T-test For Independent Variables Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF OSSIFICATION CENTRES OF THE RADIAL DIAPHYSIS IN FETUSES OF 20-32 WEEKS OF GESTATION

The aim of the study – to investigate the characteristics of ossification of the right andleft radial diaphysis in fetuses of 20-32 weeks’ gestation.Materials and methods. Computed tomography scans of 52 human fetuses at 20-32 weeksof gestation were analyzed to study the characteristics of ossification of the radial bones inhuman fetuses. The results of the study were statistically analyzed in Excel. Student’s t-testfor independent variables and univariate analysis of variance were used to compare means.Results. In human fetuses of 20-32 weeks of gestation, the mean length of ossificationof the right radius increases from 19.63±0.19 mm to 40.87±0.09 mm, and the left radiusincreases from 20.43±0.18 mm to 41.62±0.28 mm, according to the quadratic equation: y= 1.7152 x age – 13.152 (R2 = 0.9825). When analyzing the proximal transverse diameterof the diaphysis of the radius, its increase occurs according to the following quadraticequation: y = 0.2354 x age-1.6858 (R² = 0.9797). In the analysis, the transverse diameterof the middle part of the radius diaphysis increases according to the following quadraticequation: y = 0.1388 x age – 1.0613 (R² = 0.9832). When analyzed, the transversediameter of the distal part of the radial diaphysis increases according to the followingquadratic equation: y = 0.1491 x age – 1.1459 (R² = 0.9847).Conclusion. The obtained morphometric data on ossification of the radial diaphysis can beconsidered normal for the studied 20-32 weeks of gestation and can be used for assessmentof fetal age and for ultrasound diagnosis of congenital pathologies of the upper extremity.

Abstract P155: Identifying Inpatient and Outpatient Factors That Reduce Heart Failure Exacerbation Readmissions

Acute heart failure 30-day readmissions are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Our aim is to identify systemic factors that can reduce heart failure readmissions, including the implementation of a heart failure care coordination team. We assessed the hypothesis that individualized post-discharge education and summary from the heart failure care coordination team will reduce 30-day heart failure readmissions.This retrospective study included 213 patients, 18 years and older admitted with NYHA Class II-IV and ACC/AHA Stage B-D heart failure exacerbations from July 2021- March 2022, at a community hospital. Collected variables included demographics, medical comorbidities, labs, echocardiographic findings, inpatient orders, LACE index score, discharge follow-up, receipt of an after-visit summary, length of stay, and 30-day readmission. Descriptive data was summarized as counts and percentages for categorical data, and mean or median for continuous data. Between-group parametric data means were compared by calculating the t-test for independent variables, or medians using the Mann-Whitney U test for data that were nonparametric. Categorical variables were compared by calculating the chi-square test for association or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. The primary study objective was tested using Logistic regression modeling. Throughout this study, a p-value ≤0.05 (two-tail) was considered statistically significant. The medical records of all available reduced treatment plan patients were compared to preserved treatment plan patients in approximately equal numbers. Pair-wise t-tests required the greatest number of subjects. Using the conventional power level of 80%, a two-tailed alpha of 0.05, and assuming a medium effect size, it was estimated that this comparison will require at least 114 subjects. In this study, 189 of 213 patients were reached by the heart failure care coordination team. 49/189 were readmitted in 30 days and 140/189 were not. For the readmission group, the percentage of patients who were CKD Stage 3 or 4 (39.4%, 28 of 71) was higher than those who were not (21.1%, 30 of 142) with a p-value of 0.005. The percentage of patients who had discharge BNP checked (39.1%, 18 of 46) was higher than those who were not (24.1%, 40 of 166) with a p-value of 0.043. A higher LACE index score was associated with readmission as compared to a lower score, with a p-value of < 0.001. In conclusion, presence of CKD stage 3 or 4, discharge BNP, and a higher LACE-index score were associated with 30-day heart failure readmission. Counterintuitively, the heart failure care coordination team did not have an impact on this endpoint, contrary to our hypothesis. Future studies with a larger sample size and focus on the outpatient care team efforts may be helpful in elucidating the team's potential in preventing heart failure readmission.

Comparison of lifestyle and nutritional status between women with and without metabolic syndrome.

