Factors influencing integrated wellbeing in older Chinese outpatients with chronic diseases.

PubMed

Huang, Fei; Li, Hongyu

2018-03-16

To evaluate wellbeing and its determinants among older Chinese outpatients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), outpatients (aged ≥60 years) with NCDs between September 2012 and September 2014 were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling. Each subject completed an integrated wellbeing questionnaire for subjective, psychological and social dimensions of wellbeing. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, ANOVA, Spearman rank correlation and multivariate regression analysis to identify correlates of wellbeing status. The average integrated wellbeing score was 52.57 out of 98, with maximum of 72. Educational background and monthly income were positively associated with wellbeing (Spearman r=0.226 and 0.394 respectively; all P<0.001). The number of co-morbid conditions and the disease duration showed a negative correlation with wellbeing (Spearman r=-0.373 and -0.538 respectively; all P<0.001). Lack of access to health insurance, being single and presence of complications were associated with lower wellbeing (all P≤0.001). As the first study using an integrated wellbeing model, the results suggested wellbeing promotion among older outpatients with chronic diseases, especially those with lower income, lower education level, those who lack health insurance, single individuals, those with co-morbid conditions, longer disease duration and those with complications.

RXRα is Upregulated in First Trimester Endometrial Glands of Spontaneous Abortions Unlike LXR and PPARγ

PubMed Central

Knabl, J.; Vattai, A.; Hüttenbrenner, R.; Hutter, S.; Karsten, M.

2016-01-01

Nuclear receptors are necessary for uterine invasion of the trophoblast and therefore important for maintaining a viable pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and frequency of LXR, PPARγ and RXRα under physiological circumstances and in spontaneous abortions in endometrial glands and decidual tissue cells. A total of 28 (14 physiologic pregnancies/14 spontaneous abortion) human pregnancies in first trimester were analyzed for expression of the nuclear receptors LXR, RXRα and PPARγ. Expression changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in decidual tissue and endometrial glands of the decidua. RXRα expression was up-regulated in the endometrial glands of spontaneous abortion (P<0.015). Similar up regulation of RXRα was found in decidual tissue (P<0.05). LXR and PPARγ expression was unchanged in spontaneous abortion. By Correlation analysis we found a trend to positive correlation of LXR and PPARγ (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.56, P=0.07) in endometrial glands. In decidual tissue, we found significant negative correlation in the control group, for the combination of RXRα and PPARγ (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.913, P=0.03). Our data show that RXRα expression is increased in miscarriage in endometrial glands and correlation analysis showed that negative correlation between RXRα and PPARγ disappears in miscarriage. This shift is supposable responsible for the loss of regular function in trophoblast and embryonic tissue. PMID:28076928

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale: A cross-cultural adaptation and validation study from Iran.

PubMed

Vosoughi, Amir Reza; Roustaei, Narges; Mahdaviazad, Hamideh

2018-06-01

The use of valid and reliable outcome rating scales is essential for evaluating the result of different treatments and interventions. The purposes of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AHFS) into Persian languages and evaluate its psychometric properties. Forward-backward translation and cultural adaptation method were used to develop Persian version of AOFAS-AHFS. From March to July 2016, one hundred consecutive patients with ankle and hindfoot injuries were included. Internal consistency and reproducibility were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) respectively. Construct validity reported which compare the outcome rating scale measurements with Short Form-36 (SF-36), also convergent and discriminant validity evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Mean age (SD) of the patients was 41.95±13.45years. Cronbach's α coefficient, Spearman's rho and ICC values were 0.71, 0.89 and 0.90 respectively. Total score of AOFAS-AHFS and SF-36 domains has a correlation ranged between 0.17-0.55. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.4 was exceeded by all items with the exception of stability. The Spearman's rank correlation between each item in functional subscales with its own subscales was higher than the correlation between these items and other subscales. Persian version of AOFAS-AHFS provides additional reliable and valid instrument which can be used to assess broad range of patients with foot and ankle disorders that speaking in Persian. However, it seems that the original version of AOFAS-AHFS needs some revisions. Copyright © 2017 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of Spearman Correlation Coefficient (r) to Evaluate the Linear Association of Dermal Collagen and Elastic Fibers in the Perspectives of Skin Injury.

PubMed

Kumar, Naveen; Kumar, Pramod; Badagabettu, Satheesha Nayak; Lewis, Melissa Glenda; Adiga, Murali; Padur, Ashwini Aithal

2018-01-01

Difference in scar formation at different sites, in different directions at the same site, but with changes in the elasticity of skin with age, sex, and race or in some pathological conditions, is well known to clinicians. The inappropriate collagen syntheses and delayed or lack of epithelialization are known to induce scar formation with negligible elasticity at the site of damage. Changes in the elasticity of scars may be due to an unequal distribution of dermal collagen (C) and elastic (E) fibers. Spearman correlation coefficients ( r ) of collagen and elastic fibers in horizontal (H) and in vertical (V) directions (variables CV, CH, EV, and EH) were measured from the respective quantitative fraction data in 320 skin samples from 32 human cadavers collected at five selected sites over extremities. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed the statistically significant ( p < 0.01) strong positive correlation between C H and C V in all the areas, that is, shoulder joint area ( r = 0.66), wrist ( r = 0.75), forearm ( r = 0.75), and thigh ( r = 0.80), except at the ankle ( r = 0.26, p = 0.14) region. Similarly, positive correlation between E H and E V has been observed at the forearm ( r = 0.65, moderate) and thigh ( r = 0.42, low) regions. However, a significant moderate negative correlation was observed between C V and E V at the forearm ( r = -0.51) and between C H and E H at the thigh region ( r = -0.65). Significant differences of correlations of collagen and elastic fibers in different directions from different areas of extremities were noted. This may be one of the possible anatomical reasons of scar behavior in different areas and different directions of the same area.

Validation of a computerized algorithm to quantify fetal heart rate deceleration area.

PubMed

Gyllencreutz, Erika; Lu, Ke; Lindecrantz, Kaj; Lindqvist, Pelle G; Nordstrom, Lennart; Holzmann, Malin; Abtahi, Farhad

2018-05-16

Reliability in visual cardiotocography interpretation is unsatisfying, which has led to development of computerized cardiotocography. Computerized analysis is well established for antenatal fetal surveillance, but has yet not performed sufficiently during labor. We aimed to investigate the capacity of a new computerized algorithm compared to visual assessment in identifying intrapartum fetal heart rate baseline and decelerations. Three-hundred-and-twelve intrapartum cardiotocography tracings with variable decelerations were analysed by the computerized algorithm and visually examined by two observers, blinded to each other and the computer analysis. The width, depth and area of each deceleration was measured. Four cases (>100 variable decelerations) were subject to in-depth detailed analysis. The outcome measures were bias in seconds (width), beats per minute (depth), and beats (area) between computer and observers by using Bland-Altman analysis. Interobserver reliability was determined by calculating intraclass correlation and Spearman rank analysis. The analysis (312 cases) showed excellent intraclass correlation (0.89-0.95) and very strong Spearman correlation (0.82-0.91). The detailed analysis of > 100 decelerations in 4 cases revealed low bias between the computer and the two observers; width 1.4 and 1.4 seconds, depth 5.1 and 0.7 beats per minute, and area 0.1 and -1.7 beats. This was comparable to the bias between the two observers; 0.3 seconds (width), 4.4 beats per minute (depth), and 1.7 beats (area). The intraclass correlation was excellent (0.90-0.98). A novel computerized algorithm for intrapartum cardiotocography analysis is as accurate as gold standard visual assessment with high correlation and low bias. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy: A potential blood biomarker to evaluate the severity of acute spinal cord injuries in adults

PubMed Central

Singh, Ajai; Kumar, Vineet; Ali, Sabir; Mahdi, Abbas Ali; Srivastava, Rajeshwer Nath

2017-01-01

Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze the serial estimation of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNF-H) in blood plasma that would act as a potential biomarker for early prediction of the neurological severity of acute spinal cord injuries (SCI) in adults. Settings and Design: Pilot study/observational study. Subjects and Methods: A total of 40 patients (28 cases and 12 controls) of spine injury were included in this study. In the enrolled cases, plasma level of pNF-H was evaluated in blood samples and neurological evaluation was performed by the American Spinal Injury Association Injury Scale at specified period. Serial plasma neurofilament heavy values were then correlated with the neurological status of these patients during follow-up visits and were analyzed statistically. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat software (version 3.05 for Windows, San Diego, CA, USA). The correlation analysis between the clinical progression and pNF-H expression was done using Spearman's correlation. Results: The mean baseline level of pNF-H in cases was 6.40 ± 2.49 ng/ml, whereas in controls it was 0.54 ± 0.27 ng/ml. On analyzing the association between the two by Mann–Whitney U–test, the difference in levels was found to be statistically significant. The association between the neurological progression and pNF-H expression was determined using correlation analysis (Spearman's correlation). At 95% confidence interval, the correlation coefficient was found to be 0.64, and the correlation was statistically significant. Conclusions: Plasma pNF-H levels were elevated in accordance with the severity of SCI. Therefore, pNF-H may be considered as a potential biomarker to determine early the severity of SCI in adult patients. PMID:29291173

The Impact of Gestational Age at Delivery on Urologic Outcomes for the Fetus with Hydronephrosis.

PubMed

Benjamin, Tara; Amodeo, Rhiannon R; Patil, Avinash S; Robinson, Barrett K

2016-01-01

Compare short-term urologic outcomes with delivery timing in fetuses with severe hydronephrosis. An ultrasound database was queried for severe hydronephrosis. Cases were categorized into late preterm/early term (36 0/7 - 38 6/7 weeks) and full term (39 0/7 weeks or greater) groups. Baseline characteristics were compared using standard statistical methods. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed for grade and severity of hydronephrosis on first postnatal ultrasound with gestational age at delivery. Of 589 cases, 79 (33 late preterm/early term, 46 full term) met criteria. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Spearman's correlation coefficients (rs) indicated that increased postnatal Society for Fetal Urology grade, rs= -0.26 (95% CI [-.48, -.002]), and severity of hydronephrosis, rs= -0.39 (95% CI [-.59, -.14]), both correlated with earlier delivery. Late preterm/early term delivery resulted in worse short-term postnatal renal outcomes. Unless otherwise indicated, delivery for fetal hydronephrosis should be deferred until 39 weeks.

Drooling, saliva production, and swallowing in cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Senner, Jill E; Logemann, Jerilyn; Zecker, Steven; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah

2004-12-01

Fourteen participants (six females, eight males) ranging in age from 7 years 11 months to 18 years 2 months (mean 11y 7mo) with a confirmed diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) were included in the study. Participants included those who drooled (CP+, n=14); age- and sex-matched children with spastic CP who were dry to mild and never to infrequent droolers (CP-, n=14) as well as typically developing peers (CTRL, n=14) served as controls. Frequency of swallowing was measured by using simultaneous cervical ausculation and videotaping of the head and neck. Saliva production was measured with the Saxon test, a simple gauze-chewing procedure. In addition, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 (TONI-3), dysarthria severity scale, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scores were obtained for each participant. Both groups of participants with CP tended to swallow less frequently than typically developing participants and tended to produce less saliva than typically developing controls; however, these differences were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between amount of saliva produced and amount drooled (r=0.245). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the PEDI functional skills mean scores indicated significant differences between the three groups (F(2,39)=23.522,p<0.0001). Likewise, an ANOVA conducted on the TONI-3 scores revealed statistically significant differences between the three groups (F(2,39)=31.761, p<0.0001). A Spearman's rho correlation indicated that GMFCS scores were not significantly correlated with drooling severity (Spearman's rho correlation=0.3951,p=0.037). Drooling severity was found to be positively correlated with dysarthria severity (Spearman's rho correlation=0.82,p<0.0001). These findings suggest that drooling in patients with CP is related to swallowing difficulties rather than hypersalivation.

Correlation Between Minimum Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADCmin) and Tumor Cellularity: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Surov, Alexey; Meyer, Hans Jonas; Wienke, Andreas

2017-07-01

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique based on measure of water diffusion that can provide information about tissue microstructure, especially about cell count. Increase of cell density induces restriction of water diffusion and decreases apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). ADC can be divided into three sub-parameters: ADC minimum or ADC min , mean ADC or ADC mean and ADC maximum or ADC max Some studies have suggested that ADC min shows stronger correlations with cell count in comparison to other ADC fractions and may be used as a parameter for estimation of tumor cellularity. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to summarize correlation coefficients between ADC min and cellularity in different tumors based on large patient data. For this analysis, MEDLINE database was screened for associations between ADC and cell count in different tumors up to September 2016. For this work, only data regarding ADC min were included. Overall, 12 publications with 317 patients were identified. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze associations between ADC min and cellularity. The reported Pearson correlation coefficients in some publications were converted into Spearman correlation coefficients. The pooled correlation coefficient for all included studies was ρ=-0.59 (95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.72 to -0.45), heterogeneity Tau 2 =0.04 (p<0.0001), I 2 =73%, test for overall effect Z=8.67 (p<0.00001). ADC min correlated moderately with tumor cellularity. The calculated correlation coefficient is not stronger in comparison to the reported coefficient for ADC mean and, therefore, ADC min does not represent a better means to reflect cellularity. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Improvement in smile esthetics following orthodontic treatment: a retrospective study utilizing standardized smile analysis.

PubMed

Maganzini, Anthony L; Schroetter, Sarah B; Freeman, Kathy

2014-05-01

To quantify smile esthetics following orthodontic treatment and determine whether these changes are correlated to the severity of the initial malocclusion. A standardized smile mesh analysis that evaluated nine lip-tooth characteristics was applied to two groups of successfully treated patients: group 1 (initial American Board of Orthodontics Discrepancy Index [DI] score<20) and group 2 (initial DI score>20). T-tests were used to detect significant differences between the low-DI and high-DI groups for baseline pretreatment measurements, baseline posttreatment measurements, and changes from pre- to posttreatment. A Spearman correlation test compared the initial DI values with the changes in the nine smile measurements. Five of the smile measurements were improved in both groups following orthodontic treatment. Both groups demonstrated improved incisor exposure, an improved gingival smile line, an increase in smile width, a decreased buccal corridor space, and an improvement in smile consonance. Spearman correlation tests showed that initial DI value was not correlated to changes in any of the individual smile measurements. Smile esthetics is improved by orthodontic treatment regardless of the initial severity of the malocclusion. In other words, patients with more complex orthodontic issues and their counterparts with minor malocclusions benefitted equally from treatment in terms of their smile esthetics.

[Numerical analysis of inter-specific relationships in the estuary salt marsh plant community of southern Chongming Dongtan, Shanghai.

PubMed

Ding, Wen Hui; Li, Xiu Zhen; Jiang, Jun Yan; Huang, Xing; Zhang, Yun Qing; Zhang, Qian; Zhou, Yun Xuan

2016-05-01

The salt marsh plant communities were investigated with quadrats in the southern Chongming Dongtan. Based on the vegetation coverage and the 2×2 contingency table, 8 common species among the 17 higher plants recorded were analyzed. The variance ratio of overall association, Chi-square test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used to describe the relevance and correlations between species pairs. The results showed that W (48.61), a statistical index to test the variance ratio (VR=0.61), fell outside of the range of Chi-square test, indicating that the overall correlation of all vegetation species was significantly negative. According to the environment adaptation mode of dominant species and the main influencing factors, the species were divided into 4 ecological groups, i.e., Phragmites australis, Carex scabrifolia-Scirpus triqueter - Juncellus serotinus, Spartina alterniflora - Scirpus mariqueter, Echinochloa crusgalli - Imperata cylindrica, based on the ranking of Spearman correlation coefficient. The inter-specific relationships in the salt marsh plant community of southern Chongming Dongtan were complicated and extremely unstable with species sensitive to environmental impacts. According to the analysis of relationships between the species and their pre-sent distribution, we suggested using S. mariqueter as target species to provide strategies for protecting native species based habitats.

Urdu translation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: Results of a validation study

PubMed Central

Hashmi, Ali M.; Naz, Shahana; Asif, Aftab; Khawaja, Imran S.

2016-01-01

Objective: To develop a standardized validated version of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) in Urdu. Methods: After translation of the HAM-D into the Urdu language following standard guidelines, the final Urdu version (HAM-D-U) was administered to 160 depressed outpatients. Inter-item correlation was assessed by calculating Cronbach alpha. Correlation between HAM-D-U scores at baseline and after a 2-week interval was evaluated for test-retest reliability. Moreover, scores of two clinicians on HAM-D-U were compared for inter-rater reliability. For establishing concurrent validity, scores of HAM-D-U and BDI-U were compared by using Spearman correlation coefficient. The study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from May to December 2014. Results: The Cronbach alpha for HAM-D-U was 0.71. Composite scores for HAM-D-U at baseline and after a 2-week interval were also highly correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.83, p-value < 0.01) indicating good test-retest reliability. Composite scores for HAM-D-U and BDI-U were positively correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.85, p < 0.01) indicating good concurrent validity. Scores of two clinicians for HAM-D-U were also positively correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.82, p-value < 0.01) indicated good inter-rater reliability. Conclusion: The HAM-D-U is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of Depression. It shows good inter-rater and test-retest reliability. The HAM-D-U can be a tool either for clinical management or research. PMID:28083049

Urdu translation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: Results of a validation study.

PubMed

Hashmi, Ali M; Naz, Shahana; Asif, Aftab; Khawaja, Imran S

2016-01-01

To develop a standardized validated version of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) in Urdu. After translation of the HAM-D into the Urdu language following standard guidelines, the final Urdu version (HAM-D-U) was administered to 160 depressed outpatients. Inter-item correlation was assessed by calculating Cronbach alpha. Correlation between HAM-D-U scores at baseline and after a 2-week interval was evaluated for test-retest reliability. Moreover, scores of two clinicians on HAM-D-U were compared for inter-rater reliability. For establishing concurrent validity, scores of HAM-D-U and BDI-U were compared by using Spearman correlation coefficient. The study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from May to December 2014. The Cronbach alpha for HAM-D-U was 0.71. Composite scores for HAM-D-U at baseline and after a 2-week interval were also highly correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.83, p-value < 0.01) indicating good test-retest reliability. Composite scores for HAM-D-U and BDI-U were positively correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.85, p < 0.01) indicating good concurrent validity. Scores of two clinicians for HAM-D-U were also positively correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.82, p-value < 0.01) indicated good inter-rater reliability. The HAM-D-U is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of Depression. It shows good inter-rater and test-retest reliability. The HAM-D-U can be a tool either for clinical management or research.

Expression of Clara cell 10-kDa protein and trefoil factor family 1 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuanyuan; Wang, Zong-Feng; Zhang, Zhili; Su, Yi

2018-01-01

The current study measured the expression of Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) and trefoil factor family 1 (TFF1) in the sinus mucosa of patients exhibiting chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps (NP). CC10 and TFF1 expression in the sinus mucosa of the control group and patients with CRS and NP was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between CC10 and TFF1 expression was further analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. The expression of TFF1 was significantly increased in the sinus mucosa of patients with CRS and NP, whereas CC10 expression was significantly decreased compared with controls. Spearman's correlation analysis identified a negative correlation between CC10 and TFF1 expression in the sinus mucosa of patients with CRS and NP. The results of immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were consistent with each other. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed notable lesions in the mucous membranes, goblet cells and cilia of sinus mucosa samples from patients with CRS and NP. The negative correlation between CC10 and TFF1 expression during the progression of CRS and NP suggest that CC10 and TFF1 may serve important roles in its pathogenesis. PMID:29456658

Development of the Brazilian brief version of the Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL-Brazil-8).

PubMed

Brasil, Fábio; Brasil, Andreia Mara Brolezzi; e Souza, Rodrigo Augusto de Paula; Pontarolo, Roberto; Correr, Cassyano Januário

2015-01-01

To provide for Brazil, through the selection of items of the Brazilian version of the Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL-Brazil), a concise instrument. This is a cross-sectional study in which the DQOL-Brazil was administered to 150 type 1 diabetic patients and 146 type 2 diabetic patients. The items of the instrument were selected according to the analysis of the principal components and Spearman's correlations with treatment satisfaction, glycated hemoglobin level, and Nottingham Health Profile. From a total of 44 items, only 8 were selected to compose the summary instrument (DQOL-Brazil-8). The DQOL-Brazil-8 presented Spearman's correlation of 0.873 with the DQOL-Brazil and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.702. The Brazilian health professionals now have a brief tool for a fast application that preserves the best features of the full DQOL-Brazil.

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: validation of the Urdu translation.

PubMed

Hashmi, Ali Madeeh; Khawaja, Imran Shuja; Butt, Zeeshan; Umair, Muhammad; Naqvi, Suhaib Haider; Jawad-Ul-Haq

2014-02-01

To translate and validate the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a standardized self-administered questionnaire for the assessment of subjective sleep quality into the Urdu language. Validation study. Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from March to April 2012. The PSQI was translated into Urdu following standard guidelines. The final Urdu version (PSQI-U) was administered to 200 healthy volunteers comprising medical students, nursing staff and doctors. Inter-item correlation was assessed by calculating Cronbach alpha. Correlation of component scores with global score was assessed by calculating Spearman correlation coefficient. Correlation between global PSQI-U scores at baseline with global scores for each PSQI-U and PSQI-E at 4-week interval was evaluated by calculating Spearman correlation coefficient. Moreover, scores on individual items of the scale at baseline were compared with respective scores after 4-week by t-test. One hundred and eighty five (185) participants completed the PSQI-U at baseline. The Cronbach alpha for PSQI-U was 0.56. Scores on individual components of the PSQI-U and composite scores were all highly correlated with each other (all p-values < 0.01). Composite scores for PSQI-U at baseline and PSQI-E at 4-week interval were also highly correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.74, p-value < 0.01) indicating good linguistic interchangeability. Composite scores for PSQI-U at baseline and at 4-week interval were positively correlated with each other (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.70, p < 0.01) indicating good test-retest reliability. The PSQI-U is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of sleep quality. It shows good linguistic interchangeability and test-retest reliability in comparison to the original English version when applied to individuals who speak the Urdu language. The PSQI-U can be a tool either for clinical management or research.

[Cataract surgery rate and its impacting factors in Jiangsu Province in 2012].

PubMed

Guan, Huai-jin; Zhang, Xiao-jun; Zhu, Rong-rong; Yang, Mei

2013-12-17

To survey the cataract surgery rate (CSR) according to the report data and its influencing factors of Jiangsu Province in 2012 so as to further improve CSR in China. Through government websites in 2012, gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capital of 13 cities in Jiangsu Province and 7 counties of Nantong City reported to the Ministry of Health in China were collected to calculate CSR. The relationship between GDP and CSR of Jiangsu Province and Nantong City were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation, and the differences in the proportion of cataract surgery between government and private hospitals were analyzed by Chi-square test. CSR in Jiangsu Province in 2012 was 939 cases per million population per year. Nantong City had the highest CSR (1362 cases per million population per year) and Suqian City the lowest (129 cases per million population per year). The GDP of 13 cities in Jiangsu Province had a positive correlation with CSR (spearman r = 0.59, P = 0.03), but there was no significant correlation with GDP per capital (spearman r = 0.50, P = 0.08). No significant correlation existed between GDP, GDP per capital and CSR of 7 counties of Nantong City (spearman r = -0.04, P = 0.94; spearman r = -0.29, P = 0.53). The proportion of private hospitals of Nantong was 33.3% and surgery cases were 4557 (45.9%). The CSR of Rugao County in 2012 was 3317 cases per million population per year. Socioeconomic level may be related with CSR. Providing village cataract screening services and lowering surgical costs help to boost CSR in China.

The Relationship between Teaching Presence and Student Course Outcomes in an Online International Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wendt, Jillian; Courduff, Jennifer

2018-01-01

A causal comparative research design was utilized in this study to examine the relationship between international students' perceptions of teacher presence in the online learning environment and students' achievement as measured by end of course grades. Spearman's analysis indicated no statistically significant correlation between the composite…

Psychometric properties of the modified RESIDE physical activity questionnaire among low-income overweight women.

PubMed

Jones, Sydney A; Evenson, Kelly R; Johnston, Larry F; Trost, Stewart G; Samuel-Hodge, Carmen; Jewell, David A; Kraschnewski, Jennifer L; Keyserling, Thomas C

2015-01-01

This study explored the criterion-related validity and test-retest reliability of the modified RESIDential Environment physical activity questionnaire and whether the instrument's validity varied by body mass index, education, race/ethnicity, or employment status. Validation study using baseline data collected for randomized trial of a weight loss intervention. Participants recruited from health departments wore an ActiGraph accelerometer and self-reported non-occupational walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity on the modified RESIDential Environment questionnaire. We assessed validity (n=152) using Spearman correlation coefficients, and reliability (n=57) using intraclass correlation coefficients. When compared to steps, moderate physical activity, and bouts of moderate/vigorous physical activity measured by accelerometer, these questionnaire measures showed fair evidence for validity: recreational walking (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.23-0.36), total walking (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.24-0.37), and total moderate physical activity (Spearman correlation coefficients 0.18-0.36). Correlations for self-reported walking and moderate physical activity were higher among unemployed participants and women with lower body mass indices. Generally no other variability in the validity of the instrument was found. Evidence for reliability of RESIDential Environment measures of recreational walking, total walking, and total moderate physical activity was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.56-0.68). Evidence for questionnaire validity and reliability varied by activity domain and was strongest for walking measures. The questionnaire may capture physical activity less accurately among women with higher body mass indices and employed participants. Capturing occupational activity, specifically walking at work, may improve questionnaire validity. Copyright © 2014 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial and temporal associations of road traffic noise and air pollution in London: Implications for epidemiological studies.

