Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching Correlation — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Dec 2025
Gebretsadik Bereka SolomonCorresponding author
Background Fast food consumption is the major cause of obesity and overweight in worldwide affecting more than 2 billion people, especially developing countries and low income countries. It can lead to hyperinsulinemia and development of insulin resistance, high energy density, high glycemic index, and fatty acid composition of fast foods may increase the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors Objectives The main aim of this study was, to assess fast food consumption and its association with overweight /obesity among undergraduate students of University Hargeisa, Somaliland, 2023. Methods The study was carried out from May 01 to July 20, 2023 at University of Hargeisa using an institutional based cross-sectional study design to among 260 students. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on review literatures and dig out from related studies. The anthropometric data was taken by data collectors to measure weight and height using a stadiometer. Data was entered and checked for errors using EPI-info version 7.1.5.0 and then, data were exported to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21 and STATA software version 14 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as; frequencies, means and proportion was used for present the findings. A variable with P-values of less than 0.25 in the binary logistic regression analysis was entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of stunting. Finally, variable at P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered as a statistically significant variable. Results In this study, the majority 235 (90.4%, CI: 86.5- 93.8) of the study participants were fast food consumers. The study revealed that, from the total study participants 46(17.7%),127(48.8%),84(32.3%), 3(1.2%) were underweight, normal, overweight and obese respectively. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. On multi-variable logistic regression model educational level of the students (AOR = 12.45 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.6)) and frequency of fruit (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.7, 0.8)) and vegetable consumptions (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.47, 0.575)) were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, of the total 90.4% number of fast food consumers. A chi-square test revealed that there was a significant (p-value=0.058) associations between BMI and fast food consumption among students of University of Hargeisa. Educational level of the students and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumptions were found to be significantly associated with fast food consumptions. Effort should be made to increase access to fast food-related information and counseling.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5408
Taher Hojjati MohammadCorresponding author
Background and Objectives Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells produced in the bone marrow, primarily involved in blood coagulation. Platelet concentrate is a vital blood product with extensive applications. However, its short lifespan and limited donor availability pose global challenges. This study aimed to follow the trend of platelets 5 during days of storage. Material and Methods We studied on 40 platelet bags and analyzed glucose levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bacterial culture, and apoptosis using flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI over three consecutive days (first, third, and fifth) post-blood collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results No significant correlations were found between age, blood group, or gender and the variables studied. No bacterial growth was detected. Glucose levels decreased significantly from day 1 (382 mg/dl) to day 5 (298 mg/dl). The average platelet apoptosis increased significantly from 3.65% on day 1 to 9.06% on day 5. Significant correlations were observed between glucose levels and apoptosis on days 3 (p<0.05) and 5 (p<0.01). No correlation found between LDH and apoptosis or necrosis, although a significant relationship between necrosis and apoptosis was noted on day 5 (p=0.003). Conclusion These findings suggest that while demographic factors do not influence the studied variables, the significant decrease in glucose levels correlates with increased platelet apoptosis over time, highlighting potential metabolic interactions that warrant further investigation. Highlights 1. The study revealed subtle variations in metabolic markers related to donor demographics, particularly gender and age. Understanding these differences can inform targeted donor selection strategies to optimize platelet quality. 2. A significant negative correlation was found between glucose levels and apoptosis rates, indicating that as glucose decreases, platelet viability declines. This relationship highlights the need for careful monitoring of glucose levels during storage to maintain platelet function. 3. Fluctuations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were correlated with increasing rates of apoptosis, suggesting that LDH could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing platelet quality throughout the storage period. This finding could lead to improved storage protocols and enhanced transfusion safety.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-24-5247
Rakovic DejanCorresponding author
Nikola Tesla's visions and inventions realized in his controlled altered states of consciousness were considered previously as manifestations of his meditative insights within an extended framework of quantum-holographic macroquantum correlations of individual & collective consciousness. This Tesla-inspired paper now focuses on related psychosomatic aspects of quantum entropy & entanglement, and consequences on the usually observable biological arrow of time & spiritual-informational time reversal. Finally we discuss spiritual-informational implications for free will and individual and collective consciousness reprogramming.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-23-4694
Alotaibi MajebCorresponding author
This study aims to determine an empirical relationship between the biological and chemical oxygen demands of industrial effluent running through the membrane bio reactor-based Al-Hasa common industrial wastewater treatment Plant. The relationship between these two parameters was investigated over one month (NOV– 2021 to OCT-2022). The values of R² show that its impossible to predict the result of BOD5 based on COD, however the result of r in AUG month shows a strong relation between them. The average biodegradability index over the one year is less than 0.6, showing that effluent is highly polluted, and biodegradation will not proceed. The plant’s performance in terms of BOD5 and COD removal was very poor over the whole year, however, the months AUG, SEP and OCT months shows a satisfactory performance, this is because a large amount of Industrial wastewater entering the plant contains both organic and inorganic components.
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-23-4641
C. Hughes VirginiaCorresponding author
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is transmitted from human to human through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when the mother transmits the infection to the fetus. Clinical manifestations of CS include anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, blindness, deafness, meningitis, and deformities in bone structure. The number of cases of CS have increased over the past decade in the United States according to the CDC. A study was conducted correlating the number of Medicaid enrollees in 2020, the number of uninsured persons in 2020, and the number of cases of COVID-19 in 2020 to cases of CS in the United States in 2021. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was done using SPSS. Results were statistically significant for all three pairs of variables with positive correlations; Medicaid enrollment and CS cases (r = 0.735, P<.05), uninsured persons with CS cases (r = 0.713, P<.05), COVID-19 cases and CS cases (r = 0.689, P<.05). Reasons for the increase in CS cases are multifactorial, including variations in state laws regarding syphilis screening in the prenatal period, differences in provider processes for persons on Medicaid, persons uninsured, and restrictions to accessing healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should include questionnaires and interviews with women on their experiences during prenatal visits in regards to syphilis screening, particularly women covered by Medicaid, and surveys completed by healthcare providers to gain insight and to identify factors that affect a woman not being tested for syphilis during her pregnancy.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4274
Verstapp Bund ArgerCorresponding author
A methodological note proposes formal structures for correlational studies of water problems. It emphasizes variable definition, confounding control, and reproducibility.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-22-4403
E. A. Hamza FatihCorresponding author
The major a biotic stresses affecting chickpea production are high and low temperature, drought and salinity. Heat stress is a major a biotic stress factor, constraining chickpea production worldwide. This study was conducted to identifying chickpea genotypes combining heat tolerance and high yield potential and to study correlation among the heat tolerance indices. The genotypes were tested under different field-growing conditions, normal sown (non – heat stress) and late sown (heat stress) at two locations, Merowe and Gezira during winter season 2018/2019. The trials were laid out in alpha lattice design with three replications. Eight heat tolerance indices, which were most frequently used in plant breeding including, geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield index (YI), mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance index (TOL), sensitivity heat index (SHI) and relative heat index (RHI) were calculated based on seed yield under heat stress (Ys) and non – heat stress (Yp) conditions. Under both environments, the results from combined analysis of variance showed that there were highly significant differences among the genotypes for all traits studies. There were highly significant differences observed among the tested chickpea genotypes response to heat stress. Seed yield in stress (Ys) condition was positive and highly significant correlated with geometric mean productivity, yield index, stress tolerance index and relative heat index. The Ys was negative and highly significant correlated with stress susceptibility index and sensitivity heat index. Seed yield in non-stress (Yp) condition was positive and significant correlated with geometric mean productivity, yield index, stress tolerance index and tolerance index. The results of this research showed that the six indices, GMP, YI, SSI, STI, SHI and RHI can be used as optimal indicators for screening heat tolerant chickpea genotypes. Nine genotypes including four released improved varieties (Shiekh Mohamed, Wad Hamid, Salwa and Hwata) and five genotypes (no. 11, 4, 26, 30 and 34) are most stable chickpea genotypes for heat tolerance and can be further used in breeding program. These genotypes can be used in the chickpea national breeding program to develop varieties with improved heat tolerance in Sudan. Genotype no. 11 (FLIP 08-59 C) was release by Sudan national variety release committee for commercial production under the name Elbarkal in September 2022 to will be grown in Gezira, River Nile and Northern States of Sudan.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-21-3746
Ahmed Abdelrahman NuggedAlla MotazCorresponding author
University of Kassala Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Head Department of Anatomy University of Kassala
Background The neonatal morbidity and mortality is very high in the Sudan, the umbilical cord association and contribution to this is planned to be answered. Therefore the present study was designed to provide some information on the morphological variations of human umbilical cord via gross anatomical assessment and their correlation with foetal factors such as foetal weight and length. Methods A prospective hospital - based study conducted in Wad Madani Maternity Teaching Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between July 2014 and March 2018 Results The mean diameter of the 371 umbilical cords was 2.1±0.24cm. Length was 53.8±3.8 cm length ranging from 48 – 62 cm and 10 (2.7%) of 371 umbilical cords were uncoiled. of which, 1 (0.3%) cords were with absent Wharton’s Jelly. The mean neonatal indices were 2.95 kg, 33.19 cm and 44.42 cm for weight, head circumference and length respectively. There was just significant strong positive correlation between umbilical cord length and length of neonates. Also Umbilical cord diameter had a positive correlation with length of neonates and negative correlation with weight of neonates and APGAR Score. Conclusion The present study suggests that ‘normal’ cord length should be between 40 cm and 70 cm in length. Umbilical cord diameter had a positive correlation with fetal length and negative correlation with fetal weight and APGAR score. The diameter range of 1-2 cm suggests that a normal cord must not exceed 2 cm in diameter. However the umbilical cord index had negative correlation with length of neonates.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8630.jrnm-21-3713
BR JoshiCorresponding author
Department of Radiology and Imaging, TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Introduction Multislice computed tomography examinations performed 3 to 4 days after the onset of symptoms is the imaging procedure of choice in acute pancreatitis, which is mainly done for evaluating the complications. Due to radiation exposure and cost, alternative scoring systems like Ranson’s score and Glasgow’s score were devised but were cumbersome. The serum amylase and lipase were found to increase with progression of disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of acute pancreatitis by modified CT scoring system with the serum levels of amylase and lipase. Material and Methods In hundred patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, the severity of pancreatitis was recorded using the modified CT severity index. The serum amylase and lipase levels were recorded and correlated with modified CT severity index score. Results Among 100 patients studied, 46%, 40% and 14% had mild, moderate and severe grades of pancreatitis respectively by modified CTSI score. No significant correlation was found between the levels of serum amylase (r = -0.104, p = 0.301) and lipase (r = -0.177, p = 0.079) with the modified CT severity index in patients with acute pancreatitis. Conclusion The serum level of amylase and lipase had non-significant correlation with the modified CT severity index score and thus did not indicate severity of pancreatitis.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-20-3003
Kant Tiwari SatyaCorresponding author
Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retroviral disease in which the viruses copy their genetic material into the genetic material of the human beings. Infected cells remain infected for the whole of their life. First discovered in the year 1981, Human immunodeficiency virus infections is considered to be a pandemic by the World Health organization.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-20-3478
R.A. Mans DennisCorresponding author
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
Plant-based preparations are commonly used in Suriname (South America) as adaptogens. In this study, fifteen alleged adaptogenic Surinamese plants have been assessed for their antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The investigated plants were Anacardium occidentale, Spondiasdulcis, Annona muricata, Euterpe oleracea, Oenocarpus bacaba, Luffa acutangula, Punicagranatum, Malpighia emarginata, Syzygiumaqueum, Syzygiumcumini, Averrhoa carambola, and Renealmiaalpinia (fruit); Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyx); as well as Aloe vera and Cestrum latifolium (leaf). Aqueous extracts (1 - 3,000 μg/ mL) were prepared. AA was determined by the FRAP and the DPPH assay. TPC and TFC were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu’s and an AlCl3 colorimetric method, respectively, using gallic acid (GA) and rutin (R), respectively, as standards. Data are means ± SDs (n ≥ 3; P < 0.05). FRAP values and DPPH-scavenging activities correlated positively with each other and with TPC but not with TFC. The preparations from M. emarginata, A. carambola, A. occidentale, O. bacaba, C. latifolium, and H. sabdariffa displayed the highest FRAP values (54 ± 14 to 412 ± 30 µM Fe2+/100 μg), DPPH-scavenging activities (IC50 values of 33 ± 14 to 250 ± 50 μg/mL), and TPC (51 ± 4 to 280 ± 78 µM GAE/100 µg). TFC of all samples were ≤ 10 ± 3 RE/100 µg. The adaptogenic properties of these plants may (partially) be attributed to their high content of antioxidant phenolic compounds and may make them candidates of novel sources of health-promoting antioxidants.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-19-2609
HS KadlimattiCorresponding author
Professor of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College Gulbarga, Karnataka, India
Background and Objective Identification of sex, age, race and stature is the most important aspect of any forensic investigation. There is a strong correlation of stature with hand dimensions and if either of the measurements is known, the other can be calculated. With this objective, the present study was designed to correlate the hand dimensions with stature of an individual and to record the standard deviation in the estimation of stature. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 1000 participants (500 male and 500 female) of ESIC Institute Gulbarga over a period of 14 months. Hand dimensions along with stature and weight were measured. Linear regression coefficient was calculated. Results Mean stature was 161.88 cm. Mean hand length was 18.11 cm on right side and 18.10 cm on left side. Mean hand breadth was 9.91 cm on right side and 9.83 cm on left side. Conclusion Highly significant difference in right and left side mean hand length and breadth measurements was observed. Also observed was a strong positive statistically significant correlation between height and hand dimensions. This data might be useful for forensic, epidemiological and anthropometric studies where stature determination is of utmost importance.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-13-369
Khan AshrafCorresponding author
Departments of Pathology, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and 2 are downstream signaling proteins that influence breast pathophysiology. IRS-1 promotes carcinoma cell proliferation; whereas IRS-2 regulates cell motility, invasion, and glycolysis. Our lab has shown that distinct cellular localization of IRS-2 also plays a role in carcinoma cell function. Oncotype DX (Genomic Health) (ODX) is a 21-gene expression profile used to classify carcinomas with low, intermediate, and high risk recurrence scores (RS). Our aim is to correlate expression and cellular localization of IRS proteins in breast carcinomas with their ODX RS. 97 breast carcinomas sent for ODX testing from 2006-2009 were collected and grouped according to their RS (low, intermediate or high). Immunohistochemistry for IRS-1/-2 was performed. Specific criteria were used to evaluate IRS staining patterns. Follow-up data, ranging from 3-6 years, was available. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate staining patterns of IRS-1/-2 with the three RS groups. IRS-1 staining, predominantly nuclear, did not significantly correlate with RS (P=.5645). IRS-2 expression patterns did show statistical significance amongst the three RS groups (P=.0371). Tumors with intermediate and low RS were more likely to exhibit punctate and diffuse cytoplasmic expression of IRS-2, and cell membrane expression was uncommon in this group. Expression and cellular localization of IRS proteins play an important role in breast cancer cell biology, and expression patterns for IRS-2 do demonstrate a significant correlation with ODX RS. Further studies are required to elucidate the significance of cellular localization of IRS-1/-2 proteins in breast carcinoma cells and their relationship to ODX scores.
Jul 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-150
Kashyap BineetaCorresponding author
Department of Microbiology
Aims and Objectives: The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans has risen markedly over the past 20 years as a result of theHIV epidemic and increasing use of immunosuppressive therapies. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Cryptococcus neoformans from clinically suspected cases of fungal meningitis by conventional techniques and evaluate the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a serum or urine biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Materials and Methods: Direct microscopic examination of the CSF samples from clinically suspected cases of fungal meningitis was done by India Ink staining for the capsule demonstration and isolation of the Cryptococcus neoformans was done by inoculation of the sample on Sabourauds dextrose agar. Latex agglutination test for the presence of cryptococcal antigen was done on sera, CSF and urine samples. C Reactive Protein levels were estimated in sera and urine. Result: Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed in 12 cases by culture and/or India Ink staining and/or latex agglutination assay for antigen detection in CSF. Only 8 (66.67%) and 1 (8.33 %) out of 12 samples were positive for cryptococcal antigen in sera and urine respectively. Whereas all the 12 patients were positive in the sera for CRP above the detection threshold limit, only 1 (8.33 %) patient had raised CRP in urine. CRP was raised two weeks after initiation of antifungal therapy in 3 of the above 12 sera and all these 3 cases turned out to be recurrent cases of cryptococcal meningitis. Conclusion Given the high incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with cryptococcal meningitis, it would be ideal if a screening test could be used to exclude this diagnosis based on the presence of biomarkers in serum or urine which would mean less discomfort for the patient in addition to decreased laboratory examination costs.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-25-5926
Easttom ChuckCorresponding author
The impact of ionizing radiation on genetic change is well established, yet the extent to which naturally occurring radiation fields have influenced evolutionary trajectories remains incompletely understood. This study examined correlations between microbial evolution and the radiation and geochemical environments associated with natural fission reactors, with emphasis on the Oklo–Bangombé system in present-day Gabon, Africa. The current paper compares plausible doserate regimes adjacent to reactor zones with published observations of radiationinduced phenotypes, geneexpression changes, and repair strategies in model organisms and complex biotas. This study further considers indirect mechanisms (e.g., water radiolysis, redox restructuring, tracemetal mobilization) by which natural reactors could have modulated ecological selection pressures over long timescales. The synthesis supports the plausibility of three interacting pathways: (i) increased mutation supply under low, chronic dose rates; (ii) selection in oxidantrich, redoxstratified niches; and (iii) metabolic subsidies (e.g., H₂) from radiolysis that support chemotrophic guilds. Although temporal–spatial associations exist between reactor activity and biological innovations preserved in Paleoproterozoic strata of Gabon, current evidence remains correlational rather than demonstrably causal. The study further outlines testable predictions and experimental designs capable of discriminating among these mechanisms.