Amidst the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the greatest health problems. Lifestyle factors and bad habits are responsible for the emergence and development of MetS. The aim of the study was to compare and check whether women with MetS adhered to a healthy diet and had a healthier lifestyle than women without MetS, and to compare the impact of women's lifestyles on their nutritional status. The study included 167 women aged 20-78. As per guidelines, all tests required fasting. Comparisons of individual quantitative variables between groups were made using the Student's t-test for independent variables or the Mann-Whitney U-test. The relationship between quantitative variables was verified with the Spearman correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were based on a significance level of p<0.05. Women with MetS were more likely to have bad habits such as smoking, adding sugar to beverages and adding salt to food on the plate, while alcohol consumption was more common in women without MetS, but there was a statistically significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption and HDL-cholesterol levels in both groups. Women with MetS showed statistically significantly higher body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences (p<0.001), a statistically significant positive relationship between adding sugar to beverages and triglyceride levels (r=0.2699, p=0.015). In women without MetS, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between HDL-cholesterol levels and cigarette smoking (r= 0.2709, p=0.014). Women with MetS had statistically significantly higher mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean serum levels of total cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.007), triglycerides (p<0.001) and glucose (p<0.001) than women without MetS. Nutritional errors were shown in both groups, including deficiencies in calcium, folates, iron, vitamin D and excessive sodium and phosphorus intake. Therefore, it is important to prevent the onset of MetS components and to educate and assist professionals in setting realistic goals individually adapted to each patient.

Pulmonary involvement in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: A descriptive analysis from the “CAPS Registry”

ObjectivesTo describe the pulmonary involvement in patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), focusing on its relationship with extrapulmonary involvement, laboratory, radiological, and pathological findings. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study includes all patients grouped in the “CAPS Registry”. All cases were reviewed, and those with pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) and/or diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) were selected. Data on pulmonary and extrapulmonary clinical presentation, radiologic patterns, laboratory findings, associated autoimmune diseases, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. Frequency distribution and measures of central tendency were used to describe the cohort. Comparison between groups regarding qualitative variables was undertaken by chi-square or Fisher exact test, while T-test for independent variables was used to compare groups regarding continuous variables. IBM-SPSS v.22 was used for data analysis. ResultsPE was reported in 129 (48.6 %) episodes, DAH in 75 (28.3 %) episodes, and overlap (DAH plus PE) in 7 (2.6 %) episodes. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in 35 (4.9 %) CAPS episodes, and lung pathology samples were obtained in 84 (10.5 %) episodes (including autopsies). A significant relationship was observed between DAH and laboratory features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). A meaningful relationship was also found between triple antiphospholipid antibody positivity and pathological TMA (26.5 %) as well as hypocomplementemia and DAH (24 %). ConclusionsPulmonary involvement may include both TMA and non-thrombotic inflammation, which can be differentiated into three patterns: PE, DAH with systemic TMA with hypocomplementemia or DAH without systemic TMA with/without hypocomplementemia.

Effectiveness of Reward System on Assessment Outcomes in Mathematics

As assessment outcomes provide students with a sense of accomplishment that is boosted by the reward system, learning becomes more effective. This research aims to determine the effects of reward system prior to assessment in Mathematics. Quasi-experimental research design was used to examine whether there was a significant difference between the use of reward system and students’ level of performance in Mathematics. Through purposive sampling, the respondents of the study involve 80 Grade 9 students belonging to two sections from Gaudencio B. Lontok Memorial Integrated School. Based on similar demographics and pre-test results, control and study group were involved as participants of the study. Data were treated and analyzed accordingly using statistical treatments such as mean and t-test for independent variables. There was a significant finding revealing the advantage of using the reward system compare to the non-reward system in increasing students’ level of performance in Mathematics. It is concluded that the use of reward system is effective in improving the assessment outcomes in Mathematics. It is recommended to use reward system for persistent assessment outcomes prior to assessment, to be a reflection of the intended outcomes in Mathematics. Data were treated and analyzed accordingly using statistical treatments herewith, mean and t-test for independent variables. It was concluded that there was a significant finding revealed that the advantage of using the reward system compare to the non-reward system in increasing students’ level of performance in Mathematics. The researcher concluded that the used of reward system is effective in improved the assessment outcomes in Mathematics. It is recommended to use reward system for persistent assessment outcomes prior to assessment to be a reflection of the intended outcomes in Mathematics.

Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Patients

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in patients who had a kidney transplant. Materials and Methods: The research has a cross-sectional and descriptive design. The sample of the study consisted of 77 patients who had a kidney transplant at a university hospital organ transplantation centre between August 2020 and August 2021 and were followed up in the outpatient clinic. An individual identification form, the Quality-of-Life Short Form, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to collect research data. Descriptive statistics (percentage and number), Pearson’s correlation test, Student’s t-test for independent variables, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis were used in the research analysis. Results: In the study, the mean age of the patients was 47.19±11.29 (min: 24, max: 73), and the mean transplantation time was 94.92±75.23 months. The mean PSQI and SF-36 scores of kidney transplant patients were 4.91±3.09 and 65.49±18.18, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between sleep quality and quality of life in kidney transplant patients (r=-0.511, p=0.0001). Conclusions: In the study, the quality of life increased as the sleep quality of the patients increased.

Clustered Occurrence of Osteitis Condensans Ilii in Patients with Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia.

Osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) is a relatively rare benign disease of the lower anterior sacroiliac joint (SIJ) region that can cause symptoms such as low back pain (LBP), lateral hip pain and nonspecific hip or thigh pain. Its exact pathoetiology remains to be clarified. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of OCI in patients with symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to identify potential clustering of OCI in a with altered biomechanics of hip and SIJs. A retrospective investigation of all patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in a tertiary reference hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved from the hospital's internal medical records. Radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were reviewed for the presence of OCI. A t-test for independent variables was conducted to identify differences between patients with and without OCI. A binary logistic regression model was established to determine the influence of age, sex and body mass index (BMI) on the presence of OCI. The final analysis included 306 patients (81% female). In 21.2% of the patients (f: 22.6%; m: 15.5%), OCI was present. BMI was significantly higher in patients with OCI (23.7 kg/m2 vs. 25.0 kg/m2; p = 0.044). Binary logistic regression revealed that a higher BMI increased the likelihood of sclerosis in typical osteitis condensans locations, OR = 1.104 (95%-CI [1.024, 1.191]), as did female sex, OR = 2.832 (95%-CI [1.091, 7.352]. Our study revealed a considerably higher prevalence of OCI in patients with DDH than in the general population. Furthermore, BMI was shown to have an influence on the occurrence of OCI. These results support the theory that OCI is attributable to altered mechanical loading of the SIJs. Clinicians should be aware that OCI is common in patients with DDH and a potential cause of LBP, lateral hip pain and nonspecific hip or thigh pain.

Socket Preservation after Tooth Extraction: Particulate Autologous Bone vs. Deproteinized Bovine Bone.

The technique of socket preservation after tooth extraction allows for less volumetric decrease after tooth extraction. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate differences between alveolar socket preservation performed with deproteinized bovine bone graft and autologous particulate bone graft taken from the mandibular ramus. This retrospective study enrolled a total of 21 consecutive patients. A total of 11 patients underwent socket preservation with deproteinized bovine bone graft and collagen matrix (group A), and 10 patients underwent socket preservation performed with particulate autologous bone taken from the mandibular ramus and collagen matrix (group B). All patients received cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before socket preservation and after four months. Alveolar bone width (ABW) values and alveolar bone height (ABH) values were measured at the first and second CBCT, and the reduction of the values in the two groups was compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test for independent variables, and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences between ABW reduction of group A and ABW reduction of group B (t-test value p = 0.28). There were no statistically significant differences between ABH reduction of group A and ABH reduction of group B (t-test value p = 0.10). In this retrospective study, no statistical differences were found between the group that received autologous particulate bone compared to the group that received deproteinized bovine bone in socket preservation.