PubMed

Fecht, Daniela; Hansell, Anna L; Morley, David; Dajnak, David; Vienneau, Danielle; Beevers, Sean; Toledano, Mireille B; Kelly, Frank J; Anderson, H Ross; Gulliver, John

2016-03-01

Road traffic gives rise to noise and air pollution exposures, both of which are associated with adverse health effects especially for cardiovascular disease, but mechanisms may differ. Understanding the variability in correlations between these pollutants is essential to understand better their separate and joint effects on human health. We explored associations between modelled noise and air pollutants using different spatial units and area characteristics in London in 2003-2010. We modelled annual average exposures to road traffic noise (LAeq,24h, Lden, LAeq,16h, Lnight) for ~190,000 postcode centroids in London using the UK Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) method. We used a dispersion model (KCLurban) to model nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone, total and the traffic-only component of particulate matter ≤2.5μm and ≤10μm. We analysed noise and air pollution correlations at the postcode level (~50 people), postcodes stratified by London Boroughs (~240,000 people), neighbourhoods (Lower layer Super Output Areas) (~1600 people), 1km grid squares, air pollution tertiles, 50m, 100m and 200m in distance from major roads and by deprivation tertiles. Across all London postcodes, we observed overall moderate correlations between modelled noise and air pollution that were stable over time (Spearman's rho range: |0.34-0.55|). Correlations, however, varied considerably depending on the spatial unit: largest ranges were seen in neighbourhoods and 1km grid squares (both Spearman's rho range: |0.01-0.87|) and was less for Boroughs (Spearman's rho range: |0.21-0.78|). There was little difference in correlations between exposure tertiles, distance from road or deprivation tertiles. Associations between noise and air pollution at the relevant geographical unit of analysis need to be carefully considered in any epidemiological analysis, in particular in complex urban areas. Low correlations near roads, however, suggest that independent effects of road noise and traffic-related air pollution can be reliably determined within London. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

[Validating the Spanish version of the Nursing Activities Score].

PubMed

Sánchez-Sánchez, M M; Arias-Rivera, S; Fraile-Gamo, M P; Thuissard-Vasallo, I J; Frutos-Vivar, F

2015-01-01

Validating workload scores ensures that they are appropriate for the purpose for which they were developed. To validate the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) Spanish version. Observational and prospective study. 1,045 patients who were admitted to a medical-surgical unit and a serious burns unit in 2006 were included. The nurse in charge assessed patient workloads by Nine Equivalent of Nursing Manpower use Score and NAS. To assess the internal consistency of the measurements of NAS, item-test correlations, Cronbach's α and Cronbach's α corrected by omitting each of the items were calculated. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient by viewing recordings and Kappa (interobserver reliability) was estimated. For the analysis of internal validity, a factorial principal components analysis was performed. Convergent validity was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient values obtained from the Nine Equivalent of Nursing Manpower use Score and Spanish-NAS scales. For internal consistency, 164 questionnaires were analysed and a Cronbach's α of 0.373 was calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability estimate was 0.837 (95% IC: 0.466-0.950) and 0.662 (95% IC: 0.033-0.882) for interobserver reliability. The estimated kappa was 0.371. For internal validity, exploratory factor analysis showed that the first item explained 58.9% of the variance of the questionnaire. For convergent validity 1006 questionnaires were included and a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.746 was observed. The psychometric properties of Spanish-NAS are acceptable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of concordance among three cardiac output measurement techniques in adult patients during cardiovascular surgery postoperative care.

PubMed

Muñoz, L; Velandia, A; Reyes, L E; Arevalo-Rodríguez, I; Mejía, C; Asprilla, D; Uribe, D V; Arevalo, J J

2017-12-01

The standard method for cardiac output measuring is thermodilution although it is an invasive technique. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) offers a dynamic and functional alternative to thermodilution. Analyze concordance between two TEE methods and thermodilution for cardiac output assessment. Observational concordance study in cardiovascular surgery patients that required pulmonary artery catheter. TEE cardiac output measurement at both mitral annulus (MA) and left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) were performed. Results were compared with thermodilution. Correlation was evaluated by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Statistical analysis was undertaken in STATA 13.0. Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Fifty two percent of patients were male, median age and ejection fraction was 63 years and 35% respectively. Median thermodilution, LVOT and MA -measured cardiac output was 3.25 L/min, 3.46 L/min and 8.4 L/min respectively. Different values between thermodilution and MA measurements were found (Lin concordance=0.071; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.009 to 0.151; Spearman's correlation=0.22) as values between thermodilution and LVOT (Lin concordance=0.232; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.12 a 0.537; Spearman's correlation 0.28). Bland-Altman analysis showed greater difference between MA measurements and thermodilution (DM=-0.408; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.809 to -0.007), than the other echocardiographic findings (DM=0.007; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.441 to 0.428). Results from cardiac output measurement by doppler and 2D-TEE on both MA and LVOT do not correlate with those obtained by thermodilution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Forecasting F10.7 with Solar Magnetic Flux Transport Modeling (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-03

Charles N. Arge Joel B. Mozer Project Manager, RVBXS Chief, RVB This report is published in the interest of...within 6 hours of the F10.7 measurements during the years 1993 through 2010, the Spearman correlation coefficient, rs, for an empirical model of...estimation of the Earth-side solar magnetic field distribution used to forecast F10.7. Spearman correlation values of approximately 0.97, 0.95, and 0.93 are

Correlation and simple linear regression.

PubMed

Zou, Kelly H; Tuncali, Kemal; Silverman, Stuart G

2003-06-01

In this tutorial article, the concepts of correlation and regression are reviewed and demonstrated. The authors review and compare two correlation coefficients, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the Spearman rho, for measuring linear and nonlinear relationships between two continuous variables. In the case of measuring the linear relationship between a predictor and an outcome variable, simple linear regression analysis is conducted. These statistical concepts are illustrated by using a data set from published literature to assess a computed tomography-guided interventional technique. These statistical methods are important for exploring the relationships between variables and can be applied to many radiologic studies.

An Array-Based Analysis of MicroRNA Expression Comparing Matched Frozen and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Human Tissue Samples

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiao; Chen, Jiamin; Radcliffe, Tom; LeBrun, Dave P.; Tron, Victor A.; Feilotter, Harriet

2008-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that suppress gene expression at the posttranscriptional level via an antisense RNA-RNA interaction. miRNAs used for array-based profiling are generally purified from either snap-frozen or fresh samples. Because tissues found in most pathology departments are available only in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) states, we sought to evaluate miRNA derived from FFPE samples for microarray analysis. In this study, miRNAs extracted from matched snap-frozen and FFPE samples were profiled using the Agilent miRNA array platform (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA). Each miRNA sample was hybridized to arrays containing probes interrogating 470 human miRNAs. Seven cases were compared in either duplicate or triplicate. Intrachip and interchip analyses demonstrated that the processes of miRNA extraction, labeling, and hybridization from both frozen and FFPE samples are highly reproducible and add little variation to the results; technical replicates showed high correlations with one another (Kendall tau, 0.722 to 0.853; Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.891 to 0.954). Our results showed consistent high correlations between matched frozen and FFPE samples (Kendall tau, 0.669 to 0.815; Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.847 to 0.948), supporting the use of FFPE-derived miRNAs for array-based, gene expression profiling. PMID:18832457

Reliability and validity of 12-item Short-Form health survey (SF-12) for the health status of Chinese community elderly population in Xujiahui district of Shanghai.

PubMed

Shou, Juan; Ren, Limin; Wang, Haitang; Yan, Fei; Cao, Xiaoyun; Wang, Hui; Wang, Zhiliang; Zhu, Shanzhu; Liu, Yao

2016-04-01

The 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) is the abridged practical version of SF-36. This cross-sectional study was aimed to assess the reliability and validity of SF-12 for the health status of Chinese community elderly population. The Chinese community elderly people in Xujiahui district of Shanghai were investigated. The internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability coefficients. Construct validity was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ) was used for the evaluation of criterion, convergent, and discriminant validity with Spearman's ρ ≥ 0.4 as satisfactory. Comparisons of the SF-12 summary scores among populations that differed in demographics were performed for discriminant validity. Total 1343 individuals aged ≥60 and <85 years old (response rate: 91.3 %) were analyzed. The Cronbach's α value (0.910) and the split-half reliability coefficient (0.812) reflected satisfactory internal consistency reliability of SF-12. EFA extracted a two-factor model (physical and mental health). About 60.7 % of the total variance was explained by the two factors. CFA showed that the two-factor solution provided a good fit to the data. Good convergent validity and discriminant validity of SF-12 were proved by the correction analyses (Spearman's ρ > 0.4) and the comparisons of the SF-12 summary scores among populations (P < 0.05). SF-12 summary scores were significantly correlated with the SF-36 summary scores (Spearman's ρ > 0.4, P < 0.05). In conclusion, SF-12 had satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring health status of Chinese community elderly population in Xujiahui district of Shanghai.

Comparison of efficiency of distance measurement methodologies in mango (Mangifera indica) progenies based on physicochemical descriptors.

PubMed

Alves, E O S; Cerqueira-Silva, C B M; Souza, A M; Santos, C A F; Lima Neto, F P; Corrêa, R X

2012-03-14

We investigated seven distance measures in a set of observations of physicochemical variables of mango (Mangifera indica) submitted to multivariate analyses (distance, projection and grouping). To estimate the distance measurements, five mango progeny (total of 25 genotypes) were analyzed, using six fruit physicochemical descriptors (fruit weight, equatorial diameter, longitudinal diameter, total soluble solids in °Brix, total titratable acidity, and pH). The distance measurements were compared by the Spearman correlation test, projection in two-dimensional space and grouping efficiency. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the seven distance measurements were, except for the Mahalanobis' generalized distance (0.41 ≤ rs ≤ 0.63), high and significant (rs ≥ 0.91; P < 0.001). Regardless of the origin of the distance matrix, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean grouping method proved to be the most adequate. The various distance measurements and grouping methods gave different values for distortion (-116.5 ≤ D ≤ 74.5), cophenetic correlation (0.26 ≤ rc ≤ 0.76) and stress (-1.9 ≤ S ≤ 58.9). Choice of distance measurement and analysis methods influence the.

A survey study on student preferences regarding pathology teaching in Germany: a call for curricular modernization.

PubMed

Herrmann, Florian E M; Lenski, Markus; Steffen, Julius; Kailuweit, Magdalena; Nikolaus, Marc; Koteeswaran, Rajasekaran; Sailer, Andreas; Hanszke, Anna; Wintergerst, Maximilian; Dittmer, Sissi; Mayr, Doris; Genzel-Boroviczény, Orsolya; Eley, Diann S; Fischer, Martin R

2015-06-02

Pathology is a discipline that provides the basis of the understanding of disease in medicine. The past decades have seen a decline in the emphasis laid on pathology teaching in medical schools and outdated pathology curricula have worsened the situation. Student opinions and thoughts are central to the questions of whether and how such curricula should be modernized. A survey was conducted among 1018 German medical students regarding their preferences in pathology teaching modalities and their satisfaction with lecture-based courses. A qualitative analysis was performed comparing a recently modernized pathology curriculum with a traditional lecture-based curriculum. The differences in modalities of teaching used were investigated. Student satisfaction with the lecture-based curriculum positively correlated with student grades (spearman's correlation coefficient 0.24). Additionally, students with lower grades supported changing the curriculum (spearman's correlation coefficient 0.47). The majority supported virtual microscopy, autopsies, seminars and podcasts as preferred didactic methods. The data supports the implementation of a pathology curriculum where tutorials, autopsies and supplementary computer-based learning tools play important roles.

Validating the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirenda, Pat; Smith, Isabel M.; Vaillancourt, Tracy; Georgiades, Stelios; Duku, Eric; Szatmari, Peter; Bryson, Susan; Fombonne, Eric; Roberts, Wendy; Volden, Joanne; Waddell, Charlotte; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie

2010-01-01

This study examined the factor structure of the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) in a sample of 287 preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine six competing structural models. Spearman's rank order correlations were calculated to examine the associations between factor…

Psychological Predictors of Visual and Auditory P300 Brain-Computer Interface Performance

PubMed Central

Hammer, Eva M.; Halder, Sebastian; Kleih, Sonja C.; Kübler, Andrea

2018-01-01

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) provide communication channels independent from muscular control. In the current study we used two versions of the P300-BCI: one based on visual the other on auditory stimulation. Up to now, data on the impact of psychological variables on P300-BCI control are scarce. Hence, our goal was to identify new predictors with a comprehensive psychological test-battery. A total of N = 40 healthy BCI novices took part in a visual and an auditory BCI session. Psychological variables were measured with an electronic test-battery including clinical, personality, and performance tests. The personality factor “emotional stability” was negatively correlated (Spearman's rho = −0.416; p < 0.01) and an output variable of the non-verbal learning test (NVLT), which can be interpreted as ability to learn, correlated positively (Spearman's rho = 0.412; p < 0.01) with visual P300-BCI performance. In a linear regression analysis both independent variables explained 24% of the variance. “Emotional stability” was also negatively related to auditory P300-BCI performance (Spearman's rho = −0.377; p < 0.05), but failed significance in the regression analysis. Psychological parameters seem to play a moderate role in visual P300-BCI performance. “Emotional stability” was identified as a new predictor, indicating that BCI users who characterize themselves as calm and rational showed worse BCI performance. The positive relation of the ability to learn and BCI performance corroborates the notion that also for P300 based BCIs learning may constitute an important factor. Further studies are needed to consolidate or reject the presented predictors. PMID:29867319

Skeletal maturity assessment with the use of cone-beam computerized tomography.

PubMed

Joshi, Vajendra; Yamaguchi, Tetsutaro; Matsuda, Yukiko; Kaneko, Norikazu; Maki, Kotarou; Okano, Tomohiro

2012-06-01

The aim of the study was to compare cervical vertebrae maturity assessed with the use of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) with the hand-wrist maturation method and cervical vertebrae maturation assessed with the use of lateral cephalography for the assessment of skeletal maturity. Assessment of skeletal maturation was done using skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) from hand-wrist radiography, cervical vertebrae maturity index (CVMI) from CBCT and lateral cephalography (cephalo-CVMI). The Spearman correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. We observed a significant relationship between CBCT-CVMI and cephalo-CVMI as well as between CBCT-CVMI and SMI stages. The Spearman correlation coefficient value between CBCT-CVMI and cephalo-CVMI was 0.975 (P < .0001) and between CBCT-CVMI and SMI was 0.961(P < .0001). Cervical vertebrae maturity assessment with CBCT provided a reliable assessment of pubertal growth spurt, and therefore CBCT can be used to assess skeletal maturity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Validation and calibration of HeadCount, a self-report measure for quantifying heading exposure in soccer players.

PubMed

Catenaccio, E; Caccese, J; Wakschlag, N; Fleysher, R; Kim, N; Kim, M; Buckley, T A; Stewart, W F; Lipton, R B; Kaminski, T; Lipton, M L

2016-01-01

The long-term effects of repetitive head impacts due to heading are an area of increasing concern, and exposure must be accurately measured; however, the validity of self-report of cumulative soccer heading is not known. In order to validate HeadCount, a 2-week recall questionnaire, the number of player-reported headers was compared to the number of headers observed by trained raters for a men's and a women's collegiate soccer teams during an entire season of competitive play using Spearman's correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and calibrated using a generalized estimating equation. The average Spearman's rho was 0.85 for men and 0.79 for women. The average ICC was 0.75 in men and 0.38 in women. The calibration analysis demonstrated that men tend to report heading accurately while women tend to overestimate. HeadCount is a valid instrument for tracking heading behaviour, but may have to be calibrated in women.

The impact of a sense of self-efficacy on the level of stress and the ways of coping with difficult situations in Polish nursing students.

PubMed

Bodys-Cupak, Iwona; Majda, Anna; Zalewska-Puchała, Joanna; Kamińska, Alicja

2016-10-01

During their first practical classes at a clinical ward nursing students face a new environment; they take on new roles which is associated with stress and a need to handle it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a sense of self-efficacy on the level of stress and the ways of coping by Polish nursing students during the first practical classes at a clinical ward. The study included 394 undergraduate subjects studying nursing at two universities in Southern Poland. The study used the method of diagnostic questionnaire and estimation. The research tools included: an original questionnaire, Stress Scale (PSS10), Inventory to measure coping with stress (Mini Cope) and Generalized Self-efficacy Scale (GSES). Data analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 for Windows. The verification of differences between variables was performed using χ(2) independence test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The level of significance was accepted at α=0.005. The level of stress and a sense of self-efficacy in majority of tested nursing students were high. The people with low levels of perceived stress had a significantly higher sense of self-efficacy (rhoSpearman=-0.196; p=0.0001). The people with a higher sense of self-efficacy significantly more often used active strategies in stressful situations, such as Active coping (rhoSpearman=0.284; p<0.0001), Planning (rhoSpearman=0.318, p≤0.0001), Positive revaluation (rhoSpearman=0.228, p<0.0001), Acceptance (rhoSpearman=0.188; p=0.0002), Seeking Emotional Support (rhoSpearman=0.123; p=0.0143). A sense of self-efficacy had a significant impact on the level of stress and the ways of coping with difficult situations in nursing students. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative comparison and reproducibility of pathologist scoring and digital image analysis of estrogen receptor β2 immunohistochemistry in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Rizzardi, Anthony E; Zhang, Xiaotun; Vogel, Rachel Isaksson; Kolb, Suzanne; Geybels, Milan S; Leung, Yuet-Kin; Henriksen, Jonathan C; Ho, Shuk-Mei; Kwak, Julianna; Stanford, Janet L; Schmechel, Stephen C

2016-07-11

Digital image analysis offers advantages over traditional pathologist visual scoring of immunohistochemistry, although few studies examining the correlation and reproducibility of these methods have been performed in prostate cancer. We evaluated the correlation between digital image analysis (continuous variable data) and pathologist visual scoring (quasi-continuous variable data), reproducibility of each method, and association of digital image analysis methods with outcomes using prostate cancer tissue microarrays (TMAs) stained for estrogen receptor-β2 (ERβ2). Prostate cancer TMAs were digitized and evaluated by pathologist visual scoring versus digital image analysis for ERβ2 staining within tumor epithelium. Two independent analysis runs were performed to evaluate reproducibility. Image analysis data were evaluated for associations with recurrence-free survival and disease specific survival following radical prostatectomy. We observed weak/moderate Spearman correlation between digital image analysis and pathologist visual scores of tumor nuclei (Analysis Run A: 0.42, Analysis Run B: 0.41), and moderate/strong correlation between digital image analysis and pathologist visual scores of tumor cytoplasm (Analysis Run A: 0.70, Analysis Run B: 0.69). For the reproducibility analysis, there was high Spearman correlation between pathologist visual scores generated for individual TMA spots across Analysis Runs A and B (Nuclei: 0.84, Cytoplasm: 0.83), and very high correlation between digital image analysis for individual TMA spots across Analysis Runs A and B (Nuclei: 0.99, Cytoplasm: 0.99). Further, ERβ2 staining was significantly associated with increased risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) when quantified by cytoplasmic digital image analysis (HR 2.16, 95 % CI 1.02-4.57, p = 0.045), nuclear image analysis (HR 2.67, 95 % CI 1.20-5.96, p = 0.016), and total malignant epithelial area analysis (HR 5.10, 95 % CI 1.70-15.34, p = 0.004). After adjusting for clinicopathologic factors, only total malignant epithelial area ERβ2 staining was significantly associated with PCSM (HR 4.08, 95 % CI 1.37-12.15, p = 0.012). Digital methods of immunohistochemical quantification are more reproducible than pathologist visual scoring in prostate cancer, suggesting that digital methods are preferable and especially warranted for studies involving large sample sizes.

Do the disc degeneration and osteophyte contribute to the curve rigidity of degenerative scoliosis?

PubMed

Zhu, Feng; Bao, Hongda; Yan, Peng; Liu, Shunan; Bao, Mike; Zhu, Zezhang; Liu, Zhen; Qiu, Yong

2017-03-29

The factors associated with lateral curve flexibility in degenerative scoliosis have not been well documented. Disc degeneration could result in significant change in stiffness and range of motion in lateral bending films. The osteophytes could be commonly observed in degenerative spine but the relationship between osteophyte formation and curve flexibility remains controversial. The aim of the current study is to clarify if the disc degeneration and osteophyte formation were both associated with curve flexibility of degenerative scoliosis. A total of 85 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were as follow: age greater than 45 years, diagnosed as degenerative scoliosis and coronal Cobb angle greater than 20°. Curve flexibility was calculated based on Cobb angle, and range of motion (ROM) was based on disc angle evaluation. Regional disc degeneration score (RDS) was obtained according to Pfirrmann classification and osteophyte formation score (OFS) was based on Nanthan classification. Spearman correlation was performed to analyze the relationship between curve flexibility and RDS as well as OFS. Moderate correlation was found between RDS and curve flexibility with a Spearman coefficient of -0.487 (P = 0.009). Similarly, moderate correlation was observed between curve flexibility and OFS with a Spearman coefficient of -0.429 (P = 0.012). Strong correlation was found between apical ROM and OFS compared to the relationship between curve flexibility and OFS with a Spearman coefficient of -0.627 (P < 0.001). Both disc degeneration and osteophytes formation correlated with curve rigidity. The pre-operative evaluation of both features may aid in the surgical decision-making in degenerative scoliosis patients.

Dynamic finite element analysis and moving particle simulation of human enamel on a microscale.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Coelho, Paulo G; Thompson, Van P; Tovar, Nick; Yamauchi, Junpei; Imazato, Satoshi

2014-12-01

The study of biomechanics of deformation and fracture of hard biological tissues involving organic matrix remains a challenge as variations in mechanical properties and fracture mode may have time-dependency. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been widely used but the shortcomings of FEA such as the long computation time owing to re-meshing in simulating fracture mechanics have warranted the development of alternative computational methods with higher throughput. The aim of this study was to compare dynamic two-dimensional FEA and moving particle simulation (MPS) when assuming a plane strain condition in the modeling of human enamel on a reduced scale. Two-dimensional models with the same geometry were developed for MPS and FEA and tested in tension generated with a single step of displacement. The displacement, velocity, pressure, and stress levels were compared and Spearman׳s rank-correlation coefficients R were calculated (p<0.001). The MPS and FEA were significantly correlated for displacement, velocity, pressure, and Y-stress. The MPS may be further developed as an alternative approach without mesh generation to simulate deformation and fracture phenomena of dental and potentially other hard tissues with complex microstructure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation of a short qualitative food frequency list used in several German large scale surveys.

PubMed

Winkler, G; Döring, A

1998-09-01

Our study aimed to test the validity of a short, qualitative food frequency list (FFL) used in several German large scale surveys. In the surveys of the MONICA project Augsburg, the FFL was used in randomly selected adults. In 1984/85, a dietary survey with 7-day records (DR) was conducted within the subsample of men aged 45 to 64 (response 70%). The 899 DR were used to validate the FFL. Mean weekly food intake frequency and mean daily food intake were compared and Spearman rank order correlation coefficients and classification into tertiles with values of the statistic Kappa were calculated. Spearman correlations range between 0.15 for the item "Other sweets (candies, compote)" and 0.60 for the items "Curds, yoghurt, sour milk", "Milk including butter milk" and "Mineral water"; values for statistic Kappa vary between 0.04 ("White bread, brown bread, crispbread") and 0.41 ("Flaked oats, muesli, cornflakes" and "milk including butter milk"). With the exception of two items, FFL data can be used for analysis on group level. Analysis on individual level should be done with caution. It seems, as if some food groups are generally easier to ask for in FFL than others.

Functional outcome instruments used for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: interscale correlation and prediction of preference-based quality of life.

PubMed

Whitmore, Robert G; Ghogawala, Zoher; Petrov, Dmitriy; Schwartz, J Sanford; Stein, Sherman C

2013-08-01

There is limited literature comparing different functional outcome measures used for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). To determine the correlation among five functional outcome measures used in CSM patient assessment and their ability to predict preference-based quality of life (QOL). Prospective observational study. Patients, aged 40 to 85 years, with CSM and cervical spinal cord compression at two or more levels from degenerative spondylosis were enrolled from seven sites over a 2-year period. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, Oswestry neck disability index (Oswestry NDI or Oswestry), Nurick scale, norm-based short-form 36 physical component summary, and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were collected. The Jean and David Wallace foundation provided funding for this study. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients undergoing either anterior or posterior surgery were prospectively followed with five different functional outcome measures over 1 year. Correlations among scales were tested using the Spearman rank correlation test. The sensitivity and specificity of each scale for predicting the global index of the EQ-5D were determined, and receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to compare each scale's ability to discriminate QOL. A total of 106 patients were initially enrolled; 103 were operated on for CSM and followed for 1 year. Their ages ranged from 40 to 82 years (mean 61.9), and 61.3% were men. Correlations among the various functional outcome instruments were all highly significant (p<.001), but the degree of correlation varied greatly. Correlation between the EQ-5D scale and the Nurick scale was the least (Spearman rho 0.5539); correlation was the highest with the Oswestry NDI (Spearman rho 0.8306). The Oswestry NDI also had the greatest ability to discriminate favorable from adverse QOL compared with the other outcome instruments (p=.023). Preference-based quality-of-life instruments, such as the EQ-5D, are important measures for studying spinal disorders. Among the various commonly used outcome instruments for CSM, the Oswestry NDI is the most predictive of preference-based QOL. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sphingolipids as New Biomarkers for Assessment of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity and Response to Triptolide

PubMed Central

Qu, Feng; Wu, Cai-Sheng; Hou, Jin-Feng; Jin, Ying; Zhang, Jin-Lan

2012-01-01

Background Hypersensitivity diseases are associated with many severe human illnesses, including leprosy and tuberculosis. Emerging evidence suggests that the pathogenesis and pathological mechanisms of treating these diseases may be attributable to sphingolipid metabolism. Methods High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to target and measure 43 core sphingolipids in the plasma, kidneys, livers and spleens of BALB/c mice from four experimental groups: control, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) model, DTH+triptolide, and control+triptolide. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to identify potential biomarkers associated with variance between groups. Relationships between the identified biomarkers and disease markers were evaluated by Spearman correlation. Results As a treatment to hypersensitivity disease, triptolide significantly inhibit the ear swelling and recover the reduction of splenic index caused by DTH. The sphingolipidomic result revealed marked alterations in sphingolipid levels between groups that were associated with the effects of the disease and triptolide treatment. Based on this data, 23 potential biomarkers were identified by OPLS-DA, and seven of these biomarkers correlated markedly with the disease markers (p<0.05) by Spearman correlation. Conclusions These data indicate that differences in sphingolipid levels in plasma and tissues are related to DTH and treatment with triptolide. Restoration of proper sphingolipid levels may attribute to the therapeutic effect of triptolide treatment. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that targeted sphingolipidomic analysis followed by multivariate analysis presents a novel strategy for the identification of biomarkers in biological samples. PMID:23300675

Chloride and sodium ion concentrations in saliva and sweat as a method to diagnose cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Aline Cristina; Marson, Fernando Augusto Lima; Mendonça, Regina Maria Holanda; Bertuzzo, Carmen Sílvia; Paschoal, Ilma Aparecida; Ribeiro, José Dirceu; Ribeiro, Antônio Fernando; Levy, Carlos Emílio

2018-05-19

Cystic fibrosis diagnosis is dependent on the chloride ion concentration in the sweat test (≥60mEq/mL - recognized as the gold standard indicator for cystic fibrosis diagnosis). Moreover, the salivary glands express the CFTR protein in the same manner as sweat glands. Given this context, the objective was to verify the correlation of saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration, and between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration, in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy control subjects, as a tool for cystic fibrosis diagnosis. There were 160 subjects enrolled: 57/160 (35.70%) patients with cystic fibrosis and two known CFTR mutations and 103/160 (64.40%) healthy controls subjects. Saliva ion concentration was analyzed by ABL 835 Radiometer ® equipment and, sweat chloride concentration and sweat sodium concentration, respectively, by manual titration using the mercurimetric procedure of Schales & Schales and flame photometry. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-squared test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's correlation. Alpha=0.05. Patients with cystic fibrosis showed higher values of sweat chloride concentration, sweat sodium concentration, saliva chloride concentration, and saliva sodium concentration than healthy controls subjects (p-value<0.001). The correlation between saliva chloride concentration and sweat chloride concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho (correlation coefficient)=0.475 (95% CI=0.346 to 0.587). Also, the correlation between saliva sodium concentration and sweat sodium concentration showed a positive Spearman's Rho=0.306 (95% CI=0.158 to 0.440). Saliva chloride concentration and saliva sodium concentration are candidates to be used in cystic fibrosis diagnosis, mainly in cases where it is difficult to achieve the correct sweat amount, and/or CFTR mutation screening is difficult, and/or reference methods for sweat test are unavailable to implement or are not easily accessible by the general population. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Correlation between the pain numeric rating scale and the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

PubMed

Saltychev, Mikhail; Bärlund, Esa; Laimi, Katri

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between pain severity measured on a numeric rating scale and restrictions of functioning measured with the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). This was a cross-sectional study of 1207 patients with musculoskeletal pain conditions. Correlation was assessed using Spearman's and Pearson tests. Although all the Spearman's rank correlations between WHODAS 2.0 items and pain severity were statistically significant, they were mostly weak, with only a few moderate associations for 'S2 household responsibilities', 'S8 washing', 'S9 dressing', and 'S12 day-to-day work'. The correlation between the WHODAS 2.0 total score and pain severity was also moderate: 0.41 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.45] for average pain and 0.42 (95% CI: 0.37-0.46) for worst pain. The correlation between the WHODAS 2.0 total score and pain level was also assessed using Pearson's product-moment correlation, yielding figures that were similar to Spearman's correlation: 0.42 (P<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.37-0.46) for average pain and 0.39 (P<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.34-0.44) for worst pain. Among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the correlation between pain severity measured by numeric rating scale and functioning level measured by WHODAS 2.0 was weak to moderate, with slightly stronger associations in physical domains of functioning.

