Weak Negative Linear Relationship Research Articles

Surgical correction of posttraumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contractures of the fingers (systematic literature review)

Introduction Triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers is a common and challeging posttraumatic hand condition. The goal of surgical treatment is to correct finger deformity and increase interphalangeal range of motion.The objective was to systematize data on the causes of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers and methods of surgical correction.Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including Scientific Electronic Library (www.elibrary.ru), the National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.org), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Ovid databases according to PRISMA recommendations. Literature searches included both Russian and English studies, with one or more cases of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers with the deformity surgically corrected. Cases of non-traumatic flexion contractures were excluded. Etiological factors of flexion contractures, heterogeneity of definitions and methods for recording the range of motion in the joint, anatomical features, surgical correction of flexion contractures and postoperative complications were reviewed.Results Common causes of flexion contractures included burns (32.3 %), dislocations and fracturedislocations of the finger joints (23.5 %). The median postoperative follow-up period was 13.5 months after surgical treatment. Surgical correction was produced with external fixation device (EFD) in 40 % of cases, open procedures performed in 50 % and a combined technique employed in one case (10 %). Based on calculations of the odds ratios of postoperative complications, a weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EFD and pain syndrome, and a weak negative linear relationship was observed between the open procedure and pain.Discussion There is heterogeneity of approaches regarding methods for correcting flexion contractures, surgical approaches, techniques for mobilizing joints and releasing the anatomical structures of the finger with open procedures, the distraction rate with EFD, methods for repair of soft tissue defects following the treatment of flexion contractures of interphalangeal joint of a finger.Conclusion Open procedures are commonly used for precise elimination of all components of flexion contracture of the joint and repair of soft tissue defects of the finger. A weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EF and pain syndrome. There was no significant correlation between open techniques and complications. There were no correlations between the treatment method and the contracture type; there are no treatment regimens for patients with this pathology.

Vertebral Bone Density Variations in Scoliotic vs. Non-Scoliotic Juveniles, and Its Implications for Schmorl’s Node Development: A CT-Based Analysis Using the New Mexico Decedent Image Database

Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, is predominantly idiopathic, underscoring the need to delve into its underlying causes for effective treatment and preventive strategies. This study investigates a potential correlation between scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes (intervertebral disc herniations) influenced by Wolff’s law, which posits that bones adapt to external pressures. We analyzed CT scans from 108 juvenile decedents, including 56 with scoliosis and 52 without. After running multiple statistical tests, there was no significance between the mean bone density when compared to having scoliosis. An independent t-test provided a t-value of 0.041, which, when compared to the original significance level of 0.05, is statistically significant, although weak. When compared to the Bonferroni correction level of 0.008, it throws out the significance to give a result of not being statistically significant. It was the same in the cases of L3 (t = 0.103), L2 (t = 0.084), and L1 (t = 0.053). If compared to the regular significance level of 0.05, T12 (t = 0.012) and T11 (t = 0.042) had weak significance, but that was then excluded when the Bonferroni correction was applied. When looking at any significance of densities in different vertebral regions, the results from a one-way ANOVA (p-value = 0.213) suggest that it is likely that the results are due to random variability or chance, and that there is no statistical significance. With a value of 0.273 from a Chi-squared (χ2)/Fisher’s exact test, it suggests that there is no statistically significant correlation or difference between the variables of scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes. The general pattern seems to follow that as the spine ascends, the density increases, and this is true in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. As a whole, it is evident that those with scoliosis have a lower vertebral density than those without, in all of the vertebral regions. There is, however, a weak negative linear relationship between bone density and age in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. A p-value of −0.229 obtained from a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in non-scoliotic individuals, as well as a p-value of −0.069 in scoliotic individuals, was obtained. Overall, the findings of this study are comparable to some existing studies on similar topics, but there are few results that hold statistical significance and so this would be interesting to research further, potentially using a different dataset or a larger sample size that is more representative.