Jan 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5920
Aikaterini ΚoutroukiCorresponding author
The present study examines the effectiveness of Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) in women diagnosed with breast cancer and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on reducing PTSD symptomatology and improving their mental health state (depression, self-esteem, post- traumatic growth, quality of life, therapeutic alliance). Additionally, the investigation includes the determination of the demographic, socio-economic and medical factors’ impact on mental health indicators in women with breast cancer and PTSD. The sample was 188 women with breast cancer and PTSD at the Chemotherapy Unit of ‘Agios Andreas’ General Hospital in Patras. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis in order to determine any statistically significant correlations between the experimental and the control group and between psychological scales and the demographic and socio-economic factors. The findings confirm the effectiveness of CAT in women with breast cancer and PTSD in reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms, improving self-esteem and quality of life, achieving greater post-traumatic growth, and fostering a better therapeutic relationship with the therapist. The demographic, socio-economic and medical factors examined affected dissimilarly each psychological scale, as statistically significant associations were found with some scales but not with others.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
J. Factoriza OliviaCorresponding author
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5515
Rao AnaghaCorresponding author
Background Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common and debilitating complication in people living with HIV (PLHIV). While HIV itself contributes to neuropathy, certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs, particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT), are known for their neurotoxic effects. Objectives To evaluate the impact of ART on HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy (HIV-PN) and to determine whether certain ART regimens increase the risk or severity of neuropathy. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 HIV-positive patients. Neuropathy was diagnosed using clinical criteria, Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Patients were grouped based on their ART regimen, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between ART type and peripheral neuropathy severity. Results It was noted that patients on older NRTIs (stavudine, zidovudine) had significantly higher rates of peripheral neuropathy (p=0.002) and tenofovir-based regimens were associated with lower peripheral neuropathy prevalence (p=0.01). There was a significant correlation between the duration of ART exposure and peripheral neuropathy severity (p<0.001), suggesting a cumulative neurotoxic effect. Conclusion Older ART regimens, particularly stavudine and zidovudine, significantly contribute to HIV-PN. The study supports the WHO recommendation to phase out neurotoxic ART and highlights the importance of early ART regimen optimisation to prevent long-term neurological complications.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5729
Collins Adeyanju GbadeboCorresponding author
Background In sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries continue to experience high burdens of vaccine-preventable diseases, increasing immunization access have been a priority for the governments and international organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Over 40 Gavi-supported African countries have been impacted, with 364 million children reached and over US$5.7 billion disbursed, averting over 8.9 million child deaths. Despite this progress, the African region has struggled with immunization coverage due to various factors. Nevertheless, some African countries are transitioning out of Gavi support due to economic growth. However, many require strong political will to increase their expenditure on immunization. This study therefore aims to understand the factors influencing immunization performance and its relationship to public expenditure. Methods Data on 37 Gavi-eligible sub-Saharan African countries between 2006 and 2019 was obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, the WHO and UNICEF Joint Reporting Form and the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. Descriptive immunization and health expenditure were analyzed using a panel regression of variables. DPT3 was used as an indicator of immunization uptake. The indicator for public expenditure on immunization per child was based on government spending on immunization divided by the number of children in the birth cohort. Results The average gross national income increased from US$639 to US$1,192 per capita, while government spending on immunization increased from US$1.7 to about US$4.5 per child. The findings show that there is a correlation between improved immunization financing, increased gross national income, reduced corruption, and improved immunization coverage. However, performance declines beyond a certain threshold when gross national income per capita increases. In addition, an English-speaking country effect was observed. Conclusions While improved immunization financing increases immunization coverage and constitutes an advocacy talking point, there is a need to understand why an increase in gross national income per capita does not translate into an improved immunization coverage. Key highlights Increasing national spending on immunization drives up the uptake of childhood vaccines. There is a threshold beyond which immunization coverage falls despite increased GNI. Controlling corruption increases immunization coverage tendency. French- and English-speaking countries’ immunization coverage differs. Immunization and health system financing have separate outcomes.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-25-5645
Beridze BerdiaCorresponding author
Purpose The objective of this prospective case-control study was to perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the sino-nasal outcome test 22 (SNOT-22) into the Georgian language. Methods The translation and validation of the SNOT -22 questionnaire was performed using the forward-backward translation technique. After proper translation, the translated questionnaire was completed by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and by healthy individuals as controls. Results SNOT22 was translated into the Georgian language; the pilot study involved 34 patients, the test–retest group consisted of 30 patients with CRS and the control group of 71 patients without CRS complaints; 34 patients were evaluated before surgery and 3 months after surgery. The results showed a good internal correlation with Cronbach’s alpha - 0.88 at the initial examination, and 0.93 at the retest examination; both values suggest good internal consistency within SNOT-22. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.72 (p<0.001), revealing a good correlation between initial scores and retest scores. Our sample of healthy individuals had a median score of 10,11 points and the instrument was able to differentiate between the healthy and the patient group, demonstrating its validity (p<0.0001). Conclusions The Georgian version of the SNOT-22 questionnaire is a valid outcome measure for patients with CRS.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5609
Kankindi PriscillieCorresponding author
Economic masculinity support is paramount in promoting women’s well-being through numerous ways, including enhancing access to healthcare, education, and financial freedom, hence fostering equitable distribution of household responsibilities. However, studies examining the relationship between economic masculinity support and women’s well-being have not been well established in existing research. This study evaluated the relationship between economic masculinity support and the well-being of married women in Luwero district, Uganda. This Cross-Sectional study was conducted among 382 married women aged 18 to 50 years of age, from selected villages in Luwero district. The outcome variable, well-being, was assessed using the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM). Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression to ascertain the relationship between economic masculinity support and the well-being of women. The findings show a moderate positive association between economic masculinity support and women's well-being (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Regression analysis indicated that economic masculinity support had a significant predictive influence (β = 0.42, p < 0.01) on women’s well-being, accounting for approximately 30% of the variance in well-being outcomes (Adjusted R² = 0.30). Linking economic masculinity supports improved access to essential resources. These results highlight the crucial role of economic support in enhancing women’s welfare, while also emphasizing the need to address socio-cultural barriers to achieve lasting empowerment. The study underscores the significant role of economic masculinity in promoting married women’s well-being. Transforming economic masculinity into a framework of mutual support is essential for advancing gender equity and safeguarding women’s well-being globally
Jan 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3066-8042.jac-24-5273
Davis JuliaCorresponding author
The objective of this focused literature review includes establishing and explaining the high correlation between sleep issues and ADHD. Through a systematic review of sources, a high correlation between sleep issues in those with ADHD was established with multiple theories lending explanation to this comorbidity. Neurological pathways in the brain already afflicted by the disorder of ADHD may cause direct effect on sleep pathways in their dysfunction. Other comorbid sleep conditions were found to occur in high frequency with ADHD however, a common etiology of these issues is yet to be established. The major conclusion of this study includes that there are multiple mechanisms through which sleep disturbances may be caused in ADHD patients, all of which must be considered in future research.
Oct 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-24-5287
Hast MichaelCorresponding author
Background/Aim This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults in Germany, offering critical insights into the development and maintenance of both conditions. Specifically, it sought to test a new model that connects these two psychological constructs. Materials and Methods A quantitative online survey was conducted with 500 young adults (Mage = 23.3, 83.6% female). Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while bedtime procrastination was measured using the Bedtime Procrastination Scale. Results The results show a significant positive correlation between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults. Sleep quality was also found to significantly correlate positively with loneliness as well as with bedtime procrastination. Conclusion The findings provide a crucial framework for understanding the relationship between the two psychological constructs of loneliness and bedtime procrastination. Implications for possible future interventions are discussed.
Nov 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-21-3909
safari YahyaCorresponding author
Background & Objective Changing people’s attitude toward the environment is an important approach to the prevention of environmental damages. The present study aimed to evaluate environmentally responsible health-oriented behaviors in students. Materials and Methods This research was performed on 360 medical students (180 males and 180 females) who were selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a responsible environmental behaviors questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21 using linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation-coefficient. Results The scores of the environmental attitude, environmental knowledge, and environmental behaviors of the participants were estimated at 52.63±5.74, 74.43±5.99, and 103.37±11.51, respectively. An insignificant correlation was observed between the environmental knowledge and environmental behaviors of the students (r=0.07; P=0.20). However, the correlation-coefficient between the environmental attitude and environmental behaviors of the students was positive and significant (r=-0.54; P<0.001). A negative, significant correlation was also denoted between the environmental knowledge and environmental attitude of the students (r=-0.39; P<0.001). Conclusion Despite relatively poor environmental awareness and attitude, the majority of the students had proper environmental behaviors. Therefore, it seems that having an environmentally responsible behavior does not rely on environmental attitude and knowledge. In fact, behaviors influenced by social conditions and structure encourage and facilitate environmental behaviors.
Aug 2023
Almabadi BayanCorresponding author
DADA2 (deficiency of adenosine deaminase type 2) is an autoinflammatory autosomal recessive disease resulting from biallelic loss of function mutations in ADA2 gene. Clinical presentation and age of onset vary widely even among related patients, and variability of symptoms and severity manifestations include bone marrow failure, autoinflammation, immunodeficiency and vasculitis. Here, we report a case of young male with adult onset DADA2, who presented with fever, lower limbs skin rash, joint pain, and anemia resembling systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). DADA2 has an extremely variable clinical phenotype. It was described into three categories: inflammatory/vascular, immune dysregulation, and hematologic. However, the data is scant in describing autoimmunity phenotype in DADA2 and further studies are required to investigate the clinical correlation and presence of autoantibodies. We recommend genetic testing in cases with lupus-like disease especially if there is consanguinity between parents and family history of vasculitis.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4116
Shuja SabaCorresponding author
Background In Low Middle-Income Countries (LIMCs), malnutrition, especially undernutrition is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality and morbidity. Poor complementary feeding practices are among the most notable contributors to poor nutritional indicators in children under five. This article provides an output of secondary data analysis of the Cost of Diet (CoD) and Optifood component of National Complementary Feeding Assessment conducted by UNICEF Pakistan along with Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2018. Methods For correlation of Optifood data and CoD data with PDHS data of CF, GraphPad software, MS Excel was used along with manual quantifications. The analysis of DHS-2018 data was conducted using STATA software. Univariate analysis included comparison of categorical variables i.e. various individual, household and community level parameters with that of outcome variables of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum dietary diversity (MAD) using chi-square test. Findings The overall rate of MMF was 56.6% among children of 6-23 months of age with MDD in 18.6% and MAD in 13.8% of children. Percentage of annual cost spent on nutritious diet for MDD, MMF and MAD varies from 27.86% to 43.08% across all the provinces. Children aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months often consumed infant milk and cereals, while children aged 12–23 months often consumed eggs and grain products. Consumption of dairy products was highest in Punjab, Sindh, AJK, and Islamabad, that of grains roots and tubers was highest in KPK, FATA and GB. Conclusion Considering CF practices in Pakistan are inadequate as indicated by poor MDD, MMF, and MAD, therefore it is imperative that a holistic approach using both communication and non-communication based interventions is to be employed through active stakeholder engagement.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-22-4342
Massood Nabavi SeyedCorresponding author
Introduction Vaccination against SARS CoV-2 started on March 2020 in Iran and people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have a priority to be vaccinated in line of other high-risk population. Up to now, BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) is the main vaccine which have been used in Iranian population, and in high risk population such as pwMS. Method In this survey, the safety and possible side effects of this vaccine after the first or/and second doses in 520 pwMS have been assessed from July to August 2021. MS Patients who have received one or two doses of Sinopharm vaccine were evaluated. Results Around 44% of pwMS who received Sinopharm reported few minor side effects, whereas its side effect have been reported in 60% of patients who received the second dose. All side effects have begun within the first 24 hours and subsided between 48-96 hours afterward. No serious side effects or mortality have been reported. There was no correlation between the side effects and age, the disability status, and the type of first or second line DMDs (disease modifying drugs). Only some side effects were significantly higher in the progressive form of the disease. Conclusion MS patients can receive Sinopharm vaccine safely and the minor side effects should not scare them.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-22-4411
Tunta AbaynehCorresponding author
Background HIV causes immunosuppression, which reduces the body's immunity to diseases like COVID-19 by decreasing CD4 cells. The goal of this study is to determine whether persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are using anti-retroviral therapy (ART) are willing to accept the Coronavirus illness 2019 vaccination and the factors that influence their decision. Method From February 15 to March 15, 2022, 332 PLWHA on ART participated in this facility-based cross-sectional study. The correlation of outcome variables with predictors was investigated using binary and multivariable logistic regression. Result Of the 332 study participants, 110 (33.1 %) and 118 (35.5 %) had poor knowledge and a negative attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination, respectively. Approximately 31 (9.3%) of study participants believe ART medications can also prevent COVID-19 infection. The willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was 66.3 % with a 95 % confidence interval (60.9, 71.5). Knowledge, attitude, educational status, marital status, residency, duration, and monthly income were all significant predictors of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion Increased sensitization regarding the necessity of vaccines and the negative consequences of diseases, particularly among PLWHA, should be emphasized in the preparation of the COVID-19 immunization campaign involving prominent individuals such as health professionals and religious leaders.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9359.jot-22-4303
Morteza Bagheri SeyedCorresponding author