Feature Genes Selection Using Supervised Locally Linear Embedding and Correlation Coefficient for Microarray Classification

PubMed Central

Wang, Yun; Huang, Fangzhou

2018-01-01

The selection of feature genes with high recognition ability from the gene expression profiles has gained great significance in biology. However, most of the existing methods have a high time complexity and poor classification performance. Motivated by this, an effective feature selection method, called supervised locally linear embedding and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SLLE-SC2), is proposed which is based on the concept of locally linear embedding and correlation coefficient algorithms. Supervised locally linear embedding takes into account class label information and improves the classification performance. Furthermore, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is used to remove the coexpression genes. The experiment results obtained on four public tumor microarray datasets illustrate that our method is valid and feasible. PMID:29666661

Feature Genes Selection Using Supervised Locally Linear Embedding and Correlation Coefficient for Microarray Classification.

PubMed

Xu, Jiucheng; Mu, Huiyu; Wang, Yun; Huang, Fangzhou

2018-01-01

The selection of feature genes with high recognition ability from the gene expression profiles has gained great significance in biology. However, most of the existing methods have a high time complexity and poor classification performance. Motivated by this, an effective feature selection method, called supervised locally linear embedding and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SLLE-SC 2 ), is proposed which is based on the concept of locally linear embedding and correlation coefficient algorithms. Supervised locally linear embedding takes into account class label information and improves the classification performance. Furthermore, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is used to remove the coexpression genes. The experiment results obtained on four public tumor microarray datasets illustrate that our method is valid and feasible.

Function and quality of life after transanal excision of rectal polyps and cancers.

PubMed

Fenech, Darlene S; Takahashi, Takeshi; Liu, Maria; Spencer, Leia; Swallow, Carol J; Cohen, Zane; Macrae, Helen M; McLeod, Robin S

2007-05-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcomes and health-related quality of life of patients after transanal excision of rectal cancers or polyps and to assess the relationship between functional outcomes and health-related quality of life. All patients having a transanal excision at the Mount Sinai Hospital from 1989 to 2002 were included if the indication for surgery was a benign or malignant neoplasm. Physician charts were reviewed, and patients and their physicians were contacted to obtain follow-up information. Continence was assessed by using the Continence Score described by Jorge and Wexner and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life instrument by Rockwood and Lowry. Eighty-two patients fit the inclusion criteria (42 males; mean age, 71 +/- 13.7 years). Of these, 29 had villous adenomas, 2 had carcinoids, and 1 had a hyperplastic polyp. Fifty had cancers, including 34 with T1, 14 with T2, and 2 with T3 cancers. Seven patients had a low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection within two months of transanal excision because of advanced features of cancer. Five patients had salvage abdominoperineal resections or low anterior resections for local recurrences. Five patients died of rectal cancer (including 3 who had salvage surgery) and an additional seven patients died of other causes. Functional results were assessed in 58 of 61 eligible patients. The mean Continence Score postoperatively was 3.5 +/- 3.9 compared with 2.4 +/- 3.7 preoperatively (P = 0.03). The mean Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scores after surgery in all patients were 3.9 +/- 0.3, 3.6 +/- 0.6, 3.7 +/- 0.3, 3.7 +/- 0.6 in the domains of lifestyle, coping, depression, and embarrassment, respectively, after surgery, indicating high quality of life. Using Spearman's correlation, we found that the continence scores after surgery correlated well with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scores. In the domains of lifestyle (Spearman's correlation = -0.69), coping and behavior (Spearman's correlation = -0.7), and embarrassment (Spearman's correlation = -0.61) but did not correlate well with the domain of depression (Spearman's correlation = -0.17). Although functional results are worsened in a minority of patients after transanal excision, quality of life is high in the majority of patients.

Comparison of intravesical prostatic protrusion, prostate volume and serum prostatic-specific antigen in the evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction.

PubMed

Lim, Kok Bin; Ho, Henry; Foo, Keong Tatt; Wong, Michael Yuet Chen; Fook-Chong, Stephanie

2006-12-01

The aims of this study were to define the relationship between intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV) and to determine which one of them is the best predictor of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement. A prospective study of 114 male patients older than 50 years examined between November 2001 and 2002 was performed. They were evaluated with digital rectal examination, International Prostate Symptoms Score, PSA, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine measurement, IPP and PV using transabdominal ultrasound scan. Statistical analysis included scatter plot with Spearman's correlation coefficients and nominal logistic regression Prostate volume, IPP and PSA showed parallel correlation. Although all three indices had good correlation with BOO index, IPP was the best. The Spearman rho correlation coefficients were 0.314, 0.408 and 0.507 for PV, PSA and IPP, respectively. Using receiver-operator characteristic curves, the areas under the curve for PV, PSA and IPP were 0.637, 0.703 and 0.772, respectively. The positive predictive values of PV, PSA and IPP were 65%, 68% and 72%, respectively. Using a nominal regression model, IPP remained the most significant independent index to determine BOO. All three non-invasive indices correlate with one another. The study showed that IPP is a better predictor for BOO than PSA or PV.

Automation of immunohistochemical evaluation in breast cancer using image analysis

PubMed Central

Prasad, Keerthana; Tiwari, Avani; Ilanthodi, Sandhya; Prabhu, Gopalakrishna; Pai, Muktha

2011-01-01

AIM: To automate breast cancer diagnosis and to study the inter-observer and intra-observer variations in the manual evaluations. METHODS: Breast tissue specimens from sixty cases were stained separately for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu). All cases were assessed by manual grading as well as image analysis. The manual grading was performed by an experienced expert pathologist. To study inter-observer and intra-observer variations, we obtained readings from another pathologist as the second observer from a different laboratory who has a little less experience than the first observer. We also took a second reading from the second observer to study intra-observer variations. Image analysis was carried out using in-house developed software (TissueQuant). A comparison of the results from image analysis and manual scoring of ER, PR and HER-2/neu was also carried out. RESULTS: The performance of the automated analysis in the case of ER, PR and HER-2/neu expressions was compared with the manual evaluations. The performance of the automated system was found to correlate well with the manual evaluations. The inter-observer variations were measured using Spearman correlation coefficient r and 95% confidence interval. In the case of ER expression, Spearman correlation r = 0.53, in the case of PR expression, r = 0.63, and in the case of HER-2/neu expression, r = 0.68. Similarly, intra-observer variations were also measured. In the case of ER, PR and HER-2/neu expressions, r = 0.46, 0.66 and 0.70, respectively. CONCLUSION: The automation of breast cancer diagnosis from immunohistochemically stained specimens is very useful for providing objective and repeatable evaluations. PMID:21611095

Bioimpedence to Assess Breast Density as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer in Adult Women and Adolescent Girls.

PubMed

Maskarinec, Gertraud; Morimoto, Yukiko; Laguana, Michelle B; Novotny, Rachel; Leon Guerrero, Rachael T

2016-01-01

Although high mammographic density is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk, X-ray based mammography cannot be performed before the recommended screening age, especially not in adolescents and young women. Therefore, new techniques for breast density measurement are of interest. In this pilot study in Guam and Hawaii, we evaluated a radiation-free, bioimpedance device called Electrical Breast DensitometerTM (EBD; senoSENSE Medical Systems, Inc., Ontario, Canada) for measuring breast density in 95 women aged 31-82 years and 41 girls aged 8-18 years. Percent density (PD) was estimated in the women's most recent mammogram using a computer-assisted method. Correlation coefficients and linear regression were applied for statistical analysis. In adult women, mean EBD and PD values of the left and right breasts were 230±52 and 226±50 Ω and 23.7±15.1 and 24.2±15.2%, respectively. The EBD measurements were inversely correlated with PD (rSpearman=-0.52, p<0.0001); the correlation was stronger in Caucasians (rSpearman=-0.70, p<0.0001) than Asians (rSpearman=-0.54, p<0.01) and Native Hawaiian/Chamorro/Pacific Islanders (rSpearman=-0.34, p=0.06). Using 4 categories of PD (<10, 10-25, 26-50, 51-75%), the respective mean EBD values were 256±32, 249±41, 202±46, and 178±43 Ω (p<0.0001). In girls, the mean EBD values in the left and right breast were 148±40 and 155±54 Ω; EBD values decreased from Tanner stages 1 to 4 (204±14, 154±79, 136±43, and 119±16 Ω for stages 1-4, respectively) but were higher at Tanner stage 5 (165±30 Ω). With further development, this bioimpedance method may allow for investigations of breast development among adolescent, as well as assessment of breast cancer risk early in life and in populations without access to mammography.

Association between tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, histotype and clinical outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer.

PubMed

James, Fiona R; Jiminez-Linan, Mercedes; Alsop, Jennifer; Mack, Marie; Song, Honglin; Brenton, James D; Pharoah, Paul D P; Ali, H Raza

2017-09-20

There is evidence that some ovarian tumours evoke an immune response, which can be assessed by tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). To facilitate adoption of TILs as a clinical biomarker, a standardised method for their H&E visual evaluation has been validated in breast cancer. We sought to investigate the prognostic significance of TILs in a study of 953 invasive epithelial ovarian cancer tumour samples, both primary and metastatic, from 707 patients from the prospective population-based SEARCH study. TILs were analysed using a standardised method based on H&E staining producing a percentage score for stromal and intratumoral compartments. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios of the association between TILs and survival. The extent of stromal and intra-tumoral TILs were correlated in the primary tumours (n = 679, Spearman's rank correlation = 0.60, P < 0.001) with a similar correlation in secondary tumours (n = 224, Spearman's rank correlation = 0.62, P < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between stromal TIL levels in primary and secondary tumour samples (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.29, P < 0.001) and intra-tumoral TIL levels in primary and secondary tumour samples (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.19, P = 0.0094). The extent of stromal TILs differed between histotypes (Pearson chi2 (12d.f.) 54.1, P < 0.0001) with higher levels of stromal infiltration in the high-grade serous and endometriod cases. A significant association was observed for higher intratumoral TIL levels and a favourable prognosis (HR 0.74 95% CI 0.55-1.00 p = 0.047). This study is the largest collection of epithelial ovarian tumour samples evaluated for TILs. We have shown that stromal and intratumoral TIL levels are correlated and that their levels correlate with clinical variables such as tumour histological subtype. We have also shown that increased levels of both intratumoral and stromal TILs are associated with a better prognosis; however, this is only statistically significant for intratumoral TILs. This study suggests that a clinically useful immune prognostic indicator in epithelial ovarian cancer could be developed using this technique.

Correlation between chronological age, cervical vertebral maturation and Fishman's skeletal maturity indicators in southern Chinese.

PubMed

Alkhal, Hessa Abdulla; Wong, Ricky W K; Rabie, A Bakr M

2008-07-01

To investigate the correlation between chronological age, cervical vertebral maturation (CVM), and Fishman's hand-wrist skeletal maturity indicators in southern Chinese. Four hundred contemporary hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs of southern Chinese subjects were randomly selected and analyzed. The female subjects were between 10 and 15 years of age, and the male subjects were between 12 and 17 years of age; all subjects were within the circumpubertal period. The CVM was assessed using the method developed by Baccetti and coworkers, but the hand-wrist maturation was assessed using the method developed by Fishman. These two methods and the chronological age were correlated using the Spearman rank correlation analysis. The CVM was significantly correlated with the hand-wrist skeletal age (Spearman r male = 0.9206, female = 0.9363). All patients in the cervical maturation stage (CS3) of CVM were discovered to be in the skeletal maturational indicator (SMI2 or SMI3) stages of hand-wrist maturation (HWM), which was around the peak of the growth spurt. Low correlations were found between the CVM and chronological age (male r = 0.7577; female r = 0.7877) and between the HWM and chronological age (male r = 0.7492; female r = 0.7758). CVM is a valid indicator of skeletal growth during the circumpubertal and has a high correlation with the HWM for the southern Chinese population. However, the low correlations found between the chronological age and both CVM and HWM showed that the chronological age was not suitable to measure skeletal maturity.

Nuclear anomalies in the buccal cells of calcite factory workers

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

The micronucleus (MN) assay on exfoliated buccal cells is a useful and minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage in humans. To determine the genotoxic effects of calcite dust that forms during processing, MN assay was carried out in exfoliated buccal cells of 50 (25 smokers and 25 non-smokers) calcite factory workers and 50 (25 smokers and 25 non-smokers) age- and sex-matched control subjects. Frequencies of nuclear abnormalities (NA) other than micronuclei, such as binucleates, karyorrhexis, karyolysis and ‘broken eggs', were also evaluated. Micronuclei and the other aforementioned anomalies were analysed by two way analysis of covariance. The linear correlations between the types of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities were determined by Spearman's Rho. There was a positive correlation between micronuclei and other types of nuclear abnormalities in accordance with the Spearman's Rho test. Results showed statistically significant difference between calcite fabric workers and control groups. MN and NA frequencies in calcite fabric workers were significantly higher than those in control groups (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that calcite fabric workers are under risk of significant cytogenetic damage. PMID:21637497

Childhood disadvantage and emergency admission rates for common presentations in London: an exploratory analysis.

PubMed

Kyle, Richard G; Kukanova, Marina; Campbell, Malcolm; Wolfe, Ingrid; Powell, Peter; Callery, Peter

2011-03-01

To determine whether emergency hospital admission rates (EAR) for common paediatric conditions in Greater London are associated with measures of child well-being and deprivation. Retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics and secondary analysis of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 and Local Index of Child Well-Being (CWI) 2009. 31 Greater London primary care trusts (PCTs). EAR in PCTs for breathing difficulty, feverish illness and/or diarrhoea. 24,481 children under 15 years of age were discharged following emergency admission for breathing difficulty, feverish illness and/or diarrhoea during 2007/2008. The EAR for breathing difficulty was associated with the IMD (Spearman's rho 0.59, p<0.001) and IMD indicators of: overcrowding (Spearman's rho 0.62, p<0.001), houses in poor condition (Spearman's rho 0.55, p=0.001), air quality (Spearman's rho 0.53, p=0.002), homelessness (Spearman's rho 0.44, p=0.013), and domains of the CWI: housing (Spearman's rho 0.64, p<0.001), children in need (Spearman's rho 0.62, p<0.001), material (Spearman's rho 0.58, p=0.001) and environment (Spearman's rho 0.53, p=0.002). There were no statistically significant relationships between the EAR of children admitted for feverish illness and diarrhoea or aged under 1 year for any condition, and the IMD, either IMD indicators or CWI domains. Housing and environmental factors are associated with children's demand for hospital admission for breathing difficulty. Some associations are stronger with the CWI than the IMD. The CWI has potential to identify priority PCTs for housing and environment interventions that could have specific public health benefits for respiratory conditions.

American College of Surgeons Level I trauma centers outcomes do not correlate with patients' perception of hospital experience.

PubMed

Joseph, Bellal; Azim, Asad; O'Keeffe, Terence; Ibraheem, Kareem; Kulvatunyou, Narong; Tang, Andrew; Vercruysse, Gary; Friese, Randall; Latifi, Rifat; Rhee, Peter

2017-04-01

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey is a data collection methodology for measuring a patient's perception of his/her hospital experience, and it has been selected by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as the validated and transparent national survey tool with publicly available results. Since 2012, hospital reimbursements rates have been linked to HCAHPS data based on patient satisfaction scores. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess whether HCAHPS scores of Level I trauma centers correlate with actual hospital performance. Retrospective analysis of the latest publicly available HCAHPS data (2014-2015) was performed. American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level I trauma centers for each state were identified from the ACS registry and then the following data points were collected for each hospital: HCAHPS linear mean scores regarding cleanliness of the hospital, doctor and nurse communication with the patient, staff responsiveness, pain management, overall hospital rating, and patient willingness to recommend the hospital. Our outcome measure were serious complication scores, failure-to-rescue (FTR) scores and readmission-after-discharge scores. Spearman correlation analysis was performed. A total of 119 ACS verified Level I trauma centers across 46 states were included. The median [IQR] overall hospital rating score for Level I trauma centers was 89 (87-90). The mean ± SD score for serious complication was 0.96 ± 0.266, FTR was 123.06 ± 22.5, and readmission after discharge was 15.71 ± 1.07. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that overall HCAHP-based hospital rating scores did not correlate with serious complications (correlation coefficient = 0.14 p = 0.125), FTR (correlation coefficient = -0.15 p = 0.073), or readmission after discharge (correlation coefficient = -0.18 p = 0.053). The findings of our study suggest that no correlation exists between HCAHPS patient satisfaction scores and hospital performance for Level I trauma centers. Consequently, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services should reconsider hospital reimbursement decisions based on HCAHP patient satisfaction scores. Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III; therapeutic study, level IV.

Correlation between Fluoride in Drinking Water and Its Levels in Breast Milk in Golestan Province, Northern Iran.

PubMed

Faraji, Hossein; Mohammadi, Ali Akbar; Akbari-Adergani, Behrouz; Vakili Saatloo, Naimeh; Lashkarboloki, Gholamreza; Mahvi, Amir Hossein

2014-12-01

Fluoride is an essential element for human health. However, excess fluoride in drinking water may cause dental and/or skeletal fluorosis. Drinking water is the main route of fluoride intake. The aim of the present study was to measure fluoride levels in human breast milk collected from two regions of Golestan Province, northern Iran with different amount of fluoride concentration of drinking water in Bandar Gaz and Nokande cities and to correlate it with fluoride concentrations in drinking water used by mothers living in these two areas. Twenty samples of water were collected from seven drinking water wells during 2012 from Bandar Gaz and Nokande in Iran during 2012. Fluoride concentration of water samples was measured using SPADNS method. Sixty breast milk samples were collected from lactating mothers of Bandar Gaz and Nokande cities. Content in breast milk was determined using standard F ion-selective electrode. Spearman's rho correlation analysis was used to assess any possible relationship between fluoride levels in breast milk and in drinking water. The means and standard deviation for F concentration in breast milk and drinking water were 0.002188±0.00026224 ppm and 0.5850±0.22542 ppm, respectively. Analysis of data showed that the variables were not normally distributed so the Spearman correlation coefficient between two variables calculated (ρ S = 0.65) and it was significant (P=0.002). Fluoride concentration in water can directly act on its concentration in breast milk. We speculate that modifying F concentration in water can affect accessibility of fluoride for infants.

The Development and Preliminary Validation of a Rubric to Assess Medical Students' Written Summary Statements in Virtual Patient Cases.

PubMed

Smith, Sherilyn; Kogan, Jennifer R; Berman, Norman B; Dell, Michael S; Brock, Douglas M; Robins, Lynne S

2016-01-01

The ability to create a concise summary statement can be assessed as a marker for clinical reasoning. The authors describe the development and preliminary validation of a rubric to assess such summary statements. Between November 2011 and June 2014, four researchers independently coded 50 summary statements randomly selected from a large database of medical students' summary statements in virtual patient cases to each create an assessment rubric. Through an iterative process, they created a consensus assessment rubric and applied it to 60 additional summary statements. Cronbach alpha calculations determined the internal consistency of the rubric components, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculations determined the interrater agreement, and Spearman rank-order correlations determined the correlations between rubric components. Researchers' comments describing their individual rating approaches were analyzed using content analysis. The final rubric included five components: factual accuracy, appropriate narrowing of the differential diagnosis, transformation of information, use of semantic qualifiers, and a global rating. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach alpha 0.771). Interrater reliability for the entire rubric was acceptable (ICC 0.891; 95% confidence interval 0.859-0.917). Spearman calculations revealed a range of correlations across cases. Content analysis of the researchers' comments indicated differences in their application of the assessment rubric. This rubric has potential as a tool for feedback and assessment. Opportunities for future study include establishing interrater reliability with other raters and on different cases, designing training for raters to use the tool, and assessing how feedback using this rubric affects students' clinical reasoning skills.

The Temporal Propagation of Intrinsic Brain Activity Associate With the Occurrence of PTSD.

PubMed

Weng, Yifei; Qi, Rongfeng; Chen, Feng; Ke, Jun; Xu, Qiang; Zhong, Yuan; Chen, Lida; Li, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Li; Lu, Guangming

2018-01-01

The abnormal brain activity is a pivotal condition for the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the dynamic time features of intrinsic brain activities still remain unclearly in PTSD patients. Our study aims to perform the resting-state lag analysis (RS-LA) method to explore potential propagated patterns of intrinsic brain activities in PTSD patients. We recruited 27 drug-naive patients with PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) in the final data statistics. Both RS-LA and conventional voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) methods were employed on the same dataset. Then, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on time latency values of those abnormal brain regions with the clinical assessments. Compared with HC group, the time latency patterns of PTSD patients significantly shifted toward later in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle prefrontal cortex, right angular, and left pre- and post-central cortex. The TEC group tended to have similar time latency in right angular. Additionally, significant time latency in right STG was found in PTSD group relative to TEC group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the time latency value of mPFC negatively correlated to the PTSD checklist-civilian version scores (PCL_C) in PTSD group ( r = -0.578, P < 0.05). Furthermore, group differences map of FCS exhibited parts of overlapping areas with that of RS-LA, however, less specificity in detecting PTSD patients. In conclusion, apparent alterations of time latency were observed in DMN and primary sensorimotor areas of PTSD patients. These findings provide us with new evidence to explain the neural pathophysiology contributing to PTSD.

[Prognostic differences of phenotypes in pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer: a large cohort study with cluster analysis].

PubMed

Wang, Z; Wang, W H; Wang, S L; Jin, J; Song, Y W; Liu, Y P; Ren, H; Fang, H; Tang, Y; Chen, B; Qi, S N; Lu, N N; Li, N; Tang, Y; Liu, X F; Yu, Z H; Li, Y X

2016-06-23

To find phenotypic subgroups of patients with pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer by means of cluster analysis and estimate the prognosis and clinicopathological features of these subgroups. From 1999 to 2013, 4979 patients with pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer were recruited for hierarchical clustering analysis. Age (≤40, 41-70, 70+ years), size of primary tumor, pathological type, grade of differentiation, microvascular invasion, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) were chosen as distance metric between patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using Ward's method. Cophenetic correlation coefficient (CPCC) and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to validate clustering structures. The CPCC was 0.603. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.617 (P<0.001), which indicated a good fit of hierarchy to the data. A twelve-cluster model seemed to best illustrate our patient cohort. Patients in cluster 5, 9 and 12 had best prognosis and were characterized by age >40 years, smaller primary tumor, lower histologic grade, positive ER and PR status, and mainly negative HER-2. Patients in the cluster 1 and 11 had the worst prognosis, The cluster 1 was characterized by a larger tumor, higher grade and negative ER and PR status, while the cluster 11 was characterized by positive microvascular invasion. Patients in other 7 clusters had a moderate prognosis, and patients in each cluster had distinctive clinicopathological features and recurrent patterns. This study identified distinctive clinicopathologic phenotypes in a large cohort of patients with pT1-2N0 breast cancer through hierarchical clustering and revealed different prognosis. This integrative model may help physicians to make more personalized decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.

[Relationship between alcohol dependence and new detected hypertension in adult residents of Xuzhou city].