Seasonal variations in chlorophyll–a and sea surface temperature in the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka

Oceanic phytoplankton plays a crucial role in regulating the biogeochemical cycle in marine ecosystems. Light harvesting pigments such as chlorophyll–a (chl–a) can be used to understand marine primary productivity, especially phytoplankton abundance. Sea surface temperature is closely linked with phytoplankton abundance and climatic changes. The objective of the current study is to determine spatial and temporal variations of chl–a and sea surface temperature and their co-variation, over 12 years using statistical methodologies and Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Cloud Computing Approach. In this study, the available sea surface temperature and chl–a data acquired from a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite sensor were proceeded through Google Earth Engine and Earth Science Data System. Data visualization was carried out using ArcMap™ software. Results show a weak negative linear relationship (−0.40, P < 0.05) between sea surface temperature and chl–a. Therefore, additional favorable environmental factors such as coastal upwelling, and nutrient discharge through river run-off can control the primary productivity of phytoplankton. We also illustrated spatial and temporal maps for chl–a and sea surface temperature distribution in the exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka. Chlorophyll–a concentration is enhanced during the southwest monsoon, and the lowest concentration is observed during the first inter-monsoon period. Next, the highest sea surface temperature is recorded during the first inter-monsoon period, and the lowest sea surface temperature is observed during the northeast monsoon. Seasonal behavior of chl–a concentration and sea surface temperature are changed as chl–a (SWM) > chl–a (NEM) > chl–a (SIM) > chl–a (FIM) and SST (FIM) > SST (SIM) > SST (SWM) > SST (NEM), respectively. In addition, both trend lines for each variable show a positive gradient, which may be attributed to global warming. Finally, we observed the alteration of chl–a and sea surface temperature that linked to changes in ocean chemistry during the global COVID–19 pandemic.

Correlation Between Gender and Students’ Biology Learning Outcomes

Gender is still an issue that is always linked to students’ ability, including their learning outcomes. This research aims to examine the correlation between gender and students’ biology learning outcomes. The research involved 15 male and 15 female students from classes X, XI, and XII Science at MA Ghozaliyah in the 2022/2023 academic year. Students’ biology learning outcomes were obtained from odd semester final exam scores. Data analysis was carried out statistically using the Eta correlation formula. The research results show that there is a weak negative linear relationship between gender and students’ biology learning outcomes, because the eta value obtained was 2,94 and Fcount &lt; Ftable at a significance level of 0,01.

The Influence of Loneliness and Anxiety Levels on MG-Specific Quality of Life in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases and can occur at any age. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of loneliness and anxiety levels on MG-specific quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis during the COVID-19. This was a cross sectional study and the population consisted of patients with MG throughout Turkey between August 1 and October 31, 2021. The study was completed with 149 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the research. The mean MG-specific quality of life score was 44.15 ± 13.77, the mean UCLA loneliness scale was 56.13 ± 11.55, and the mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was 24.63 ± 13.78. There was a moderately positive linear relationship between the participants' MG-specific quality of life (r = 0.589; p < 0.001) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and there was a weak negative linear relationship with the UCLA loneliness scale (r = 0.323; p < 0.001). The variables affecting the MG-specific quality of life were the following: anxiety, loneliness, employment status, income level, symptom levels, and having another chronic disease; a multiple regression model was created with these variables, and it was observed that anxiety and loneliness affected participants' MG-specific quality of life. The variables in the model explained 52.9% of the MG-specific quality of life, and the model was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The study determined that the participants had intense loneliness, moderate anxiety, and a moderate MG-specific quality of life. The participants' MG-specificquality of life has decreased as their anxiety has increased, and the participants'MG-specificquality of life has increased as their loneliness has increased.

Bladder Capacity in Women With Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study

To evaluate bladder capacity in women with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) through bladder diary, cystomanometry, and uroflowmetry and assess the concordance of the different measures of bladder capacity. A secondary objective is to describe the relationship between bladder capacity and urinary frequency in OAB patients. An observational cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted, including female patients diagnosed with idiopathic OAB. All participants underwent a urodynamic study and completed a 3-day bladder diary (3dBD). Different parameters were used to calculate bladder capacity: maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) assessed at the end of filling cystometry, voided volume (VV) during the uroflowmetry, maximum voided volume (VVmax), and average voided volume (VVmed), both assessed through the 3dBD. Reproducibility analysis was performed to assess the agreement among the different bladder capacity measures. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Kappa index were used. Bladder capacity parameters were also assessed in relation to urinary frequency. Bladder capacity measures were diminished in this population, except for VVmax. Poor correlation was found between the different bladder capacity variables (ICC and weighted Kappa index <0.4). Twenty-four-hour frequency and average VV present a weak negative linear relationship (Pearson coefficient -0.344). MCC and average VV are reduced in OAB patients. MCC does not correlate well with functional bladder volumes determined by voiding diary in the OAB population.