Department of Radiology, School of medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences
Background Doppler ultrasonography can evaluate vascular and renal parenchymal disorders. In this study, color Doppler patterns in transplanted kidneys were compared with histological diagnosis to develop diagnostic models for transplanted kidney failure. Method 45 kidney transplant patients participated in this prospective study (16 suffered acute tubular necrosis (ATN), and 29 had transplant rejection). All patients had color-Doppler ultrasonography to measure kidney parameters and Doppler indices. Serum creatinine levels also assessed the transplanted kidney's function. Result Ultrasound showed a significant difference between the two groups in iliac and interlobar PSV. The ROC analysis showed a high diagnostic value of the iliac artery PSV, in distinguishing ATN from kidney transplant rejection. Serum creatinine level correlated directly with transplanted kidney volume, renal cortical thickness, and transplanted kidney length, and inversely with interlobar artery PSV and EDV. In graft rejection patients, the only significant inverse correlation was found between serum creatinine level and PSV of the iliac artery and EDV of the intrelobar artery. Discussion and conclusion The iliac artery PSV can differentiate between ATN and rejection after renal transplantation. Evaluation of renal metric parameters along with PSV and EDV of the interlobar artery (in patients with ATN) and iliac artery and interlobar artery (in transplant rejection) help determine renal dysfunction.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-22-4284
B. Little ReginaldCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Upon considering the anticancer effects of larger oligomeric proanthocyanidins and observing various papers reporting the high resolution mass spectroscopy of the oligomeric proanthocyanidins, it is determined that the unusual 13C enrichment in some plant oligomeric proanthocyanidins may be responsible for the anticancer activities of these food products. Such correlation of the 13C in the oligomeric proanthocyanidins also correlate with their scavenging of free-radicals, anti-virial and anti-bacterial properties. Proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are observed to have high enrichment in heavy isotopes of 2H, 13C, 15N and/or 17O. Mass analysis of DNA from human cancer cells are compared to normal human cells and cancer cells show bond specific enrichment of heavy isotopes in nucleotides G, A, T and C. On such basis, this study suggests possible stronger interactions of proanthocyanidins with DNA in cancer verses DNA in normal cells due to heavy isotope bond specific enrichments in both proanthocyanidins and the cancer DNA. Such 13C interactions from oligomeric proanthocyanidins with nucleic acids and proteins involved in replications, transcriptions and translations in cancer cells for interacting and chemically altering anabolism and cell division of the cancer cells are consistent with the author’s mechanism for normal cell to cancer cell transformations via possible replacements of primordial 1H, 12C, 14N, 16O, and 24Mg isotopes by nonprimordial 2H, 13C, 15N, and 17O and 25Mg isotopes in the proteins and nucleic acids. Such is also consistent with the proposed treatment for cancer by the author by use of foods containing proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and/or drug molecules enriched with the nonprimordial isotopes of 2H, 13C, 15N, and 17O and 25Mg.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-22-4252
Kumari Nuthalapat RamaCorresponding author
Additional Professor of Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Nizams institute of medical sciences, Panjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana state, India
Background Prevalence of coronary artery disease is between 7-13 percent in urban and 2-7 % in rural India1. The alarm in rise in the prevalence of coronary risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, central obesity and physical inactivity2. The correlation between these risk factors and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, assessed by angiography which may be either single or multivessel is less consistent with studies reporting conflicting results 3,4. Therefore our study aims to understand the proper correlation between risk factors and severity of coronary artery disease in an Indian population Methods This study was conducted in the department of cardiology, NIMS hospital Hyderabad which receives patients from the urban as well as rural areas of Telangana. the patients admitted in the department of cardiology, NIMS hospital Hyderabad that presented with acute coronary syndromes and diagnosed to have coronary artery disease (single vessel/multivessel disease) on coronary angiography taken for study. Sample Size is 150 Results Among the 150 subjects, males were 111(74%) and females were 39(26%). Mean age of the study population is 55.2 ± 11.4. Among SVD group 73.65% were males &26.3% were females. Among MVD group 76.2% were males & 23.7% were females. Mean age for SVD was 53±14.4 years, while mean age foe MVD was 58.6±14.5 years. For ACS mean age of presentation for females is 60.7±11.4 and for males mean age of presentation is 55.1±12.6. MVD (57.2%) were more common among smokers than SVD. In <45 years age group SVD (69.2%) were more common than MVD (30.8%). In 45- 70 years age group and >70 years age group MVD were more common than SVD with 69.6% and 66.6% respectively, which is statistically significant. MVD (60%) were more common among hypertensives than SVD. Among non-hypertensives MVD (41.8%) was less common than SVD (58.2%) MVD was common among all age groups, which is statistically signicant. Among STEMI group SVD (58.3%) was more common than MVD (41.7%). Among NSTEMI group MVD (62%) was more common than SVD (38%).Correlation between groups was statistically significant. Among SVD study group, LVEF was commonly between 30-45% & very few with LVEF <30% MVD was associated with more severe LV dysfunction as compared to SVD in acute MI. The difference in ejection fraction between the two groups was statistically significant P value=0.0002. In hospital MACE Among SVD there was 1 MI (due to stent thrombosis) who had to TVR (primary PCI) & rest were asymptomatic and discharged in normal state MVD there were in hospital deaths (due to refractory cardiogenic shock) rest were asymptomatic and were discharged in normal state. This difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant. Conclusion Multivessel disease in ACS were seen more commonly among elderly as compared to young subjects where single vessel disease were more common. Females especially elderly more commonly have multivessel disease. Mean age for multivessel disease was higher than single vessel disease. Among <45 years age group, SVD was more prevalent among smokers, obese and physically active. Multi vessel disease is more prevalent among patients with risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and physically inactive. Subjects with family history of premature CAD presented early and correlated well with prevalence of SVD.NSTEMI presented more with multi vessel disease. In echocardiographic wall motion analysis, a depressed regional segment of infarcted area with remote hyperkinesis predicted SVD where as remote area hypokinesis predicts more multivessel disease. In hospital outcomes were seen among multi vessel disease as compared to single vessel disease although not statistically significant.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4280
Rutayisire ErigeneCorresponding author
Department of public Health, Mount Kenya University Rwanda Kigali Rwanda
The study evaluated the users' opinions on data quality and related characteristics in ten public-health institutions of Nyarugenge district. A study used a cross-sectional design, data was collected through quantitative (n=150) methodology while qualitative data was obtained using interviews (n=20) and focus group talks (n=3). A checklist was utilized to examine the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of data quality aspects. Collected quantitative data was analyzed through logistic regression by SPSS to examine the association of variables, while qualitative data was analyzed using the summative content analysis (SCA) to summarize the key themes. A 95 percent confidence level, Odds Ratio (AOR) were used to establish the strength of correlation among study variables, while a p-value of less than (p<0.05) was utilized to identify the variables which were statistically significant associated to HMIS data quality. The study finding showed that the majority (53.0%) was female while, 33 years was an average age, the majority of health practitioner (52.7%) had an A1 diploma. Approximately 90.6% of respondents have a positive perceptions on the system usage. Limited ability and a lack of relevant technology equipment such as computers and the internet have been cited as the challenges while using the system. Factors such as training AOR:2.62(95% CI:1.45, supervision AOR:1.81(95% CI:1.02, AOR:2.50(95% CI:0.85 for education background, works-experience AOR:1.60(95% CI:090 are factors associated with data quality. Maintaining, supportive supervision, regular training and refresher courses should be regularly offered to public health professionals to improve their knowledge in order to maximize the use of health information.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-22-4162
Wang LingCorresponding author
Department of Intensive Care Unit, People’s Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
Alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (P(Aa)O2) can reflect pulmonary ability to exchange oxygen; it shows good correlation with the oxygenation index (OI), which is important in diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study explored the ability of P(Aa)O2 in diagnosing ARDS in pneumonia patients. Methods We selected patients with community-acquired pneumonia and sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the People’s Hospital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture; we measured P(Aa)O2 and the OI under anoxic conditions upon their admittance to the ICU. We divided the patients into ARDS and non-ARDS groups. We compared the differences in P(Aa)O2 and OI; we analyzed the correlation between P(Aa)O2 and ARDS. To assess the diagnostic ability of P(Aa)O2 for ARDS, we drew the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Result We found that P(Aa)O2 in the ARDS group was greater than in the non-ARDS group (t = 8.875, P <0.001); the OI in the ARDS group was smaller than in the non-ARDS group (t = –6.956, P <0.001). There was a positive correlation between P(Aa)O2 and ARDS (r = 0.718, P <0.001). The area under the ROC curve for P(Aa)O2 in the diagnosis of ARDS was 0.931 (0.873–0.988); the cutoff value was 214.70 mmHg, the sensitivity was 89.50%, and the specificity was 85.00%. Conclusion We conclude that P(Aa)O2 is a good reference index in diagnosing ARDS.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4061
B. Danilova AnnaCorresponding author
N.N. Petrov National Medicine Research Center of Oncology, Department of Oncoimmunology, 197758, Leningradskaya str., 68, Pesochny, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
Background Human malignant cell models which reflect the structural and physiological complexity of tumor tissue are of great importance for preclinical research in oncology. Spheroids/tumoroids derived from solid tumors are of great interest as cellular models mimicking the first vascular-free growth phase of a tumor node. The fact of the identity between artificially created tumor multicellular aggregates and the real tumor tissue, however, needs to be specified, described and validated in order to see how closely the spheroids are biologically similar to the malignized tissues in vivo compared to the monolayer cell cultures traditionally used. We present here a comparison study of the characteristics of solid tumor cells of different histogenesis (melanomas, soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, epithelial tumors) cultured in two dimensions (monolayer culture) and three dimensional space (spheroid), namely: spatial organization, multiplication, metabolic activity. Patients and Methods For the creation of 2 D and 3D cell models the cells isolated from the patient's solid tumor fragments obtained intraoperatively were used. 15 samples of skin melanoma, 20 samples of soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas (STBS), and 9 samples of epithelial tumors (ET). The tumor cells were all cultivated for at least 10 passages. We used phase contrast, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to investigate spheroids and monolayer cultures. The supernatants of tumor cells grown in 2D and 3D cultures were studied using ELISA and multiplex analysis for the production of a spectrum of chemokines and cytokines supporting the immunosuppression, invasion and metastasis processes. Results Tumor specimens received were predominantly of metastatic origin (75%). In 100% of cases 2D cultures were received, in 88.6% of cases (39 out of 44) we succeeded in obtaining spheroids. There was no direct correlation between the efficiency of tumoroid formation and the tumor's histogenetic origin and the stage of the cancer process (primary tumor, recurrence, metastasis). The median size of spheroids by 4-5 days of cultivation with a starting concentration of 10000 cells per well was 657.14 μm for melanoma (min 400 - max 1000 μm), 571.42 μm (min 400 - max 700 μm), 507.14 μm (min 300 - max 600 μm) for soft tissue sarcomas, 650.0 μm (min 400 - max 900 μm) for osteogenic sarcomas. Immunochemical analysis of Ki-67, GLUT1, and Ecadherin markers was carried out for tumor tissue samples, single-layer tumor cultures, and tumoroids of every patient. The distribution of the stained groups in the spheroids was distinct from the monolayer cultures and more in accordance with the distribution of such in the tissue tumor, the number of Ki-67+ cells was increasing in the spheroids. We detected no dependence of Ki-67+ and GLUT1+ cell localization grade on spheroid size. We identified E-cadherin in tumor tissue and tumoroids of breast carcinoma and one melanoma culture. Monolayer cultures did not express it. The increase in secretory cell activity of the solid tumor cells from 2D to 3D system was observed when CCL2, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL16, MIF, IL10, MICA (p<0.01) were investigated. Conclusion The presence of patient-specific cells of solid tumors in a 3D environment causes activation of the proliferative and metabolic processes as compared to monolayer cultures, which makes these models approximate the real world clinical picture. The production of chemokines that can attract to the tumor various types of immune system cells, to include their immature versions, as well as production of cytokines and Immunosuppression factors that, when present in the tumor microenvironment in the high concentrations, contribute to the formation of immune cells having suppressive capacities occurs in the 3D cell system. Three-dimensional model of the initial tumor nodule formation stage thus demonstrates the forming process of tumor cells favorable for them microenvironment. Construction of three-dimensional models - spheroids of tumor cells of differing histogenesis demands individual approach and more thorough investigation.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4025
M. Quirit AllenCorresponding author
MD.
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect a large swath of the global population. The Philippine records four hundred seventy-four thousand sixty-four (474, 064) confirmed COVID 19 cases since December 31 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic recently highlighted the role of systemic hyperferritenemia as a major cause of death. In this study, we were able to correlate the serum ferritin level and predict 30 day in hospital mortality in COVID 19 pneumonia. Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between serum ferritin level and disease mortality in COVID19 pneumonia with subset analysis on demographics and co-morbidities of patients with COVID 19 pneumonia. Methodology We reviewed the records of all laboratory confirmed COVID 19 patients from World Citi Medical Center from April 2020 up to April 2021.A statistically significant sample size of seventy nine (79) admitted patients were used in this study. A serum ferritin level was assayed using electrochemilumenescence immunoassay with a Roche COBAS analyzer. Results Result showed that high ferritin level is associated with in hospital mortality. With ferritin level of 1437.07ng/ml, poor clinical outcome and in hospital mortality was considered. We also observed that demographics and co morbidities of patients in this study were significant to predict in hospital mortality. Further sub-analysis of co morbidities such as Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Cerebrovascular disease showed poor outcome which were directly related to ferritin levels with p value of <0.0001. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that elevated ferritin levels were shown to correlate with 30 day in hospital mortality as well as medical comorbidities such as Hypertensive Cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and chronic kidney disease have shown significant evidence for in hospital mortality.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3875
Hassan Dahab MohamedCorresponding author
Department of Agric Eng. – College of Agriculture- University of Khartoum.
Repair and maintenance cost is considered as one of important items for machinery management and selection. The present study was carried out in Dongola area for tractor repair and maintenance costs estimation. The data was collected from records of Elshimalya Company for Agricultural Inputs. Forty four tractors rep resenting two sizes of tractors, 75hp and 150hp used in the area were selected for this study. Based on the data collected, regression correlation analysis was carried out and mathematical models were derived to predict the accumulated repair and maintenance (R and M) costs as percent of purchase price in relation to accumulated hours of use and age (years) for each tractor size, and also for the two sizes collectively. Five model forms (linear, logarithmic, polynomial, power and exponential) were derived and the power function was found the best fit to explain the relation. The accumulated Rand M costs as percent of purchase price (Y) was increased as the accumulated hours of use (x) and age (g) of the tractor in years were increased. A high correlation was found between the accumulated R and M cost and both accumulated hours of use and tractor age in years (Average R2 = 0.93). It was concluded that the power function was the best fit for repair and maintenance cost estimations and the following relations may be used as an average for estimation of the accumulated R and M costs as percent of purchase price (Y) with accumulated hours of use (x) and age (g) of the tractor: Y=0.028x0.662 (mean) Y=12.294g1.276 (mean).