PubMed

Dong, Zongmei; Lou, Pei'an; Zhang, Pan; Chen, Peipei; Qiao, Cheng; Li, Ting

2015-12-01

To observe the relationship between alcohol dependence and new detected hypertension in adult residents of Xuzhou city. Participants were sampled by stratified multi-stage randomly cluster sampling method from February 2013 to June 2013 among permanent residents aged 18 and more in Xuzhou city. The alcohol dependence was defined with Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Other information was obtained by questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the relationship between alcohol dependence and new detected hypertension. The alcohol dependence rate was 11.56% on the whole cohort (n=36 157), and 22.02%(3 854/17 501) for male and 1.74%(324/18 656) for female(P<0.01). The new detected hypertension rate was 9.46%(3 422/36 157) in the whole cohort. The new detected hypertension rate increased in proportion with the severity of alcohol dependence (P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that alcohol dependence was positively correlated with systemic blood pressure(r=0.071, P<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.077, P<0.01). After adjusting for gender, age, marital status, body mass index, smoking status, physical activity level, educational level, income level and region, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol dependence was an independent risk factor for hypertension (low alcohol dependence: OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.14-1.81, P<0.01; light alcohol dependence: OR=1.35, 95%CI 1.11-1.64, P<0.01; medium alcohol dependence: OR=1.83, 95%CI 1.40-2.41, P<0.01). The alcohol dependence is an independent risk factor for new detected hypertension in adult residents of Xuzhou city. Intensive hypertension prevention and treatment strategies should be performed on this population based on our results.

Influence of mandibular morphology on the hyoid bone in atypical deglutition: a correlational study.

PubMed

Machado, Almiro J; Crespo, Agrício N

2011-11-01

evaluate the possible correlation with the radiographic position of the hyoid bone and mandibular angle in lateral radiographs of children with atypical deglutition. This was an observational study using cephalometric analysis of lateral teleradiographs for the distances of H-MP (hyoid to mandibular plane). Spearman's correlation analysis was performed with MA (mandibular angle) in two groups: the experimental group with atypical deglutition and the control group normal deglutition. Both groups included subjects in mixed dentition stage. there was a significant moderate negative correlation between MA (mandibular angle) and hyoid bone (H-MP) in the normal group (R = -0.406, p = 0.021). However, there was no significant correlation between the MA and H-MP (R = 0.029, p = 0.83) in the group with atypical deglutition. there is a moderate negative correlation between the position of the hyoid bone and mandibular angle in the group of normal swallowing and there is no correlation between variables H-MP and MA in the group of atypical swallowing.

The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI): linguistic and cultural validation in Serbian.

PubMed

Jankovic, Slavenka; Vukicevic, Jelica; Djordjevic, Sanja; Jankovic, Janko; Marinkovic, Jelena; Basra, Mohammad K A

2013-02-01

The aims of this study were to translate the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) into Serbian and to assess its validity and reliability in Serbian acne patients. The CADI was translated and linguistically validated into Serbian according to published guidelines. This version of CADI, along with the Serbian version of Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and a short demographic questionnaire, was administrated to a cohort of secondary school pupils. The Global Acne Grading Score was used to measure the clinical severity of acne. The internal consistency reliability of the Serbian version of CADI was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient while its concurrent validity was assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient. Construct validity was examined by factor analysis. A total of 465 pupils completed questionnaires. Self-reported acne was present in 76% of pupils (353/465). The Serbian version of CADI showed high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.79). The mean item-total correlation coefficient was 0.74 with a range of 0.53-0.81. The concurrent validity of the scale was supported by a moderate but highly significant correlation with the CDLQI (Spearman's rho = 0.66; P < 0.001). Factor analysis revealed the presence of two dimensions underlying the factor structure of the scale. The Serbian version of the CADI is a reliable, valid, and valuable tool for assessing the impact of acne on the quality of life of Serbian-speaking patients.

Two-Way Gene Interaction From Microarray Data Based on Correlation Methods.

PubMed

Alavi Majd, Hamid; Talebi, Atefeh; Gilany, Kambiz; Khayyer, Nasibeh

2016-06-01

Gene networks have generated a massive explosion in the development of high-throughput techniques for monitoring various aspects of gene activity. Networks offer a natural way to model interactions between genes, and extracting gene network information from high-throughput genomic data is an important and difficult task. The purpose of this study is to construct a two-way gene network based on parametric and nonparametric correlation coefficients. The first step in constructing a Gene Co-expression Network is to score all pairs of gene vectors. The second step is to select a score threshold and connect all gene pairs whose scores exceed this value. In the foundation-application study, we constructed two-way gene networks using nonparametric methods, such as Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Blomqvist's measure, and compared them with Pearson's correlation coefficient. We surveyed six genes of venous thrombosis disease, made a matrix entry representing the score for the corresponding gene pair, and obtained two-way interactions using Pearson's correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, and Blomqvist's coefficient. Finally, these methods were compared with Cytoscape, based on BIND, and Gene Ontology, based on molecular function visual methods; R software version 3.2 and Bioconductor were used to perform these methods. Based on the Pearson and Spearman correlations, the results were the same and were confirmed by Cytoscape and GO visual methods; however, Blomqvist's coefficient was not confirmed by visual methods. Some results of the correlation coefficients are not the same with visualization. The reason may be due to the small number of data.

Correlation between the Modified Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 and the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Sato, J O; Corrente, J E; Saad-Magalhães, C

2016-11-01

Objective The objective of this study was to assess Modified Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM) disease activity correlation in addition to their respective correlation to Pediatric Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index (Ped-SDI), in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Methods The activity indices were scored retrospectively and summarized by adjusted means during follow-up. The Ped-SDI was scored during the last visit for those with more than six months follow-up. Pearson correlation between the Modified SLEDAI-2K and ECLAM, as well as Spearman correlations between the Modified SLEDAI-2K, ECLAM, and Ped-SDI were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated for both activity indices discriminating damage measured by Ped-SDI. Results Thirty-seven patients with mean age at diagnosis 11 ± 2.9 years and mean follow-up time 3.2 ± 2.4 years were studied. The Modified SLEDAI-2K and ECLAM adjusted means were highly correlated ( r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Similarly, Spearman correlation between the activity indices was also high ( r s  > 0.7, p < 0.001), but Modified SLEDAI-2K and ECLAM correlation with Ped-SDI was only moderate. ROC analysis discriminant performance for both activity indices resulted in area under curve (AUC) of 0.74 and 0.73 for Modified SLEDAI-2K and ECLAM, respectively. Conclusion The high correlation found between the Modified SLEDAI-2K and ECLAM adjusted means indicated that both tools can be equally useful for longitudinal estimates of JSLE activity.

The responsiveness and correlation between Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motor Status Scale, and the Action Research Arm Test in chronic stroke with upper-extremity rehabilitation robotic training.

PubMed

Wei, Xi-Jun; Tong, Kai-Yu; Hu, Xiao-Ling

2011-12-01

Responsiveness of clinical assessments is an important element in the report of clinical effectiveness after rehabilitation. The correlation could reflect the validity of assessments as an indication of clinical performance before and after interventions. This study investigated the correlation and responsiveness of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Status Scale (MSS), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), which are used frequently in effectiveness studies of robotic upper-extremity training in stroke rehabilitation. Twenty-seven chronic stroke patients were recruited for a 20-session upper-extremity rehabilitation robotic training program. This was a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial. All participants were evaluated with FMA, MSS, ARAT, MAS, and Functional Independent Measure before and after robotic training. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was applied for the analysis of correlation. The standardized response mean (SRM) and Guyatt's responsiveness index (GRI) were used to analyze responsiveness. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a significantly high correlation (ρ=0.91-0.96) among FMA, MSS, and ARAT and a fair-to-moderate correlation (ρ=0.40-0.62) between MAS and the other assessments. FMA, MSS, and MAS on the wrist showed higher responsiveness (SRM=0.85-0.98, GRI=1.59-3.62), whereas ARAT showed relatively less responsiveness (SRM=0.22, GRI=0.81). The results showed that FMA or MSS would be the best choice for evaluating the functional improvement in stroke studies on robotic upper-extremity training with high responsiveness and good correlation with ARAT. MAS could be used separately to evaluate the spasticity changes after intervention in terms of high responsiveness.

Relationship between left atrium catheter contact force and pacing threshold.

PubMed

Barrio-López, Teresa; Ortiz, Mercedes; Castellanos, Eduardo; Lázaro, Carla; Salas, Jefferson; Madero, Sergio; Almendral, Jesús

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between contact force (CF) and pacing threshold in left atrium (LA). Six to ten LA sites were studied in 28 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. Median CF, bipolar and unipolar electrogram voltage, impedance, and bipolar and unipolar thresholds for consistent constant capture and for consistent intermittent capture were measured at each site. Pacing threshold measurements were performed at 188 LA sites. Both unipolar and bipolar pacing thresholds correlated significantly with median CF; however, unipolar pacing threshold correlated better (unipolar: Pearson R -0.45; p < 0.001; Spearman Rho -0.62; p < 0.001, bipolar: Pearson R -0.39; p < 0.001; Spearman Rho -0.52; p < 0.001). Consistent constant capture threshold had better correlation with median CF than consistent intermittent capture threshold for both unipolar and bipolar pacing (Pearson R -0.45; p < 0.001 and Spearman Rho -0.62; p < 0.001 vs. Pearson R -0.35; p < 0.001; Spearman Rho -0.52; p < 0.001). The best pacing threshold cutoff point to detect a good CF (>10 g) was 3.25 mA for unipolar pacing with 69% specificity and 73% sensitivity. Both increased to 80% specificity and 74% sensitivity for sites with normal bipolar voltage and a pacing threshold cutoff value of 2.85 mA. Pacing thresholds correlate with CF in human not previously ablated LA. Since the combination of a normal bipolar voltage and a unipolar pacing threshold <2.85 mA provide reasonable parameters of validity, pacing threshold could be of interest as a surrogate for CF in LA.

Reducing Bias and Error in the Correlation Coefficient Due to Nonnormality.

PubMed

Bishara, Anthony J; Hittner, James B

2015-10-01

It is more common for educational and psychological data to be nonnormal than to be approximately normal. This tendency may lead to bias and error in point estimates of the Pearson correlation coefficient. In a series of Monte Carlo simulations, the Pearson correlation was examined under conditions of normal and nonnormal data, and it was compared with its major alternatives, including the Spearman rank-order correlation, the bootstrap estimate, the Box-Cox transformation family, and a general normalizing transformation (i.e., rankit), as well as to various bias adjustments. Nonnormality caused the correlation coefficient to be inflated by up to +.14, particularly when the nonnormality involved heavy-tailed distributions. Traditional bias adjustments worsened this problem, further inflating the estimate. The Spearman and rankit correlations eliminated this inflation and provided conservative estimates. Rankit also minimized random error for most sample sizes, except for the smallest samples ( n = 10), where bootstrapping was more effective. Overall, results justify the use of carefully chosen alternatives to the Pearson correlation when normality is violated.

Reducing Bias and Error in the Correlation Coefficient Due to Nonnormality

PubMed Central

Hittner, James B.

2014-01-01

It is more common for educational and psychological data to be nonnormal than to be approximately normal. This tendency may lead to bias and error in point estimates of the Pearson correlation coefficient. In a series of Monte Carlo simulations, the Pearson correlation was examined under conditions of normal and nonnormal data, and it was compared with its major alternatives, including the Spearman rank-order correlation, the bootstrap estimate, the Box–Cox transformation family, and a general normalizing transformation (i.e., rankit), as well as to various bias adjustments. Nonnormality caused the correlation coefficient to be inflated by up to +.14, particularly when the nonnormality involved heavy-tailed distributions. Traditional bias adjustments worsened this problem, further inflating the estimate. The Spearman and rankit correlations eliminated this inflation and provided conservative estimates. Rankit also minimized random error for most sample sizes, except for the smallest samples (n = 10), where bootstrapping was more effective. Overall, results justify the use of carefully chosen alternatives to the Pearson correlation when normality is violated. PMID:29795841

A 12-Day Course of Imiquimod 5% for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: Effectiveness and Local Reactions.

PubMed

Serra-Guillén, C; Nagore, E; Llombart, B; Sanmartín, O; Requena, C; Calomarde, L; Guillén, C

2018-04-01

Imiquimod is an excellent option for patients with actinic keratosis, although its use may be limited by the long course of treatment required (4 weeks) and the likelihood of local skin reactions. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate the effectiveness of a 12-day course of imiquimod 5% for the treatment of actinic keratosis and to examine the association between treatment effectiveness and severity of local reactions. We included patients with at least 8 actinic keratoses treated with imiquimod 5% cream for 12 consecutive days. Local reactions were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The statistical analysis of the association between local reactions and clinical response was based on the Pearson χ 2 test and the Spearman rank correlation test. Sixty-five patients completed the study. Complete response was recorded in 52.3% and partial response in 75.4%. We found a statistically significant association between severity of the local reaction and response to treatment in both the Pearson χ 2 test and the Spearman rank correlation test. A 12-day course of imiquimod 5% proved effective for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Severity of local reactions during treatment was correlated with clinical response. Copyright © 2017 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Inverse expression of survivin and reprimo correlates with poor patient prognosis in gastric cancer.

PubMed

Cerda-Opazo, Paulina; Valenzuela-Valderrama, Manuel; Wichmann, Ignacio; Rodríguez, Andrés; Contreras-Reyes, Daniel; Fernández, Elmer A; Carrasco-Aviño, Gonzalo; Corvalán, Alejandro H; Quest, Andrew F G

2018-02-27

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between Survivin and Reprimo transcript/protein expression levels, and gastric cancer outcome. In silico correlations between an agnostic set of twelve p53-dependent apoptosis and cell-cycle genes were explored in the gastric adenocarcinoma TCGA database, using cBioPortal. Findings were validated by regression analysis of RNAseq data. Separate regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of p53 status on Survivin and Reprimo. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry confirmed in silico findings on fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded gastric cancer tissues, respectively. Wild-type (AGS, SNU-1) and mutated p53 (NCI-N87) cell lines transfected with pEGFP-Survivin or pCMV6-Reprimo were evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Kaplan-Meier method and Long-Rank test were used to assess differences in patient outcome. cBioPortal analysis revealed an inverse correlation between Survivin and Reprimo expression (Pearson's r= -0.3, Spearman's ρ= -0.55). RNAseq analyses confirmed these findings (Spearman's ρ= -0.37, p<4.2e-09) and revealed p53 dependence in linear regression models (p<0.05). mRNA and protein levels validated these observations in clinical samples (p<0.001). In vitro analysis in cell lines demonstrated that increasing Survivin reduced Reprimo, while increasing Reprimo reduced Survivin expression, but only did so in p53 wild-type gastric cells (p<0.05). Survivin-positive but Reprimo-negative patients displayed shorter overall survival rates (p=0.047, Long Rank Test) (HR=0.32; 95%IC: 0.11-0.97; p=0.044). TCGA RNAseq data analysis, evaluation of clinical samples and studies in cell lines identified an inverse relationship between Survivin and Reprimo. Elevated Survivin and reduced Reprimo protein expression correlated with poor patient prognosis in gastric cancer.

Comparative Analysis of Mass Spectral Similarity Measures on Peak Alignment for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Peak alignment is a critical procedure in mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery in metabolomics. One of peak alignment approaches to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) data is peak matching-based alignment. A key to the peak matching-based alignment is the calculation of mass spectral similarity scores. Various mass spectral similarity measures have been developed mainly for compound identification, but the effect of these spectral similarity measures on the performance of peak matching-based alignment still remains unknown. Therefore, we selected five mass spectral similarity measures, cosine correlation, Pearson's correlation, Spearman's correlation, partial correlation, and part correlation, and examined their effects on peak alignment using two sets of experimental GC×GC-MS data. The results show that the spectral similarity measure does not affect the alignment accuracy significantly in analysis of data from less complex samples, while the partial correlation performs much better than other spectral similarity measures when analyzing experimental data acquired from complex biological samples. PMID:24151524

Differential correlation for sequencing data.

PubMed

Siska, Charlotte; Kechris, Katerina

2017-01-19

Several methods have been developed to identify differential correlation (DC) between pairs of molecular features from -omics studies. Most DC methods have only been tested with microarrays and other platforms producing continuous and Gaussian-like data. Sequencing data is in the form of counts, often modeled with a negative binomial distribution making it difficult to apply standard correlation metrics. We have developed an R package for identifying DC called Discordant which uses mixture models for correlations between features and the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for fitting parameters of the mixture model. Several correlation metrics for sequencing data are provided and tested using simulations. Other extensions in the Discordant package include additional modeling for different types of differential correlation, and faster implementation, using a subsampling routine to reduce run-time and address the assumption of independence between molecular feature pairs. With simulations and breast cancer miRNA-Seq and RNA-Seq data, we find that Spearman's correlation has the best performance among the tested correlation methods for identifying differential correlation. Application of Spearman's correlation in the Discordant method demonstrated the most power in ROC curves and sensitivity/specificity plots, and improved ability to identify experimentally validated breast cancer miRNA. We also considered including additional types of differential correlation, which showed a slight reduction in power due to the additional parameters that need to be estimated, but more versatility in applications. Finally, subsampling within the EM algorithm considerably decreased run-time with negligible effect on performance. A new method and R package called Discordant is presented for identifying differential correlation with sequencing data. Based on comparisons with different correlation metrics, this study suggests Spearman's correlation is appropriate for sequencing data, but other correlation metrics are available to the user depending on the application and data type. The Discordant method can also be extended to investigate additional DC types and subsampling with the EM algorithm is now available for reduced run-time. These extensions to the R package make Discordant more robust and versatile for multiple -omics studies.

Erectile dysfunction in older male stroke patients: correlation between side of hemiplegia and erectile function.

PubMed

Sikiru, Lamina; Shmaila, Hanif; Yusuf, Gagarawa Saidu

2009-06-01

This study was conducted to determine the effects of hemiplegia on erectile function in stroke patients. One hundred and five stroke patients grouped into left (61.78 +/- 7.79 years) and 55 right hemiplegic (62.11 +/- 9.32 years) and 40 age-matched controls (64.00 +/- 8.53 years). The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was used for data collection. One way analysis of variance and Spearman correlation tests were used in data analysis. Erectile function was significantly decreased in the both right (IIEF-5, 7.55 +/- 4.07) and left hemiplegic groups (IIEF-5, 10.40 +/- 5.70) compared with the control group (IIEF-5, 20.50 +/- 4.2 7) p < 0.05. Side of hemiplegia significantly correlated with erectile dysfunction at p < 0.01. Conclusively, stroke mostly affects erectile function of right hemiplegia.

[The supply of physicians in Mexico: excess and shortage].

PubMed

Vázquez, D; Galván-Martínez, O; Ramírez-Cuadra, C; Frenk-Mora, J

1992-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to find out whether a decrease in the number of medical undergraduates doing their social service has any influence on the quantity of medical services provided by health care institutions in Mexico. Spearman's Rank Test was used to correlate the number of medical undergraduates and the number of services. Data for analysis were taken from the statistical information bulletins of the Ministry of Health for the decade of the 1980's. The analysis found that there is a significant correlation between the number of medical undergraduate and the number of primary health care services provided, and that this correlation disappears in the cases of secondary and tertiary health care services. The results underscore the importance of reconsidering the adequate number of physicians required to satisfy the health care needs of the Mexican population.

[Ecological correlation between consumption of alcoholic beverages and liver cirrhosis mortality in Mexico].

PubMed

Narro-Robles, J; Gutiérrez-Avila, J H

1997-01-01

To determine the correlation between alcohol consumption and mortality from liver cirrhosis in Mexico. Analysis of the ecological correlation between the patterns of alcohol consumption determined by the National Addiction Survey in 1993 and mortality by liver cirrhosis, in the period between 1971-1993, in the eight regions in which the country was divided. To determine level of correlation, the Pearson and Spearman coefficients were calculated. Significant correlations were only found with the prevalence of spirits and pulque drinkers; with beer drinkers the correlation was negative. The correlation with pulque is interesting, since pulque consumption is considered to be low scale in some rural areas. The negative correlation with beer may indicate that beer drinking is nor a good indicator of alcoholism. Results, though limited to the possibilities of an ecological study, reveal the necessity of effective actions in the regions where spirits and pulque are consumed in excess.

Point shear wave ultrasound elastography with Esaote compared to real-time 2D shear wave elastography with supersonic imagine for the quantification of liver stiffness.

PubMed

Mulazzani, L; Salvatore, V; Ravaioli, F; Allegretti, G; Matassoni, F; Granata, R; Ferrarini, A; Stefanescu, H; Piscaglia, Fabio

2017-09-01

Different shear wave elastography (SWE) machines able to quantify liver stiffness (LS) have been recently introduced by various companies. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between point SWE with Esaote MyLab Twice (pSWE.ESA) and 2D SWE with Aixplorer SuperSonic (2D SWE.SSI). Moreover, we assessed the correlation of these machines with Fibroscan in a subgroup of patients. A total of 81 liver disease patients and 27 subjects without liver disease accessing the ultrasound lab were considered. Exclusion criteria were liver nodules, BMI >35, and severe comorbidities. LS was sampled from the same intercostal space with both pSWE.ESA and 2D SWE.SSI and values were tested with Lin's analysis and Bland-Altman analysis (B&A). Agreement between each SWE machine and Fibroscan was assessed in 26 liver disease patients with Spearman correlation. Precision and accuracy between pSWE.ESA and 2D SWE.SSI were, respectively, 0.839 and 0.999. B&A showed a mean of only -0.2 kPa, with no systematic deviation between the techniques and limits of agreement at -11.6 and 11.3 kPa. Spearman's rho correlation versus Fibroscan was 0.849 for pSWE.ESA and 0.878 for 2D SWE.SSI. The relationship became less strict in the higher range of LS (≥15.2 kPa), corresponding to cirrhosis. The overall degree of concordance of pSWE.ESA and 2D SWE.SSI in measuring LS resulted remarkable, also when compared with Fibroscan. The less strict correlation for patients with LS in the higher range would not affect the staging of disease as such patients are anyhow classified as cirrhotic.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire for Japanese pregnant women with and without nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

PubMed

Ogawa, Kohei; Jwa, Seung-Chik; Kobayashi, Minatsu; Morisaki, Naho; Sago, Haruhiko; Fujiwara, Takeo

2017-05-01

No previous study has shown the validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in early pregnancy with consideration of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a FFQ in early pregnancy for Japanese pregnant women. We included 188 women before 15 weeks of gestation and compared estimated nutrient intake and food group intake based on a modified FFQ with that based on 3-day dietary records (DRs). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients, adjusting energy intake and attenuating within-person error, were calculated. Subgroup analysis for those with and without NVP was conducted. We also examined the degree of appropriate classification across categories between FFQ and DRs through division of consumption of nutrients and food groups into quintiles. Crude Spearman's correlation coefficients of nutrients ranged from 0.098 (sodium) to 0.401 (vitamin C), and all of the 36 nutrients were statistically significant. In 27 food groups, correlation coefficients ranged from -0.015 (alcohol) to 0.572 (yogurt), and 81% were statistically significant. In subgroup analysis, correlation coefficients in 89% of nutrients and 70% of food groups in women with NVP and 97% of nutrients and 74% of food groups in women without NVP were statistically significant. On average, 63.7% of nutrients and 60.4% of food groups were classified into same or adjacent quintiles according to the FFQ and DRs. The FFQ is a useful instrument, regardless of NVP, for assessing the diet of women in early pregnancy in Japan. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does the utilization of dental services associate with masticatory performance in a Japanese urban population?: the Suita study

PubMed Central

Kikui, Miki; Kida, Momoyo; Kosaka, Takayuki; Yamamoto, Masaaki; Yoshimuta, Yoko; Yasui, Sakae; Nokubi, Takashi; Maeda, Yoshinobu; Kokubo, Yoshihiro; Watanabe, Makoto; Miyamoto, Yoshihiro

2015-01-01

Abstract There are numerous reports on the relationship between regular utilization of dental care services and oral health, but most are based on questionnaires and subjective evaluation. Few have objectively evaluated masticatory performance and its relationship to utilization of dental care services. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of regular utilization of dental services on masticatory performance. The subjects consisted of 1804 general residents of Suita City, Osaka Prefecture (760 men and 1044 women, mean age 66.5 ± 7.9 years). Regular utilization of dental services and oral hygiene habits (frequency of toothbrushing and use of interdental aids) was surveyed, and periodontal status, occlusal support, and masticatory performance were measured. Masticatory performance was evaluated by a chewing test using gummy jelly. The correlation between age, sex, regular dental utilization, oral hygiene habits, periodontal status or occlusal support, and masticatory performance was analyzed using Spearman's correlation test and t‐test. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship of regular dental utilization with masticatory performance after controlling for other factors. Masticatory performance was significantly correlated to age when using Spearman's correlation test, and to regular dental utilization, periodontal status, or occlusal support with t‐test. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that regular utilization of dental services was significantly related to masticatory performance even after adjusting for age, sex, oral hygiene habits, periodontal status, and occlusal support (standardized partial regression coefficient β = 0.055). These findings suggested that the regular utilization of dental care services is an important factor influencing masticatory performance in a Japanese urban population. PMID:29744141

Does the utilization of dental services associate with masticatory performance in a Japanese urban population?: the Suita study.

PubMed

Kikui, Miki; Ono, Takahiro; Kida, Momoyo; Kosaka, Takayuki; Yamamoto, Masaaki; Yoshimuta, Yoko; Yasui, Sakae; Nokubi, Takashi; Maeda, Yoshinobu; Kokubo, Yoshihiro; Watanabe, Makoto; Miyamoto, Yoshihiro

2015-12-01

There are numerous reports on the relationship between regular utilization of dental care services and oral health, but most are based on questionnaires and subjective evaluation. Few have objectively evaluated masticatory performance and its relationship to utilization of dental care services. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of regular utilization of dental services on masticatory performance. The subjects consisted of 1804 general residents of Suita City, Osaka Prefecture (760 men and 1044 women, mean age 66.5 ± 7.9 years). Regular utilization of dental services and oral hygiene habits (frequency of toothbrushing and use of interdental aids) was surveyed, and periodontal status, occlusal support, and masticatory performance were measured. Masticatory performance was evaluated by a chewing test using gummy jelly. The correlation between age, sex, regular dental utilization, oral hygiene habits, periodontal status or occlusal support, and masticatory performance was analyzed using Spearman's correlation test and t -test. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship of regular dental utilization with masticatory performance after controlling for other factors. Masticatory performance was significantly correlated to age when using Spearman's correlation test, and to regular dental utilization, periodontal status, or occlusal support with t -test. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that regular utilization of dental services was significantly related to masticatory performance even after adjusting for age, sex, oral hygiene habits, periodontal status, and occlusal support (standardized partial regression coefficient β  = 0.055). These findings suggested that the regular utilization of dental care services is an important factor influencing masticatory performance in a Japanese urban population.