Risk and Return Analysis of Sectoral Indices in the context of the Bombay Stock Exchange

For an investor, in deciding on the investment, risk and return plays an important role. The risk and return are interrelated. Usually, if the return is small, the bet will also be low and the higher risk will be associated with a higher return. Investments in stock markets are risky, as was observed in the performances of several assets. Therefore, it is up to investors what level of risk could be a beard to getting the desired return. Thus, risk and return analysis should be performed before making investments for more thoughtful decisions. In the present study, an attempt is made to analyze and compare the risk and return relationship in the context of the Bombay Stock Exchange using the data of selected Sectoral Indices listed in the S&amp;P BSE 500 Index. The results revealed that the Indices with higher returns had low risk. In comparison, the Indices with lower returns had a higher risk, showing a weak negative linear relationship between the two variables. It was also obtained that there is no significant difference between the Market returns and the monthly returns of the Indices.

Do carbon stocks and floristic diversity of tropical homegardens vary along an elevational gradient and based on holding size in central Kerala, India?

Homegarden (HG) agroforestry combines biological carbon (C) sequestration with biodiversity conservation outcomes. Although C stocks and species richness of HGs vary along elevational gradients and as a function of holding sizes, there is no consensus on the nature and magnitude of such variations. Field studies were conducted in the Western Ghats region of central Kerala, India (180 homesteads in 20 selected panchayats), to evaluate the effects of elevation (near sea level to 1938m) and garden size (162-10,117 m2) on aboveground C stocks and floristic diversity. The C stocks (per unit area) of HGs (arborescent species) were highly variable (0.63-93.65Mgha-1), as garden management was highly individualistic and it exhibited a weak negative relationship with elevation. Likewise, there was a weak negative relationship between C stocks and garden size. Tree stocking levels (stems/garden) and species richness (species/garden) positively impacted total C stocks per garden. Floristic diversity was high in the study area (753 species) and included many rare and endangered species (43 IUCN Red-Listed species) making homegardens circa situm reservoirs of biodiversity. Elevation and holding size exerted a weak negative linear relationship on Simpson's floristic diversity index, whichranged from 0.26 to 0.93 for thearboreal species. Homegardens, regardless of elevation or size, contribute to C sequestration and agrobiodiversity conservation and help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG-13) and conserving agrobiodiversity (SDG-15, Life on Land).

Molecular Dynamical Investigation of the 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine Mutation in dsDNA

Background: The oxidization of a Guanine (G) base pair to 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (OG) is one of the most common DNA mutations. OG mutations can undergo a regular Watson-Crick base-pairing, or a reverse Hoogsteen (HG) base-pairing, especially in OG:A mismatches. While the causes of these mutations are well-understood, the kinetic and energetic characteristics of this new pseudo-base have never been fully investigated, especially at temperatures around biological function (17-37°C). Methods: We created a simulation to derive the Free Energy Surface (FES) of OG:C and OG:A Hoogsteen to Watson-Crick base-pair (bp) transitions under multiple temperatures, relative to 2 collective geometric variables: the dihedral Chi and the pseudo-dihedral CPD angle. To make the simulation, we used the relatively recent Metadynamics algorithms in conjunction with GROMACS 2020.2. Results: The lowest free energy increased linearly with increasing temperatures (17-37°C). Major Chi and CPD rotations at these minima varied heavily for 27°C and 32°C (the largest was seen in the former), but stayed relatively similar for other temperatures, indicating a highly sensitive relationship to temperature, likely due to DNA flexibility, quantum mechanical (QM) effects, and hydrogen bonding. Free energies had a weak negative linear relationship, and free energy hypersurfaces were given for studied temperatures of 17-37°C. Human body temperature (37°C) results were also included and explained. The simulations showed why OG:A Hoogsteen bps often occur in organisms and are energetically preferable to standard Watson-Crick. OG:C HG base pairings are determined to likely be not as common as OG:A HG. Limitations: Future investigations must focus on discovering rate constants of these base-pairs, as time constraints did not permit them to be done here, as well as more QM-focused simulations.