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-21-3754
Abdalla AbuzerCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Themain left coronary artery and its branches have wide variability in its morphology regarding caliber, as seen through angiographic imaging. This study aims to determine the diameters of the left coronary artery and its branches among the Sudanese population & to correlate these diameters and the personal and health data. Angiography of 441 patients of both sexes was used in this study. Personal and health information was obtained from the records. We found that the left coronary artery's diameter was between 2.90- 4.90mm, with an average of 3.96mm. The diameter of the left circumflex artery in the range between 1.70- 4.70mm, with an average of 2.73mm, and that of the anterior descending artery in the range between 1.20- 4.70mm, with an average of 2.78mm. We correlated the diameters of the three arteries and the variables of age, gender, BMI, coronary artery disease, smoking habits, and hypertension. Wefound many correlations to be significant. We concluded that the diameters of the left coronary artery and its branches are affected by age, gender, BMI, coronary artery disease, smoking habits, and hypertension.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-0207.jbr-18-2316
Abdullahi Baba MasudCorresponding author
Department of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria
This study examines capital adequacy and the moderating impact of asset growth on the performance of firms in the agricultural sector. 4 listed agricultural firms were examined over a period of 10 years and data were extracted from their financial statements which were analyzed through a STATA 13 tool of analysis. Regression, correlation matrix and descriptive methods of analysis were employed to present and analyze results. Other post estimation tests like skewness and kurtosis test, Variance Inflation Factor test, specification test, heteroskedasticity tests and hausman test to select between fixed effect and random effect regression model were conducted to ensure robustness of results. The fixed effect stochastic longitudinal regression analysis model was adopted as guided by the hausman test. From the findings posited by the study, liquidity structure, liquidity structure moderated by asset growth and the combined effect of firm size moderated by asset growth were found to be significantly impacting on return on asset of firms at 1% level of significance. Firm size was found not to have any significant impact on return on assets. It was therefore recommended that the management should ensure considerable excess of current assets over current liabilities at all times so that there will always be positive liquidity structure; management should ensure consistent and prudent capital acquisition to ensure larger firm size; management should ensure steady asset growth by asset revaluation and new acquisition over time; the regulatory authority in the agricultural sector should establish a firm size benchmark below which no firm should operate.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-20-3362
V. Shirale VaishaliCorresponding author
Department of Surgery, ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Background and Aim Gallbladder (GB) cancer is a highly fatal malignancy and approx. 10% new cases are diagnosed every year in India. The GB cancer has poor prognosis due to progressive nature. Understanding of risk factors that lead to GB development is urgently required for better management of the disease. Presence of stones in gall bladder generates varied mucosal reactions, which leads to different types of histopathological changes in mucosa. Here, our aim is to study the correlation between various types of mucosal responses e. g. inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia and carcinoma with different characteristics e. g. number and morphology of gallstones both in males and females. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of gallstones was performed on 438 cases of cholecystectomies operated laparoscopically based on the histological changes. Out of 438 cases, 394 (89.95%) were associated with gallstones and the rest 44 (10.05%) belonged to acalculous cholecystitis. The mucosal changes in calculous gall bladder were studied in 394 cases and its correlation with number and types of observed gallstones were evaluated. Tissue sections were taken from the fundus, body, neck and abnormal area of gallbladder for histopathological studies. Results Our study has revealed the higher incidence of inflammatory changes in males, while gall bladder hyperplasia, intestinal metaplasia and cancer cases were found mostly in females. Conclusion Our study showed that changes in the number and morphology of gallstones are directly associated with the mucosal changes in gallbladder e.g. inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia and gall bladder carcinoma.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-1969.ijhs-20-3658
Assan JallowCorresponding author
PhD student at the rome school of Economics Italy
In this project the main aim is to investigate the role of health on economic development. In doing so my inspiration was derive for the augmented neoclassical theoretical firm work base on the hypothesis that health has a positive impact on economic growth, looking at specification 1 and 4 are basic linear regression model which are used to capture the liner relationship between health and economic development. And looking at the graphs from our “appendix” we will observe a strong positive correlation between the variables. We also used life expectancy as a proxy for health which was positive and significant across all specification, which affirms that’s health have a positive and significant impact on economic growth as well as output per capita. For specification 3 and 6, we ran a “flexmix” which gives a reflection of a conclusion that our data most not be “cluster”, this is also supported by the pair wise plot which actually shows no meaningful cluster at a visual inspection.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-20-3595
C SzuhanekCorresponding author
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Victor Babes’, Timisoara, Romania
Aesthetic and functional problems associated with significant facial asymmetry can negatively affect the patient's facial appearance, nutritional and psychosocial development. Therefore, a critical assessment and accurate treatment planning is absolutely necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of PA cephalometric analysis defined by Ricketts and Grummons and establish statistically relevant correlations and their importance in diagnosing orthodontic patients with varying degrees facial asymmetries. The research included facial asymmetry Romanian patients from the Department of Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics of UMF "Victor Babes", Timisoara. The PA cephalogram investigations that met the inclusion criteria were digitally analyzed. Dental and skeletal cephalometric parameters described by Ricketts, Grummons and Kappeyne Van De Coppello were collected through linear, angular and volumetric measurements. Statistically significant correlations between the degree of asymmetry and the dimension of the internal structures were observed.Our conclusion is that PAcephalograms are cost effective and useful investigations in identifying and evaluating skeletal and dental imbalances in orthodontic facial asymmetry patients.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3620
Obioma AzuonwuCorresponding author
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Bacteriology / Virology / Parasitology Unit, Rivers State University, Nkpolu – Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
COVID-19 remains a global public health emergency till date. It is eminent that the transmission of the disease is subjective to people’s readiness to implement public health preventative strategies and these are often related to knowledge. Proper public knowledge about COVID-19 plus its predisposing factors is critical to effectively manage the increasing public health risks. However, socio-demographics have been implicated to COVID-19 infection risk and management outcome. Thus, this present study examined the influence of knowledge on COVID-19 risk outcome, the contribution of socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19 and predicted synergistic effects of knowledge and socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19. All measured was strictly perception amongst African sampled with an online Google form as the primary data source. The Correlation designed used Zr Statistics of Fisher Transformation to determine the differences between the two correlation coefficients of the prediction variables after an initial test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation between COVID-19 risk and Knowledge plus socio-demographic. The hypothesis was tested using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 and iStat at varying significant levels of 0.05 and 0.01 respectively. Generally, a significant relationship exists between COVID-19 risk and knowledge level but not with composite socio-demographics. However, specific significant relationship (p<0.05) was noticed between COVID-19 risk and age (r=0.220) as well as marital status (r=-0.158). Educational level, location, and sex showed no correlation (p>0.05) with COVID-19 exposure. Also, the proposition of no significant difference between correlation coefficients of socio-demographics and knowledge was proven otherwise (p<0.05). The regression model (R2=0.420 and adjusted R2=0.404, df=2, 336, F-value=27.012. p=0.00) significantly predicted the synergic contributions of knowledge level and socio-demographics to COVID-19 exposure. 40.04% of the COVID-19 risk exposure can be explained by socio-demographics and knowledge about COVID-19. Synergic contribution of knowledge and socio-demographics proved risk prediction to COVID-19. Traditional factor like age should be decidedly considered and attention should be drawn towards good knowledge about COVID-19 especially its signs and symptoms plus transmission.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2275.jzr-20-3537
O AzuonwuCorresponding author
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Bacteriology/Virology/Parasitology Unit, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
This study investigated the potential pathogenic bacteria that are associated with domestic dog stool in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Convenience sampling techniques were used for sample collection outcome. A total of fifty dog stool samples were collected aseptically into a sterile stool container from different locations (Agip Estate, Rumuokoro Community, Government Residential Area, Sand-fill Borokiri, Port Harcourt Township, and Rivers State University lecturers’ quarters) all within Port Harcourt City. Bacteriological analysis was determined using standard microbiological analytical and identification techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 for frequency, percentage, prevalence rate and correlation at 0.01 and 0.05 level of significance. Potential pathogens with associated percentages that were isolated are E coli (20.0%), Klebsiella species (16.0%), Pseudomonas species (4.0%), Proteus species (28.0%), Bacillus species (4.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.0%), and unidentified [other Staphylococcus species] (4.0%). However, the research further revealed that Proteus species (28.0%), was the most prevalent pathogen, while Bacillus species (4.0%), Pseudomonas species (4.0%), and Streptococcus species (4.0%), were the least prevalent among pet dogs studied. The correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between isolates with socio-demographic data of pet owner and Pet biodata respectively. From the analysis, correlation coefficient values of .269 and .124 were obtained for Age of Pet Owner and Gender of Owner respectively. It also show a direct correlation but by implication, a very weak, non-significant (p<0.05) relationship existed between the organisms isolated and the variables (Age of Pet Owner and Gender of Pet Owner). However, no relationship exists between isolates and visit to vet Doctor (r-0.038; p>0.05). Furthermore, negative non-significant correlation (p>0.05) was observed for marital status of Pet Owner (r=-.158) and Age of Pet (r=-.023) and isolate. Also, correlation association between isolates and some risk factors using the correlation analysis matrix revealed an indication of an indirect but moderate association between isolates and Caressing (r=-.347, p=0.01). However, other risk factors like vaccination (r=.042), Feeding Pattern(r=.125), Pet Bathing (r=.220) and Eating with pet in same plate (r=.146), did not prove statistical significance at p>0.05. The results from the study strongly suggest that pet dogs carry potential pathogenic organisms in their faecal matter that can serve as a source of infection to the pet owners. It is, therefore, very critical that these pets should be treated and possibly vaccinated frequently, even as their faecal matters should be well disposed to prevent possible zoonotic infectious epidemic outbreak in our global communities.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-20-3494
I. Kheder SalahCorresponding author
Faculty of Pharmacy, National University, Khartoum, Sudan
Introduction Antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) is of the utmost importance as a way to optimize the use of antimicrobials to prevent the development of resistance and improve patient outcomes. So, it is worthwhile to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals. Objective The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of prescribers towards antimicrobial stewardship at hospitals in Khartoum state and to identify the associations between prescriber’s demographic information and their knowledge. Methodology This descriptive cross-sectional study multi-centered study conducted in 10 hospitals at Khartoum state -Sudan, during period from November to December 2018. Study population included all prescribers who is available at study’s hospitals during study period and willing to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire addressing participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic resistance and ASP distributed in the selected hospitals among attending house-officers, registrars and consultants completed then analyzed. Results Of the 294 medical staff targeted, 287 responded to the survey (response rate 97.6%). Only (26.4%) were familiar with the term ASP and (31.5%) claimed that it is effective in reducing resistance. (43.0%) of respondents believe that ASP play vital role on antibiotic prescribing. Only (9.5%) had ASP in their hospital and (13.5%) having policy and team. (45.3%) of participants had good level of knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship, but majority show negative attitude (63.1%), and poor practices (92.0%) regarding ASP. There was no observed correlation between knowledge and attitude, knowledge with practice (p-value ≥ 0.05). Only attitude with practice shows significance correlation (P=0.0001), which means that prescribers with positive attitude had the better practices towards antimicrobial stewardship. Age, occupation and experience are the only significant predictors of prescriber's knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic stewardship, while no association between these factors and practice. Conclusion The present study concludes that the knowledge of prescribers regarding ASP is moderate and their attitude is negative. Unfortunately, practices regarding ASP were poor, despite, the good knowledge regarding the effects of ASP on antimicrobial resistance.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3461
Bhatt TanviCorresponding author
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
Background and Purpose The ability to respond effectively to perturbations is a key element of reactive postural control and is a crucial mediator of falls. Several studies exist in the literature that determine older adults’ responses to perturbations, however those studies typically involve procedures that lack objectivity or applicability outside a laboratory. A study involving waist-pull perturbations with a spring-scale (SS) is an exception. In that study, fall history was most accurately differentiated by a reactive stepping response to a perturbing force of 10% total body weight. Using data from that study, we retrospectively examined the association between fall history and the number of steps accompanying a SS perturbing force of 10% total body weight in older adults. For perspective, the association of fall history with Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and single limb stance (SLS) times was also determined. Methods Fifty-eight healthy older adults (mean age = 80.7 years) participated in the study. Their 2-year fall history (yes, no) was recorded. All participants underwent SS testing with one-pound incremental, horizontal sagittal plane manual waist-pull perturbations. The number of steps in response to perturbation with 10% total body weight was recorded; TUG and SLS tests were performed. Associations between variables were examined using Spearman (rank-biserial) correlations. Results The median number of steps for fallers was 5 in both anterior and posterior directions. For non-fallers, the median number of steps was 1 and 2 in the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. The significant correlations between fall status and number of steps were 0.772 and 0.813 for the anterior and posterior directions, respectively. Similarly, the significant correlations between fall status and balance tests were 0.722 and -0.456 for the TUG and the SLS, respectively. Conclusions The number of steps accompanying waist-pull perturbations with forces of 10% of body weight were highly explanatory of experiencing a fall during the preceding 2 years.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-20-3417
Teto GeorgesCorresponding author
Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Background Decreased antioxidant ability is one of the worsening conditions in AIDS.We aimed to evaluate total antioxidant ability among others, and their variation in HIV infected patients following their CD4+T cells count and viral load, in a context of new ART scarcity in most LMICs. Material and Methods We conducted a cross sectional study on 167 individuals (76 controls, 33 treatments naïve and 58 HIV-1 infected patients on ART). We assessed their plasma total antioxidant ability (FRAP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol (SH) groups using standard spectrophotometric methods, then we calculated lipid peroxidation index (LPI). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 6. Data were analyzed by two-tailed unpaired t-test for two groups’ comparison and ANOVA for more than two groups. Pearson correlation between CD4+T cells count, viral load and the above markers was determined; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The following controls/naïve/treated subjects’ values for FRAP(mM) (1.907±0.074/1.77±0.05/1.695±0.03); MDA(μΜ) (0.781±0.081/1.115±0.118/ 1.342±0.109); SH (μΜ) (2.747±0.130/1.582±0.197/1.498 ±0.140)and LPI (0.43±0.61/ 0.61±0.7/2.59±0.83) were all obtained with P ≤ 0.05. The FRAP increased only with 3TC+TDF+EFV and 3TC+ABC+NVP cART while MDA decrease significantly with the later(p=0.027). MDA and LPI significantly increased in heavily treated patients with p<0.0014 and p=0.0001 respectively. overall, the patients showed an increase of viral loads following a decrease of CD4+T cells (r= -0.803, p=0.016) but 3TC+TDF+EFV seem to better manage the both. The only significant correlation was established between SH groups and CD4+Tcells count (r=0.447; p=0.0006); Conclusion Our study showed that thiol groups may be protective againstCD4+Tcells count depletion and that the cART 3TC+TDF+EFV, 3TC+ABC+NVP may be helpful in fighting against free radical generation and particularly 3TC+TDF+EFV as controlling CD4+Tcells count and viral load in long term treated patients. The study particularly showed the implication of cART in increasing lipid peroxidation index following the treatment duration in heavily treated patients, which aggravated their conditions in an area where drug options are limited, calling for new drugs availability and personalized medicine.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-20-3359
K.G. Palmer WilliamCorresponding author
Independent Researcher, TRI-LEA-EM, 76 Sideroad 33-34, RR 5, Paisley, ON N0G 2N0, Canada.
For 5 years, since the start-up of an array of 140 wind turbines, residents have filed complaints with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (the regulator), and K2 Wind (the operator). Residents complained that the turbines produce a tonal sound, and that the irritation this produced impacted their sleep, their health, and the enjoyment of their property. To confirm tonality from the wind turbines, this research examined over 200 data examples from two families. These families collected data by two independent methods, a continuously recording system, and by making selected audio recordings. The recorded data was correlated with the wind turbine operational performance, and local weather conditions. The correlated data was analyzed for tonality using international standard evaluation methods. The analysis confirmed over 84% correlation between complaints of irritating conditions, and tonality from 5 dB to over 20 dB. Finally, the results showed that the assumption of the regulator to only require assessment of compliance when the resident was downwind of the nearest wind turbine was incorrect. Most complaints arose from other wind directions. Neither was the regulator’s assumption correct that curtailing the wind turbine operation to continue operating at only partially reduced outputs would give remediation. The research concludes that tonality arises consistent with the wind turbine operation, identifying a critical need to revise the practices to prevent chronic irritation. In the original issuance of this paper, the author inadvertently erred by stating that there was a difference between the method for assessing wind turbine tonality of an expert group panel and the method now prescribed by regulations. That statement was incorrect, and the author apologizes for the error and for any confusion it may have caused. The error, miscalculations resulting from the error, where necessary conclusions drawn from erroneous calculations are corrected.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-20-3322
Omozemoje Ayobami AigberuaCorresponding author
Department partment of Environment, Research and Development, Anal Concept Limited, Elelenwo, Rivers State, Nigeria
In spite of the popularity of open-air waste dumping in Nigeria, it remains a relatively less effective waste management option across the globe because of its associated environmental impacts which includes the release of green house gases (GHGs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and metal micro-pollutants amongst others. This study aims to assess the potential environmental risks associated to metals released and vertically delineated across the soil profile within surroundings of dumpsite. Heavy metals in soil samples were acid-digested using the aqua-regia mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid, followed by instrumentation analysis using the GBC 908 PBMT model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Contaminated sites showed metal concentrations ranging from 1.493 to 109.460 mg/kg, 0.133 to 4.237 mg/kg, and 5.200 to 25.367 mg/kg for lead, cadmium and chromium respectively, with location 1 land area showing the most contamination. Only soil chromium was observed within regulatory stipulations in all cases. There was significant variation (p < 0.05) between the different sample locations, thereby indicating variations in composition of dumped wastes. Lead and cadmium showed the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.855, p < 0.01) and the application of some heavy metal pollution indicators revealed relatively higher metal loads and degree of contamination, as well as depicting potential ecological risk for soils of location 1. The significant heavy metal contamination of soils in the Tombia-Amassoma waste dumpsite requires that the local environmental sanitation and regulatory authorities take necessary remedial action to forestall the escalation of public health concerns that may emanate from this open-air dump.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-20-3306
Abul-Fadl AzzaCorresponding author
Professor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University
Introduction The Corona virus (CoVID-19) pandemic has hit the most developed countries and has thence spread to inflict other countries around the world. It is the first pandemic that appears in countries not linked to poverty and poor hygiene. Aim To study the relationship between human development and the pattern of the pandemic caused by the CoVID-19 and to identify development indicators that can be useful in monitoring the pandemic. Methods Data collected included confirmed cases of CoVID-19 by country, number of cases that recovered and cases that died and population density per million in this particular country. The data for this information was obtained from the online data on the daily reports on CoVID-19 from the different countries. Data for the Human Development index (HDI) and the ranking for each country were obtained from the most recent United Nations Development of Populations (UNDP) report for 2019. We analyzed data for 166 countries for which the HDI was available for the date of cases reported online on 27th March, 2020 at midnight. Findings There were significant differences by ANOVA for the confirmed cases of CoVID19 cases and total cases per one million population between the countries in the 4 tier group of Human Development. HDI was significantly correlated with confirmed cases, case density and cases that died from CoVID-19 (P<0.01) for all countries but the significance decreased by tier group. Country ranking was inversely correlated with confirmed cases of CoVID-19 (r-0.25 at P=0.001), CoVID-19 cases per million (r-0.4 at P=0.000) and cases that died from CoVID-19 (r-0.2 at P=0.03). Recovery was not inked to HDI or country ranking. The upper HDI tier groups (very high, high and medium) showed significant correlations with total cases per one million population P<0.05, but no correlation was found with confirmed cases or cases that died or recovered from CoVID-19 P>0.05. Conclusions Total cases of CoVID-19 per one million population seems to be a better indicator of the pandemic. The pattern of spread is closely linked to industry.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3260
Masoero GiorgioCorresponding author
Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino, Via A. Doria 10, 10123 Torino (Italy).
