 20 m with split times at 5 and 10 m, the pro-agility test and the zig-zag tests. Furthermore, the CODD was calculated as the difference between the 20 m linear speed result and CODs time in both COD tests. Pearson and Spearman analyses were used to determine the correlations between power-speed-related variables and the CODD. Moreover, independent t-tests and Cohen's d effect size (ES) were used to analyze the differences between the faster and slower players in the CODD. Moderate to strong significant negative correlations were observed between the CODD in the pro-agility test and linear speed at 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m (r = -0.55 to -0.46), while moderate negative significant correlation was found between the zig-zag CODD and SJs (r = -0.37) as well as small positive significant correlation between the CODD in the zig-zag test and the eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) (r = 0.23). Additionally, faster basketball players displayed significantly higher CODD values performing the pro-agility test. In summary, these findings underline the complexity of COD performance and the importance of remodeling traditional training programs in basketball players.

Estimation of malondialdehyde and catalase activity in pregnant women at IIMS&amp;R Hospital, Lucknow, India

Background: During pregnancy, the physiological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with a variety of maternal, placental, and fetal developmental functions. These functions are disrupted by excessive amounts of ROS, resulting to pregnancy complications. Different stages of pregnancy require a balance between oxidant and antioxidant production.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the status of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity in pregnant and age matched non-pregnant women.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 74 participants were enrolled, including 37 pregnant and 37 age-matched non-pregnant women. The age range of participants was 18 to 40 years. MDA and CAT levels were measured spectrophotometrically. A p-value 0.05 was statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Compared to non-pregnant women, the mean plasma level of MDA was considerably elevated in pregnant women (p&lt;0.0001). However, the mean level of CAT activity in pregnant women was significantly lower than in non-pregnant women (p&lt;0.0001) In pregnant women, there is a significant strong negative correlation between MDA levels and CAT activity (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Pregnant women have high level of oxidative stress, indicating that the pregnant women are more susceptible to oxidative damage and may develop pregnancy-associated complications.&#x0D;  

Targeted Box and Blocks Test: Evidence of Convergent Validity in Upper Limb Prosthesis User Population

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To conduct an initial psychometric evaluation in the upper limb prosthesis user population of a novel performance-based measure called the targeted Box and Blocks Test (tBBT) requiring controlled grasping, transport, and release of objects that can be used to evaluate upper limb functional ability. <h3>Design</h3> Nonrandomized controlled trial. <h3>Setting</h3> Academic research lab. <h3>Participants</h3> A convenience sample of n = 8 transradial myoelectric prosthesis users (3F/5M; mean age 46.3 ± 14.3 years). Nearly all prosthesis users used their myoelectric prosthetic device >8 hours/day and >5 days/week. Time since amputation for all but two prosthesis users was less than 6 years. <h3>Interventions</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Participants were timed as they performed two trials each of the tBBT (in both a standing and seated position); the fork, reach overhead, and door knob tasks from the Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees (AM-ULA); and the picture frame, bottle squeeze, and pick up dice tasks from the Capacity Assessment of Prosthesis Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL). Average time of trials was used to calculate the Pearson correlation coefficients between tBBT and each task performed from the CAPPFUL and AM-ULA. <h3>Results</h3> Nearly all correlations between the tBBT (standing and seated) and select tasks from the AM-ULA and CAPPFUL were moderate to strong, ranging from 0.48 to 0.90. The correlation between tBBT in a seated position and the reach overhead AM-ULA task was weaker (R = 0.38). Interestingly, there was a significant strong negative correlation between tBBT score and the CAPPFUL task of squeezing water from a bottle (R = -0.89 for tBBT standing and R = -.76 for tBBT seated). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Preliminary results demonstrate the tBBT in both seated and standing positions has acceptable convergent validity in the upper limb prosthesis user population. Additional psychometric properties (e.g., known-group validity, test-retest reliability) should be determined to fully characterize this novel measure. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Role of miRNA-155 in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation mediated by MITF in stage III/IV periodontitis: a case-control study