VMAT-Based Planning Allows Sparing of a Spatial Dose Pattern Associated with Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients Treated with Radiotherapy for a Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> In patients treated with radiotherapy for a locally advanced lung cancer, respect of dose constraints to organs at risks (OARs) insufficiently protects patients from acute pulmonary toxicity (APT), such toxicities being associated with a potential impact on treatment's completion and the patients' quality of life. Dosimetric planning doesn't take into account regional lung functionality. An APT prediction model combining usual dosimetry features with the mean dose (DMean_Pmap) received by a voxel-based volume (Pmap) localized in the posterior right lung has been previously developed. A DMean_Pmap ≥ 30.3Gy was associated with a higher risk of APT. In the present study, the authors aim to demonstrate the possibility of decreasing the DMean_Pmap via a volumetric arc therapy (VMAT)-based adapted planning and evaluate the impact on the risk of APT. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Among the 207 patients included in the initial study, only patients who presented with an APT ≥ grade 2 and with a probability of APT (Prob_APT) ≥ 8% based on the prediction model were included. Dosimetry planning was optimized with a new constraint (DMean_Pmap < 30.3Gy) added to the usual constraints. Initial and optimized treatment plans were compared using the T-test for independent variables and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test otherwise, regarding both doses to OARs and PTV (Planning Target Volume) coverage. Conformity and heterogeneity indexes were also compared. Risk of APT was recalculated using the new dosimetric features and the APT prediction model. <h3>Results</h3> Dosimetric optimization was considered successful for 27 out of the 44 included patients (61.4%), meaning the dosimetric constraint on the Pmap region was achieved without compromising the PTV coverage (p = 0.61). Optimization significantly decreased median DMean_Pmap from 28.8Gy (IC95% 24.2-33.4) to 22.1Gy (IC95% 18.3-26.0). When recomputing the risk of APT using the new dosimetric features, optimization significantly reduced the risk of APT (p < 0.0001) by reclassifying 43.2% (19/44) of the patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our approach appears as both easily implementable on a daily basis and efficient at reducing the risk of APT. Regional radiosensitivity should be considered in usual lung dose constraints, opening the possibility of an easily implementable adaptive dosimetry planning.

Post-COVID-19 cardiovascular complications and their association with clinical characteristics, symptoms and comorbidities – the LATE-COVID study

Abstract Background Among many complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) there is a wide range of cardiovascular (CV) problems ranging from mild to severe ones. Even asymptomatic patients and those with mild course of COVID-19 may develop severe CV complications. Factors leading to such state have not been extensively studied so far. Purpose We aimed to assess which factors were linked to the severe complications of COVID-19. Methods We included 200 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases of the Polish Mother's Memorial Research Institute (PMMHRI) due to post-Covid cardiovascular complications. SARS-CoV2 infection was confirmed with real-life PCR testing. Laboratory tests, 24-hour ECG monitoring and echocardiography were performed in all patients from the investigated group. For the purposes of our study severe complications were defined as: myocarditis, a decrease of ejection fraction &amp;gt;10% from the pre-disease value, thromboembolic complications, angina pectoris requiring myocardial revascularization and the new onset of atrial fibrillation of supraventricular tachycardia. Some patients presented more than one of the above. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Statistica v.13 (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Data were presented as mean ±SD or median (25th-75th percentile) for continuous variables and as proportions for categorical variables. Comparisons between groups were performed using Student's t-test for independent variables and the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test with Yates's correction, as appropriate. For all calculations p-values &amp;lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Finally, we included 200 consecutive patients (aged 54±16 years, 76 males – 38%), hospitalized for COVID-19 complications after a median 3 (2–6) months following the acute phase of infection. On admission patients presented with dyspnea (23%), impairment of exercise tolerance (47%), chest pain (32%), increase in blood pressure (29%), palpitations (25%), weight loss (13%), brain fog (6%), general malaise (11%), headache (5%), limb pain (13%), swelling (14%). Severe complications of COVID-19 were diagnosed in 31 patients (16%).Taking into consideration symptoms, the presence of severe COVID-19 complications was significantly associated with dyspnoea and deterioration of exercise tolerance. In comparison to patients with mild complications, severe ones were linked to age (the older patients, the higher risk), previous history of heart failure and diabetes mellitus. We did not observe statistically significant differences in severity of complications depending on smoking status (Tables 1 and 2). Conclusions Previous history of heart failure and diabetes mellitus as well as symptoms (dyspnoea and deterioration of exercise tolerance) along with older age are related to more severe complications following COVID-19. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Comparative analysis of Chinese and European classical music

The purpose of the present research is to conduct a quantitative analysis of Chinese classical music and then compare it with Western European classical music. The results obtained under the comparative analysis of samples using the Student's t-test for independent variables have shown that there is a significant difference between the studied music types. In this case, the present study presupposed analyzing a total number of 18 musical scores. Mathematical analysis facilitated forming 12 samples from independent variables that characterized the length of the studied excerpts, compassed the number of repetitions, the initial interval, and the number of unique intervals. Despite a significant contribution of European classical music to Chinese music, it suggests that Western European music is more complex than Chinese classical music. Accordingly, the results obtained can be useful in the field of musicology and music theory.