The management of the inoculation of a plant’s roots, by means of biofertilizers (BF) containing arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, is aimed at inducing modifications of the quality of the seeds. It is here shown that a seed-soil treatment can be elicited in the fingerprints of a symbiotic treatment using Near Infra Red (NIR)-SCiO NIR-SCiO spectra collections of single kernels: overall, a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 73% have been achieved, thus suggesting that it may be possible to assign the symbiotic origin of corn from just twenty kernels, provided that the dataset is adequately representative of the cultivar and AM. A global correlation study has shown a positive general trend (R2 0.45) of quality vs. quantity, in the sense that an increase in yield corresponded to an increase in the spectral differences between the symbiotic spectra and the control ones, but the inverse was also true, as a result of the parasitic behaviour of the BF treatments. The efficacy of the symbiosis can be back predicted from the NIR spectra; in fact, around 90% of the positive yield outcome results were discriminated from the negative ones. A reduction in the foliar pH (R2 0.37) and an increase in the foliar protein (R2 0.43) were observed as immediate phenotypic signs of a productive symbiosis. The commercial raw composition of the kernels appeared to only be affected slightly by the BF treatments; thus, till now uncharted secondary compounds of the maize kernels are involved, as supported by animal performances.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-20-3236
Sanikidze TamarCorresponding author
Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Objective Search of pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors of atherosclerosis in the employees of the cleaning service in Tbilisi. Materials and Methods As a result of a preliminary survey and examination of 200 employes of Tbilisi cleaning service aged 25-45 years (2014-2016), 22 patients with angina, hypercholesterolemia, intimae-media thickness > 0.65 mm, were selected into I group, and 23 individuals without these disorders into II group. In the blood plasma of the selected patients the intensity of oxidative metabolism parameters, TAA and MDA were determined. The variance and correlation analysis (АNOVA) was used for conducting the comparative analysis of the levels of studied parameters. Results In the combined group (I+II) there are several reliable correlations between the Age -TCol, Age-MDA, BMI-Tg, BMI-MDA, LDLChol-HDLChol, LDLChol–TChol, HDLChol-TChol, LDLChol-MDA, LDLChol-TAA. no correlation between these parameters in individual groups (I and II) was found. That indicates that we have an imaginary correlation related to the large intergroup difference between the average values of the group indicators, that is the values of various indicators change during the development of the pathological process, but there is no causal relationship between these alterations. The reliable TAA-MDA correlation in the combined group (I+II) is related to the high anticorrelation between these parameters and the significantly higher average value of TAA in the low-risk group (II) in comparison to the high-risk group (I). Conclusion The results analysis indicates both the diagnostic value of redox status indicators and their leading role in the atherogenesis processes. In populations with a high risk of atherosclerosis, monitoring of serum TAA is recommended.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-20-3178
Ahmed Abdelrahman NuggedAlla MotazCorresponding author
University of Kassala-Sudan, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Head Department of Anatomy
Background In recent years great attention has been focused on the structural and histological structures of the placenta and the umbilical cord due to their vital roles in fetal development and neonatal survival. While extensive studies have been documented in this area in the developed world, there is very little published information about the morphological variations that occur in human placenta in Sudan. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the structural variations in placental indices and its relation to neonatal outcome. Methods A prospective hospital - based study conducted in Wad Madani Maternity Teaching Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between July 2014 and March 2018. Results Mean placental indices for weight, diameter and thickness were 515.51 g, 18.80 cm and 2.43 cm respectively. The mean neonatal indices were 2.95 kg, 33.19 cm and 44.42 cm for weight, head circumference and length respectively. Neonatal weight correlated significantly with placental weight, neonatal length and neonatal head circumference (P < 0.000). On the contrary, neonatal weight had no significant correlation with placental thickness and diameter Conclusion In this study, there was a strong relationship between the placenta and the fetus suggesting that the well-being of the fetus is highly dependent on the placenta since it serves as a link between the mother and the fetus.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-19-3112
Aydin ZekiCorresponding author
Darica Farabi Training and Research Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Kocaeli, Turkey
Introduction Increased oxidative stress and blunted anti-oxidant mechanisms are important problems in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act directly on proteins, leading to the formation of oxidized amino acids. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are among these substances. Many oxidant substances increase the level of AOPP. Iron is an element with strong oxidant capacity, especially when used intravenously. It is thought that iron treatment further increases the oxidative stress in HD patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AOPP and inflammatory status in HD patients. Materials and Methods Patients who were on maintenance HD program without additional co-morbidities and no history of use of intravenous iron within the last two weeks were recruited in the study. The blood samples taken just before the dialysis session were analyzed for AOPP, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ß2-microglobulin, fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels besides routine biochemical measurements and complete blood count. Results The number of patients included in the study was 102 (n: 53 female, %52.0) and the mean age was 47.6±13.9 years. The mean transferrin saturation was 25.4%. AOPP levels, iron use in patients was higher compared to patients who do not use (respectively 2.58±0.19 mmol/l and 2.50 ±0.16mmol/l, p = 0.046). We did not detect statistically significant correlation of AOPP levels with iron parameters and other inflammatory markers. Conclusion The present study showed that intravenous iron therapy does not increase oxidative stress. Although serum AOPP level was higher in patients on intravenous iron treatment, it was not correlated with iron indices and inflammatory markers. So, intravenous iron may exert its oxidant effect free from serum iron indices.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-19-2829
Abo Taleb EmanCorresponding author
Regional hospital for vitreo retina and eye care Sana'a Yemen.
Purpose To study outcome and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) macular findings in patients who underwent surgery for spared macula giant retinal tear (GRT) retinal detachment. Methods a retrospective study of 12 patients with spared macula giant retinal tear (GRT) retinal detachment who underwent vitrectomy (N=7), vitrectomy with an encircling scleral buckle (n=4) and scleral buckle (n=1) with at least 3 months follow up after silicon oil removal (SOR) . Post-SOR macular SD-OCT scans were studied in all eyes. Results Final reattachment achieved in all eyes with single primary surgery. Post-SOR SD-OCT macular finding was photoreceptors layer disruption in 6 eyes, epiretinal membrane (ERM) in 4 eyes, Macular hole in 1 eye and choroidal neovascularisation in 1 eye. Significant correlation found between final Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and macular pathology on SD-OCT p value (0.048). Conclusion SD-OCT plays a high role in diagnosis of macular alterations that can be associated with poor functional outcome in anatomically successful GRT surgery with spared macula pre-operatively.
Aug 2019
Khachidze IrmaCorresponding author
Beritashvili Centre of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi, Georgia and Caucasus University
Objective Antisocial behavior (ASB) in children and youth is public health problem in Georgia. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic study the risk factors for ASB that could counteract on ASB development. To prevent ASB development and acceleration the understanding of biological (assessment of Brain morphology using MRI) and psychological (assessment using Freiburg Personality Inventory) risk factors is critical. This was the aim of this study. Method The children/youth with ASB tendency (AST) were identified by the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FBI). The biological and psychosocial factors contributing to AST were evaluated using a semi-structured clinical interview. Brain anatomy and morphology was studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Children/youth with AST had significant abnormalities in most axial elements of the DSM multi-axial system but not in brain anatomy measured by MRI. Conclusion Early identification of ASB tendencies and a provide correlationship between specific psychiatric, medical and family stress factors will likely reduce the number of children/youth with ASB and will promote their integration into society.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2691
Masoero GiorgioCorresponding author
Accademia di Agricoltura di Torino, Italy
In precision agriculture (PA) fertilizing, based on soil testing, production maps and crop nitrogen (N) demand, is the key to maximizing yields and tempering fertilizer costs. A trend study has considered the output / input relationships performed on a farm that has progressively adapted to PA procedures over two decades. The evolutions of the variability parameters of yield, comprising the repeatability coefficient of repeated plots, the vegetative vigour (NDRE) at the panicle initiation (pi) stage, and the nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) were monitored and compared by means of mixed linear models over a six-year period, after the variable nitrogen (N) fertilization rate (VNFR) had been enlarged to the whole 230 ha of one farm. At pi key fertilization stage, a corrective dose was applied by tacking the correlation between Npi and the measured NDRE in strong negative mode. The evolution of the yield, for the 2012-2017 interval, based on 1165 ha-1 parcel-data, showed a significant yearly increase of 2.3% more than the regional trend (+0.5%). The variability parameters of the yield, that is, the standard deviation (+7.3%), range (+7.1%), coefficient of variation (+5.4%) and maximum (+2.1%) were enhanced over the years, but the minimum remained stable. The repeatability of the parcel yield generally appeared low (r = +0.31), but it tended to increase by 8.3% year-1 (P = 0.018). At the same time, the vegetational vigour also showed significant increases of the NDRE means (+3.0%) as well as of the maximum (+0.8%), but also large oscillations in the standard deviation and in the coefficient of variation. No significant regression of the NDRE on the coefficient of variation of the yield was established. The favorable increase in yield was found to be independent of the distributed N-total. A strong negative correlation (imposed) between N-pi and NDRE (-0.90) and a negative correlation with production were observed for a sample field (but in the area of maximum production). It is recommended that a partial correlation between Yield and N-tot should be considered in the I /O features for a parity of NDRE, which apparently decreases the negativity of the relationship. In short: with the same total input of N, the PA increased the yield, but also its variability – and it did not reduce the variability as predicted by the theory - by strengthening the repeatability. This is an evidence that in many of the parcels with minimum yield the limiting factors cannot be referred to the N availability.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2625
T Tan SweeCorresponding author
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
Chalkley counting has been regarded as a relatively reliable method of quantifying tumor angiogenesis. In this study we investigated the reliability of Chalkley counting in quantifying tumor angiogenesis in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) using CD34; and tumor vasculogenesis using angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II receptor 1 and angiotensin II receptor 2, in 32 OTSCC samples. Chalkley counting was performed by two independent observers. The averages of three ‘hot spot’ counts were compared with known prognostic factors. All four markers showed no correlation with any of the prognostic factors. When comparing the results from the two independent observers, the only marker shown to have a significant moderate correlation was CD34. The other three markers showed no significant correlation. The lack of statistical significance between the independent observers, and known prognostic factors with the four markers used, shows that Chalkley counting is not a reliable prognostic tool in OTSCC.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-18-2473
Noguchi YasushiCorresponding author
Department of Radiology, Noguchi Thyroid Clinic and Hospital Foundation, 7-52 Aoyama-cho, Beppu 874-0902, Japan
This study aimed to investigate the trend of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy and those undergoing fine needle aspiration (FNA) and its relationship with thyroid cancer, using a large-scale, real-world database established based on the employment-based health insurance claims data in Japan. In this retrospective descriptive study, annual incidence rates of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy and FNA from 2005 to 2014 were calculated. Among the 3,130,757 enrollees, 926 patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent thyroidectomies. The annual incidence of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy increased from 5.4 (95% confidence interval 95% CI, 3.4–8.5) in 2005 to 11.7 (10.1–13.5) per 100,000 patient-years in 2013, with a gradual increase among patients in their 20s and 30s and with the most notable increase among those in their 40s and 50s. The annual FNA rate also increased during those years, whereas no noticeable change was observed in the thyroid cancer detection rate. The incidence rates of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy and those undergoing FNA were strongly correlated, with Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.935 for men and 0.886 for women. In conclusion, an increasing trend in the incidence of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy was observed from 2005 to 2013 among a large group of Japanese employees of working age and their dependents. These results provide useful information on the impact of patients with thyroid cancer undergoing thyroidectomy on the working population.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-3208.ijli-18-2476
H Radwan ECorresponding author
Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Egypt
Bivalves are used as bioindicators of heavy metals pollution because they are known to concentrate these elements, providing a time integrated indication of environmental contamination. Trace metals can reach high concentrations in sediments and also in aquatic organisms by bioaccumulation through the food chain. Six heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Cu) were collected and investigated from Abu Hummus, El Behara. The concentration of Hg was high in winter as 2.3µg/g in sediment. The Zn concentration was high in summer in sediment as 8.1µg/g. The Pb concentration was high in winter in water as 3.3µg/l. The concentration of Fe in sediment was high in summer as 492 µg/g. The concentration of Mg was high in sediment as 408µg/g. The concentration of Cu was high in summer in sediment as 301µg/g. The mean concentrations of Fe in the present study are within the permissible limits of law 48/1982 (<1 mg/l) and the guideline of (WHO, 1993) which is <1 mg/l. The mean concentration level of copper is within the permissible limits of law 48/1982 (<1.0 mg/l). The mean levels of the heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Cu) detected in the present study in the water stream are less than the permissible limits recommended by (USEPA, 2005). In the present study there is a significance between all seasons in the protein content in the soft tissue of Spathopsisrubensas the mean concentration level in Spring was reported as 102.83mg/g which is higher then that of autumn 100.5mg/g, summer 93.33 mg/g and winter 80.50 mg/g. In the present study the mean activity level of GPx in spring was higher than the other seasons such as spring 31.33u/g ˃ summer 28.33 u/g ˃Autumn 26.67 u/g ˃ winter 20.50u/g. The mean activity level of SOD in summer was higher than the other seasons such as summer 38.83 u/g ˃ spring 33.33 U /g ˃Autumn 28.83U/g ˃ winter 22.83U/g. The mean activity level of CAT in spring was higher than the other seasons such as spring 25.67u/g ˃ summer and autumn19.83u/g ˃ winter 15.17u/g. The mean activity level of MDA in winter was 30.50 U/g ˃ summer 22.50U/g ˃ autumn 18.0 U/g ˃ spring 16.83U/g. In the present study it was found that the mean activity level of MDA increased in winter at the same time the mean activity level of CAT, SOD and GPx were decreased in winter. Negative correlation was reported between CAT and Hg in winter as r=-0.88*. A positive correlation coefficient in winter was found between SOD activity level and CAT activity level as r=0.838*.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2430
P. Richie Jr JohnCorresponding author
Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
Introduction: Analysis of 8-oxodG is usually conducted by either chromatography-based methods or by immunochemical methods commonly used based upon their low cost and high-throughput. However, concern regarding the accuracy of ELISA methods has complicated their use. We directly compare the levels of urinary 8-oxodG obtained by HPLC-MS/MS with three commercially available ELISA kits in this report. Methods: In the current study, a total of 9 human urine samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and three commonly used commercial available ELISA kits. Results: We found that urinary 8-oxodG levels analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS [1.4 ± 0.3 nmol/mmol creatinine) were 7.6- to 23.5-fold lower than those detected by ELISA. Overall, the correlations between ELISA and HPLC-MS/MS were poor but were improved after SPE purification for kits from ENZO (P = 0.2817 without SPE; P = 0.0086 with SPE) and Abcam (P = 0.0596 without SPE; P = 0.0473 with SPE). Discussion and Conclusion: While we confirmed that SPE purification can improve the correlation between the selected ELISA kits and HPLC-MS/MS, HPLC-MS/MS is still the method of choice to accurately assess the levels of 8-oxodG in human urine.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2345
Habibeh AhmadipourCorresponding author
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Background: lifestyle modification is known as the cornerstone for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. To promote individual’s lifestyle, the first step is to measure their lifestyle by a valid and reliable tool. The aim of present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Persian version of Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ). Method: A crosssectional study carried out on 300 medical students in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collected using a questionnaire contained demographic data and Persian version of HLPCQ. The reliability of the questionnaire determined using Cronbach’s alpha and intra class correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity of the questionnaire evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 and Lisrel 8.8. Results: Internal consistency of HLPCQ was 0.78 using Cronbach’s alpha and 0.80 by ICC. In confirmatory factor analysis, the scale had acceptable goodness of fit indices. Conclusions: The Persian version of HLPCQ had excellent psychometric properties and can be used in in primary health care settings.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-18-2339
Sarmah PrabaleeCorresponding author
Jr. Scientist-S2 (PBG), AICRP on Vegetable Crops, Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat, Assam, India.
We evaluated a set of 37 chilli genotypes collected and maintained at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat for 27 different traits related to plant habit (5), leaf (6), flower (2), fruit (13) and biotic stress (1). The variation in fruit yield among the genotypes could be attributed to high coefficients of variability for component traits viz., number of fruits per plant (91.7%), plant height (80.8%), leaf breadth (55.9 %), fruit weight (49.7%), leaf length (45.4%) fruit length (35.8%), fruit breadth (35.5%) and number of branches per plant (22.2%). Maximum phenotypic variants were observed for fruit traits followed by leaf characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Euclidean distances varying from a minimum of 2.065 and a maximum of 13.311 indicating the diverse nature of the genotypes. UPGMA clustering grouped the genotypes into 5 distinct clusters. The largest one, cluster I, had 26 genotypes belonging to Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum. Cluster II consisted of Capsicum annuum var. conoides with cone-shaped fruits. Cluster III included Moni Jolokia, a perennial shrub with cone-shaped globose erect fruits which clustered in between the other local C. annuum sp. Bireek and Mem Jolokia. The fourth cluster (IV) included the local chilli genotypes - Mem Jolokia, Bhekuri Jolokia and Haitha Jolokia which were perennial, with green stem and leaves. Cluster V included the C. chinense genotypes consisting of Manipuri Bhut, Bor Bhut and Lota Bhut. The first principal component explained 34.93% of the total variation contributed by mostly leaf and fruit characteristics. The fruit characters in this component showed significant positive correlation with leaf length, breadth and plant height indicating their importance in the morphological characterization of the chilli genotypes.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2228
Kishan Gupta BalCorresponding author
Senior Professor, In-charge Medical ICU, Department. of Medicine, S.P. Medical College, Bikaner.