BackgroundMonocyte-macrophage lineage cells are committed towards osteoclast differentiation in vitro by the downregulation of microphthalmia-induced transcription factor (MITF) by miRNA-155. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate miRNA-155 expression and explore the regulation of MITF by miRNA-155 during osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis. Materials and methodsNinety-eight subjects were recruited and categorized into the following: group I (cases)—systemically healthy with localized stage III/IV periodontitis (N = 49) and group II (controls)—systemically and periodontally healthy (N = 49). Gingival tissue samples were procured and qRT-PCR analysis was carried out for relative gene expression. ResultsThe mean ΔCT of miRNA-155 expression was −1.04 ± 2.26 and −0.01 ± 1.4 respectively for groups I and II. There was a statistically significant difference in the miRNA-155 expression (P ≤ 0.01) between the groups. The mean ΔCT of MITF expression for groups I and II was 4.15± 2.16 and 3.51± 1.57 respectively with no significant difference (P > 0.01) between the groups. In the periodontitis group, miRNA-155 expression increased by fivefolds (P ≤ 0.01) whereas MITF expression showed no significant difference in the fold change between the groups (P > 0.01). The site-specific clinical parameters showed a statistically significant strong negative and positive correlation with the ΔCT and fold change values of miRNA-155 respectively in the total 98 samples (P < 0.01). miRNA-155 was able to discriminate between periodontal health and disease with a diagnostic accuracy of 96.9% (95%CI: 91.38–98.95) and the AUC was 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97–1.0, SE = 0.008, P < 0.001) in ROC analysis with a sensitivity of 93.8% (95%CI: 83.48–97.9) and specificity of 100% (95%CI: 92.73–100). ConclusionsmiRNA-155 was dysregulated and upregulated by fivefolds in periodontal disease. It can be used as a potential biomarker to discriminate between periodontal health and disease. No difference in the MITF gene expression was demonstrated between periodontal health and disease. The result suggested that miRNA-155 does not affect the expression of MITF gene in the process of osteoclastogenesis in localized stage III/IV periodontitis within this study design and limitations.

A Field Screening of a Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Ex-Situ Germplasm Collection for Resistance against the False Spider Mite (Tenuipalpus punicae)

Mite management is a major problem in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in the arid and semi-arid regions of India and other Asian countries. The aim of this work was to investigate the susceptibility to the false spider mite (Tenuipalpus punicae) in a germplasm collection of Indian pomegranates. A field screening of 73 accessions allowed to define different classes of susceptibility (from very low to very high) based on the percentage of infested leaves. Twenty-two accessions, representative of the empirically identified five susceptibility classes, were further tested. The field screening against the mite, extended to another two years, showed that the infestation level did not display a significant interaction with the growing season, and highly correlated between the different growing seasons. The analysis of the tree vegetative growth (height, canopy size, and stem diameter), main phytochemical classes (total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins) and the antioxidant activity of the leaves indicated strong significant negative correlations between the infestation level and the biochemical traits. Multidimensional reduction of the measured traits revealed that the extreme classes of susceptibility to mites are mainly separated according to the accumulation of phytochemicals in leaves. This work, for the first time, allowed the identification of pomegranate germplasm with low susceptibility to T. punicae, with positive and useful implications for the establishment of new orchards, plant breeding, and the identification of allelochemicals of the leaves directly affecting mites.

Reliability and Convergent Validity of Digital Photography in Assessing Postural Orientation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Methodological Study