The Temporal Propagation of Intrinsic Brain Activity Associate With the Occurrence of PTSD

PubMed Central

Weng, Yifei; Qi, Rongfeng; Chen, Feng; Ke, Jun; Xu, Qiang; Zhong, Yuan; Chen, Lida; Li, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Li; Lu, Guangming

2018-01-01

The abnormal brain activity is a pivotal condition for the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the dynamic time features of intrinsic brain activities still remain unclearly in PTSD patients. Our study aims to perform the resting-state lag analysis (RS-LA) method to explore potential propagated patterns of intrinsic brain activities in PTSD patients. We recruited 27 drug-naive patients with PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) in the final data statistics. Both RS-LA and conventional voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) methods were employed on the same dataset. Then, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on time latency values of those abnormal brain regions with the clinical assessments. Compared with HC group, the time latency patterns of PTSD patients significantly shifted toward later in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle prefrontal cortex, right angular, and left pre- and post-central cortex. The TEC group tended to have similar time latency in right angular. Additionally, significant time latency in right STG was found in PTSD group relative to TEC group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the time latency value of mPFC negatively correlated to the PTSD checklist-civilian version scores (PCL_C) in PTSD group (r = −0.578, P < 0.05). Furthermore, group differences map of FCS exhibited parts of overlapping areas with that of RS-LA, however, less specificity in detecting PTSD patients. In conclusion, apparent alterations of time latency were observed in DMN and primary sensorimotor areas of PTSD patients. These findings provide us with new evidence to explain the neural pathophysiology contributing to PTSD. PMID:29887811

A coupled geochemical and biogeochemical approach to characterize the bioreactivity of dissolved organic matter from a headwater stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sleighter, Rachel L.; Cory, Rose M.; Kaplan, Louis A.; Abdulla, Hussain A. N.; Hatcher, Patrick G.

2014-08-01

The bioreactivity or susceptibility of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to microbial degradation in streams and rivers is of critical importance to global change studies, but a comprehensive understanding of DOM bioreactivity has been elusive due, in part, to the stunningly diverse assemblages of organic molecules within DOM. We approach this problem by employing a range of techniques to characterize DOM as it flows through biofilm reactors: dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, excitation emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs), and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. The EEMs and mass spectral data were analyzed using a combination of multivariate statistical approaches. We found that 45% of stream water DOC was biodegraded by microorganisms, including 31-45% of the humic DOC. This bioreactive DOM separated into two different groups: (1) H/C centered at 1.5 with O/C 0.1-0.5 or (2) low H/C of 0.5-1.0 spanning O/C 0.2-0.7 that were positively correlated (Spearman ranking) with chromophoric and fluorescent DOM (CDOM and FDOM, respectively). DOM that was more recalcitrant and resistant to microbial degradation aligned tightly in the center of the van Krevelen space (H/C 1.0-1.5, O/C 0.25-0.6) and negatively correlated (Spearman ranking) with CDOM and FDOM. These findings were supported further by principal component analysis and 2-D correlation analysis of the relative magnitudes of the mass spectral peaks assigned to molecular formulas. This study demonstrates that our approach of processing stream water through bioreactors followed by EEMs and FTICR-MS analyses, in combination with multivariate statistical analysis, allows for precise, robust characterization of compound bioreactivity and associated molecular level composition.

Intelligence and Semen Quality Are Positively Correlated

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arden, Rosalind; Gottfredson, Linda S.; Miller, Geoffrey; Pierce, Arand

2009-01-01

Human cognitive abilities inter-correlate to form a positive matrix, from which a large first factor, called "Spearman's g" or general intelligence, can be extracted. General intelligence itself is correlated with many important health outcomes including cardio-vascular function and longevity. However, the important evolutionary question of…

Detailing the relation between renal T2* and renal tissue pO2 using an integrated approach of parametric magnetic resonance imaging and invasive physiological measurements.

PubMed

Pohlmann, Andreas; Arakelyan, Karen; Hentschel, Jan; Cantow, Kathleen; Flemming, Bert; Ladwig, Mechthild; Waiczies, Sonia; Seeliger, Erdmann; Niendorf, Thoralf

2014-08-01

This study was designed to detail the relation between renal T2* and renal tissue pO2 using an integrated approach that combines parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantitative physiological measurements (MR-PHYSIOL). Experiments were performed in 21 male Wistar rats. In vivo modulation of renal hemodynamics and oxygenation was achieved by brief periods of aortic occlusion, hypoxia, and hyperoxia. Renal perfusion pressure (RPP), renal blood flow (RBF), local cortical and medullary tissue pO2, and blood flux were simultaneously recorded together with T2*, T2 mapping, and magnetic resonance-based kidney size measurements (MR-PHYSIOL). Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out on a 9.4-T small-animal magnetic resonance system. Relative changes in the invasive quantitative parameters were correlated with relative changes in the parameters derived from MRI using Spearman analysis and Pearson analysis. Changes in T2* qualitatively reflected tissue pO2 changes induced by the interventions. T2* versus pO2 Spearman rank correlations were significant for all interventions, yet quantitative translation of T2*/pO2 correlations obtained for one intervention to another intervention proved not appropriate. The closest T2*/pO2 correlation was found for hypoxia and recovery. The interlayer comparison revealed closest T2*/pO2 correlations for the outer medulla and showed that extrapolation of results obtained for one renal layer to other renal layers must be made with due caution. For T2* to RBF relation, significant Spearman correlations were deduced for all renal layers and for all interventions. T2*/RBF correlations for the cortex and outer medulla were even superior to those between T2* and tissue pO2. The closest T2*/RBF correlation occurred during hypoxia and recovery. Close correlations were observed between T2* and kidney size during hypoxia and recovery and for occlusion and recovery. In both cases, kidney size correlated well with renal vascular conductance, as did renal vascular conductance with T2*. Our findings indicate that changes in T2* qualitatively mirror changes in renal tissue pO2 but are also associated with confounding factors including vascular volume fraction and tubular volume fraction. Our results demonstrate that MR-PHYSIOL is instrumental to detail the link between renal tissue pO2 and T2* in vivo. Unravelling the link between regional renal T2* and tissue pO2, including the role of the T2* confounding parameters vascular and tubular volume fraction and oxy-hemoglobin dissociation curve, requires further research. These explorations are essential before the quantitative capabilities of parametric MRI can be translated from experimental research to improved clinical understanding of hemodynamics/oxygenation in kidney disorders.

The correlation between symptomatic fatigue to definite measures of gait in people with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Kalron, Alon

2016-02-01

There is a general consensus relating to the multidimensional aspects of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), however, the exact impact of this symptom on gait is not fully understood. Our primary aim was to examine the relationship between definite parameters of gait with self-reported symptomatic fatigue in PwMS according to their level of neurological impairment. Spatio-temporal parameters of gait were studied using an electronic walkway. The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) questionnaire, a patient-rated measure of walking ability was collected. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) questionnaire was used to determine the level of symptomatic fatigue. One hundred and one PwMS (61 women) were included in the study analysis. Subjects were divided into mild and moderate neurological impaired groups. Fatigue was correlated with 5 (out of 14) spatiotemporal parameters. However, correlation scores were all <0.35, thus considered as weak correlations. In the mild group, the double support period was the only variable positively correlated to fatigue (Spearman's rho=0.28, P=0.05). In the moderate group, step and stride length were solely negatively correlated to fatigue (Spearman's rho=0.32, P=0.03). In contrast to the definite gait parameters, the MSWS-12 self-questionnaire was moderately positively correlated to the level of fatigue. Scores for the total, mild and moderate groups were 0.54, 0.57 and 0.51; P<0.01, respectively. The present results indicate that modifications in spatio-temporal parameters of gait are not closely related to symptomatic fatigue in PwMS. On the contrary, the self-reported MSWS-12 questionnaire is predisposed to level of fatigue in PwMS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of thyroid eye disease: quality-of-life questionnaire (TED-QOL) in Korean patients.

PubMed

Son, Byeong Jae; Lee, Sang Yeul; Yoon, Jin Sook

2014-04-01

To assess impaired quality of life (QOL) of Korean patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) using the TED-QOL questionnaire, to evaluate the adaptability of the questionnaire, and to assess the correlation between TED-QOL and scales of disease severity. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Total of 90 consecutive adult patients with TED and Graves' disease were included in this study. TED-QOL was translated into Korean and administered to the patients. The results were compared with clinical severity scores (clinical activity score, VISA (vision loss (optic neuropathy); inflammation; strabismus/motility; appearance/exposure) classification, modified NOSPECS (no signs or symptoms; only signs; soft tissue; proptosis; extraocular muscle; cornea; sight loss) score, Gorman diplopia scale, and European Group of Graves' Orbitopathy Classification). Clinical scores indicating inflammation and strabismus in patients with TED were positively correlated with overall and visual function-related QOL (Spearman coefficient 0.21-0.38, p < 0.05). Clinical scores associated with appearance were positively correlated with appearance-related QOL (Spearman coefficient 0.26-0.27, p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, age, soft-tissue inflammation, motility disorder of modified NOSPECS, and motility disorder of VISA classification had positive correlation with overall and function-related QOL. Sex, soft-tissue inflammation, proptosis of modified NOSPECS, and appearance of VISA classification had correlation with appearance-related QOL. In addition, validity of TED-QOL was proved sufficient based on the outcomes of patient interviews and correlation between the subscales of TED-QOL. TED-QOL showed significant correlations with various objective clinical parameters of TED. TED-QOL was a simple and useful tool for rapid evaluation of QOL in daily outpatient clinics, which could be readily translated into different languages to be widely applicable to various populations. Copyright © 2014 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Designing anatomy program in modern medical curriculum: matter of balance.

PubMed

Grković, Ivica; Marinović Guić, Maja; Kosta, Vana; Poljicanin, Ana; Carić, Ana; Vilović, Katarina

2009-02-01

To evaluate the structure of the anatomy program in the first year medical curriculum of University of Split School of Medicine by comparing it with the recommendations by the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) and the Terminologia Anatomica (TA); we also quantitatively evaluated the organization of teaching material in contemporary topographical anatomy textbooks and matched them with the AACA recommendations, TA, and the curriculum of the anatomy course taught at Medical School in Split, Croatia. TA, official recommendations of the AACA, 6 contemporary anatomy textbooks, and the structure of the anatomy course were analyzed for the proportion of the terms or text devoted to standard topographical regions of the body. The findings were correlated using Spearman rho test. The curriculum outline correlated both with the AACA recommendations (Spearman rho=0.83, P=0.015) and TA (Spearman rho=0.73, P=0.046). Textbooks contained 8 distinct sections, 7 allocated to topographic anatomy regions and 1 to general anatomy concepts and principles. The structure of all textbooks correlated significantly with the course curriculum. However, 4 out of 6 textbooks did not correlate with TA and only a single textbook showed significant correlation with the AACA recommendations. Anatomy textbooks vary in the amount of text dedicated to different parts of topographical anatomy and are not quite concordant with curriculum recommendations and standard anatomical terminology. Planning the structure of an anatomy course should not be based on a single book or recommendation but on evidence.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) translation and linguistic validation to classical Arabic.

PubMed

Mallek, A; Elleuch, M H; Ghroubi, S

2016-09-01

To translate and linguistically validate in classical Arabic; the French version of the neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD). Arabic translation of the NBD score was obtained by the "forward translation/backword translation" method. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury were included. Evaluation of intestinal and anorectal disorders was conducted by the self-administered questionnaire NBD, which was filled twice two weeks apart. An item-by-item analysis was made. The feasibility, acceptability, internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest repeatability by non-parametric Spearman correlation were studied. Twenty-three patients with colorectal disorders secondary to neurological disease were included, the average age was 40.79±9.16years and the sex-ratio was 1.85. The questionnaire was feasible and acceptable, no items were excluded. The spearman correlation was of 0.842. Internal consistency was judged good through the Cronbach's alpha was of 0.896. The Arabic version of NBD was reproducible and construct validity was satisfactory. The study of its responsiveness to change with a larger number of patients will be the subject of further work. 4. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Can the pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster score predict patient satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty?

PubMed

Rogers, B A; Alolabi, B; Carrothers, A D; Kreder, H J; Jenkinson, R J

2015-02-01

In this study we evaluated whether pre-operative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis scores can predict satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prospective data for a cohort of patients undergoing THA from two large academic centres were collected, and pre-operative and one-year post-operative WOMAC scores and a 25-point satisfaction questionnaire were obtained for 446 patients. Satisfaction scores were dichotomised into either improvement or deterioration. Scatter plots and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to describe the association between pre-operative WOMAC and one-year post-operative WOMAC scores and patient satisfaction. Satisfaction was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis against pre-operative, post-operative and δ WOMAC scores. We found no relationship between pre-operative WOMAC scores and one-year post-operative WOMAC or satisfaction scores, with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of 0.16 and -0.05, respectively. The ROC analysis showed areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.54 (pre-operative WOMAC), 0.67 (post-operative WOMAC) and 0.43 (δ WOMAC), respectively, for an improvement in satisfaction. We conclude that the pre-operative WOMAC score does not predict the post-operative WOMAC score or patient satisfaction after THA, and that WOMAC scores can therefore not be used to prioritise patient care. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Chronic kidney disease: Pathological and functional evaluation with intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging.

PubMed

Mao, Wei; Zhou, Jianjun; Zeng, Mengsu; Ding, Yuqin; Qu, Lijie; Chen, Caizhong; Ding, Xiaoqiang; Wang, Yaqiong; Fu, Caixia

2018-05-01

Because chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide problem, accurate pathological and functional evaluation is required for planning treatment and follow-up. Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can assess both capillary perfusion and tissue diffusion and may be helpful in evaluating renal function and pathology. To evaluate functional and pathological alterations in CKD by applying IVIM-DWI. Prospective study. In all, 72 CKD patients who required renal biopsy and 20 healthy volunteers. 1.5T. All subjects underwent IVIM-DWI of the kidneys, and image analysis was performed by two radiologists. The mean values of true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were acquired from renal parenchyma. Correlation between IVIM-DWI parameters and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as pathological damage, were assessed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired sample t-test and Spearman correlation analysis. The paired sample t-test revealed that IVIM-DWI parameters were significantly lower in medulla than cortex for both patients and controls (P < 0.01). Regardless of whether eGFR was reduced, ANOVA revealed that f values of renal parenchyma were significantly lower in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between eGFR and D (cortex, r = 0.466, P < 0.001; medulla, r = 0.491, P < 0.001), and between eGFR and f (cortex, r = 0.713, P < 0.001; medulla, r = 0.512, P < 0.001). Negative correlations were found between f and glomerular injury (cortex, r = -0.773, P < 0.001; medulla, r = -0.629, P < 0.001), and between f and tubulointerstitial lesion (cortex, r = -0.728, P < 0.001; medulla, r = -0.547, P < 0.001). IVIM-DWI might be feasible for noninvasive evaluation of renal function and pathology of CKD, especially in detection of renal insufficiency at an early stage. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1251-1259. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Neonates with Bartter syndrome have enormous fluid and sodium requirements.

PubMed

Azzi, Antonio; Chehade, Hassib; Deschênes, Georges

2015-07-01

Managing neonatal Bartter syndrome by achieving adequate weight gain is challenging. We assessed the correlation between weight gain in neonatal Bartter syndrome and the introduction of fluid and sodium supplementations and indomethacin during the first 4 weeks of life. Daily fluid and electrolytes requirements were analysed using linear regression and Spearman correlation coefficients. The weight gain coefficient was calculated as daily weight gain after physiological neonatal weight loss. We studied seven infants. The highest weight gain coefficients occurred between weeks two and four in the five neonates who either received prompt amounts of fluid (maximum 810 mL/kg/day) and sodium (maximum 70 mmol/kg/day) or were treated with indomethacin. For the two patients with the highest weight gain coefficient, water and sodium supplementations were decreased in weeks two to four leading to a significant negative Spearman correlation between weight gain and fluid supplements (r = -0.55 and -0.68) and weight gain and sodium supplementations (r = -0.96 and -0.72). The two patients with the lowest weight gain coefficient had positive Spearman correlation coefficients between weight gain and fluid and sodium supplementations. Infants with neonatal Bartter syndrome required rapid and enormous fluid and sodium supplementations or the early introduction of indomethacin treatment to achieve adequate weight gain during the early postnatal period. ©2015 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

I did eat my vegetables. Agreement between parent and child food intake diaries.

PubMed

Rangelov, Natalie; Suggs, L Suzanne; Marques-Vidal, Pedro

2016-12-01

To assess the level of agreement between children and their parents when reporting a child's food consumption. Cross-sectional study in which children and parents independently completed 7 d food diaries describing the foods and drinks the child consumed at every meal and snack. The association between child and parent reporting was assessed for nineteen food groups using Kendall's tau-b non-parametric correlations, Spearman's rank correlations, kappa coefficients and Lin's concordance measure of agreement. Results were also stratified by gender of the child and his/her grade at school. Households in Ticino, Switzerland, April-June 2014. Two hundred and ninety-nine children aged 6-12 years and one of their parents participated, with 264 providing complete data (35 % completion rate). Results showed a high level of agreement between child and parent reporting. Spearman correlations ranged from 0·55 (sauces) and 0·57 (fatty meat) to 0·80 (fruit), 0·83 (starchy foods) and 0·84 (pastries). All nineteen Spearman correlations were significant at the 0·001 level. Kendall's tau-b correlations ranged from 0·44 (fat meat) to 0·81 (puff pastry). Kappa values showed low to high levels of agreement, ranging from 0·15 (sweets) to 0·77 (puff pastry). Lin's concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0·39 (whole grains) to 0·86 (puff pastry). When assessing the eating behaviour of children using a 7 d food diary, children's reports might be as reliable as their parents'.

COVD-QOL questionnaire: An adaptation for school vision screening using Rasch analysis

PubMed Central

Abu Bakar, Nurul Farhana; Ai Hong, Chen; Pik Pin, Goh

2012-01-01

Purpose To adapt the College of Optometrist in Vision Development (COVD-QOL) questionnaire as a vision screening tool for primary school children. Methods An interview session was conducted with children, teachers or guardians regarding visual symptoms of 88 children (45 from special education classes and 43 from mainstream classes) in government primary schools. Data was assessed for response categories, fit items (infit/outfit: 0.6–1.4) and separation reliability (item/person: 0.80). The COVD-QOL questionnaire results were compared with vision assessment in identifying three categories of vision disorders: reduce visual acuity, accommodative response anomaly and convergence insufficiency. Analysis on the screening performance using the simplified version of the questionnaire was evaluated based on receiver-operating characteristic analysis for detection of any type of target conditions for both types of classes. Predictive validity analysis was used a Spearman rank correlation (>0.3). Results Two of the response categories were underutilized and therefore collapsed to the adjacent category and items were reduced to 14. Item separation reliability for the simplified version of the questionnaire was acceptable (0.86) but the person separation reliability was inadequate for special education classes (0.79) similar to mainstream classes (0.78). The discriminant cut-off score of 9 (mainstream classes) and 3 (special education classes) from the 14 items provided sensitivity and specificity of (65% and 54%) and (78% and 80%) with Spearman rank correlation of 0.16 and 0.40 respectively. Conclusion The simplified version of COVD-QOL questionnaire (14-items) performs adequately among children in special education classes suggesting its suitability as a vision screening tool.

Measuring family needs of people living with cancer. Portuguese validation and descriptive studies of the Family Inventory of Needs.

PubMed

Areia, Neide P; Major, Sofia; Relvas, Ana P

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the Family Inventory of Needs (FIN). The FIN aims to measure important family needs and their fulfilment by a healthcare team. This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 364 family members of cancer patients, recruited from three medical institutions and through online recruitment. Three instruments were used: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the FIN and the Brief Symptom Inventory - 18 (BSI-18). Construct validity and reliability were considered regarding the FIN's psychometric properties. The method used to determine construct validity was factor structure analysis (confirmatory factor analysis), inter-factor correlations (Spearman's rank correlation) and convergent validity (Spearman's rank correlation). To assess scale reliability, the FIN's internal consistency was evaluated (Cronbach's alpha coefficient). Descriptive and frequency statistics and tests to compare means were used to assess important needs and to what extent they were met. The four-factor structure of the FIN was confirmed. Thus, the FIN has four domains: Basic Information, Information on treatment and care, Support and Patient Comfort. Convergent validity with the BSI-18 was verified. Both subscales of the FIN and each domain exceeded the minimum reliability standard of 0.70. Family members also reported important needs that were not adequately met by healthcare professionals. The Portuguese version of the FIN seems to be a reliable and valid tool for identifying cancer patients' important family needs and to what extent these are met. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of moment structures for assessing relationships among perceived chewing ability, dentition status, muscle strength, and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Moriya, Shingo; Notani, Kenji; Murata, Ayumi; Inoue, Nobuo; Miura, Hiroko

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to assess relationships among perceived chewing ability, dentition status, muscle strength and balance in community-dwelling older adults using analysis of moment structures (Amos). Physical performance parameters such as muscle strength and balance can predict the future onset of disabilities in activities of daily living among older adults. In this context, elucidation of the relationships among oral conditions and physical performance parameters is necessary. Data on occlusal contact patterns of natural teeth (OPNT), self-assessed masticatory ability (mastication), body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength (HG) and one-leg standing time with eyes open (OLST) were collected from 501 independently living adults aged 65-74 years. The relationships among these parameters were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and Amos. Subjects of both genders showed significant correlations among OPNT, mastication, HG and OLST, evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. For each Amos model, the goodness-of-fit statistic indicated a good level of fit. In both men and women, OPNT was significantly related to mastication, and mastication was related to HG but not to OLST. OPNT was related to neither HG nor OLST in women and was related to OLST but not HG in men. The findings observed in this study present a possible importance of dental status and perceived chewing ability for the onset of disability by influencing physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Oxygenation-sensitive cardiovascular magnetic resonance in hypertensive heart disease with left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy and non-left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy: Insight from altered mechanics and cardiac BOLD imaging.

PubMed

Chen, Bing-Hua; Wu, Rui; An, Dong-Aolei; Shi, Ruo-Yang; Yao, Qiu-Ying; Lu, Qing; Hu, Jiani; Jiang, Meng; Deen, James; Chandra, Ankush; Xu, Jian-Rong; Wu, Lian-Ming

2018-05-07

BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) MRI can detect regional condition of myocardial oxygen supply and demand by means of paramagnetic properties. Noninvasive assessment of myocardial oxygenation by BOLD MRI in hypertensive patients with hypertension (HTN) left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy (LVMH) and HTN non-LVMH and its correlation with myocardial mechanics were performed. Prospective. Twenty patients with HTN LVMH, 21 patients with HTN non-LVMH, and 23 normotensive controls were enrolled. Cine imaging, T2* and T1 mapping sequences were achieved at 3.0T. Dedicated T1 mapping, T2*, and cine imaging analysis were performed by two radiologists using cvi42. One-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Bland-Altman analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation. T2* values of HTN LVMH group were significantly lower versus the controls (23.78 ± 3.09 versus 30.77 ± 2.71; P < 0.001) and HTN non-LVMH group (23.78 ± 3.09 versus 28.64 ± 4.23; P < 0.001). Left ventricular peak circumferential strain were reduced in HTN LVMH patients compared with other two groups (-11.32 [-15.64, -10.3], -16.78 [-19.35, -15.34], and -19.73 [-20.57, -18.73]; P < 0.05); and longitudinal strain of HTN LVMH patients were lower than other two groups (-11.31 ± 2.91, -15.1 ± 3.06, and -18.85 ± 1.85; P < 0.05); radial strain of HTN LVMH patients were also lower than other two groups (25.03 ± 16, 40.95 ± 17.5 and 47.9 ± 10.23; P < 0.05). Extracellular volume correlated with peak circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain (spearman rho = 0.6, 0.64, and -0.69; P < 0.05), respectively; T2* negatively correlated with peak circumferential and longitudinal strain (spearman rho = -0.43 and -0.49; P < 0.05), respectively. Patients with lower T2* values had significant decreases in myocardial mechanics (P < 0.05). HTN LVMH patients have both impaired myocardial mechanics and decreased T2* values compared with HTN non-LVMH and normotensive groups. BOLD MRI could provide a feasible assessment modality for detecting altered T2* due to the change of de-oxygenated hemoglobin and hence to the change of signal intensity in oxygenation-sensitive images. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Correlation of Zn2+ content with aflatoxin content of corn.

PubMed Central

Failla, L J; Lynn, D; Niehaus, W G

1986-01-01

Forty-nine samples from the 1983 Virginia corn harvest were analyzed for aflatoxin, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese content. Values (mean +/- standard deviation) were as follows: aflatoxin, 117 +/- 360 micrograms/kg; zinc, 22.5 +/- 3.4 mg/kg; copper, 2.27 +/- 0.56 mg/kg; iron, 40.8 +/- 18.7 mg/kg; and manganese, 5.1 +/- 1.1 mg/kg. Aflatoxin levels positively correlated with zinc (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.385; P less than 0.006) and copper levels (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.573; P less than 0.0001). Based on biochemical data in the literature, we believe that the correlation with zinc is important and that there may be a cause-and-effect relationship between zinc levels in corn and aflatoxin levels which are produced upon infection with Aspergillus flavus or A. parasiticus. Control of aflatoxin contamination in field corn by decreasing the zinc levels may be feasible, but no methods to decrease zinc levels are currently available. PMID:3729406

Correlation between lung to thorax transverse area ratio and observed/expected lung area to head circumference ratio in fetuses with left-sided diaphragmatic hernia.