Appraisals of the Socio- Economic Characteristics of Waste scavengers in Mubi Metropolis, Nigeria

The study examines the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of waste scavengers, practitioners of a common form of solid waste resource recovery practices in Mubi metropolis. A total number of two hundred sets of questionnaire were administered to waste scavengers and eight waste merchants out of which 176 sets of the questionnaire were retrieved and analysed. The purposive and Snowball Sampling Techniques were employed to identify the respondents. Tables, percentage Charts, point bisereal correlation, t-test and one way ANOVA technique were used for the analysis. The results revealed that majority of the scavengers within Mubi metropolis are male (93.2%). The female counterparts do not partake much in these types of trade. The reason could not be far fetched from the unwholesome nature of the business and its demands. Generally, the educational status of respondents’ shows that majority of practitioners 44.3% pass through formal education or may not have attended any school system. This attest to the fact that they may not be knowledgeable with regard to the rudiment of resource recycling or reuse. Further result revealed that practitioners were overwhelmingly pushed into scavenging business (93.8%) by poverty/unemployment. Be as it may, all (100%) scavengers revealed that scavenging has increased their income and consequently their standard of living. The Pearson's point-biserial correlation coefficient shows a very weak negative linear relationship between both variables of income and impact of scavenging on health of scavengers. (rpb = -0.071, n = 176, p = 3, At p &gt; 0.05) This relationship goes to show that there is no significant relationship between monthly income and impact (positive and negative) of scavenging on health of Merchants and scavengers in Mubi metropolitan area of Adamawa State. Conclusively, scavenging practice plays a greater role in poverty alleviation and creation of employment especially among those categories of scavengers that attended informal education or not any other school system. However, most scavengers (61.4%) affairs to be urgent need of capital to sustain and boost their businesse.

Association of waist-to-height ratio with estimated glomerular filtration rate in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between waist-to-height (WHtR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in men, non-menopausal, and postmenopausal women among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. This study analyzed the data of 7,807 participants in a cross-sectional survey, ie, the third wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Restrictive cubic-spline regression with three knots was used to assess the dose-response association of WHtR with eGFR. Piecewise linear regression models were further established to calculate the slope of each segment and their 95% confidence interval (CI). After adjusting for potential confounders, an inverse L-shaped dose-response relationship was found between WHtR and eGFR among men (Pnonlinear = 0.024, threshold = 0.513) and postmenopausal women (Pnonlinear = 0.009, threshold = 0.503). The slopes on the right sides of the threshold were statistically significant among men (β2 = -33.77, 95% CI: -53.23 to -14.31) and postmenopausal women (β2 = -36.53, 95% CI: -49.71 to -23.35), respectively. A weak negative linear relationship existed between WHtR and eGFR in non-menopausal women. The relationship between WHtR and eGFR tended to be inverse-L-shaped in men and postmenopausal women, but may vary with postmenopausal status in women.

An analysis of energy diversification and transition trends in Africa

Unlike energy security, energy diversification, which is an essential precursor for energy security and sustainability transitions, has not received much scholarly attention, especially in Africa. Applying the Energy Mix Concentration Index method (a modified version of the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index), this study examined energy diversification and transition trends in Africa’s top ten economies over an 18-year period, from 2000 to 2017. Data were obtained in July 2020 from the African Union Energy Commission’s data portal. Overall, energy diversification was found to be occurring at a very slow pace. Kenya and Morocco emerged as the two most energy diversified countries (with indices of 0.34 and 0.37, respectively), while Algeria (0.98) and Ethiopia (0.87) were the least diversified countries as at 2017. The energy transition trend is consistent with the multiple fuel use/energy stacking model rather than the energy ladder hypothesis. “Balance” (the share of each energy source in the energy mix) was found to significantly influence energy diversification. Contrary to past assertions, this study finds that higher “variety” (the number of energy sources in the energy mix) does not signify greater diversity. A weak negative linear relationship was found between gross domestic product growth and Energy Mix Concentration Indices for most countries, suggesting that as gross domestic product grows, the energy mix becomes more diversified. However, this relationship was statistically insignificant. Policy makers need to increase investments in renewable energies, and diversify their economies (especially in oil-dependent countries) to facilitate energy diversification and sustainable energy transitions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s42108-020-00101-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Relationship between the expression level of genes of Ca(2+)-transporting proteins of the cardiomyocytes' sarcoplasmic reticulum with the severity of heart failure