Background: This study aimed to assess the test-retest intra-rater reliability and convergent validity of digital photography (DP) in detecting the postural orientation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The study recruited children with various types of CP with the Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II and spasticity &lt; 2 on the Ashworth Scale, without any visual or cognitive impairments. Children who had undergone any surgical intervention or received a botulinum toxin injection within the previous six months were excluded. A digital camera was fixed at 1.5 meters from the participants at the height of 90 cm. Non-reflective markers were attached to eight anatomical landmarks to localize the upper and lower center of mass on both sides. The same examiner took three digital photos to detect intra-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were used to assess the convergent validity of the DP method compared with the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) scores. Results: Thirty children (7.44 ± 2.38 years) were assessed to test the reliability of DP, and 55 others (8.06 ± 2.19 years) participated in the convergent validity study. Intra-rater reliability was found to be perfect (ICC &gt; 0.995) and there was a strong significant negative correlation between DP measures and PBS scores (Pearson's correlation &gt; 0.75) with high adjusted R2 (R2 &gt; 0.567), indicating goodness of fit between the measures. Conclusions: Digital photography (DP) is a reliable and valid method for assessing postural orientation in children with various types of CP.

Efficacy of Embalming Mixture Containing Formalin, Methanol and Water on Early Stage of Decomposition: A Validation Study

Background: Stabbing with kitchen knife is a common method of homicide in Nigeria; and embalming of decomposing stabbed cadavers has been a challenge for morticians in Nigeria, because of the impairment of embalming fluid through the damaged arteries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water on stabbed early decomposing carcasses using porcine analogues. Methods: Two infant pigs were used for this study. Animals were sacrificed and allowed to reach the early stage of decomposition before embalming. Cervical arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques were employed. Post-embalming changes were observed and scored. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the outcome of embalmment and the embalming mixture. Results: There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = .576, n = 42, p = .001) between outcome of embalming, and duration of embalming; a statistically significant strong negative correlation (r = -.623, n = 42, p = .001) with volume of embalming fluid; and a statistically significant moderate negative correlation (r = -.528, n = 42, p = .001) with room temperature. There was a statistically insignificant very weak positive correlation (r = .186, n = 42, p = .239) between outcome of embalming and humidity; and a statistically insignificant very weak negative correlation (r = -.141, n = 42, p = .375) with atmospheric temperature. Conclusions: This study validated the embalming methodology and fluid suitable for arresting early decomposition process of stabbed infant carcasses in Nigeria. More so, an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water in equal proportion is suitable for arresting early decomposition of stabbed cadavers. KEYWORDS: Embalming of decomposing bodies, Embalming of stabbed bodies, Funeral services, Modern embalming science, Commercial embalming, Stab wounds, Specialist embalming.

A multi-criteria approach to drinking and irrigation water assessment of spring water in Igbo-Etiti, Nigeria

The study aimed at assessing the spring water within Igbo-Etiti, Nigeria, for drinking and irrigation applications using physicochemical parameters, water quality index, mineral and trace elements, pollution indices, and risk assessment. Standard methods were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the spring water in rainy and dry seasons. Trace metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that most of the physicochemical properties studied were within the guideline values set by Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), WHO and US EPA for drinking water purposes. However, pH of all the spring water (4.27–4.73; and 4.95–5.73) for dry and rainy seasons, respectively, were slightly acidic. Lead (Pb) (0.01–1.08 mg/L) and cadmium (Cd) (0.01–0.15 mg/L) concentrations were above the guideline values in both seasons. This could be attributed to the lithology of the study area which is Nsukka FORMATION. Leaching of lead and sulphides from the embedded coal deposits could be responsible for the increased lead levels and made the water acidic. The mineral and trace elements examined were within WHO and NSDWQ limits for drinking water except Cd and Pb. The permeability index and other irrigation indices showed that all the spring water was suitable for irrigation purposes. The pollution index suggested that the pollution level of all the samples in the dry season was insignificant (PIS < 1). Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in most of the parameters studied in the dry and rainy seasons. Pearson correlation analysis and cluster analysis showed strong significant positive and negative correlations in some of the parameters studied in both seasons. The water quality index showed that none of the spring water had excellent water status. However, one spring (Iyi Ase) had poor water status in dry season and is considered unsafe for drinking. Iyi Ase was also considered not suitable for irrigation application as predicted by most of the pollution indices, while others were generally considered suitable for irrigation application. Probable cancer and non-cancer risk assessment revealed a probable risk associated with the consumption of the spring in Igbo-Ettiti area, Nigeria.