Introduction: Organophosphate (OP) pesticide poisoning is a major challenging public-health problem in developing countries. Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, yet it is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated nutritional deficiency in the world and it has been reported to be clinically correlated with psychiatric illness and manifestation of severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome like ARDS. Thus vitamin D deficiency may affect clinical course and outcome in cases of OPP. Aim: To evaluate status of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in OP poisoning and its correlation with outcome of such patients. Materials and Methods: Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured at the time of hospitalization by electro-chemiluminescent Assay in 96 patients (76 male and 20 female) suffering from OP poisoning. Diagnosis of OP poisoning was made by history of poisoning including container of the poison brought by patient’s relative, clinical examination and measurement of serum butyrylcholinesterase activity. All patients were evaluated as per Performa and follow up till discharge. Results: Mean level of 25(OH)D in our cases was 24.57±9.91ng/ml and 66.7% had low levels of 25(OH)D. Our study shows linear relationship between 25(OH)D level and duration of hospital stay. All cases of OP poisoning who developed severe manifestations like ARDS, Intermediate syndrome (IMS) were having significant 25(OH)D deficiency. Our study also shows lower levels of 25(OH)D were associated with poor outcome (11.27±3.21vs 27.02±8.54, p<0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in OP poisoning is associated with longer hospital stay, more requirement of ventilator support and high prevalence of complication (ARDS and IMS) and poor outcome. Awareness of 25(OH)D level in patients with OP poisoning may be important to improve outcome.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-6204.jmpt-18-2332
shahmohammadi NayerehCorresponding author
Academic staff of organization for educational research and planning.
Introduction: In an educational organization, because of its important function in human resources development and training in the community, respecting the values, spirituality, leadership, and management strengthening, based on spirituality and good citizenship behavior and commitment have greater importance. Aim: This study examined the relation between spiritual intelligence with organizational citizenship behavior and organizational commitment of secondary school teachers. Methods: The research method was correlational and its population included all teachers in education districts 2 and 5 in 2015 from which 358 teachers were selected by using Cochran formula and simple random sampling method as a sample. To collect data, three questionnaire: the King Spiritual Intelligence questionnaire (2007) and Padasakof et al. citizenship behavior questionnaire (2000) and organizational commitment questionnaire of Meyer (2001)were used .The reliability of the tools obtained by Cronbakh Formula 0/85,0/84, 0/7 respectively. For statistical analysis, the descriptive statistics (average, percentage, Standard deviation) and inferential statistical tests (Kolmogorov - Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient test and stepwise regression analysis) were used. Conclusion: The results showed that none of the components of citizenship behavior has a significant relation with a critical thought component of spiritual intelligence. Regarding the personal meaning making component of spiritual intelligence, only the components of sportsmanship and social customs have a significant relation, and other components have no significant association. All components of citizenship behavior are significantly associated with a transcendental consciousness component of spiritual intelligence and have no significant relation with self-awareness extends component. None of the organizational commitment components have a significant relation to the critical thinking component and high awareness of spiritual intelligence and only the emotional commitment of the organizational commitment component have a significant relation with the personal meaning making of spiritual intelligence, as well as with the expansion of consciousness component.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-18-2226
V.I.PetukhovCorresponding author
Vladimir State University, Vladimir, Russia
The authors analyze the results of atomic emission spectrometry of hair samples for Al, Cd, Fe, Cr, Cu, Li, Pb, V, and Zn in 952 healthy subjects and 952 liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Using correlation analysis (Pearson) of the obtained data, the authors have found pair correlations between metal concentration values. According to the authors, criticality or synchronization (as a particular case of the critical state of the system) can be inherent in all ATP-dependent membrane pumps (P-type) controlling metal-ligand homeostasis in epidermal cells. A quantitative criterion (synchronization index) is proposed to measure the level of criticality (synchronization) in the functioning of membrane ATPases.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-18-2258
Meyer Peter-WolfgangCorresponding author
Department for General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
We present a case of a 77-year-old male patient who was treated in our outpatient clinic for memory disorders because of episodic confusion and retrograde amnesia. The patient reported having symptoms repeatedly following intraocular treatment with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents (Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab) as a treatment for wet macular degeneration. EEG showed a localized deceleration that intensified under prolonged voluntary hyperventilation. Symptoms resolved after the intraocular Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor treatment was stopped and anticonvulsive treatment with lamotrigine was begun. This case is important in that it describes a potential association between intraocular treatments with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents and seizures. Symptoms occurred in temporal correlation with intraocular treatment. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect on intraocular treatment with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents in patients with high risk for seizures.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-18-2208
J. Mizejewski GeraldCorresponding author
Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 509, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201-0509
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in young to middle-aged women worldwide. Moreover, the survival rate in BC-patients is only 20% when associated with metastatic disease. The high mortality rate observed in BC women with metastatic disease has precipitated a major challenge revealing an unmet need to develop new therapeutic strategies in treating metastatic cancer. One such approach has involved utilization of chemokines and their receptors as therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis. It has been established that a definitive correlation exists between overexpressed CXCR4 malignant cell receptors and cancer cell growth, invasion, and migration. It is also widely accepted that the CXCR4 receptor, complexed to its CXCL12 ligand, plays a major role in establishing migratory pathway gradients for cancer cells migrating to distant tissues/organ sites. It would follow that chemokine decoy ligands, such as peptide antagonists and inhibitors, could serve to induce receptor blockade and impede subsequent intracellular signaling. Such ligands, synthetic and natural, reportedly contribute to reducing cancer cell growth, invasion, adherence, and migration. The present commentary describes several existing synthetic CXCR4 receptor-ligand peptide antagonists and presents a strategy to develop naturally-occurring human protein-derived peptide candidates.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn-2470-0436.jos-18-2222
B. Iguban EleonoreCorresponding author
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines.
Objective: The aim of the present study is to determine the efficiency of third year ophthalmology residents from a tertiary hospital in performing preliminary retinal examination to identify eyes at risk retinopathy of prematurity on the basis of retinal fundus findings up to International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) Zone II. Methods: This is a single-center, cross-sectional, prospective comparative research conducted from June to October 2015 at a tertiary training hospital in the Philippines. All infants referred for retinopathy of prematurity screening within the study period where included. The presence of retinal vessel dilatation and tortuosity were identified by third year ophthalmology residents using indirect funduscopy. The residents’ fundus findings were then compared to that of a retina consultant who is proficient in the diagnosis and management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The Kappa index was used to rate inter-observer agreement. The correlation between ROP risk factors and the presence of abnormal retinal vessels were assessed using odd ratio computations. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the correlation between retinopathy of prematurity and the presence of retinal dilatation and tortuosity. The McNemar’s test was also applied to determine significant differences in the retinal findings of the consultant and ophthalmology residents. Results: A total of 82 eyes of 41 premature infants were evaluated to determine if retinal findings observed by ophthalmology residents were comparable to that of a retina consultant. Odds ratios show that age of gestation, birth weight, and history of blood transfusion are significantly associated with the presence of retinopathy of prematurity. Retinal vessel tortuosity and dilatation are also more common among infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity. There was no significant difference between the retinal vascular findings of the retina consultant and the third year ophthalmology resident in terms of identifying retinal vessel dilatation and tortuosity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After sufficient and in-depth ophthalmology training, third year ophthalmologists, who will be general ophthalmologists in the future, can reliably identify eyes at risk for severe retinopathy of prematurity on the basis of retinal vascular dilatation and/or tortuosity.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-18-2065
Desjardins SophieCorresponding author
Department of Psychology, Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, Canada.
Objective: Examining the correlation between physical activity measures and sleep in normal adolescents and adult population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on the effects of exercise, its intensity, its frequency and its timing and sleep outcome. Using the databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus, keywords used were “sleep”, “circadian rhythm”, “exercise”, and “physical activity”. Results: To improve the general quality of sleep amongst adolescents and adults, individuals should engage in physical activity at any time of day. It also appears very advantageous to engage in long-term physical activity to maintain the positive effects on sleep. Nonetheless, it seems that sedentary individuals can also benefit from occasional physical activity to improve the quality of their subsequent sleep period. Conclusion: A virtuous relationship between physical activity and sleep may exist in normal adolescents and adults. People should seek to benefit from this link to improve both the quality of their sleep and of their daily functioning. However, larger scale studies, controlling for variables might help to better delineated this relationship.
Mar 2018
Liu XiaopingCorresponding author
School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai 264209, China
An important use of proteomics data from Mass Spectrometry (MS) is the classification of tumor types with respect to peptides in specific cancer types. It is highly critical to find an optimal set of markers among specific cancer peptides whose expression can be clinically utilized to build assays for the diagnosis or to track the progression of specific cancer types. A number of feature selection algorithms have been proposed to obtain the classification of MS data. In this article, we proposed an improved feature selection algorithm based on feature weighting. Relief algorithm can calculate the weight of different features according to the correlation between their characteristics and categories. F-score is a simple filter-based feature selection method by evaluating how two sets of real numbers discriminate from each other. The main goal of this paper is to introduce a new feature weighting selection algorithm combining score from f-value and weight from relief, which is more accurate when classifying high-resolution MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight) MS data. We have developed a four-step strategy for data processing based on: (1) Align the study sets by binning of raw MS data, (2) local maximum search(LMS) peak detection, (3) a new combination feature weighting selection algorithm and (4) support vector machines achieve a satisfactory performance of identifying cancer and the healthy. The best parameter set for LMS were achieved with control variable method, which achieve an average accuracy of 97.4167% (sd = 0.0146) and the best accuracy of 98.6111% in 1000 independent 10 -fold cross validations.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-18-1938
Mostafa Ali ElsayedCorresponding author
Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University
Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that act as receptors for vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and are involved in the process of tumor angiogenesis. Its importance in hematological malignancies such as acute leukemia (AL) remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of neuropilin-1 expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients by flowcytometry and the difference between both groups of acute leukemia. Bone marrow aspirates of 52 patients with acute leukemia, 29 patients with de novo AML and 23 ALL patients were examined in this study. 15 subjects with non-hematological malignancy serving as the control group were also included. Neuropilin-1 expression by flow cytometry showed a highly significant increase in de novo AML and ALL patients with a mean of 37.9 ± 20.92% and 32.33±19.8%, respectively, compared to control group’s mean of 11.51 ± 3.04% (p= 0.001, 0.006). There were no statistically significanct difference between ALL and AML patients (p= 0.76). Neuropilin-1 surface expression by flowcytometry showed a significant positive correlation with total leukocyte count, bone marrow blast percentage, CD45 and CD14 and negative correlation with hemoglobin level, RBCs count in AML patients. In ALL patients, positive significant correlations were found with bone marrow blast percentage and negative correlation with hemoglobin level, RBCs count. Neuropilin-1expression was detected significantly in acute leukemias and it is related to the disease severity.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1744
Mahjoubi FrouzandehCorresponding author
Department of Clinical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. Cell adhesion molecules play an important role in the progression of various cancers. It has been shown that the high level expression of some Cell adhesion molecule could be a new diagnostic factor for several cancers. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is expressed in the endothelium activated by cytokine. Generally, VCAM-1 expression level is very poor in normal adult tissue endothelial cells. According to the above explanation, this study was conducted to investigate the expression of VCAM-1 in tumoral tissues and adjacent normal tissues in Iranian colorectal cancer patients to its relation with clinicopathological Features in patients with cancer. Methods: In this study, 60 tumoral tissues and 39 adjacent normal tumor tissues were evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between VCAM-1 expression level and the stage, lymph nodes involvement, tumor progression factor of cancer and sex. Interestingly, VCAM-1 expression not observed in tumors with stage0. No association was seen between VCAM-1 expression and other clinical features such as age, size of the tumor, metastasis and the number of lymph nodes. These findings suggest that VCAM-1 expression level may reflected disease progression and elevation in VCAM-1 has prognostic significance in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-17-1737
J. O OgunbiyiCorresponding author
Scientific review, Supervisory, slides evaluation and final review
Objective P16INK4a and Ki-67 are adjuncts to current histological assessment of cervical biopsies in identifying cases that require strict follow up and prompt intervention. This study aimed to evaluate P16INK4a and Ki-67 expression in squamous intraepithelial and other benign cervical lesions. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of 153 cases of cervical biopsies diagnosed as CIN and benign cervical lesions between 2006 and 2013 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Slides and tissue blocks of all the selected cases were retrieved and classified using the 2003 WHO classification for intraepithelial and benign cervical lesions and were stained with p16INK4a and Ki-67 immunohistochemical stains following heat-induced antigen retrieval. Results were evaluated and compared with histologic diagnosis. Results Cases were classified as chronic cervicitis (12.3%), squamous Metaplasia (0.7%), CIN 1 (47.1%), CIN 2 (36.6%) and CIN 3 (3.3%). Majority of the non-dysplastic cervical lesions (including chronic cervicitis cases) showed low P16INK4a reactivity. Positive P16INK4a reactivity was seen in 80% of CIN 3 cases, 83.9% of CIN 2 cases, and, surprisingly, in 97.2% of CIN 1 cases. Ki-67 positivity was seen in 36.6% of cases (75% CIN 2 and 60% CIN 3). There was a significant correlation between the H&E diagnoses of CIN and P16INK4a/Ki-67 immunoreactivities. Conclusion Majority of the CIN 1 cases showing low grade p16INK4a immunereactivity strongly suggesting that cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in this environment is likely associated with high grade HPV subtype infections and may predict possible progression to high grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia. The use of P16INK4a and Ki-67 in the evaluation of cervical biopsies for benign mimics of high grade intraepithelial lesion will aid proper single Pathologist evaluation and help in patients triaging for follow up.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1606
O OsmanCorresponding author
Consultant nephrologist, Alqunfudah Hospital, KSA.
Several interactions exist between thyroid and kidney function in many disorders. Many publications explored the relationship between thyroid diseases (TD) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, the morphological thyroid changes in patients with CKD or End Stage Kidney disease (ESKD) were not fully explored. The aim of this study is to explore the morphological and the functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland among ESKD patients as detected by Doppler ultrasound. Patients and Methods: All of the 92 ESKD patients at our center were consented and included in the study. Demographic and clinical data and biochemical and hormonal profiles were recorded. Every patient received a dedicated ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland. GE ultrasound system with Doppler capabilities and high frequency transducer was used. Grey scale imaging and Doppler ultrasound were used to image the thyroid gland for every patient. Taking the thyroid morphology detected by ultrasound and the thyroid function as the dependent variables, all other parameters of age, sex, BMI, occupation, residence, duration of time on dialysis and other comorbilities were taken as independent variables and their relationship to the dependent variables was further studied using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Thyroid nodule(s) presence was found to be the most prevalent thyroid morphology detected on ultrasound scanning. Fifty three patients (57.6%) were found to have ultrasound detected nodule(s). The nodule presence was correlated to different independent variables and was found to significantly correlate with age only. The thyroid function as reflected by the level of thyroid hormones was also studied for correlation with the independent variables. No correlation was found between the thyroid function and the presence of nodules. Conclusion and Recommendation: Ultrasound detected nodules are very common in ESKD patients. The presence of nodule significantly correlates with patient age denoting its degenerative nature. Ultrasound screening of the thyroid in ESKD patients may be cost effective. However, we recommend a larger multicenter study for better results.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-16-1413
Harada TetsuoCorresponding author
Laboratory of Environmental Physiology, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Kochi University
Purpose: An intervention program was performed to improve meal habit, sleep habit and academic marks at school. This program was called “Super Meal Educational Program” which was supported by Japanese Ministry of Arts, Sports, Sciences and Education. Effects of the intervention were evaluated by comparing an integrated questionnaire study held both before and after the intervention of a half year. Method: The intervention program consisted of a lecture on sleep health and diurnal rhythms on children by an university professor, a series of lectures and practical classes by elementary school teachers on foods which can be collected nearby, and also practical courses as excursions to learn traditional meals and several foods resources which are products nearby. Integrated questionnaire study and also government official academic achievement test were performed before and after the intervention for 6 months in May to November, 2015. An integrated questionnaire was administrated to elementary school students of grades 1 to 6 (7-12 years old). For the younger students aged 6-9 years old, parents (mostly mothers) answered the questionnaire instead of their children. The participants consisted of 40 to 55 students in each grade from the first to the six one of the elementary school. The rate of answer to the questionnaire was more than 95% and the number of data used for statistic analysis was 295 before and 286 after the intervention. The integrated questionnaire included questions on the diurnal type scale (DTS), sleep habits, meal habits, and other questions on their environments and life-habits. Result: In the histogram on distribution of the diurnal type scale scores (DTS) before intervention, the students which occupied 25% evening-typed significantly shifted to more morning-typed ones after the intervention (p<0.001). There was significantly negative correlation between DTS scores before intervention and the amount of increased change in DTS during the intervention period (r=-390, r<0.001). For all students in the elementary school, there were no significant changes in sleep quality, bedtime in weekdays, wake up time and sleep hours before and after the intervention period. There was negative correlation between sleep hours in weekday before intervention and increased amount in sleep hours before and after that (r=-0.545, p<0.001). The longer the sleep hours were shifted longer during intervention, the better the academic achievement mark of mathematics was after the intervention (students in the second, third and fifth grades: p=0.001). Conclusion: At least for the students who had been originally evening-typed, the intervention on meal habits may be effective for longer sleep hours and improved school achievement and marking for especially mathematics in elementary schools.