Evaluation of the patient-accompanying app “alley ortho companion” for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: study protocol for a randomized controlled multi-center trial

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common disabilities in the elderly. When conservative management fails, total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is the treatment of choice for end-stage OA. Since quality and durability of implants has steadily improved, pre -and postsurgical processes moved into the focus of research. Hence, eHealth approaches offer an opportunity to provide a more available continuity of care. Regarding individualized pre-, peri-, and postsurgical stages, eHealth is expected to improve patient engagement, self-care, and outcomes across the surgical pathway. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the eHealth application “alley” as an adjuvant intervention to TJA. The app provides comprehensive information to empower patient with hip or knee OA to prepare and accompany them for their TJA surgery. Our primary hypothesis is that the pre- and postoperative adjuvant use of the eHealth application “alley” (intervention group, IG) leads to improved functional outcome.MethodsProspective, randomized, controlled, multi-center trial including n = 200 patients diagnosed with hip and n = 200 patients with knee OA (n = 200) scheduled for TJA. Patients of both groups will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms. Patients in the intervention group will receive access to the functions of the “alley” app. The app presents informative (e.g., information about osteoarthritis), organizational (e.g., information about medical rehabilitation), and emotional/empowerment (e.g., information about the relationship between mood and pain) content. Patients evaluate their condition and functional level by means of standardized digitally questionnaires. Patients in the control group will not receive any functions of the app. Assessments will be performed at baseline before, 10 days after, 1 months after, 3 months after, 6 months after, and 12 months after TJA. Primary outcome is change from baseline measured by the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 3 months after TJA. The statistical analysis (t-test for independent variables with effect size Cohen’s d) is performed separately for patients with TKA and THA.DiscussionOverall, the study aims to improve the understanding of the benefits of eHealth applications in the treatment of elderly patients with knee or hip arthroplasty. The approach is novel since a health care companion is combined with a digital information platform enabling direct and continuous feedback from the patients to the therapeutic treatment team. As the study investigate the effectiveness under everyday conditions, it is not feasible to control whether the patients in the IG read the educational information of the app respectively the control group consume additional information from other sources. However, this increases the external validity of the study if significant effects for the app can be demonstrated.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00025608. Registered on 21 June 2021.

Artificial intelligence-based cephalometric landmark annotation and measurements according to Arnett's analysis: can we trust a bot to do that?

To assess the reliability of CEFBOT, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based cephalometry software, for cephalometric landmark annotation and linear and angular measurements according to Arnett's analysis. Thirty lateral cephalometric radiographs acquired with a Carestream CS 9000 3D unit (Carestream Health Inc., Rochester/NY) were used in this study. The 66 landmarks and the 10 selected linear and angular measurements of Arnett's analysis were identified on each radiograph by a trained human examiner (control) and by CEFBOT (RadioMemory Ltd., Belo Horizonte, Brazil). For both methods, landmark annotations and measurements were duplicated with an interval of 15 days between measurements and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine reliability. The numerical values obtained with the two methods were compared by a t-test for independent variables. CEFBOT was able to perform all but one of the 10 measurements. ICC values > 0.94 were found for the remaining eight measurements, while the Frankfurt horizontal plane - true horizontal line (THL) angular measurement showed the lowest reproducibility (human, ICC = 0.876; CEFBOT, ICC = 0.768). Measurements performed by the human examiner and by CEFBOT were not statistically different. Within the limitations of our methodology, we concluded that the AI contained in the CEFBOT software can be considered a promising tool for enhancing the capacities of human radiologists.

Double-Balloon Kyphoplasty Results in Better Radiographic Outcomes Than a Single-Balloon Kyphoplasty in Treating Osteo-Porotic Spinal Fractures

Background: Studies have found that unilateral and bilateral kyphoplasty have comparable clinical outcomes. Only a few studies have compared the radiographic results of using unilateral vs. simultaneous bilateral approaches. We aimed to examine and compare the radiographic results of unilateral (UKP) vs. bilateral simultaneous double-balloon kyphoplasty (DKP) for treating symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Methods: A retrospective cohort of all patients treated for VCF by DKP and UKP over five years in a single medical center. From 2009 to 2012, we routinely performed UKP; from 2012, DKP was the routine due to potential benefits in vertebral realignment. We evaluated pre- and post-surgical fracture characteristics including vertebral height, sagittal and coronal Cobb angle, and fracture reduction. Statistical analysis included a t-test for independent variables and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The study cohort consisted of 81 patients (75.8 years ± 10.86) who underwent surgery, with a total of 119 vertebras. We performed 89 UKP on fractured vertebras and 30 DKP on 30 vertebrae. The UKP average fluoroscopy radiation exposure was 15.8 mGy (±11.5) per level compared to 11.2 mGy (±8.7) for DKP, p = 0.03. DKP showed significant fracture reduction, 2.8 degrees of Cobb angle, equaling the patient positioning effect on fracture reduction. Conclusion: DKP results in better fracture reduction than UKP, and equals the effect of patient positioning without increased radiation exposure or adverse events.