PubMed

Hidaka, Nobuhiro; Murata, Masaharu; Sasahara, Jun; Ishii, Keisuke; Mitsuda, Nobuaki

2015-05-01

Observed/expected lung area to head circumference ratio (o/e LHR) and lung to thorax transverse area ratio (LTR) are the sonographic indicators of postnatal outcome in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and they are not influenced by gestational age. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between these two parameters in the same subjects with fetal left-sided CDH. Fetuses with left-sided CDH managed between 2005 and 2012 were included. Data of LTR and o/e LHR values measured on the same day prior to 33 weeks' gestation in target fetuses were retrospectively collected. The correlation between the two parameters was estimated using the Spearman's rank-correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between them. Data on 61 measurements from 36 CDH fetuses were analyzed to obtain a Spearman's rank-correlation coefficient of 0.74 with the following linear equation: LTR = 0.002 × (o/e LHR) + 0.005. The determination coefficient of this linear equation was sufficiently high at 0.712, and the prediction accuracy obtained with this regression formula was considered satisfactory. A good linear correlation between the LTR and the o/e LHR was obtained, suggesting that we can translate the predictive parameters for each other. This information is expected to be useful to improve our understanding of different investigations focusing on LTR or o/e LHR as a predictor of postnatal outcome in CDH. © 2014 Japanese Teratology Society.

Further Examination of the Reliability of the Modified Rathus Assertiveness Schedule.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Del Greco, Linda; And Others

1986-01-01

Examined the reliability of the 30-item Modified Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (MRAS) using the test-retest method over a three-week period. The MRAS yielded correlations of .74 using the Pearson product and Spearman Brown correlation coefficient. Correlations for males yielded .77 and .72. For females correlations for both tests were .72.…

Mandibular condylar morphology for bruxers with different grinding patterns.

PubMed

Tao, Jianxiang; Wu, Junhua; Zhang, Xuying

2015-12-29

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mandibular condylar morphology for bruxers with different grinding patterns. Condylar sectional morphology and condylar position of 30 subjects were determined by two viewers using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image data sets. The grinding patterns during sleep bruxism (SB) were determined objectively using a Brux-checker device.Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis for the condylar morphology type between different tooth grinding patterns. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis between condylar position and the canine guidance area during SB. Theincidence of condylarmorphologicaldivergence from idealwas35%.There isa significant difference in distribution of condylar morphology type between the group grinding (GG) and GG combined with mediotrusive side grinding (MG) (Pv 0.05). There was no significant correlation between condylar position and canine guidance area during bruxism. MG during SB is associated with condylar morphology that is considered not to be ideal.

Mandibular condylar morphology for bruxers with different grinding patterns.

PubMed

Tao, Jianxiang; Wu, Junhua; Zhang, Xuying

2016-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mandibular condylar morphology for bruxers with different grinding patterns. Condylar sectional morphology and condylar position of 30 subjects were determined by two viewers using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image data sets. The grinding patterns during sleep bruxism (SB) were determined objectively using a Brux-checker device.Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis for the condylar morphology type between different tooth grinding patterns. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis between condylar position and the canine guidance area during SB. Theincidence of condylarmorphologicaldivergence from idealwas35%.There isa significant difference in distribution of condylar morphology type between the group grinding (GG) and GG combined with mediotrusive side grinding (MG) (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between condylar position and canine guidance area during bruxism. MG during SB is associated with condylar morphology that is considered not to be ideal.

Arabic versions of the sleep timing questionnaire and the composite scale of morningness.

PubMed

Mansour, Hader; Tobar, Salwa; Fathi, Warda; Ibrahim, Ibtihal; Wood, Joel; Elassy, Mai; Elsayed, Hanan; Yassin, Amal; Salah, Hala; Eissa, Ahmed; El-Boraie, Hala; El-Boraie, Osama; Dobea, Ahmed; Osama, Haitham; Gomaa, Zeinab; El-Bahaei, Wafaa; Monk, Timothy H; Nimgaonkar, Vishwajit L

2015-02-01

To develop Arabic versions of English language questionnaires to estimate morningness/eveningness and sleep variables. We translated the Composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the sleep timing questionnaire (STQ) [with added siesta questions] into Arabic; the Arabic versions were then back translated. The revised Arabic and the original English versions were next administered to bi-lingual Egyptians using a crossover design (n=25). The Arabic versions of both scales were subsequently administered to an independent Egyptian sample (n=79) and the siesta variables examined in relation to the CSM. Satisfactory correlations were present between the English and Arabic versions for total CSM scores (Spearman's ρ=0.90, p<0.001). All but one of the STQ variables were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ=0.45-0.88, p≤0.05). In the Arabic version, the frequency of siesta naps per week was significantly correlated with the total CSM score, with evening types taking more naps (Spearman's ρ=-0.23, p≤0.05). Arabic versions of the STQ and CSM have been developed in Egypt, and are freely available. They can be used for behavioral research related to sleep and circadian function and can be adapted for use in other Arab speaking populations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Position related analysis of the appearance of and relationship between post-match physical and mental fatigue in university rugby football players.

PubMed

Mashiko, T; Umeda, T; Nakaji, S; Sugawara, K

2004-10-01

The relationship between physical and mental fatigue in rugby players after a match was examined, taking into account the position played. The Profile of Mood State (POMS) test, blood biochemical parameters, and serum opsonic activity were measured for 37 university rugby football players before and after a match. There were no differences in parameter changes except for blood urea nitrogen (a marker for protein catabolism) between the forwards and the backs. Regarding correlation between physical and mental fatigue, in forwards, changes in POMS scores showed a positive correlation with changes in the levels of enzymes of skeletal muscle origin, such as glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and free fatty acid (FFA) level and white blood cell count (for example, in the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score, Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.417 and p<0.05 with GOT, 0.413 and p<0.05 with LDH, 0.462 and p<0.05 with FFA, and 0.442 and p<0.05 with white blood cell count). In backs, changes in the POMS scores showed a positive correlation with changes in the levels of lipid related parameters such as FFA and total cholesterol (for example, as regards the TMD score, Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.481 and p<0.05 with FFA, and 0.550 and p<0.05 with total cholesterol), and showed a negative correlation with change in blood glucose level (TMD score, -0.517 and p<0.05). The different exercise loading of the position played during a rugby match may cause differences in the relationship between physical and mental fatigue.

Invasiveness as a barrier to self-monitoring of blood glucose in diabetes.

PubMed

Wagner, Julie; Malchoff, Carl; Abbott, Gina

2005-08-01

This study investigated the degree to which the invasive characteristic of glucose monitoring is a barrier to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). A paper-and-pencil Measure of Invasiveness as a reason for Skipping SMBG (MISS) was created and administered to 339 people with diabetes. The correlations between MISS scores and actual SMBG frequency, percent adherence to SMBG recommendations, SMBG anxiety, SMBG burden, and knowledge of the importance of glycemic control for avoiding diabetes complications were each explored. On a scale of 0-28, the average MISS score was M = 4.3 (SD = 5.4, range 0-28). Fully 63% (nearly two-thirds) of respondents reported skipping SMBG because of the invasiveness of the procedure. MISS scores were negatively related to percent adherence to healthcare provider SMBG recommendations as measured by memory function of automated meters (Spearman's r= -0.47, P < 0.01). MISS scores were also negatively related to absolute SMBG frequency regardless of SMBG recommendations (Spearman's r= -0.11, P < 0.05). Correlation between the MISS and SMBG anxiety was significant (Spearman's r = 0.50, P < 0.01). With highly anxious participants deleted, the magnitude of the correlation was attenuated, but persisted (Spearman's r = 0.28, P < 0.01), suggesting that invasiveness is associated with SMBG anxiety even among patients without a blood or injection phobia. MISS scores were also correlated with the degree to which patients find routine and non-routine SMBG checks a burden (routine r = 0.38, P < 0.01; non-routine r = 0.45, P < 0.01). Results of Mann-Whitney U tests indicated higher MISS scores among participants with less knowledge about the importance of glycemic control in the development of diabetes vascular complications. Invasiveness is a common and serious barrier to SMBG. These findings suggest that people with diabetes would perform SMBG more frequently and have improved quality of life with non-invasive SMBG.

Histogram analysis parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient reflect tumor cellularity and proliferation activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Winter, Karsten; Richter, Cindy; Hoehn, Anna-Kathrin

2018-01-01

Our purpose was to analyze associations between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis parameters and histopathologicalfeatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study involved 32 patients with primary HNSCC. For every tumor, the following histogram analysis parameters were calculated: ADCmean, ADCmax, ADCmin, ADCmedian, ADCmode, P10, P25, P75, P90, kurtosis, skewness, and entropy. Furthermore, proliferation index KI 67, cell count, total and average nucleic areas were estimated. Spearman's correlation coefficient (p) was used to analyze associations between investigated parameters. In overall sample, all ADC values showed moderate inverse correlations with KI 67. All ADC values except ADCmax correlated inversely with tumor cellularity. Slightly correlations were identified between total/average nucleic area and ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmedian, and P25. In G1/2 tumors, only ADCmode correlated well with Ki67. No statistically significant correlations between ADC parameters and cellularity were found. In G3 tumors, Ki 67 correlated with all ADC parameters except ADCmode. Cell count correlated well with all ADC parameters except ADCmax. Total nucleic area correlated inversely with ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmedian, P25, and P90. ADC histogram parameters reflect proliferation potential and cellularity in HNSCC. The associations between histopathology and imaging depend on tumor grading. PMID:29805759

The radiographic visibility of the root pulp of the third lower molar as an age marker.

PubMed

Pérez-Mongiovi, Daniel; Teixeira, Alexandra; Caldas, Inês Morais

2015-09-01

The aim of this work was to determine the usefulness of the visibility of the dental pulp in lower third molars in forensic age estimation. Dental pulp visibility on lower third molars was assessed using a sample of 487 orthopantomograms. Intra and inter-observer agreement was determined using the Cohen's kappa test. A descriptive analysis of the stages according to age was done. The relationship between age and stage attainment was assessed using Chi square test and the strength and direction of the linear relationship between pulp visualization stage and chronological age was evaluated using Spearman rank order correlation (rho). Equations for predicting an age above 21 years were developed using logistic regression. The level of significance was defined at p < 0.05. The relationship between age and stage attainment had statistical significance for both sexes (p < 0.001). There was a medium positive correlation between the two variables for both genders (Spearman ρ = 0.420, p < 0.001 and Spearman ρ = 0.454, p < 0.001, for males and females respectively). The model built for age estimation successfully predicted age over 21 in 96.2% of the females and in 96.9% of the males. However, only 19.6 and 27.0% of predictions were accurate for the group that was younger than 21, for females and males, respectively. The accuracy of predictions for the group younger than 21 years of age was low, meaning that this methodology may not be suitable for age estimation. Still, stage 3 alone proved to be a suitable age marker for determining an age over 21 years.

Poor sleep quality, depression and hope before breast cancer surgery.

PubMed

Mansano-Schlosser, Thalyta Cristina; Ceolim, Maria Filomena; Valerio, Teresa D

2017-04-01

This study aims to identify the predictors of poor sleep quality and the associations between depression, hope and sleep in a sample of 156 women with breast cancer prior to surgery. The care and treatment of breast cancer is among the most important scientific challenges in public health. Sleep disturbances and depression are the important complaint of cancer patients. However, they are often neglected. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer also experience prejudice, fear of death, suffering, mutilation, fear of lymphedema, as well as feelings of social devaluation leading to hopelessness Several studies point to hope as an effective strategy to help patients cope with difficulties and achieve their goals, especially patients with cancer. This is a report of baseline data extracted from a longitudinal study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Herth Hope Index. Data were analyzed with the Spearman's Rank Correlation test and Multiple Logistic Regression analysis. The majority of women had tumors in initial stages (78.7%), reported poor sleep quality (58.9%), and had moderate to severe or severe depression (27.2%). Significant correlations were found between hope and depression (Spearman r=-0.4341), and between sleep quality and depression (Spearman r=0.3938). Significant associations were found between poor sleep quality and pain, symptoms of menopause and depression. Depression and symptoms of menopause were independent predictors of poor sleep quality. The evaluation of sleep quality, depression and hope should be implemented in clinical practice. Increased hope lessens depression and may positively affect sleep quality, all of which improves quality of life for women with breast cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-cultural adaptation of VISA-P score for patellar tendinopathy in Spanish population.

PubMed

Hernandez-Sanchez, Sergio; Hidalgo, Maria Dolores; Gomez, Antonia

2011-08-01

Clinical measurement. To adapt the VISA-P questionnaire into Spanish and to assess its psychometric properties. Health status questionnaires and scales to report outcomes are increasingly used in medical research and clinical practice. Validated versions of these tools are necessary to avoid bias during use in different languages and cultures. We followed international recommendations to perform cross-cultural adaptation. The Spanish VISA-P (VISA-P-Sp) questionnaire and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) were administered to 150 individuals: 40 healthy students, 40 professional players in sports requiring jumping, 40 athletes with patellar tendinopathy, and 30 athletes with knee injuries other than patellar tendinopathy. Participants were assessed at baseline and after 1 week. Athletes with tendinopathy also completed questionnaires and other knee measures (the Kujala Scoring Questionnaire and the Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale) after physiotherapy treatment, which consisted of rest, ice, eccentric exercise, electrotherapy, and manual therapy. The VISA-P-Sp showed high reliability for both temporal stability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.994; 95% CI: 0.992, 0.996) and internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.885). Based on a factor analysis, a 2-factor solution explained 76.1% of the variance. The VISA-P-Sp score in the tendinopathy group was significantly correlated with scores on other knee scales (Kujala score [Spearman rho = 0.897; P<.001] and Cincinnati scale [Spearman rho = 0.782, P<.001]) and with SF-36 physical components score (Spearman rho>0.6, P<.001). The standardized size effect was 1.14, and the standardized response mean was 1.17. The VISA-P-Sp questionnaire proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, sensitive to clinical changes and comparable to the original English-language version.

Designing Anatomy Program in Modern Medical Curriculum: Matter of Balance

PubMed Central

Grković, Ivica; Marinović Guić, Maja; Košta, Vana; Poljičanin, Ana; Čarić, Ana; Vilović, Katarina

2009-01-01

Aim To evaluate the structure of the anatomy program in the first year medical curriculum of University of Split School of Medicine by comparing it with the recommendations by the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) and the Terminologia Anatomica (TA); we also quantitatively evaluated the organization of teaching material in contemporary topographical anatomy textbooks and matched them with the AACA recommendations, TA, and the curriculum of the anatomy course taught at Medical School in Split, Croatia. Methods TA, official recommendations of the AACA, 6 contemporary anatomy textbooks, and the structure of the anatomy course were analyzed for the proportion of the terms or text devoted to standard topographical regions of the body. The findings were correlated using Spearman ρ test. Results The curriculum outline correlated both with the AACA recommendations (Spearman ρ = 0.83, P = 0.015) and TA (Spearman ρ = 0.73, P = 0.046). Textbooks contained 8 distinct sections, 7 allocated to topographic anatomy regions and 1 to general anatomy concepts and principles. The structure of all textbooks correlated significantly with the course curriculum. However, 4 out of 6 textbooks did not correlate with TA and only a single textbook showed significant correlation with the AACA recommendations. Conclusion Anatomy textbooks vary in the amount of text dedicated to different parts of topographical anatomy and are not quite concordant with curriculum recommendations and standard anatomical terminology. Planning the structure of an anatomy course should not be based on a single book or recommendation but on evidence. PMID:19260144

Comparison of causality analysis on simultaneously measured fMRI and NIRS signals during motor tasks.

PubMed

Anwar, Abdul Rauf; Muthalib, Makii; Perrey, Stephane; Galka, Andreas; Granert, Oliver; Wolff, Stephan; Deuschl, Guenther; Raethjen, Jan; Heute, Ulrich; Muthuraman, Muthuraman

2013-01-01

Brain activity can be measured using different modalities. Since most of the modalities tend to complement each other, it seems promising to measure them simultaneously. In to be presented research, the data recorded from Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), simultaneously, are subjected to causality analysis using time-resolved partial directed coherence (tPDC). Time-resolved partial directed coherence uses the principle of state space modelling to estimate Multivariate Autoregressive (MVAR) coefficients. This method is useful to visualize both frequency and time dynamics of causality between the time series. Afterwards, causality results from different modalities are compared by estimating the Spearman correlation. In to be presented study, we used directionality vectors to analyze correlation, rather than actual signal vectors. Results show that causality analysis of the fMRI correlates more closely to causality results of oxy-NIRS as compared to deoxy-NIRS in case of a finger sequencing task. However, in case of simple finger tapping, no clear difference between oxy-fMRI and deoxy-fMRI correlation is identified.

Correlation of intra-tumor 18F-FDG uptake heterogeneity indices with perfusion CT derived parameters in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Tixier, Florent; Groves, Ashley M; Goh, Vicky; Hatt, Mathieu; Ingrand, Pierre; Le Rest, Catherine Cheze; Visvikis, Dimitris

2014-01-01

Thirty patients with proven colorectal cancer prospectively underwent integrated 18F-FDG PET/DCE-CT to assess the metabolic-flow phenotype. Both CT blood flow parametric maps and PET images were analyzed. Correlations between PET heterogeneity and perfusion CT were assessed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Blood flow visualization provided by DCE-CT images was significantly correlated with 18F-FDG PET metabolically active tumor volume as well as with uptake heterogeneity for patients with stage III/IV tumors (|ρ|:0.66 to 0.78; p-value<0.02). The positive correlation found with tumor blood flow indicates that intra-tumor heterogeneity of 18F-FDG PET accumulation reflects to some extent tracer distribution and consequently indicates that 18F-FDG PET intra-tumor heterogeneity may be associated with physiological processes such as tumor vascularization.

Correlation analysis between expression of PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 and X-ray features in mammography in breast cancer.

PubMed

Qiu, Xiaoming; Mei, Jixin; Yin, Jianjun; Wang, Hong; Wang, Jinqi; Xie, Ming

2017-09-01

This study investigated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), proliferation-associated nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in tissues of breast invasive ductal carcinoma, and analyzed the correlations between these indexes and X-ray features in mammography. A total of 90 patients who were admitted to Huangshi Central Hospital and diagnosed as breast invasive ductal carcinoma from January 2014 to January 2016 were selected. The expression of PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 in cancer tissues and cancer-adjacent normal tissues of patients were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and X-ray features in mammography of patients were observed. By using Spearman correlation analysis, the correlations between expression of PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 and X-ray features in mammography in breast cancer were investigated. As a result, the positive expression rates of PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 in cancer tissues of the patient groups were respectively 42.2, 45.6 and 51.1%, which were significantly higher than those in cancer-adjacent normal tissues of the control group (p<0.05). PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 expression in cancer tissues of the patient group was associated with clinical staging and lymphatic metastasis (p<0.05), but had no correlation with age and tumor size (p>0.05). PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 expression in cancer tissues of the patient group had no correlation with the existence of lumps and localized density-increased shadows (p>0.05), but were associated with manifestations of architectural distortion, calcification as well as skin and nipple depression (p<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of PCNA and COX-2 in cancer tissues of the patient group (r=0.676, p<0.05); there was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of Ki-67 and COX-2 (r=0.724, p<0.05); PCNA expression had no obvious correlation with the expression of Ki-67 (p>0.05). In conclusion, PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 expression is of great significance in the occurrence, invasion and metastasis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma. There is a strong correlation between PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 expression levels and X-ray features in mammography in breast invasive ductal carcinoma. The application of X-ray features in mammography can evaluate the expression levels of PCNA, Ki-67 and COX-2 in tissues of breast invasive ductal carcinoma, thereby prospectively predicting biological behavior of these cancer cells and patient prognosis.

Testing the significance of a correlation with nonnormal data: comparison of Pearson, Spearman, transformation, and resampling approaches.

PubMed

Bishara, Anthony J; Hittner, James B

2012-09-01

It is well known that when data are nonnormally distributed, a test of the significance of Pearson's r may inflate Type I error rates and reduce power. Statistics textbooks and the simulation literature provide several alternatives to Pearson's correlation. However, the relative performance of these alternatives has been unclear. Two simulation studies were conducted to compare 12 methods, including Pearson, Spearman's rank-order, transformation, and resampling approaches. With most sample sizes (n ≥ 20), Type I and Type II error rates were minimized by transforming the data to a normal shape prior to assessing the Pearson correlation. Among transformation approaches, a general purpose rank-based inverse normal transformation (i.e., transformation to rankit scores) was most beneficial. However, when samples were both small (n ≤ 10) and extremely nonnormal, the permutation test often outperformed other alternatives, including various bootstrap tests.

Circulating microRNA-1a is a biomarker of Graves' disease patients with atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Sheng-Jie; Yao, Xuan; Tian, Dong-Mei; Zhang, Ke-Qin; She, Dun-Min; Guo, Fei-Fan; Zhai, Qi-Wei; Ying, Hao; Xue, Ying

2017-07-01

It has been increasingly suggested that specific microRNAs expression profiles in the circulation and atrial tissue are associated with the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. Nonetheless, the role of circulating microRNAs in Graves' disease patients with atrial fibrillation has not yet been well described. The objective of the study was to identify the role of circulating microRNAs as specific biomarkers for the diagnosis of Graves' disease with atrial fibrillation. The expression profiles of eight serum microRNAs, which are found to be critical in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation, were determined in patients with Graves' disease with or without atrial fibrillation. MicroRNA expression analysis was performed by real-time PCR in normal control subjects (NC; n = 17), patients with Graves' disease without atrial fibrillation (GD; n = 29), patients with Graves' disease with atrial fibrillation (GD + AF; n = 14), and euthyroid patients with atrial fibrillation (AF; n = 22). Three of the eight serum microRNAs,i.e., miR-1a, miR-26a, and miR-133, had significantly different expression profiles among the four groups. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the relative expression level of miR-1a was positively correlated with free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), and negatively related to thyroid stimulating hormone. Spearman's correlations analysis also revealed that the level of miR-1a was negatively correlated with a critical echocardiographic parameter (left atrial diameter), which was dramatically increased in GD + AF group compared to GD group. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that, among the eight microRNAs, miR-1a had the largest area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves not only for discriminating between individuals with and without Graves' disease, but also for predicting the presence of atrial fibrillation in patients with Graves' disease. Our findings showed that the levels of serum miR-1a were significantly decreased in GD + AF group compared with GD group, suggesting that serum miR-1a might serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in patients with Graves' disease.

Correlation Attenuation Due to Measurement Error: A New Approach Using the Bootstrap Procedure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Padilla, Miguel A.; Veprinsky, Anna

2012-01-01

Issues with correlation attenuation due to measurement error are well documented. More than a century ago, Spearman proposed a correction for attenuation. However, this correction has seen very little use since it can potentially inflate the true correlation beyond one. In addition, very little confidence interval (CI) research has been done for…

Surgical management of congenital heart disease: correlation between hospital costs and the Aristotle complexity score.

PubMed

Sinzobahamvya, N; Kopp, T; Photiadis, J; Arenz, C; Schindler, E; Haun, C; Hraska, V; Asfour, B

2010-09-01

Hospital costs are expected to correlate with clinical complexity. Do costs for congenital heart surgery correlate with Aristotle complexity scores? 442 inpatient stays in 2008 were evaluated. Aristotle scores and levels were determined. Costs were estimated according to the German Institute for Hospital Reimbursement system. Pearson and Spearman R correlation coefficients and corresponding goodness-of-fit regression coefficients R2 were calculated. Mean basic and comprehensive Aristotle scores were 7.60 +/- 2.74 and 9.23 +/- 2.94 points, respectively. Mean expenses per hospital stay amounted to 29,369 +/- 30,823 Euros. Aristotle basic and comprehensive scores and levels were positively correlated with hospital costs. With a Spearman R of 1 and related R2 of 0.9436, scores of the 6 Aristotle comprehensive levels correlated best. Mean hospital reimbursement was 26,412 +/- 17,962 Euros. Compensation was higher than expenses for patients in comprehensive levels 1 to 3, but much lower for those in levels 4 to 6. Aristotle comprehensive complexity scores were highly correlated with hospital costs. The Aristotle score could be used as a scale to establish the correct reimbursement after congenital heart surgery. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.

Validation of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in patients with suicide risk.

PubMed

Rueda-Jaimes, German Eduardo; Castro-Rueda, Vanessa Alexandra; Rangel-Martínez-Villalba, Andrés Mauricio; Moreno-Quijano, Catalina; Martinez-Salazar, Gustavo Adolfo; Camacho, Paul Anthony

Only a few scales have been validated in Spanish for the assessment of suicide risk, and none of them have achieved predictive validity. To determine the validity and reliability of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in patients with suicide risk attending the specialist clinic. The Beck Hopelessness Scale, reasons for living inventory, and the suicide behaviour questionnaire were applied in patients with suicide risk attending the psychiatric clinic and the emergency department. A new assessment was made 30 days later to determine the predictive validity of suicide or suicide attempt. The evaluation included a total of 244 patients, with a mean age of 30.7±13.2 years, and the majority were women. The internal consistency was .9 (Kuder-Richardson formula 20). Four dimensions were found which accounted for 50% of the variance. It was positively correlated with the suicidal behaviour questionnaire (Spearman .48, P<.001), number of suicide attempts (Spearman .25, P<.001), severity of suicide risk (Spearman .23, P<.001). The correlation with the reasons for living inventory was negative (Spearman -.52, P<.001). With a cut-off ≥12, the negative predictive value was 98.4% (95% CI: 94.2-99.8), and the positive predictive value was 14.8% (95% CI: 6.6-27.1). The Beck Hopelessness Scale in Colombian patients with suicidality shows results similar to the original version, with adequate reliability and moderate concurrent and predictive validity. Copyright © 2016 SEP y SEPB. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Digital image analysis of Ki67 proliferation index in breast cancer using virtual dual staining on whole tissue sections: clinical validation and inter-platform agreement.

PubMed

Koopman, Timco; Buikema, Henk J; Hollema, Harry; de Bock, Geertruida H; van der Vegt, Bert

2018-05-01

The Ki67 proliferation index is a prognostic and predictive marker in breast cancer. Manual scoring is prone to inter- and intra-observer variability. The aims of this study were to clinically validate digital image analysis (DIA) of Ki67 using virtual dual staining (VDS) on whole tissue sections and to assess inter-platform agreement between two independent DIA platforms. Serial whole tissue sections of 154 consecutive invasive breast carcinomas were stained for Ki67 and cytokeratin 8/18 with immunohistochemistry in a clinical setting. Ki67 proliferation index was determined using two independent DIA platforms, implementing VDS to identify tumor tissue. Manual Ki67 score was determined using a standardized manual counting protocol. Inter-observer agreement between manual and DIA scores and inter-platform agreement between both DIA platforms were determined and calculated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Correlations and agreement were assessed with scatterplots and Bland-Altman plots. Spearman's correlation coefficients were 0.94 (p < 0.001) for inter-observer agreement between manual counting and platform A, 0.93 (p < 0.001) between manual counting and platform B, and 0.96 (p < 0.001) for inter-platform agreement. Scatterplots and Bland-Altman plots revealed no skewness within specific data ranges. In the few cases with ≥ 10% difference between manual counting and DIA, results by both platforms were similar. DIA using VDS is an accurate method to determine the Ki67 proliferation index in breast cancer, as an alternative to manual scoring of whole sections in clinical practice. Inter-platform agreement between two different DIA platforms was excellent, suggesting vendor-independent clinical implementability.