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-16-1374
Deligeoroglou EfthimiosCorresponding author
Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology & Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Athens, Medical School, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Vasilissis, Sofias Avenue 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between the degree (percentage) of occlusion due to labial adhesions and vulvovaginitis. Materials and Methods: Prospective study of pre-pubertal females who attended our Division, during the past 7 years, due to labial fusion. Medical history, clinical examination and Q tip culture of vaginal fluid samples were performed, after separation of the labia. Treatment of isolated pathogens was administered, based on antibiogram results. Results: 53 patients, with mean age 3.81 years (±0.88 years, SD:2.65, range:0.33-9.5 years) had a total of 89 vaginal specimens collected, as re-culture was performed in 17 patients due to labial fusion recurrence. In 32.08% no pathogen was isolated. Gardnerella vaginalis (24.51%) and Bacteroides spp (15.09%) were the commonest isolated pathogens of the rest 67.92%. Among labial fusion recurrences the commonest isolated pathogen was Gardnerella vaginalis (23.13%), while in 36.12% no specific pathogen was detected. Conclusions: The results suggest that non-specific vulvovaginitis is responsible for lower degree (<60% closure) of labial adhesions, as well as that recurrent infection plays a role in the formation of higher degree/percentage of labial closure, especially when there are one or more pathogens present. Furthermore, the presence of anaerobes at initial cultures, together with Gram negative bacteria at re-cultures, appear to further facilitate the creation of extensive adhesions.
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-17-1465
Bazzazian SaeidehCorresponding author
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Abhar Branch, IslamicAzad University, Abhar, Iran
Objectives: The present study investigated biopsychosocial predictors (HbA1c, self-efficacy, and social support) of self-management and health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: 160 adults referred to the Iranian Diabetes Society participated in this study. Participants completed General Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Social Support, Diabetic Self-care Behaviors scale, and D-39 (diabetics’ quality of life). Results: Data were analyzed with SPSS-19 and Lisrel 8.8, utilizing statistical path analysis. Results revealed significant positive correlations between self-efficacy and social support subscales, self-care and health-related quality of life. Also, HbA1c had not correlation with HRQOL. The final path model fitted well and showed that direct self-care paths with (β = 0.24) and indirect social support with (β = 0.32) had the most effects on health-related quality of life. Conclusions: The results confirmed the theoretical model and scientific evidence for providing psychological solution to promote quality of life in patients with type 2 Diabetes.
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-16-1213
Wood-Nartker JeanneaneCorresponding author
Department of Human Environmental Studies, Central Michigan University
As people age, environments supporting changing needs can potentially impact their quality of life. The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop and assess the validity of a checklist instrument used to evaluate senior-supportive environmental risk factors within assisted living facilities (ALFs). Aging often leads to a decrease in the ability of a person to interpret sensory cues within his or her environment. This checklist instrument examined the relationship between sensory cue frequency and the influence on fall incidence within ALFs to maximize safety and quality of life. Observers visited 140 ALFs, utilizing the checklist instrument to document the presence or non-presence of 110 sensory cues. Contrary to the original hypothesis, a positive correlation was found between sensory cues and reported falls in each space. As the number of cues increased, the number of falls also increased. Additionally, the frequency of sensory cues within each room increased as facility size increased. Lastly, data revealed that more sensory cues were present in ALFs designed or renovated by design professionals. Although the results were contrary to expectations, the checklist instrument demonstrated face and predictive validity as a future research tool.
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-17-988
Chen Ying-LingCorresponding author
University of Tennessee Space Institute, 411 B. H. Goethert Parkway, Tullahoma.
Photorefraction (PR) methods have beenwidely used for pediatric vision screening since the 1980’s. While PR is easy to implement, the accuracy of refractive error measurements in humans has been unsatisfactory, largely due to the variations of intraocular scattering, the retinal reflectance, and pupil size. The objective of our studies was to clinically evaluate the accuracy of refraction measurements of an improved PR-based device, the Dynamic Ocular Evaluation System (DOES), and to investigate whether the accuracy is affected by the patient’s age, race, and pupil size, which are relevant to individual intraocular scattering and retinal reflectance. We performed DOES measurements in 99 volunteers (198 eyes) under two environmental light conditions and using four fixation targets. These results were compared to the standard clinical refraction testing performed the same day. The correlation and standard deviation were determined by Bland-Altman analysis. The influence of intraocular scattering, retinal reflectance, and pupil size was evaluated by comparing results from different age groups, races, and lighting conditions. In the region between -4 diopter (D) and +4D, the device showed a binocular refraction measurement accuracy of 0.45 D, 0.3 D, and 0.18 D root-mean-square (RMS) error (n=1337) for spherical equivalent and cross cylinders Jo and J45, respectively. Inaccuracy increased at high refraction (>4D). Age, race, and pupil size did not appear to significantly affect DOES PR measurement. This suggests that enhancements in the PR system and analysis may satisfactorily correct intersubject variability that currently limits the clinical use of PR devices and measurements.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-1381
Kishan Gupta BalCorresponding author
Senior Professor, In-charge Medical ICU, Department. of Medicine, S.P.Medical College, Bikaner.
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been reported highly prevalent in Chronic liver disease (CLD) and there is an emerging interest to explore the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and severity of various types of CLD. Aim: To evaluate vitamin D level in patients with various type of CLD and clinical significance of its deficiency. Materials and Methods: Serum vitamin D levels were measured by ELFA in 100 patients (91 male and 9 female) suffering from CLD. The degree of liver dysfunction was estimated by Child Pugh criteria and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Results: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 43% and 42% respectively among CLD patients. Low levels of vitamin D were associated with leucopenia or leucocytosis indicating increased risk of infection. On Linear regression vitamin D level showed significant negative correlation with Child Pugh score (r = – 0.7382, p<0.0001) and MELD score (r = – 0.6673, p<0.0001). Our study shows low vitamin D level was associated with poor outcome (mean vitamin D level 10.38 ± 2.35 who died vs 23.14 ± 6.68 who survived and discharged). Conclusion: CLD is associated with a significantly low level of vitamin D which was independent to patient’s gender, BMI, residence and education level. The lower level of vitamin D is associated with severity of CLD, mortality and increased risk for infections. Awareness of serum vitamin D level in patients with CLD is important to improve outcome.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-16-1281
H. Alghamdi AhmedCorresponding author
Faculty of Medicine, Albaha University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Objectives This study describes and compares the epidemiological criteria of children with diabetes from 2007 to 2014. Methods A prospective study conducted with 372 children with diabetes mellitus. An access program was used for data collection, and SPSS 17 was used to analyses the results. Results A total of 372 cases with diabetes were studied and were divided into three groups according age. The first age group was between one day and six years and comprised 128 (34.4%) patients. The second group aged 7- 12 years of age comprised 174 (46.7%) patients. The third group aged 13-18 years of age comprised 58 (15.59%) patients. The average age was 8.32 years. Females constituted 52 % (194 cases) of all cases. T1DM constituted 95.4%, equal to 355 patients, T2DM constituted 1.88%, equal to seven cases. Monogenic diabetes affected three patients or 0.79%, with one case of monogenic neonatal diabetes confirmed by genetic study, and two other cases suspected to be MODY. The highest incidence was observed in the autumn months, with 105 children affected, constituting 27.8 % cases. The year 2012 had the highest incidence rate, with 59 children and adolescents affected at an incidence rate of 25.48 / 100000.Al-Baha region had the highest number of cases constituting 37.7 % of cases. Diabetic ketoacidosis was the first presentation and constituted 44.2% of cases. Conclusion. Diabetes in children is increasing significantly in recent years, requiring more detailed analysis of its epidemiological factors to find out any significant correlations which may help in its prevention.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1301
Sung KiwolCorresponding author
College of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation of depressive symptoms in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and the health conservation of community-dwelling vulnerable diabetic elderly in order to provide a basis for planning nursing interventions to improve the health conservation of vulnerable diabetic elderly. Methods: The participants were 99 vulnerable diabetic elderly who registered at the community health centers in D city. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed with the SPSS-WIN 19.0 program. The instruments were Sung’s Health Conservation Scale, the Arizona Heart Institute Cardiovascular Risk Factor Questionnaire, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea version (GDSSF-K). Results: The mean score for health conservation was 100.52. Overall depressive symptoms were 11.84, cardiovascular risk was 20.35. There were significant correlations among the three variables: health conservation, depressive symptoms, and cardiovascular risk. Also, depressive symptoms had a proportional mediating effect in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and health conservation. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, health management programs focusing on cardiovascular risk management and depressive symptom improvement are highly recommended to promote health conservation in the vulnerable diabetic elderly
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1308
Shabani SaraCorresponding author
Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Objectives: While Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects cognitive functions and the Long Term Memory (LTM), several different strategies are designed to control harmful consequences of DM. This study is investigating whether having Mind Activity (MA) can make any difference in LTM function of individuals with DM. Design: The participants (n=80) were classified in 4 groups based on having DM or not and having MA or not. Methods: The LTM and MA were assessed respectively by the word-list of Tulving and Pearlstone, and a self-report form. The BG concentrations were measured in vitro. Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation between BG concentrations and LTM scores in group with DM. The LTM function is significantly lower in group with DM and no-Mind Activity (nMA) respectively than the group with no-Diabetes Mellitus (nDM) and with MA. Also the LTM scores of the groups with nDM&MA, nDM&MA, DM&MA, nDM&MA, nDM&nMA and nDM&MA which were respectively higher than those of the groups with nDM&nMA, DM&MA, DM&nMA, DM&nMA, DM&nMA and DM&MA were statistically significant. Conclusions: The weaker BG control in patients with DM, the higher LTM dysfunction; and LTM function is in close relationship with DM (negatively) and MA (positively). Patients with DM and individuals with nDM who have their minds active in elderly, may less likely confront LTM dysfunction than matched groups who do not have active minds.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1175
Yeh Pi-MingCorresponding author
RN. Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Health Professionals, Missouri Western State University, USA.
Objective: To examine the relationships between Australian nursing students’ anxiety, depression, personality and family interaction with psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. Participants: A sample of 201 nursing students completed a series of structured questionnaires in an Australian University. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. After explanation of this study, 201 nursing students voluntarily participated. Six reliable and structured questionnaires were used to do data collection. SPSS was used for data analysis including descriptive data, Pearson Correlation, and Stepwise Multiple Regression. Results: Anxiety and depression were positively associated with suicidal ideation and had negative relationships with psychological well-being. Positive personality and family interaction were positively associated with psychological well-being and negatively with suicidal ideation. Parents’ harsh discipline had a negative relationship with the nursing students’ psychological well-being. Conclusions: Depression, personality, and positive family interaction were significant predictors of Australian nursing students’ psychological well-being. Anxiety, depression, and harsh discipline were significant predictors of suicidal ideation
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1073
Ivtzan ItaiCorresponding author
The University of East London
The purpose of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of how materialistic aspirations are related to distinct aspects of psychological well-being. Research has consistently found a negative relationship between materialistic goals and well-being, but a review of the literature identified that the measures of well-being used in the majority of studies were measures of what Keyes 1 describes as “subjective well-being” or “hedonic happiness”. Criticisms of these types of measures are that they fixate too much on the momentary experience of pleasure and don’t take into account what is meaningful and or what contributes to long lasting fulfilment. Very little research was found investigating the impact of materialism on “eudaimonic” well-being, which is found through doing what is worthwhile and realising ones potential and has been found to have a longer lasting impact on overall well-being 2. To address this gap in the literature, a convenience sample of 113 adult subjects in the UK were recruited through Facebook and asked to respond to the Aspiration Index and the Psychological wellbeing scale. The relative importance placed on extrinsic (materialistic) and intrinsic aspirations was compared to the six dimensions of psychological well-being. In line with previous research, higher importance placed on materialistic aspirations for wealth, status and image were found to be negatively correlated with all aspects of psychological well-being. However, the strongest and only statistically significant negative correlation was between extrinsic aspirations and positive relations with others (r = -.256, p< 0.01). Positive relationships with other people form a central component of many theories of well-being and so this negative relationship may help to explain why materialistic aspirations are so consistently found to be negatively correlated to a variety of measures of well-being. Further research is needed to explore this relationship as no causation could be inferred.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-16-986
S Yarak,Corresponding author
Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dermatology Department.
Abstract: Several researchers have suggested that a targeted diet for reducing theadipose tissue may interfere with the severity of cellulite. Others emphasize that the diet composition seems to play a more relevant role than the calorie profile for weight loss and cellulite control. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a controlled diet on body composition and cellulite improvement in adult women. Methods: Thirty two healthy women, aged from 25 to 40 were included. They receivedan orientation for a controlled diet to be followed for 3 months. Assessments were performed at the baseline and the end of the study which included four parameters: 1) Photonumeric cellulite severity scale; 2) Anthropometric measuremets 3) Skin elasticity (Cutometer®) and 4) Collagen density or echogenicity and length of the dermis-hypodermis interface line (ultrasonography - DermaScan®). The data was compared with the Paired T-test, Wilcoxon and Pearson's correlation for statistical analyses. Results: Only 14 completed the study. Although the scores of photonumeric scalereduced, there was no difference in the grade of cellulite severity. There were significant reductions in body measurement. The skin elasticity showed no significant change. On the other hand, the dermal density or echogenicity showed a significant increase in the right and left sides (p = 0.05 and p = 0.005, respectively); however, no difference was observed in the lenght of dermis-hypodermis line. Conclusion: the controlled diet was effective for the reduction of weight and body composition, but despite the increase in dermal collagen density, no clinical effect on cellulite could be detected.
May 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-15-720
El Bardai GhitaCorresponding author
Nephrology department, Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco.
Introduction: Sonographic B-lines, also known as lung comets, have been shown to correlate with the presence of extravascular lung water. The aim of this study is to assess if chest ultrasound could detect lung water imbibition and its variations induced by dialysis, an experimental model of controlled rapid fluid loss. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a hemodialysis center in the city of Fez. Lung ultrasounds, impedance measurement, and ultrasound of the inferior vena cava were achieved 30-60 minutes before and after the hemodialysis session. Results: The values, measured by the different techniques used, decrease significantly after hemodialysis (p <0.001). The values studied before and after the hemodialysis, had shown a significant correlation between the results of the impedance measurement, lung ultrasound, and the maximum and minimum of the VCI index diameter and its collapsibility. The decrease in B-lines was correlated with weight decrease during dialysis (p0.005); none of the parameters concerning the IVC were correlated with fluid removal. Conclusion: ultrasound performed at the bedside is now emerging as a reliable, easy-to-apply, and safe method for measuring both lung water and intravascular overload and their decrease after dialysis even on asymptomatic patients. These observations strongly support the use of lung ultrasound in estimating volume overload and monitoring the response to therapy in hemodialysis patients.