Abstract Introduction The sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiomyocytes is the main Ca(2+) ion depot, the main functional proteins of which are Ca(2+)-ATPase SERCA2a, which re-traps ions from myoplasma, calsequestrin CASQ2, which binds most of Ca(2+), and ryanodine receptors RyR2 releasing Ca(2+) from the intracellular depot. A change in their functional activity can determine the progression of contractile myocardial dysfunction. The effectiveness of the Ca(2+)-transporting system and, consequently, the risk of development and progression of heart failure, may depend on the expression of the corresponding genes. Purpose To evaluate the association between the level of relative expression of the ATP2A2, CASQ2, RYR2 genes in the myocardium and the clinical parameters of heart failure in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods The study was carried out on the material of 90 patients with chronic heart failure developed on the background of coronary heart disease. Myocardial samples (a fragment of the right atrium appendage) obtained by connecting the cardiopulmonary bypass during planned coronary bypass surgery. The level of expression of the Ca(2+)-ATPase ATP2A2 gene, the ryanodine receptor RYR2 gene, and the calsequestrin CASQ2 gene was estimated. Samples were homogenized, RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized, and real-time PCR was performed. As reference, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GAPDH gene, the beta-actin ACTB gene, and the 18S gene were used. The level of gene expression was calculated automatically using the software of the thermocycler. For the analysis of quantitative data, the Kruskel-Wallis test or the Mann-Whitney test was used. The analysis of the strength of the linear relationship was carried out using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results ATP2A2 gene expression was reduced in the myocardium of patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (p=0.027 for ATP2A2/GAPDH, p=0.043 for ATP2A2/ACTB, p=0.039 for ATP2A2/18S). A correlation was observed between an increase in the functional class of heart failure (NYHA) and a decrease in the expression level of the RYR2/GAPDH gene (p=0.023). Among patients with heart failure, there was a weak negative linear relationship between the expression level of CASQ2/18S and the LV ejection fraction (r=−0.288, p=0.047). A significant (p=0.040) increase in CASQ2/ACTB gene expression was also found in patients with diastolic dysfunction compared to individuals without it, as well as a similar tendency for CASQ2/GAPDH (p=0.068) and CASQ2/18S (p=0.090). Conclusion In patients with heart failure due to coronary heart disease with LV hypertrophy, there was a decrease in the expression of the Ca (2+)-ATPase ATP2A2 gene. A decrease in the expression of the ryanodine receptor RYR2 gene was found as the heart failure class worsened. However, CASQ2 expression increased with diastolic dysfunction and a decrease in LV ejection fraction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Russian Foundation for Basic Research

The effect of malaria prevention and control interventions on malaria morbidity among children under 5 years and pregnant women in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana

Background: Malaria prevention and control interventions have been scaled-up in the last decade in Ghana. We analysed the malaria surveillance data to assess the trends and the association between some malaria prevention interventions and malaria incidence in Kintampo North Municipality (KNM).Methods: We extracted data on malaria indicators and interventions from the District Health Information Management System 2 database for 2012–2016. Proportions and cumulative incidence of malaria episodes were computed using STATA 14 software. We performed correlation analysis between malaria interventions and malaria morbidity. We used linear regression models to determine the association between Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINS) distribution, Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) and episodes of malaria in children <5 years old and pregnant women. Results: A total of 280,890 episodes of malaria were recorded in the KNM from 2012–2016. Of the total malaria episodes, 64,953 (23.1%) were children <5 years and 57.5% (161,486/280,890) were females. The incidence of malaria in KNM declined from 650/1,000 population in 2012 to 444/1,000 population in 2016. The proportion of confirmed malaria increased from 35.2% in 2012 to 80.7% in 2015, and subsequently declined to 77.5% in 2016. The malaria Case Fatality Rate decreased by 65% in 2012 to 0.04% (16/37646) in 2016. Long Lasting Nets distribution to children showed a weak negative linear relationship with malaria morbidity in children <5 years (R= – 0.20). IPTp1, IPTp2 showed a weak negative linear relationship with malaria morbidity in pregnancy, IPTp3 showed a weak positive linear relationship while IPTp4 and IPTp5 showed a negative moderate linear relationship with malaria morbidity in pregnancy. A unit increase in LLINs distribution to pregnant women was significantly associated with a reduction in malaria in pregnancy episodes by 0.21 (R2 = 0.19, 95% CI: - 0.3 ─ -0.7). The IPTp first dose (IPTp1) coverage declined from 75.5% in 2012 to 69.0% in 2014, but rose to 80.9% in 2016. IPTp5 (fifth dose) increased from 0.7% in 2014 to 4.8% in 2016. A percentage increase in the coverage of only IPTp4 was associated with a reduction of malaria in pregnancy by two episodes (R2 = 0.34, 95% CI = ─ 1.68 – (─0.78. Conclusion: Malaria morbidity trend declined in the municipality. Increase coverage in LLINs and IPTp were associated with declines in malaria episodes in children <5years old and pregnancy women. Coverage of IPTp4 and IPTp5 were relatively low. Health staff should intensify promotion of the use of malaria prevention interventions among pregnant women and children < 5 years old. Midwives should promote uptake of optimal IPTp doses through health education and community antenatal outreach services.