ANTHROPOMETRY AND ACOUSTIC PHARYNGOMETRY OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING

Purpose: This study aimed at applying the method of acoustic pharyngometry in sleep-disordered breathing within a preventive otorhinolaryngological programme in the city of Varna for the first time in Bulgaria. Material/Methods: During the period between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, 100 subjects, 62 males at a mean age of 48.82±11.45 years and 38 females at a mean age of 52.42±16.54 years, underwent screening examinations for sleep-disordered breathing in the Division of Otorhinolaryngology, St. Anna Hospital of Varna. Clinical inspections, pharyngoscopy, indirect laryngoscopy, and acoustic pharyngometry by means of Eccovision® acoustic pharyngometer were used. Data were statistically processed by using the t-test for independent variables and the correlation analysis. Results: Low soft palate and uvula elongation belonged to the most common oral cavity alterations identified by acoustic pharyngometry. There are statistically significant changes of the anthropometric (body mass index, neck circumference and adjusted neck circumference) and pharyngometric (cross-sectional area, minimal cross-sectional area, minimal distance, oral cavity length and volume) parameters between males and females. There were statistically significant positive and negative correlations between the values of these parameters. Conclusion: A more comprehensive research on the specific acoustic pharyngometric and anthropometric parameters could elaborate a cost-effective otorhinolaryngological algorithm for Screening and early diagnosis of OSA and snoring.

Nursing students' attitudes on caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. A European Multicentre Study.

Background and aim:Caring for people with HIV/AIDS is a challenging issue for nursing students, involving sometimes misconceptions due to different cultural, political and religious views. The aim of this project was to investigate nursing students’ attitudes on caring for people with HIV/AIDS.Methods:A convenient sample of undergraduate nursing students enrolled in four European universities was recruited. Data were collected by administering the AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS). Statistical analysis included the ANOVA test, the t–test for independent variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test with a confidence level P <0.05.Results:The sample consisted of 594 students of which 162 (27.3%) were English, 246 (41.4%) Italian and 186 (31.3%) Greek. Study findings demonstrated that students’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS patients were relatively positive, although the majority of them indicated fear of contracting HIV through clinical practice. Nursing students’ positive feelings for HIV/AIDS patients were also correlated with the strong willingness to take care of them.Conclusions:Despite being exposed to different teaching and learning experiences, a significant part of the participants believe that HIV/AIDS make nursing a high-risk profession. Furthermore, students’ misconceptions are not limited to clinical practice areas as they expressed concerns in sending their children in a class along with a child affected by AIDS and/or in dining in a restaurant where a chef affected by AIDS works. Students are in general well-disposed towards this patients’ population but there is still stigma associated with this condition. A new teaching and learning approach may help redefining students’ attitudes and in limiting the negative impact of misconceptions on the quality of nursing care. Further investigation in this area would help in shading light on the reasons why students are still biased in approaching AIDS/HIV patients. The use of a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews and/or focus group would be recommended. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Budget Allocation System of a Highly Urbanized Local Government Unit in Central Luzon, Philippines

The study determined the local planning and budget process of a highly urbanized local government unit (LGU) in Central Luzon, Philippines. It involves all department concerns and civil society organizations (CSOs) that use the City's local governance performance management system (LGPMS). The researchers used a descriptive research study to obtain the necessary data from a survey to seventy-five (75) rank and file employees. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique to gather the respondents involved in planning, budgeting, and managing programs and projects. With a self-made instrument that underwent validity, the researchers gathered the essential data for the study. The data were statistically analyzed using frequency, percentage distribution, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test for independent variables. Preliminary results illustrated that respondents' status was in regular status as division head level, and their years of service were more than sixteen (16) years. The statistical analyses revealed no significant variations in the assessment on the budget allocation system of the local government unit (LGU) as determined on its indicators. The management also agrees that employees work effectively in the budget allocation of the local government unit. The study recommended the orientation and assessment on the current allocation and budget process wherein the department's prioritization can review the objectives and policy decisions.