May 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-15-908
Kaya YaseminCorresponding author
Ordu University Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Ordu, Turkey
Objective: We aimed to investigate homocysteine levels and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), to determine relationship of these parameters and as well as to determine whether CIMT in patients with PD was associated to age, disease duration, age of disease onset, stage, the Unified Parkinson Disease rating scale (UPDRS), the drugs used in therapy. Methods: The study population consisted of 55 PD patients (37 male) and 25 healty subjects. The severity of neurological impairment was assessed with UPDRS and the Hoehn-Yahr scale. CIMT and homocysteine levels were measured. Anti-parkinsonian treatments were recorded and the total daily dose of levodopa was calculated for each patient. Results: Homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.002). A positive correlation was found between CIMT and homocysteine (r=0.29 p=0.03), but no a relationship between CIMT and UPDRS scores, disease duration, age of disease onset, and stage. Mean levodopa dosage did not predict CIMT 0.6 mm (AUC: 0.546, 95%CI 0.372-0.720, p=0.59). Homocysteine 14 µmol/l predicted CIMT 0.6 mm with 64% sensitivity and 69% specificity (AUC: 0.654, 95%CI 0.488-0.819, p=0.07). Dıscussion: This study revealed that homocysteine levels in levodopa + dopa decarboxylase enzyme inhibitor (DDEI) group were increased which was correlated with a mild increasement of CMIT. This might indicate to the importance of clinical and radiological follow up of PD patients who are under treatment of levodopa + DDEI. Conclusion: Our Findings May Suggest The Role Of CIMT As A Meaningful Clinical Marker For Follow-Up Of Patients With PD
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-15-825
B Davalos DeanaCorresponding author
Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA, 1-970-491-6363, Fax 1-970-491-1032
The prevalence of young adults endorsing depressive symptomatology is thought to peak during late adolescence. While there has been a wealth of research assessing the relationship between decline of the prefrontal cortex and how this process impacts depression and therapy in older adults, very little is known about the relationship on the younger end of the continuum. The current study sought to explore whether there is also a significant relationship between executive functioning and depression in younger adults. In addition, different types of executive dysfunction were assessed to better understand the possible implications for therapy in younger adults with depressive symptomatology. Data from 1,730 college-aged participants were collected on measures of depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, CES-D) and executive dysfunction (Dysexecutive Questionnaire, DEX). In addition, three factors of the DEX were assessed; Executive cognition (EC), emotional/ behavioral control (EMO), and metacognition (MC). Correlations between CES-D scores and the full DEX survey were statistically significant (R = .45, p < .001) as were correlations between CES-D scores and scores on each individual factor (p< .001). A multiple linear regression was run to demonstrate the predictive value of each individual DEX factor as a function of CES-D scores (p < .001). Results suggested that there was a clear relationship between depressive symptoms and executive dysfunction and that all factors of the DEX appeared to be affected by depressive symptoms in this population. The implications of these results for therapy, particularly the use of problem-solving therapy or complimentary executive functioning training are discussed.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-566
Keeney MelissaCorresponding author
CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College.
Recent advancements in smartphone technology have provided new methods of dietary assessment. An iTunes application (app) called Meal Snap lets users take pictures of the meal they eat, and then estimates the calories of the food items eaten. We conducted a pilot study to explore the user-friendliness and calorie estimation functions of the Meal Snap app. Two female nutrition graduate students pilot-tested the Meal Snap app. Using the app, each student took pictures of foods and drinks consumed daily for two weeks. The data were analyzed using the Nutritionist ProTM software, version 4.4.0. The mean daily caloric intake obtained from the Meal Snap was then compared with that of Nutritionist ProTM. Paired samples t-tests and correlations were carried out using SPSS, version 19.Results indicated there was no significant difference in mean daily caloric consumption between Meal Snap and Nutritionist ProTM (p= 0.706). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between Meal Snap and Nutritionist ProTM calorie counts (Spearman r= 0.625, p< 0.001). It took about 35 minutes per week (or 5 minutes/day) to snap pictures and edit descriptions, whereas entering data for calorie analysis with Nutritionist ProTM took about 85-90 minutes per week (about 13 minutes/day).Findings suggest that Meal Snap may be a user-friendly tool to estimate dietary intake. Future research should include a larger sample and people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, dietary habits and age groups.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-15-807
Simoncini DanielaCorresponding author
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria c/o Ospedale Filippo del Ponte, Varese, Italy
Upper and lower airway disease is a common condition. Its prevalence is increasing in different areas of the world, but, at present, non-allergic rhinitis is underestimated. The aim of this study was to investigate FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) and nasal cytology in allergic and non-allergic patients, in order to reach a correct diagnosis. This study was performed on 120 children with rhinitis and/or asthma, evaluated by an allergist and an otolaryngologist. Skin prick-test and nasal cytology were tested in all patients; FeNO only in the asthmatic ones. The proportion of positive results in nasal cytology was higher in non-allergic than in allergic children: 22 out of 23 patients, vs 91 out of 97 patients. A significant correlation was found between FeNO levels and increase in nasal eosinophil counts. There is compelling evidence of a close relationship between upper and lower airway in asthma and rhinitis. The presence of rhinitis should always be investigated in children with asthma; therefore, FeNO and nasal cytology have clinical benefit both in allergic and non-allergic children. Our finding also supports the use of nasal cytology to evaluate non-allergic rhinitis (NAR).
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-15-715
Kevers ClaireCorresponding author
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and CEDEVIT B22, University of Liège Chemin de la Vallée, 4, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège Belgium
Since a few years, more and more attention has been specifically given to dietary antioxidants as agents promoting health and preventing the incidence of diseases. As part of these efforts, analytical methods and assays have been developed to measure the antioxidant content in food substances. In this paper, the antioxidant capacity of 17 orange juices is determined by various assays (DPPH, ORAC, heamolysis, xanthine/xanthine oxidase) as the content in ascorbic acid and total phenolics. The results evidence all the complexity to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of foods. In very general terms, in spite of the wide utilization in these tests (FRAP, TAC, ORAC TRAP and others), their significance remains obscure. The discrepancy of the results and the absence of good correlation between the assays clearly highlight all the importance of understanding the strengths and weakness of assays evaluating antioxidant potential of a food at the risk of giving erroneous information to the consumer. It is clear that the use of "total antioxidant capacity" assays for the in vitro assessment of antioxidant quality of food does not be employed by food industrials as a marketing argument or for the assessment of the "wholesomeness" of a food.
Oct 2015
S. Woo JenniferCorresponding author
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 13-145, Los Angeles, CA, United States
The mitotic count is the most frequent reason for discordance between pathologists in modified Bloom and Richardson (mBR) scoring. Recently, the phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) immunohistochemical stain has been proposed as a potential surrogate marker for mitotic figures. This study examines the differences between H&E mitotic count, PHH3 mitotic count, and Ki-67 index in invasive breast carcinoma. A retrospective review of invasive breast carcinoma cases from 2013- 2014 was performed. H&E and PHH3 mitotic counts were assigned a mitotic score of 1 to 3 using mBR criteria. Ki-67 index was categorized into a three-grade system: <10% (low), 10 - <20% (intermediate), and >20% (high). A total of 451 cases were evaluated. PHH3 versus H&E mitotic count changed mBR scores in 24% of cases, upgrading in 23% and downgrading in 1%. A total of 431 cases had both Ki-67 and PHH3 available for comparison. Both H&E and PHH3 mitotic scores correlated with Ki-67 in 51% of cases; however, PHH3 had better correlation. We conclude that PHH3 in breast carcinoma allows for a more sensitive and practical approach in the identification of mitotic figures. PHH3 IHC is useful as a confirmatory tool in assessing the final mitotic score for more accurate mBR scoring and grading. In this study, 48 out of 451 (10.6%) of patients had a significant upgrade that may change the patient's treatment plans, including the addition of chemotherapy
Aug 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-15-666
Zaichick VladimirCorresponding author
Radionuclide Diagnostics Department, Medical Radiological Research Centre, Obninsk 249036, Russia
Objectives: To clarify the role of trace elements in the etiology and the pathogenesis of the chondrosarcoma, a non-destructive neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides were performed. Methodology: The silver (Ag), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)mass fractions and Co/Zn, Cr/Zn, Fe/Zn, Hg/Zn, Sb/Zn, Co/Rb, Cr/Rb, Fe/Rb, Hg/Rb, Sb/Rb, and Se/Rb mass fraction ratios were estimated in normal bone samples from 27 patients with intact bone (12 females and 15 males, aged from 16 to 49 years), who had died from various non bone related causes, mainly unexpected from trauma, and in tumor samples, obtained from open biopsies or after operation of 16 patients with chondrosarcoma ((3 females and 13 males, 8 to 65 years old). The reliability of difference in the results between intact bone and chondrosarcoma tissues was evaluated by Student’s t-test. Key Results: In the chondrosarcoma tissue the mass fractions of Co, Fe, and Se are significantly higher while the mass fraction of Rb is lower than in normal bone tissues. Moreover, significantly higher Co/Zn, Fe/Zn, Co/Rb, Cr/Rb, Fe/Rb, Sb/Rb, and Se/Rb mass fraction ratios are typical of the chondrosarcoma tissue compared to intact bone. In the chondrosarcoma tissue many correlations between trace elements found in the control group was no longer evident. Major Conclusions: In chondrosarcoma transformed bone tissues the trace element homeostasis is significantly disturbed.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-14-617
Srinivasa Rao P.V.L.N.Corresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India.
Background: Antioxidants play an important role in maintenance of human health and prevention of disease. Effective supplementation of antioxidants requires laboratory monitoring of antioxidant status. An understanding of the methods used to determine the TAS helps in better interpretation of values obtained using a particular method and also to select a suitable method. Material and Methods: Forty subjects including 25 healthy volunteers and 15 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were studied. All samples were analysed for TAS using Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. Results: Mean TAS values obtained by TEAC method were higher than those obtained by FRAP method (p<0.0001); no difference was observed when TEAC values were corrected for proteins and FRAP values were corrected for uric acid (p=0.420). No correlation was found between TEAC and FRAP methods (p=0.102). However, when TEAC was corrected for proteins, positive correlation was observed with FRAP (p=0.044). There was agreement between the two methods when TEAC values were corrected for proteins. Conclusion: Although the reaction conditions differ, similar compounds react in both the assays and thus TEAC and FRAP assays are comparable. However, the two methods differ with respect to –SH groups and uric acid contributions. This contributes to the higher TAS values obtained by TEAC assay. Thus, in conditions with altered protein or uric acid levels, the two methods may not be used interchangeably. The TEAC assay is to be corrected for protein for comparison of reports of the two assays.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-14-558
Enrique Jiménez Caballero PedroCorresponding author
Department of Neurology, San Pedro de Alcántara Hospital, Avenida de Pablo Naranjo nº 2, 10003. Cáceres. Spain.
Background. Endothelial function is characterized by the vasodilator capacity of blood vessel smooth muscle cells mediated by nitric oxide. Some studies have shown an inverse association between the endothelial function and the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). The relationship between endothelial dysfunction and stroke based on several studies has shown that is altered in all stroke subtypes especially lacunar strokes. Methods. We aimed to investigate endothelial function by EndoPAT device in relation to stroke subtypes. We investigate too the correlations between endothelial function and IMT and we study possible interactions with age, sex, traditional risk factors and severity of stroke. Subsequent patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. They were divided according with the etiological mechanism of stroke (TOAST classification). Endothelial function was assessed with finger plethysmography by the EndoPAT device that gave Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) and Augmentation Index (AI). Results. Patients with a cardioembolic stroke had a RHI higher than atherotrombotic or lacunar stroke. There was a negative correlation between RHI and IMT and positive between AI and age. Conclusions. The endothelial function is different between stroke subtypes with higher values of RHI in the cardioembolic respect to lacunar or atherotrombotic. The RHI is correlated with the atherosclerosis by the negative relationship with the IMT. The AI that shows the rigidity in the arteries increased with the age.
Jan 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-377
Zaidah A WCorresponding author
Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia,Kubang Kerian, Malaysia.
Background Abnormalities of plasma von Willebrand Factor (vWF) system has been described in solid tumors but more information is required to understand the pathophysiological process in haematological malignancies. Objectives This study was carried out to investigate the changes in vWF-related parameters including ADAMTS13 protein level in aggressive haematological malignancies and to identify the prevalence of anti-ADAMTS13 antibody as well as its correlations with vWF-related parameters. Patients/Methods Patient newly diagnosed or having relapse acute leukaemias or aggresive non-Hodgkin lymphomas were recruited into this study. Exclusion criterias include; pregnancy, patient already commenced chemotherapy, sepsis or has background congenital bleeding disorders. Blood specimen was subjected to; blood counts, ADAMTS13 protein, ADAMTS13 antibody detection, vWF:Ag, vWF activity, factor VIII level (FVIII) and vWF: CBA (collagen binding assays) Results and Conclusion A total of 60 subjects with median age at 42.5 (IQR: 23.25-57.5) were included. There were 34(56.7%) lymphomas and 26(43%) acute leukaemias. FVIII, vWF:Ag, wVF activity and vWF:CBA level were elevated whereas ADAMTS13 protein was reduced in majority of patients. Those with lymphomas showed significantly higher levels of FVIII, vWF:Ag, vWF:activity and vWF:CBA compared to the leukaemias. 38(63.3%) of patients showed presence of ADAMTS 13 autoantibody. There was however no correlation between ADAMTS13 protein and vWF-related parameters or with ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. There was a high prevalence of ADAMTS 13 autoantibodies in this cohort despite the absence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The more pronounced changes in vWF-related parameters among aggressive lymphomas compared to acute leukaemias are in tandem with the marginally higher rates of venous thromboembolism in the former.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-13-283
Mei YongCorresponding author
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
Continuous-time glucose monitoring (CGM) effectively improves glucose control, as oppose to infrequent glucose measurements (i.e. using Lancet Meters), by providing frequent blood glucose concentration (BGC) to better associate this variation with changes in behavior. Currently, the most widely used CGM devices rely on a sensor that is inserted invasively under the skin. Because of the invasive nature and also the replacement cost of sensors, the primary users of current CGM devices are insulin dependent people (type 1 and some type 2 diabetics). Most non-insulin dependent diabetics use only lancet glucose measurements. The ultimate goal of this research is the development of CGM technology that overcomes these limitations (i.e. invasive sensors and their cost) in an effort to increase CGM applications among non-insulin dependent people. To meet this objective, this preliminary work has developed a methodology to mathematically infer BGC from measurements of non-invasive input variables which can be thought of as a “virtual” or “soft” sensor approach. In this work virtual sensors are developed and evaluated on 20 subjects using four BGC measurements per day and eight input variables representing meals, activity, stress, and clock time. Up to four weeks of data are collected for each subject. One evaluation consists of 3 days of training and up to 25 days of testing data. The second one consists of one week of training, one week of validation, and 2 weeks of testing data. The third one consists two weeks of training, one week of validation and one week of testing data. Model acceptability is determined on an individual basis based on the fitted correlation to CGM testing data. For 3 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks training studies, 35%, 55% and 65% of the subjects, respectively, met the Acceptability Criteria that we established based on the concept of usefulness.
Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-13-253
Singla RohitCorresponding author
M.B.B.S. M.D. medicine. D.M. cardiology resident doctor at SMS hospital, Jaipur
Background: Western studies have shown that hypertension increases carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as early as in childhood and adolescence. However, similar data from India is lacking. Indians have different genetic, racial, geographic, cultural and dietary patterns. Hence a similar trend may not be experienced among young Indian subjects. Methods: 46 young cases (age 16 – 35 years) of hypertension were recruited along with age, sex and BMI matched controls. Patients with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus and secondary causes of hypertension were ruled out. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography for assessment of cIMT. Results: Mean age and BMI of cases was 25.4 years and 20.89 kg/m2 respectively. 67.4% were male. For all of the subjects combined (n=92), cIMT correlated with BMI (r = 0.244; P=0.019), office systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.556; p<0.001) and office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r =0.426; p<0.001). Among hypertensive subjects (n=46), there was a significant positive correlation between cIMT and SBP (r=0.611, p<0.001). In contrast to SBP, DBP correlated insignificantly with cIMT (r= 0.217; p = 0.14) in the hypertensive subjects. Conclusion: Elevated blood pressure, especially systolic, correlates with increased cIMT among young Indian hypertensives. This provides strong evidence that primary hypertension in early life also is associated with vascular pathology, independent of the effects of obesity and diabetes
Jan 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-12-63
Wunderlich CarstenCorresponding author
University of Technology Dresden, Department of Cardiology, Medical Clinic, Fetscherstr. 76, Dresden 01307, Germany.
Introduction: Elevated serum troponin levels are a reliable indicator of right ventricular wall stress in patients with acute pulmonary artery embolism (PE). Raised troponin levels have been shown to predict adverse clinical outcome in these individuals. In this context it was our aim to determine the additional role of the heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with acute PE. Methods: 87 consecutive patients with confirmed PE were included in the present study. On arrival a qualitative H-FABP-test (positive cut-off 7ng/ml) and a detailed echocardiographic study were performed in all patients. These findings were related to both in hospital and 30 days mortality. Results: Of the included 87 patients, 17 had positive H-FABP-tests. Right ventricular function was severely deteriorated in 10 patients (59%) in the H-FABP-positive group but only in 2 patients (3%) of the H-FABP-negative group (p<0.005). 15/17 patients (88%) of the H-FABP-positive group needed inotropic support, of these, 14 (82%) died in hospital. Only one patient with a H-FABP-negative test (n= 70) needed vasoactive drugs, and none of these patients died (p<0.005). Conclusion: H-FABP showed a better correlation with in-hospital mortality and RV-function than troponin I. Our data show that H-FABP significantly correlates with in hospital and 30-day mortality in patients with PE. Furthermore, it is associated with impaired right ventricular function and showed better correlation with mortality in patients with PE as compared to Troponin I. Thus, it may be viewed as a novel and promising tool to optimise the management strategy in these patients.