Factors Related To Non-Adherence To Lifestyle Modification In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 At Harare Central Hospital

Lifestyle modification is an important component of long-term management of patients with diabetes mellitus. The objectives of the cross-sectional study were to measure the level of adherence to lifestyle modification, to identify the factors influencing adherence to lifestyle modification, to measure the prevalence of diabetes complications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample comprised 119 participants who were diabetes mellitus type 2 patients registered at the study site, aged 18 years and above , could converse in English or Shona, and had been diagnosed within a period of 2 years. They were selected using simple random sampling with replacement. Data was collected through an interviewer administered questionnaire.. Adherence to lifestyle modification was low (7.56%). Factors influencing adherence to lifestyle modification; for diet they include, lack of money (21.01%), attending functions (15.13%), lack of satiety (12.61%), tempting foods (12.61%); for exercises they include, illness (26.89%), lack of time (18.49%), fatigue (15.13%) and no education (10.92%) . The most common complications were retinopathy (79.83%), peripheral neuropathy (78.99%) and sexual dysfunction (44.54%). A weak negative linear relationship was shown between adherence to lifestyle modification and the total number of diabetes complications (r= -0.1398, p = 0.1295) but was not

Morphology Analysis of Fine Particles in Background Station of Malaysia

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;A study have been conducted at Jerantut, Pahang. PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; concentrations were collected continously for 14 days and were analyzed to investigate time series and diurnal variations. Range of PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; concentration was between 6.0µg/m&lt;sup&gt;3 &lt;/sup&gt;and 98µg/m&lt;sup&gt;3 &lt;/sup&gt;with average 30.43&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;±&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;15.07µg/m&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;. The mean temperature was 28.61°C, while relative humidity and wind speed were 76.49% and 0.56m/s. From hourly variations, the percentage of PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; concentration that exceed USEPA and WHO standards are 30.36% and 56.85%, respectively. Due to rush hour, diurnal pattern shows that PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; concentration had the first peak between 6.00 to 9.00 h, the second peak between 12.00 to 13.00 h and the third peak between 19.00 to 21.00 h. PM&lt;sub&gt;2.5&lt;/sub&gt; shows a weak negative linear relationship with wind speed and temperature but shows a weak positive linear relationship with relative humidity. Morphology characteristic provides information about particle sources, atmospheric history, formation, reactivity, transport and removal of atmospheric chemical species. From FESEM analysis, the particles were categorized into two groups that are biological particles and anthropogenic particles. The biological particles such as fungal spore, brochosome and fungal hyphae were recognised from their morphology characteristics while anthropogenic particles such as soot were recognised from their morphology characteristics and weight percentage of elemental components. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Correlation of Iron Overload and Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated by Cystatin C in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major

Historically, renal involvement has not been a commonly recognized complication in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Herein, we studied the impact of iron overload on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by cystatin C based GFR (Cyst C eGFR). We enrolled 149 patients with β-TM in a cross sectional study in a single center in Oman. We investigated the correlation between measurement of serum ferritin and Cyst C eGFR. We used univariable linear regression to study the impact of serum ferritin on Cyst C eGFR and backwards stepwise regression to adjust for potential confounders. We included 78 males and 71 females with a mean age of 17.3 ± 9 years (range 2.5–38.5). Seventeen patients had diabetes mellitus. Patients were taking deferiprone (DFP) and deferoxamine (DFO) (26 patients), DFP (58 patients), deferasirox (DFX) (62 patients) and one patient was taking only DFO. There was a very weak negative linear relationship between serum ferritin and Cyst C eGFR (correlation coefficient −0.25). In the univariable analyses, serum ferritin (p = 0.004), diabetes status (p < 0.001) and chelation therapy (p < 0.001) were statistically significant. In the multivariable model, age (p = 0.033), chelation with DFX (p = 0.05) and diabetes status (p < 0.001) were statistically significant. We found a very weak inverse linear correlation between serum ferritin and Cyst C eGFR. However, when concomitant use of chelation therapy was considered, serum ferritin did not associate with glomerular function. Prospective and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