The Impact of Cultural Organization to the Public Service of Selected Community Organization in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines

This study focused on finding out whether the cultural organization has a significant relationship to the public service of selected sangguniang barangay in Nagcaralan, Laguna, Philippines. Out of 52 barangays, three barangays were selected ? Sabang, Yukos, and Talangan. The survey questions were distributed to the barangay officials as well as to the people in their area ? twenty in each barangay, sixty in all. It was discovered that Brgy. Sabang has a moderate level of commitment, satisfaction, and personal and professional growth. It is the same with Brgy. Yukos which has a moderate level of public service in all indicators. Brgy. Talangan has a high level of public service. In terms of organizational culture, it was found that the perception of the people in Brgy. Sabang on the cultural organization of their sangguniang barangay is collectivism, the officials are far from ruling as well as the people, fatalism is practiced, and the way of leadership is feminine. In Yukos, it is collectivism, far from ruling, aggressivism, and feminism. On the other hand, in Talangan, it is collectivism, far from ruling, fatalism, and masculine. Using the t-test for independent variables, it was found that the most significant relevant public service was the masculine/feminine leadership culture, and this was confirmed by p-values (0.02, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.00) that were lower than the alpha of 0.05. In addition, distance from the leader also affects the personal growth of the officials of the sangguniang barangay (p-value 0.04). Eventually, the writers suggested that officials of sangguniang barangay, as well as local government officials, hold seminars, workshops, or symposiums regarding masculine and feminine culture in an organization, and other related topics. The authors also made a suggestion for young people and future researchers.

A Retrospective Comparison of Patient and Pressure Injury Data at Two Time Points in a Regional Hospital in France

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a significant problem for health care institutions. A retrospective study of patient data was conducted at a semi-urban state hospital in France, aiming to evaluate the rate of PIs and variables that may influence PI prevalence and care at 2 different time points. Patient demographic, clinical, PI and PI prevention, and care variables were retrieved from the charts of all patients on all wards (except pediatrics and obstetrics) on October 20, 2009, and on October 24, 2013-4 years apart. Qualitative data were compared between the 2 dates using a t-test for independent variables. The remaining variables were compared using Pearson's chi-square method. P < .05 was considered significant. No significant differences were noted in PI rates (19% for 2009 and 16% for 2013) or the timing of their occurrence (51% occurred following admission in 2009, and 58.3% occurred after admission in 2013). Significant differences were found with regard to patient age (average, 73.97 and 76.22 years old in 2009 and 2013, respectively; P = .014) and rates of serious injuries (27% and 43% were stages 3 and 4 in 2009 and 2013, respectively; P = .010). Compared with 2009, in 2013, significantly more patients were placed on a specialty mattress and provided nutritional supplements and fewer were provided percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or nasogastric tubes. The rate of PIs was not different between these 2 time points despite improvements in the use of preventive and therapeutic measures, perhaps due to the increased age and frailty of the patient population in 2013 compared with 2009. Additional prospective research across multiple health care entities is warranted.

Gene Polymorphism in Five Target Genes of Immunosuppressive Therapy and Risk of Development of Preeclampsia.

Pregnancy can be considered as an allogeneic transplant and preeclampsia can be seen as a failure of the acceptance mechanisms of this transplant as occurs in acute organ transplant rejection. Some genetic polymorphisms may be involved in its pathogenesis. Since the kidney is one of the organs mainly involved in preeclampsia, our study attempted to determine the frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA (SNP) in 3 genes (adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1)/multi drug reactivity 1 (MDR1) gene, interleukin 10 gene and tumor necrosis factor α gene) which are targets of immunosuppressive therapies and related to acute renal rejection. The study was an observational, monocentric, case-control study. We enrolled 20 women with severe preeclampsia and 10 women age-matched with regular pregnancy. Continuous variables were compared by the Student’s t-test for independent variables or using the Mann-Whitney test depending on their distribution. We used Fisher test to compare categorical variables between cases and controls, while we used logistic regression model to evaluate which risk factor was associated with preeclampsia. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, we found different percentages of two of the polymorphisms considered (rs1045642 and rs2032582 in the gene ABCB1). Despite these results, our work may be helpful for future research to better understand the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.