Validation and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) in patients with fibromyalgia.

PubMed

Latorre-Román, Pedro A; Martínez-Amat, Antonio; Martínez-López, Emilio; Moral, Angel; Santos, María A; Hita-Contreras, Fidel

2014-04-01

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease associated with high disability levels, which in turn lead to low quality of life (QOL). The objectives of this study were to translate the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) into Spanish and to assess its reliability and validity for its use in patients with FM. A total of 140 women are suffering from FM (52.87 ± 9.35 years old). All belonged to an association of FM patients (AFIXA, Jaén, Spain). The Spanish versions of the FM impact questionnaire (FIQ), the SF-36, and Beck's Depression Inventory were used to assess them. The construct's validity was checked by means of exploratory factorial analysis (varimax with Kaiser normalization). Test-retest reliability was assessed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and convergent validity through Spearman's correlation. Results show that Cronbach's alpha was 0.887, which revealed high internal consistency. The value of ICC for the QOLS total was 0.765 (95 % CI 0.649-0.843, p < 0.001). QOLS presented a significant Spearman's correlation (p < 0.01) with Beck's Inventory, with the physical and mental subtotals of SF-36 and with FIQ. The main component analysis and the varimax rotation revealed the convergence on three factors that account for 54.05 % of variance. Taking into account the severity of the disorder, significant differences (p < 0.05) appeared in QOLS, with moderately afflicted patients getting higher scores than the most severe cases. In conclusion, our study shows that the Spanish version of the QOLS is a reliable instrument, with a good convergent and discriminant construct validity, for measuring the QOL of Spanish FM patients.

Validation of walk score for estimating neighborhood walkability: an analysis of four US metropolitan areas.

PubMed

Duncan, Dustin T; Aldstadt, Jared; Whalen, John; Melly, Steven J; Gortmaker, Steven L

2011-11-01

Neighborhood walkability can influence physical activity. We evaluated the validity of Walk Score(®) for assessing neighborhood walkability based on GIS (objective) indicators of neighborhood walkability with addresses from four US metropolitan areas with several street network buffer distances (i.e., 400-, 800-, and 1,600-meters). Address data come from the YMCA-Harvard After School Food and Fitness Project, an obesity prevention intervention involving children aged 5-11 years and their families participating in YMCA-administered, after-school programs located in four geographically diverse metropolitan areas in the US (n = 733). GIS data were used to measure multiple objective indicators of neighborhood walkability. Walk Scores were also obtained for the participant's residential addresses. Spearman correlations between Walk Scores and the GIS neighborhood walkability indicators were calculated as well as Spearman correlations accounting for spatial autocorrelation. There were many significant moderate correlations between Walk Scores and the GIS neighborhood walkability indicators such as density of retail destinations and intersection density (p < 0.05). The magnitude varied by the GIS indicator of neighborhood walkability. Correlations generally became stronger with a larger spatial scale, and there were some geographic differences. Walk Score(®) is free and publicly available for public health researchers and practitioners. Results from our study suggest that Walk Score(®) is a valid measure of estimating certain aspects of neighborhood walkability, particularly at the 1600-meter buffer. As such, our study confirms and extends the generalizability of previous findings demonstrating that Walk Score is a valid measure of estimating neighborhood walkability in multiple geographic locations and at multiple spatial scales.

Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life questionnaire.

PubMed

Longo Imedio, Isabel; Serra-Guillén, Carlos

2016-01-01

While there are questionnaires for evaluating the effects of skin cancer on patient quality of life, there are no specific questionnaires available in Spanish for evaluating quality of life in patients with actinic keratosis. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Actinic Keratosis Quality of Life (AKQoL) questionnaire into Spanish. The original questionnaire was translated into Spanish following the guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. Several measures of general reliability and validity were calculated, including Cronbach α for internal consistency and the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient and a Bland-Altman plot for test-retest reliability. To test concurrent validity, we used the Pearson correlation coefficient to measure the correlation between AKQoL and Skindex-29 scores. The final version of the questionnaire was administered to 621 patients with actinic keratosis, who scored a mean (SD) of 5.25 (4.73) points (total possible score, 0-25). The Cronbach α reliability coefficient analysis was 0.84. The correlation between the mean (SD) score on the Skindex-29 (1.87 [4.07]) and on the AKQoL (1.97 [2.98] was 0.344 (P=.002, Spearman's rho), with a proportion of shared variance of 11.8%. The translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the original AKQoL produced a reliable, easily understandable questionnaire for evaluating the impact of actinic keratosis on the quality of life of patients in our setting. Copyright © 2016 AEDV. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Correlation of MLH1 and MGMT methylation levels between peripheral blood leukocytes and colorectal tissue DNA samples in colorectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Li, Xia; Wang, Yibaina; Zhang, Zuoming; Yao, Xiaoping; Ge, Jie; Zhao, Yashuang

2013-11-01

CpG island methylation in the promoter regions of the DNA mismatch repair gene mutator L homologue 1 ( MLH1 ) and DNA repair gene O 6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT ) genes has been shown to occur in the leukocytes of peripheral blood and colorectal tissue. However, it is unclear whether the methylation levels in the blood leukocytes and colorectal tissue are correlated. The present study analyzed and compared the levels of MGMT and MLH1 gene methylation in the leukocytes of peripheral blood and colorectal tissues obtained from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The methylation levels of MGMT and MLH1 were examined using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) analysis. A total of 44 patients with CRC were selected based on the MLH1 and MGMT gene methylation levels in the leukocytes of the peripheral blood. Corresponding colorectal tumor and normal tissues were obtained from each patient and the DNA methylation levels were determined. The correlation coefficients were evaluated using Spearman's rank test. Agreement was determined by generalized κ-statistics. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (r) for the methylation levels of the MGMT and MLH1 genes in the leukocytes of the peripheral blood and normal colorectal tissue were 0.475 and 0.362, respectively (P=0.001 and 0.016, respectively). The agreement of the MGMT and MLH1 gene methylation levels in the leukocytes of the peripheral blood and normal colorectal tissue were graded as fair and poor (κ=0.299 and 0.126, respectively). The methylation levels of MGMT and MLH1 were moderately and weakly correlated between the patient-matched leukocytes and the normal colorectal tissue, respectively. Blood-derived DNA methylation measurements may not always represent the levels of normal colorectal tissue methylation.

Use of the Liverpool Elbow Score as a postal questionnaire for the assessment of outcome after total elbow arthroplasty.

PubMed

Ashmore, Alexander M; Gozzard, Charles; Blewitt, Neil

2007-01-01

The Liverpool Elbow Score (LES) is a newly developed, validated elbow-specific score. It consists of a patient-answered questionnaire (PAQ) and a clinical assessment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the PAQ portion of the LES could be used independently as a postal questionnaire for the assessment of outcome after total elbow arthroplasty and to correlate the LES and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). A series of 51 total elbow replacements were reviewed by postal questionnaire. Patients then attended the clinic for assessment by use of both the LES and the MEPS. There was an excellent response rate to the postal questionnaire (98%), and 44 elbows were available for clinical review. Good correlation was shown between the LES and the MEPS (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.84; P < .001) and between the PAQ portion of the LES and the MEPS (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.76; P < .001). We conclude that there is good correlation between the LES PAQ component and the MEPS, suggesting that outcome assessment is possible by postal questionnaire.

The psychometric properties of exercise benefits/barriers scale among women

PubMed Central

Farahani, Leila Amiri; Parvizy, Soroor; Mohammadi, Eesa; Asadi-Lari, Mohsen; Kazemnejad, Anoshiravan; Hasanpoor-Azgahdy, Seyede Batool; Taghizadeh, Ziba

2017-01-01

Background and objective Despite the numerous health benefits of regular physical activity (PA), physical inactivity is a major health issue among women. The goal of the current study was to measure the validity and reliability assessment of the exercise benefits/barriers scale among women between the ages of 18 and 65 years. This study was carried out among women residing in Khoramroudi neighborhood in Tehran between December 2013 and February 2014. Methods In this descriptive, methodological study, 278 women residing in Khoramroudi neighborhood in Tehran between December 2013 and February 2014 completed three questionnaires: the demographic data form, the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. The construct validity, internal consistency, and stability of the study were measured by confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach’s alpha, and Spearman Brown correlation coefficient by using SPSS 21 and LISREL 8.80, respectively. Results The confirmatory factor analysis showed the Persian version of EBBS was structured well. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the total scale and its subscales were 0.927, 0.94 and 0.82, respectively. Spearman Brown correlation coefficient also showed good test-retest reliability. Conclusion The results of this study verified the reliability and validity of the applied instrument and introduced it as a tool to measure the benefits and barriers of physical activity among Iranian women. PMID:28894535

The psychometric properties of exercise benefits/barriers scale among women.

PubMed

Farahani, Leila Amiri; Parvizy, Soroor; Mohammadi, Eesa; Asadi-Lari, Mohsen; Kazemnejad, Anoshiravan; Hasanpoor-Azgahdy, Seyede Batool; Taghizadeh, Ziba

2017-07-01

Despite the numerous health benefits of regular physical activity (PA), physical inactivity is a major health issue among women. The goal of the current study was to measure the validity and reliability assessment of the exercise benefits/barriers scale among women between the ages of 18 and 65 years. This study was carried out among women residing in Khoramroudi neighborhood in Tehran between December 2013 and February 2014. In this descriptive, methodological study, 278 women residing in Khoramroudi neighborhood in Tehran between December 2013 and February 2014 completed three questionnaires: the demographic data form, the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. The construct validity, internal consistency, and stability of the study were measured by confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha, and Spearman Brown correlation coefficient by using SPSS 21 and LISREL 8.80, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the Persian version of EBBS was structured well. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total scale and its subscales were 0.927, 0.94 and 0.82, respectively. Spearman Brown correlation coefficient also showed good test-retest reliability. The results of this study verified the reliability and validity of the applied instrument and introduced it as a tool to measure the benefits and barriers of physical activity among Iranian women.

Impact of Infarct Size on Blood Pressure in Young Patients with Acute Stroke.

PubMed

Bonardo, Pablo; Pantiú, Fátima; Ferraro, Martín; Chertcoff, Anibal; Bandeo, Lucrecia; Cejas, Luciana León; Pacha, Sol; Roca, Claudia Uribe; Rugilo, Carlos; Pardal, Manuel Maria Fernández; Reisin, Ricardo

2018-06-01

Hypertension can be found in up to 80% of patients with acute stroke. Many factors have been related to this phenomenon such as age, history of hypertension, and stroke severity. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between infarct volume and blood pressure, at admission, in young patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients younger than 55 years old admitted within 24 hours of ischemic stroke were included. Socio-demographic variables, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and infarct volume at admission were assessed. Statistical analysis: mean and SEM for quantitative variables, percentages for qualitative, and Spearman correlations ( p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Twenty-two patients (12 men), mean age: 44.64 ± 1.62 years. The most frequent vascular risk factors were: hypertension, smoking, and overweight (40.9%). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure on admission were: 143.27 ± 6.57 mmHg and 85.14 ± 3.62 mmHg, respectively. Infarct volume: 11.55 ± 4.74 ml. Spearman correlations: systolic blood pressure and infarct volume: p = 0.15 r : -0.317; diastolic blood pressure and infarct volume: p = 0.738 r: -0.76. In our series of young patients with acute ischemic stroke, large infarct volume was not associated with high blood pressure at admission.

Correlation Coefficients: Appropriate Use and Interpretation.

PubMed

Schober, Patrick; Boer, Christa; Schwarte, Lothar A

2018-05-01

Correlation in the broadest sense is a measure of an association between variables. In correlated data, the change in the magnitude of 1 variable is associated with a change in the magnitude of another variable, either in the same (positive correlation) or in the opposite (negative correlation) direction. Most often, the term correlation is used in the context of a linear relationship between 2 continuous variables and expressed as Pearson product-moment correlation. The Pearson correlation coefficient is typically used for jointly normally distributed data (data that follow a bivariate normal distribution). For nonnormally distributed continuous data, for ordinal data, or for data with relevant outliers, a Spearman rank correlation can be used as a measure of a monotonic association. Both correlation coefficients are scaled such that they range from -1 to +1, where 0 indicates that there is no linear or monotonic association, and the relationship gets stronger and ultimately approaches a straight line (Pearson correlation) or a constantly increasing or decreasing curve (Spearman correlation) as the coefficient approaches an absolute value of 1. Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals can be used to address the statistical significance of the results and to estimate the strength of the relationship in the population from which the data were sampled. The aim of this tutorial is to guide researchers and clinicians in the appropriate use and interpretation of correlation coefficients.

[Translation and validation in italian of the Moral Distress Scale for psychiatric nurses (MDS-P)].

PubMed

Canciani, Eleonora; Spotti, Daniela; Bonetti, Loris

2016-01-01

Moral distress (MD) is a painful feeling and/or psychological disequilibrium, which may lead to negative consequences into the wellness of a nurse's working life. Nurses who work in psychiatry are more likely to experience a different type of MD compared with nurses of other contexts. In Italy a tool to evaluate MD in nurses who work in psychiatry doesn't exist. The aim of this study is to validate the Moral Distress Scale for Psychiatric Nurses (MDS-P) in Italian language. For translation the forward and back-translation has been used; the effectiveness regarding content and face validity of the translated scale has been analyzed through a focus group with experts of the field. In order to check the reliability of the scale the test-retest method has been used, by means of the determination of Spearman's correlation coefficient, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. The forward and back-translation process was successful. During the focus group analysis, 8 items were added to the 15 items of the original scale, due to experts suggestions. 32 nurses took part in the test-retest phase. Spearman's correlation coefficient resulted to be 0,91, ICC > 0,9, Cronbach's alpha calculated on test and retest, was always >0,9. The Italian version of the MDS-P proves to be an effective, appropriate and reliable instrument to measure the MD phenomenon within the population of nurses who work in the psychia- tric field in Italy.

Does lymphopenia or macrocytosis reflect 6-thioguanine levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine?

PubMed

Heerasing, N M; Ng, J F; Dowling, D

2016-04-01

The thiopurine drugs, 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine, remain the mainstay of immunomodulator therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Optimal management depends on achieving therapeutic levels of 6-thioguanine (6-TGN), but measuring thiopurine metabolites is associated with significant cost. Thiopurines cause lymphopenia and an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). It is unclear whether any clinically useful correlation exists between 6-TGN levels and lymphocyte count or MCV. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between 6-TGN levels and lymphocyte count and MCV in thiopurine-treated patients with IBD. We analysed a prospectively acquired database of 67 patients with IBD treated with thiopurine therapy. The data were analysed looking at the relationship between 6-TGN levels and both lymphocyte count and MCV by using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Twenty-seven (40%) patients had therapeutic 6-TGN levels. Thirty-three (49%) patients had sub-therapeutic 6-TGN levels. A weak positive correlation between 6-TGN levels and lymphocyte count was demonstrated, but this was not statistically significant (Spearman's R = 0.14, P = 0.23). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between 6-TGN levels and MCV was statistically significant (R = 0.42, P = 0.0005). MCV >101 fL excluded a subtherapeutic 6-TGN level with positive predictive value of 92%. There is no specific lymphopenia that can be assumed to indicate a therapeutic 6-TGN level. The relationship between 6-TGN levels and MCV is likely to be clinically relevant. If MCV is elevated, 6-TGN is unlikely to be sub-therapeutic. MCV is a potential surrogate marker which can rule out sub-therapeutic thiopurine metabolites in patients with IBD treated with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. © 2016 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Predictors and long-term reproducibility of urinary phthalate metabolites in middle-aged men and women living in urban Shanghai

PubMed Central

Starling, Anne P.; Engel, Lawrence S.; Calafat, Antonia M.; Koutros, Stella; Satagopan, Jaya M.; Yang, Gong; Matthews, Charles E.; Cai, Qiuyin; Buckley, Jessie P.; Ji, Bu-Tian; Cai, Hui; Chow, Wong-Ho; Zheng, Wei; Gao, Yu-Tang; Rothman, Nathaniel; Xiang, Yong-Bing; Shu, Xiao-Ou

2015-01-01

Phthalate esters are man-made chemicals commonly used as plasticizers and solvents, and humans may be exposed through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Little is known about predictors of phthalate exposure, particularly in Asian countries. Because phthalates are rapidly metabolized and excreted from the body following exposure, it is important to evaluate whether phthalate metabolites measured at a single point in time can reliably rank exposures to phthalates over a period of time. We examined the concentrations and predictors of phthalate metabolite concentrations among 50 middle-aged women and 50 men from two Shanghai cohorts, enrolled in 1997-2000 and 2002-2006, respectively. We assessed the reproducibility of urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in three spot samples per participant taken several years apart (mean interval between first and third sample was 7.5 years [women] or 2.9 years [men]), using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and intra-class correlation coefficients. We detected ten phthalate metabolites in at least 50% of individuals for two or more samples. Participant sex, age, menopausal status, education, income, body mass index, consumption of bottled water, recent intake of medication, and time of day of collection of the urine sample were associated with concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites. The reproducibility of an individual's urinary concentration of phthalate metabolites across several years was low, with all intra-class correlation coefficients and most Spearman rank correlation coefficients ≤ 0.3. Only mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, had a Spearman rank correlation coefficient ≥ 0.4 among men, suggesting moderate reproducibility. These findings suggest that a single spot urine sample is not sufficient to rank exposures to phthalates over several years in an adult urban Chinese population. PMID:26255822

Micro-computed tomography assessment of human alveolar bone: bone density and three-dimensional micro-architecture.

PubMed

Kim, Yoon Jeong; Henkin, Jeffrey

2015-04-01

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a valuable means to evaluate and secure information related to bone density and quality in human necropsy samples and small live animals. The aim of this study was to assess the bone density of the alveolar jaw bones in human cadaver, using micro-CT. The correlation between bone density and three-dimensional micro architecture of trabecular bone was evaluated. Thirty-four human cadaver jaw bone specimens were harvested. Each specimen was scanned with micro-CT at resolution of 10.5 μm. The bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and the bone mineral density (BMD) value within a volume of interest were measured. The three-dimensional micro architecture of trabecular bone was assessed. All the parameters in the maxilla and the mandible were subject to comparison. The variables for the bone density and the three-dimensional micro architecture were analyzed for nonparametric correlation using Spearman's rho at the significance level of p < .05. A wide range of bone density was observed. There was a significant difference between the maxilla and mandible. All micro architecture parameters were consistently higher in the mandible, up to 3.3 times greater than those in the maxilla. The most linear correlation was observed between BV/TV and BMD, with Spearman's rho = 0.99 (p = .01). Both BV/TV and BMD were highly correlated with all micro architecture parameters with Spearman's rho above 0.74 (p = .01). Two aspects of bone density using micro-CT, the BV/TV and BMD, are highly correlated with three-dimensional micro architecture parameters, which represent the quality of trabecular bone. This noninvasive method may adequately enhance evaluation of the alveolar bone. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stability and reproducibility of proteomic profiles measured with an aptamer-based platform.

PubMed

Kim, Claire H; Tworoger, Shelley S; Stampfer, Meir J; Dillon, Simon T; Gu, Xuesong; Sawyer, Sherilyn J; Chan, Andrew T; Libermann, Towia A; Eliassen, A Heather

2018-05-30

The feasibility of SOMAscan, a multiplex, high sensitivity proteomics platform, for use in studies using archived plasma samples has not yet been assessed. We quantified 1,305 proteins from plasma samples donated by 16 Nurses' Health Study (NHS) participants, 40 NHSII participants, and 12 local volunteers. We assessed assay reproducibility using coefficients of variation (CV) from duplicate samples and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Spearman correlation coefficients (r) of samples processed (i.e., centrifuged and aliquoted into separate components) immediately, 24, and 48 hours after collection, as well as those of samples collected from the same individuals 1 year apart. CVs were <20% for 99% of proteins overall and <10% for 92% of proteins in heparin samples compared to 66% for EDTA samples. We observed ICC or Spearman r (comparing immediate vs. 24-hour delayed processing) ≥0.75 for 61% of proteins, with some variation by anticoagulant (56% for heparin and 70% for EDTA) and protein class (ranging from 49% among kinases to 83% among hormones). Within-person stability over 1 year was good (ICC or Spearman r ≥ 0.4) for 91% of proteins. These results demonstrate the feasibility of SOMAscan for analyses of archived plasma samples.

Differences in perceptions of managerial roles by gender among southern business students.

PubMed

Smith, J O; Schellenberger, R E

1991-12-01

Perception of the roles necessary for managerial success based on the 10 verbal descriptors of the Mintzberg roles were gathered from 128 business students at a southern U.S. university. The objective was to assess whether these 72 men and 56 women viewed the importance of the roles differently. Ratings were collected on the 10 roles for each of four different types of managers. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, chi-squared analysis, and Spearman rank-order correlation. No differences were observed in the perception of men and women in these roles or of their relative importance.

Design and fabrication of SiO2/TiO2 and MgO/TiO2 based high selective optical filters for diffuse reflectance and fluorescence signals extraction.

PubMed

Pimenta, S; Cardoso, S; Miranda, A; De Beule, P; Castanheira, E M S; Minas, G

2015-08-01

This paper presents the design, optimization and fabrication of 16 MgO/TiO2 and SiO2/TiO2 based high selective narrow bandpass optical filters. Their performance to extract diffuse reflectance and fluorescence signals from gastrointestinal tissue phantoms was successfully evaluated. The obtained results prove their feasibility to correctly extract those spectroscopic signals, through a Spearman's rank correlation test (Spearman's correlation coefficient higher than 0.981) performed between the original spectra and the ones obtained using those 16 fabricated optical filters. These results are an important step for the implementation of a miniaturized, low-cost and minimal invasive microsystem that could help in the detection of gastrointestinal dysplasia.

[Comparison of refraction with or without cycloplegia using Retinomax® or Plusoptix® devices].

PubMed

Bui Quoc, E; Guilmin Crepon, S; Tinguely, S; Lavallee, G; Busquet, G; Angot, M; Vera, L

2017-03-01

To evaluate the refraction in children measured with Plusoptix ® without cycloplegia vs. Retinomax ® apparatus with cycloplegia. Measure of refraction with Plusoptix ® in children>1year old referred for systematic vision screening, then measurement after cycloplegia with cyclopentolate by the Retinomax ® device. Thirty-three children were included, i.e. 66eyes. Mean age was 40.7months (minimum 12; maximum 114). The Spearman correlation coefficient for the spherical equivalent was 0.52 (Plusoptix ® vs. Retinomax ® comparison; P<0.0001=moderate correlation). The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.73 for astigmatism (Plusoptix ® vs. Retinomax ® comparison; P<0.0001=strong correlation). The Plusoptix ® sensitivity for measurement of refraction was 57%, 43% and 43% respectively for spherical equivalent, sphere and astigmatism. The correlation of astigmatism values is strong, whereas the correlation of sphere values is moderate. Plusoptix ® seems to be unable to measure the exact refraction, because there is too large a dispersion of refraction measurements with Plusoptix ® , compared to the exact refraction measured with the Retinomax ® . Moreover, the sensitivity of Plusoptix ® is low. Cycloplegic refraction remains indispensable in children. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Comparing the normalization methods for the differential analysis of Illumina high-throughput RNA-Seq data.

PubMed

Li, Peipei; Piao, Yongjun; Shon, Ho Sun; Ryu, Keun Ho

2015-10-28

Recently, rapid improvements in technology and decrease in sequencing costs have made RNA-Seq a widely used technique to quantify gene expression levels. Various normalization approaches have been proposed, owing to the importance of normalization in the analysis of RNA-Seq data. A comparison of recently proposed normalization methods is required to generate suitable guidelines for the selection of the most appropriate approach for future experiments. In this paper, we compared eight non-abundance (RC, UQ, Med, TMM, DESeq, Q, RPKM, and ERPKM) and two abundance estimation normalization methods (RSEM and Sailfish). The experiments were based on real Illumina high-throughput RNA-Seq of 35- and 76-nucleotide sequences produced in the MAQC project and simulation reads. Reads were mapped with human genome obtained from UCSC Genome Browser Database. For precise evaluation, we investigated Spearman correlation between the normalization results from RNA-Seq and MAQC qRT-PCR values for 996 genes. Based on this work, we showed that out of the eight non-abundance estimation normalization methods, RC, UQ, Med, TMM, DESeq, and Q gave similar normalization results for all data sets. For RNA-Seq of a 35-nucleotide sequence, RPKM showed the highest correlation results, but for RNA-Seq of a 76-nucleotide sequence, least correlation was observed than the other methods. ERPKM did not improve results than RPKM. Between two abundance estimation normalization methods, for RNA-Seq of a 35-nucleotide sequence, higher correlation was obtained with Sailfish than that with RSEM, which was better than without using abundance estimation methods. However, for RNA-Seq of a 76-nucleotide sequence, the results achieved by RSEM were similar to without applying abundance estimation methods, and were much better than with Sailfish. Furthermore, we found that adding a poly-A tail increased alignment numbers, but did not improve normalization results. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that RC, UQ, Med, TMM, DESeq, and Q did not noticeably improve gene expression normalization, regardless of read length. Other normalization methods were more efficient when alignment accuracy was low; Sailfish with RPKM gave the best normalization results. When alignment accuracy was high, RC was sufficient for gene expression calculation. And we suggest ignoring poly-A tail during differential gene expression analysis.