PH Effects on Cardiac Function and Systemic Vascular Resistance in Preterm Infants

To investigate the effect of pH on cardiac function and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in preterm infants. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated hemodynamically stable, ≤ 30 weeks' gestation preterm infants during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at the time of arterial blood draw for clinically indicated blood gas analysis. Data were separately analyzed for the transitional (days 1-3) and post-transitional (days 4-14) periods. We evaluated 147 pairs of arterial blood gases and echocardiograms in 29 preterm neonates (gestational age = 26.2 ± 1.5 weeks). Arterial pH ranged from 7.02-7.46. There was no linear relationship between pH and shortening fraction or stress-velocity index in transitional or post-transitional periods. We found a weak negative linear relationship between pH and left ventricular output and a positive linear relationship between pH and SVR only during the post-transitional period. These relationships were maintained after adjustment for the degree of base deficit. Arterial CO2 had effects similar to pH on myocardial function. Unlike adults, myocardial contractility remains relatively unaffected by acidosis even at pH values close to 7.00 in hemodynamically stable preterm neonates during the first 2 postnatal weeks. However, as in adults, worsening acidosis in preterm neonates after the immediate transitional period is associated with a decrease in SVR along with an increase in left ventricular output. Thus, although myocardial contractility remains unaffected in preterm neonates during the first 2 postnatal weeks, the vascular response to acidosis undergoes a relatively rapid postnatal maturational process.

Population structure of North Pacific humpback whales on their feeding grounds revealed by stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the North Pacific Ocean are a migratory species known to have a complex population structure on both feeding and breeding grounds. We described the structure of this population using stable isotope analysis of skin samples (n = 1105) col- lected from free-ranging North Pacific humpback whales from 10 sampling regions in 2004 and 2005. We detected significant quadratic relationships between latitude and both δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.29) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.23) as well as between longitude and δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.43) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.16). A weak negative linear relationship was seen between increasing distance from shore and both δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.05) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.02). Sampling regions were significantly different for both δ 13 C (ANOVA, F9,1094 = 136.4, p < 0.001) and δ 15 N (F9,1095 = 71.5, p < 0.001). We performed classification tree analyses using δ 13 C and δ 15 N as predictor variables to assign membership to sampling regions. Results of initial classification and ANOVAs supported combining the 10 sampling regions into 6 feeding groups. When applied to these feeding groups, the classification tree was able to predict 57% of group membership correctly, with accuracy rates for individual groups ranging from a low of 19% to a high of 78%. These results indicate that stable isotope analysis can be used to distinguish unique feeding aggregations of hump- back whales within the North Pacific Ocean. Ultimately, isotopic characteristics of these aggregations can be applied to animals sampled on breeding grounds to assign them to a feeding aggregation, enhancing the ability to describe habitat linkages and migration patterns of humpback whales.

The Disposal of a Lime Water Treatment Residue on Soil and Spoil Material from a Coalmine

Eragrostis tef (Zucc.), Cenchrus ciliaris L., and Digitaria eriantha Steud. were grown in a soil (Psammentic Haplustalf) and spoil material from a coalmine both treated with a lime water treatment residue (WTR) at rates of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g kg(-1). The yield of the grasses, from the sum of the three harvests, and concentrations of B, Ca, Cu, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, and Zn in foliage from the second harvest were determined. The yield of grasses grown in the soil decreased exponentially as WTR application increased. The yields of C. ciliaris, D. eriantha, and E. tef (in the 400 g kg(-1) WTR treated soil) decreased by 74.4, 78.7, and 59.8%, respectively, when compared with the control treatments. In the spoil, the yield of E. tef and D. eriantha decreased by 13.6% and and D. eriantha by 23.9%, while an increase was observed for C. ciliaris (45.4%), at the highest WTR application rate. No relationship existed between yield of E. tef and WTR application rate when grown in the spoil, while a weak negative linear relationship (p < 0.05) was found for D. eriantha and a positive linear relationship existed for C. ciliaris. Magnesium concentrations of the grasses were positively correlated to WTR application rate. Grasses grown in the soil had higher Na concentrations, while those grown in the spoil typically had higher B, N, and Zn concentrations. The decreases in yield were attributed to nutrient deficiencies (notably Zn), induced by high WTR application rates that led to high substrate pH. Disposal of high rates of WTR on the mine materials was not recommended.