Histogram analysis parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient reflect tumor cellularity and proliferation activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Surov, Alexey; Meyer, Hans Jonas; Winter, Karsten; Richter, Cindy; Hoehn, Anna-Kathrin

2018-05-04

Our purpose was to analyze associations between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis parameters and histopathologicalfeatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study involved 32 patients with primary HNSCC. For every tumor, the following histogram analysis parameters were calculated: ADCmean, ADCmax, ADC min , ADC median , ADC mode , P10, P25, P75, P90, kurtosis, skewness, and entropy. Furthermore, proliferation index KI 67, cell count, total and average nucleic areas were estimated. Spearman's correlation coefficient (p) was used to analyze associations between investigated parameters. In overall sample, all ADC values showed moderate inverse correlations with KI 67. All ADC values except ADCmax correlated inversely with tumor cellularity. Slightly correlations were identified between total/average nucleic area and ADC mean , ADC min , ADC median , and P25. In G1/2 tumors, only ADCmode correlated well with Ki67. No statistically significant correlations between ADC parameters and cellularity were found. In G3 tumors, Ki 67 correlated with all ADC parameters except ADCmode. Cell count correlated well with all ADC parameters except ADCmax. Total nucleic area correlated inversely with ADC mean , ADC min , ADC median , P25, and P90. ADC histogram parameters reflect proliferation potential and cellularity in HNSCC. The associations between histopathology and imaging depend on tumor grading.

Quantitative Assessment of Fat Infiltration in the Rotator Cuff Muscles using water-fat MRI

PubMed Central

Nardo, Lorenzo; Karampinos, Dimitrios C.; Lansdown, Drew A.; Carballido-Gamio, Julio; Lee, Sonia; Maroldi, Roberto; Ma, C. Benjamin; Link, Thomas M.; Krug, Roland

2013-01-01

Purpose To evaluate a chemical shift-based fat quantification technique in the rotator cuff muscles in comparison with the semi-quantitative Goutallier fat infiltration classification (GC) and to assess their relationship with clinical parameters. Materials and Methods The shoulders of 57 patients were imaged using a 3T MR scanner. The rotator cuff muscles were assessed for fat infiltration using GC by two radiologists and an orthopedic surgeon. Sequences included oblique-sagittal T1-, T2- and proton density-weighted fast spin echo, and six-echo gradient echo. The iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL) was used to measure fat fraction. Pain and range of motion of the shoulder were recorded. Results Fat fraction values were significantly correlated with GC grades (p< 0.0001, kappa>0.9) showing consistent increase with GC grades (grade=0, 0%–5.59%; grade=1, 1.1%–9.70%; grade=2, 6.44%–14.86%; grade=3, 15.25%–17.77%; grade=4, 19.85%–29.63%). A significant correlation between fat infiltration of the subscapularis muscle quantified with IDEAL versus a) deficit in internal rotation (Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient=0.39, 95% CI 0.13–0.60, p<0.01) and b) pain (Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient=0.313, 95% CI 0.049–0.536, p=0.02) was found but was not seen between the clinical parameters and GC grades. Additionally, only quantitative fat infiltration measures of the supraspinatus muscle were significantly correlated with a deficit in abduction (Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient=0.45, 95% CI 0.20–0.60, p<0.01). Conclusion We concluded that an accurate and highly reproducible fat quantification in the rotator cuff muscles using water-fat MRI techniques is possible and significantly correlates with shoulder pain and range of motion. PMID:24115490

Quality of life in patients with advanced cancer at the end of life as measured by the McGill quality of life questionnaire: a survey in China.

PubMed

Cui, Jing; Fang, Fang; Shen, Fengping; Song, Lijuan; Zhou, Lingjun; Ma, Xiuqiang; Zhao, Jijun

2014-11-01

Quality of life (QOL) is the main outcome measure for patients with advanced cancer at the end of life. The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) is designed specifically for palliative care patients and has been translated and validated in Hong Kong and Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the QOL of patients with advanced cancer using the MQOL-Taiwan version after cultural adaptation to the Chinese mainland. A cross-sectional survey design was used. QOL data from patients with advanced cancer were gathered from 13 hospitals including five tertiary hospitals, six secondary hospitals, and community health care service centers in Shanghai and analyzed. QOL was assessed using the MQOL-Chinese version. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and Spearman rank correlation analysis. A total of 531 cancer patients (297 male and 234 female) in 13 hospitals were recruited into the study and administered the MQOL-Chinese. The score of the support subscale was highest (6.82), and the score of the existential well-being subscale was the lowest (4.65). The five physical symptoms most frequently listed on the MQOL-Chinese were pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, powerless, and dyspnea. Participants' sex, educational level, number of children, disclosure of the disease, and hospital size were associated with their overall QOL. The Spearman rank correlation analysis found that Karnofsky Performance Status scores correlated with the MQOL-Chinese single-item score, physical well-being, psychological well-being, existential well-being, and support domains (P < 0.05). Our results revealed the aspects of QOL that need more attention for Chinese palliative care patients with advanced cancer. The association between the characteristics of patients, Karnofsky Performance Status, and their QOL also was identified. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pan-cancer analysis of the extent and consequences of intratumor heterogeneity | Office of Cancer Genomics

Cancer.gov

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) drives neoplastic progression and therapeutic resistance. We used the bioinformatics tools 'expanding ploidy and allele frequency on nested subpopulations' (EXPANDS) and PyClone to detect clones that are present at a ≥10% frequency in 1,165 exome sequences from tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas. 86% of tumors across 12 cancer types had at least two clones. ITH in the morphology of nuclei was associated with genetic ITH (Spearman's correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.24-0.41; P < 0.001).

Assessing values for health: numeracy matters.

PubMed

Woloshin, S; Schwartz, L M; Moncur, M; Gabriel, S; Tosteson, A N

2001-01-01

Patients' values are fundamental to decision models, cost-effectiveness analyses, and pharmacoeconomic analyses. The standard methods used to assess how patients value different health states are inherently quantitative. People without strong quantitative skills (i.e., low numeracy) may not be able to complete these tasks in a meaningful way. To determine whether the validity of utility assessments depends on the respondent's level of numeracy, the authors conducted in-person interviews and written surveys and assessed utility for the current health for 96 women volunteers. Numeracy was measured using a previously validated 3-item scale. The authors examined the correlation between self-reported health and utility for current health (assessed using the standard gamble, time trade-off, and visual analog techniques) across levels of numeracy. For half of the women, the authors also assessed standard gamble utility for 3 imagined health states (breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis) and asked how much the women feared each disease. Respondent ages ranged from 50 to 79 years (mean = 63), all were high school graduates, and 52% had a college or postgraduate degree. Twenty-six percent answered 0 or only 1 of the numeracy questions correctly, 37% answered 2 correctly, and 37% answered all 3 correctly. Among women with the lowest level of numeracy, the correlation between utility for current health and self-reported health was in the wrong direction (i.e., worse health valued higher than better health): for standard gamble, Spearman r=-0.16, P = 0.44;for time trade-off, Spearman r=-0.13, P=0.54. Among the most numerate women, the authors observed a fair to moderate positive correlation with both standard gamble (Spearman r=0.22, P=0.19) and time trade-off (Spearman r=0.50, P=0.002). In contrast, using the visual analog scale, the authors observed a substantial correlation in the expected direction at all levels of numeracy (Spearman r= 0.82, 0.50, and 0.60 for women answering 0-1, 2, and 3 numeracy questions, respectively; all Ps < or = 0.003). With regard to the imagined health states, the most feared disease had the lowest utility for 35% of the women with the lowest numeracy compared to 76% of the women with the highest numeracy (P=0.03). The validity of standard utility assessments is related to the subject's facility with numbers. Limited numeracy may be an important barrier to meaningfully assessing patients' values using the standard gamble and time trade-off techniques.

Distribution of major herbicides in ground water of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barbash, Jack E.; Thelin, Gail P.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Gilliom, Robert J.

1999-01-01

Frequencies of detection at or above 0.01 microgram per liter in shallow ground water beneath agricultural areas during the NAWQA study were significantly correlated with agricultural use in those areas for atrazine, cyanazine, alachlor, and metolachlor (P<0.05; Spearman rank correlations), but not for simazine (P>0.05). In urban areas, overall frequencies of detection of these five herbicides in shallow ground water were positively correlated with their total nonagricultural use nationwide (P=0.026; simple linear correlation). Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that frequencies of detection in shallow ground water beneath agricultural areas were positively correlated with half-lives for transformation in aerobic soil and agricultural use of the compounds (P≤0.0001 for both parameters). Although frequencies of detection were not significantly correlated with their subsurface mobility (Koc; P=0.19) or the median well depths of the sampled networks (P=0.72), the range of Koc values among the five herbicides and the range of well depths were limited.

Colistin and Polymyxin B Susceptibility Testing for Carbapenem-Resistant and mcr-Positive Enterobacteriaceae: Comparison of Sensititre, MicroScan, Vitek 2, and Etest with Broth Microdilution

PubMed Central

La, My-Van; Lin, Raymond T. P.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Colistin and polymyxin B remain part of the last line of antibiotics for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Current joint EUCAST-CLSI recommendations are for broth microdilution (BMD) to be performed for MIC testing of colistin. Commercial susceptibility testing methods were evaluated and compared against the reference BMD, using a susceptibility breakpoint of ≤2 mg/liter for both colistin and polymyxin B. Seventy-six Enterobacteriaceae were included, of which 21 were mcr-1 positive (18 Escherichia coli isolates, 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, and 1 Enterobacter aerogenes isolate). Rates of essential agreement (EA) of colistin test results between BMD and Vitek 2, Sensititre, and Etest were 93.4%, 89.5%, and 75.0%, respectively. Rates of EA of polymyxin B test results between BMD and Vitek 2, Sensititre, and Etest were 96.1%, 96.1%, and 48.7%, respectively. A positive MIC correlation with a categorical agreement of >90% was achieved for Sensititre (colistin Spearman's ρ = 0.863, and polymyxin B Spearman's ρ = 0.877) and Vitek 2 (polymyxin B [only] Spearman's ρ = 0.8917). Although a positive MIC correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.873) with the reference method was achieved for colistin testing with Vitek 2, categorical agreement was <90%, with very major error rates of 36%. Correlation with the Etest MIC was lower, with very major error rates of 12% (colistin) and 26.1% (polymyxin B). MicroScan (colistin) categorical agreement was 88.2%, with a very major error rate of 4%. Colistin MICs for 15 of the 21 mcr-1-positive isolates were >2 mg/liter, and polymyxin MICs for 17 of them were >2 mg/liter by broth microdilution. The use of a lower breakpoint of ≤1 mg/liter further improves detection of mcr-1 for all testing methods. However, further data on the correlation between MICs and clinical outcome are required to determine the most suitable breakpoint to guide clinical management. PMID:28592552

Evaluating and establishing national norms for mental wellbeing using the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS): findings from the Health Survey for England.

PubMed

Ng Fat, Linda; Scholes, Shaun; Boniface, Sadie; Mindell, Jennifer; Stewart-Brown, Sarah

2017-05-01

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), 14 positively worded statements, is a validated instrument to measure mental wellbeing on a population level. Less is known about the population distribution of the shorter seven-item version (SWEMWBS) or its performance as an instrument to measure wellbeing. Using the Health Survey for England 2010-2013 (n = 27,169 adults aged 16+, nationally representative of the population), age- and sex-specific norms were estimated using means and percentiles. Criterion validity was examined using: (1) Spearman correlations (ρ) for SWEMWBS with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), happiness index, EQ-VAS (2) a multinomial logit model with SWEMWBS (low, medium and high wellbeing) as the outcome and demographic, social and health behaviours as explanatory variables. Relative validity was examined by comparing SWEMWBS with WEMWBS using: (1) Spearman correlations (continuous data), and (2) the weighted kappa statistic (categorical), within population subgroups. Mean (median) SWEMWBS was 23.7 (23.2) for men and 23.2 (23.2) for women (p = 0.100). Spearman correlations were moderately sized for the happiness index (ρ = 0.53, P < 0.001), GHQ-12 (ρ = -0.52, p < 0.001) and EQ-VAS (ρ = 0.40, p < 0.001). Participants consuming <1 portion of fruit and vegetables a day versus ≥5 (odds ratio = 1.43 95% Confidence Interval = (1.22-1.66)) and current smokers versus non-smokers (1.28 (1.15-1.41)) were more likely to have low vs medium wellbeing. Participants who binge drank versus non-drinkers were less likely to have high versus medium wellbeing (0.81 (0.71-0.92)). Spearman correlations between SWEMWBS and WEMWBS were above 0.95; weighted kappa statistics showed almost perfect agreement (0.79-0.85). SWEMWBS distinguishes mental wellbeing between subgroups, similarly to WEMWBS, but is less sensitive to gender differences.

Statistical functions and relevant correlation coefficients of clearness index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavanello, Diego; Zaaiman, Willem; Colli, Alessandra; Heiser, John; Smith, Scott

2015-08-01

This article presents a statistical analysis of the sky conditions, during years from 2010 to 2012, for three different locations: the Joint Research Centre site in Ispra (Italy, European Solar Test Installation - ESTI laboratories), the site of National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden (Colorado, USA) and the site of Brookhaven National Laboratories in Upton (New York, USA). The key parameter is the clearness index kT, a dimensionless expression of the global irradiance impinging upon a horizontal surface at a given instant of time. In the first part, the sky conditions are characterized using daily averages, giving a general overview of the three sites. In the second part the analysis is performed using data sets with a short-term resolution of 1 sample per minute, demonstrating remarkable properties of the statistical distributions of the clearness index, reinforced by a proof using fuzzy logic methods. Successively some time-dependent correlations between different meteorological variables are presented in terms of Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and introducing a new one.

Correlations between Different Heavy Metals in Diverse Body Fluids: Studies of Human Semen Quality

PubMed Central

Mínguez-Alarcón, Lidia; Mendiola, Jaime; Roca, Manuela; López-Espín, José J.; Guillén, José J.; Moreno, José M.; Moreno-Grau, Stella; Martínez-García, María J.; Vergara-Juárez, Nuria; Elvira-Rendueles, Belén; García-Sánchez, Antonio; Ten, Jorge; Bernabeu, Rafael; Torres-Cantero, Alberto M.

2012-01-01

It has been hypothesized that exposure to heavy metals may impair male reproduction. To measure the effect produced by low doses of heavy metals on semen parameters, it is necessary to clarify in which body fluids those measurements must be performed. Sixty-one men attending infertility clinics participated in our study. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured in whole blood, blood plasma, and seminal plasma using spectroanalytical and electrochemical methods. Semen analyses were performed according to World Health Organization criteria. For statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlations, mean comparison tests, and discriminant analysis were calculated. Significant correlations between the measured concentrations of the three heavy metals in the same biological fluids were observed. However, no similar relationship was seen when comparing the concentrations in different body fluids of the same metal. According to our results and previous publications, seminal plasma might be the best body fluid for assessing impairment of human semen parameters. PMID:22312326

[Correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch and FibroScan with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

PubMed

Chen, G F; Ping, J; Gu, H T; Zhao, Z M; Zhou, Y; Xing, F; Tao, Y Y; Mu, Y P; Liu, P; Liu, C H

2017-02-20

Objective: To investigate the correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch (FT) and FibroScan (FS) with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A total of 313 patients with chronic hepatitis B who visited Department of Liver Cirrhosis in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2014 to May 2016 were enrolled. All the patients underwent liver biopsy, and FT and FS were used to determine liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Serum biochemical parameters were measured, and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in a multi-parameter model of liver fibrosis and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were calculated. The consistency between the results of four noninvasive examinations and Ishak fibrosis score was compared. The t-test was used for comparison of LSM determined by FT and FS. Pearson correlation analysis was used investigate the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS; Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and Knodell score with LSM determined by FT and FS; the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage was analyzed by partial correlation analysis adjusted by Knodell score for liver inflammatory activity; Spearman correlation analysis was used for APRI, FIB-4, and fibrosis stage. Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the values of four noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Results: There was no significant difference in LSM measured by FT and FS in all patients (15.75±9.42 kPa vs 15.42±10.52 kPa, P > 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between them ( r = 0.858, P < 0.01); serum ALT and AST levels and liver inflammatory activity were correlated with LSM determined by FT and FS. There was a significant positive correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage ( r = 0.501 and 0.526, both P < 0.001), and APRI and FIB-4 were also positively correlated with fibrosis stage ( r = 0.236 and 0.218, both P < 0.001). Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, in the diagnosis of fibrosis stages F3, F4, F5, and F6, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.915/0.856/0.839/0.816 for FT, 0.933/0.883/0.849/0.856 for FS, 0.618/0.630/0.608/0.638 for APRI, and 0.614/0.624/0.595/0.649 for FIB-4, and FT and FS had a significantly larger areas under the ROC curve than APRI and FIB-4. Conclusion: LSM determined by FT or FS has a good correlation with the Ishak fibrosis score, so FT and FS have a significantly better diagnostic performance for liver fibrosis than APRI and FIB-4.

Analysis of spastic gait in cervical myelopathy: Linking compression ratio to spatiotemporal and pedobarographic parameters.

PubMed

Nagai, Taro; Takahashi, Yasuhito; Endo, Kenji; Ikegami, Ryo; Ueno, Ryuichi; Yamamoto, Kengo

2018-01-01

Gait dysfunction associated with spasticity and hyperreflexia is a primary symptom in patients with compression of cervical spinal cord. The objective of this study was to link maximum compression ratio (CR) to spatiotemporal/pedobarographic parameters. Quantitative gait analysis was performed by using a pedobarograph in 75 elderly males with a wide range of cervical compression severity. CR values were characterized on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical significances in gait analysis parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, step with, and toe-out angle) were evaluated among different CR groups by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test using Bonferroni correction. The Spearman test was performed to verify correlations between CR and gait parameters. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant decline in gait speed and stride length and significant increase in toe-out angle with progression of cervical compression myelopathy. The post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences in these parameters between the control group (0.45

Quantifying the correlation between photoplethysmography and laser Doppler flowmetry microvascular low-frequency oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizeva, Irina; Di Maria, Costanzo; Frick, Peter; Podtaev, Sergey; Allen, John

2015-03-01

Photoplethysmography (PPG) and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) are two recognized optical techniques that can track low-frequency perfusion changes in microcirculation. The aim of this study was to determine, in healthy subjects, the correlation between the techniques for specific low-frequency bands previously defined for microcirculation. Twelve healthy male subjects (age range 18 to 50 years) were studied, with PPG and LDF signals recorded for 20 min from their right and left index (PPG) and middle (LDF) fingers. Wavelet analysis comprised dividing the low-frequency integral wavelet spectrum (IWS) into five established physiological bands relating to cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial activities. The correlation between PPG and LDF was quantified using wavelet correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis of the median IWS amplitude. The median wavelet correlation between signals (right-left side average) was 0.45 (cardiac), 0.49 (respiratory), 0.86 (myogenic), 0.91 (neurogenic), and 0.91 (endothelial). The correlation of IWS amplitude values (right-left side average) was statistically significant for the cardiac (ρ=0.64, p<0.05) and endothelial (ρ=0.62, p<0.05) bands. This pilot study has shown good correlation between PPG and LDF for specific physiological frequency bands. In particular, the results suggest that PPG has the potential to be a low-cost replacement for LDF for endothelial activity assessments.

Correlation of gingival thickness with gingival width, probing depth, and papillary fill in maxillary anterior teeth in students of a dental college in Navi Mumbai

PubMed Central

Singh, Jyotsna; Rathod, Varsha J.; Rao, Prajakta R.; Patil, Aardra A.; Langade, Deepak G.; Singh, Roshan K.

2016-01-01

Context: The gingival biotype is of utmost importance for esthetics and biologic function. Anatomical characteristic of periodontium such as gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva, and alveolar bone morphology will determine the behavior of periodontium when subjected to physical, chemical, or bacterial insult or during therapeutic procedure. Aims: The aim of this study was to correlate the GT with gingival width (GW), probing depth (PD), and papillary fill (PF) in relation to maxillary anterior region. Settings and Design: Undergraduate dental students and interns from a dental college in Navi Mumbai were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Six teeth per subject were assessed; a total of 2178 maxillary anterior teeth were examined. Subjects and Methods: Subjects were examined clinically for GT, width of keratinized gingiva, pocket depth, and interdental PF. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Spearman's correlation analysis test was performed to find the correlation of GT with GW, PD, and PF. Results: Positive correlation was found between GT and GW (r = 0.241). No significant correlation could be found between GT and PD; and between GT and PF. Conclusions: The present study confirmed a positive correlation between GT and GW. A weak negative correlation was found between GT and PD. PMID:27994424

Interrater Reliability Estimators Commonly Used in Scoring Language Assessments: A Monte Carlo Investigation of Estimator Accuracy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Grant B.; Zhu, Min; Johnson, Robert L.; Hodge, Kari J.

2014-01-01

Common estimators of interrater reliability include Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, Spearman rank-order correlations, and the generalizability coefficient. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of estimators of interrater reliability when varying the true reliability, number of scale categories, and number of…

Hybrid Learning: A Study of Training Environment and Training Transfer in Ecuador

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diaz, Karla

2013-01-01

Training transfer can be analyzed in the workplace by studying the results of a validated instrument like the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) developed by Holton and Bates (2011). This correlational study used the Spearman rho correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between transfer design and opportunity to use learning as…

Co-occurrence correlations of heavy metals in sediments revealed using network analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Lili; Wang, Zhiping; Ju, Feng; Zhang, Tong

2015-01-01

In this study, the correlation-based study was used to identify the co-occurrence correlations among metals in marine sediment of Hong Kong, based on the long-term (from 1991 to 2011) temporal and spatial monitoring data. 14 stations out of the total 45 marine sediment monitoring stations were selected from three representative areas, including Deep Bay, Victoria Harbour and Mirs Bay. Firstly, Spearman's rank correlation-based network analysis was conducted as the first step to identify the co-occurrence correlations of metals from raw metadata, and then for further analysis using the normalized metadata. The correlations patterns obtained by network were consistent with those obtained by the other statistic normalization methods, including annual ratios, R-squared coefficient and Pearson correlation coefficient. Both Deep Bay and Victoria Harbour have been polluted by heavy metals, especially for Pb and Cu, which showed strong co-occurrence with other heavy metals (e.g. Cr, Ni, Zn and etc.) and little correlations with the reference parameters (Fe or Al). For Mirs Bay, which has better marine sediment quality compared with Deep Bay and Victoria Harbour, the co-occurrence patterns revealed by network analysis indicated that the metals in sediment dominantly followed the natural geography process. Besides the wide applications in biology, sociology and informatics, it is the first time to apply network analysis in the researches of environment pollutions. This study demonstrated its powerful application for revealing the co-occurrence correlations among heavy metals in marine sediments, which could be further applied for other pollutants in various environment systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Whole lesion histogram analysis of meningiomas derived from ADC values. Correlation with several cellularity parameters, proliferation index KI 67, nucleic content, and membrane permeability.

PubMed

Surov, Alexey; Hamerla, Gordian; Meyer, Hans Jonas; Winter, Karsten; Schob, Stefan; Fiedler, Eckhard

2018-09-01

To analyze several histopathological features and their possible correlations with whole lesion histogram analysis derived from ADC maps in meningioma. The retrospective study involved 36 patients with primary meningiomas. For every tumor, the following histogram analysis parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated: ADC mean , ADC max , ADC min , ADC median , ADC mode , ADC percentiles: P10, P25, P75, P90, as well kurtosis, skewness, and entropy. All measures were performed by two radiologists. Proliferation index KI 67, minimal, maximal and mean cell count, total nucleic area, and expression of water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) were estimated. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze associations between investigated parameters. A perfect interobserver agreement for all ADC values (0.84-0.97) was identified. All ADC values correlated inversely with tumor cellularity with the strongest correlation between P10, P25 and mean cell count (-0.558). KI 67 correlated inversely with all ADC values except ADC min . ADC parameters did not correlate with total nucleic area. All ADC values correlated statistically significant with expression of AQP4. ADC histogram analysis is a valid method with an excellent interobserver agreement. Cellularity parameters and proliferation potential are associated with different ADC values. Membrane permeability may play a greater role for water diffusion than cell count and proliferation activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facebook and Twitter vaccine sentiment in response to measles outbreaks.

PubMed

Deiner, Michael S; Fathy, Cherie; Kim, Jessica; Niemeyer, Katherine; Ramirez, David; Ackley, Sarah F; Liu, Fengchen; Lietman, Thomas M; Porco, Travis C

2017-11-01

Social media posts regarding measles vaccination were classified as pro-vaccination, expressing vaccine hesitancy, uncertain, or irrelevant. Spearman correlations with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-reported measles cases and differenced smoothed cumulative case counts over this period were reported (using time series bootstrap confidence intervals). A total of 58,078 Facebook posts and 82,993 tweets were identified from 4 January 2009 to 27 August 2016. Pro-vaccination posts were correlated with the US weekly reported cases (Facebook: Spearman correlation 0.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.34), Twitter: 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.06 to 0.34)). Vaccine-hesitant posts, however, were uncorrelated with measles cases in the United States (Facebook: 0.01 (95% confidence interval: -0.13 to 0.14), Twitter: 0.0011 (95% confidence interval: -0.12 to 0.12)). These findings may result from more consistent social media engagement by individuals expressing vaccine hesitancy, contrasted with media- or event-driven episodic interest on the part of individuals favoring current policy.

Re-evaluation of lung to thorax transverse area ratio immediately before birth in predicting postnatal short-term outcomes of fetuses with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A single center analysis.

PubMed

Kido, Saki; Hidaka, Nobuhiro; Sato, Yuka; Fujita, Yasuyuki; Miyoshi, Kina; Nagata, Kouji; Taguchi, Tomoaki; Kato, Kiyoko

2018-05-01

We aimed to investigate whether the lung-to-thorax transverse area ratio (LTR) immediately before birth is of diagnostic value for the prediction of postnatal short-term outcomes in cases of isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We retrospectively reviewed the cases of fetal isolated left-sided CDH managed at our institution between April 2008 and July 2016. We divided the patients into two groups based on LTR immediately before birth, using a cut-off value of 0.08. We compared the proportions of subjects within the two groups who survived until discharge using Fisher's exact test. Further, using Spearman's rank correlation, we assessed whether LTR was correlated with length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and supplemental oxygen. Twenty-nine subjects were included (five with LTR < 0.08, and 24 with LTR ≥ 0.08). The proportion of subjects surviving until discharge was 40% (2/5) for patients with LTR < 0.08, as compared with 96% (23/24) for those with LTR ≥ 0.08. LTR measured immediately before birth was negatively correlated with the postnatal length of stay (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, rs = -0.486), and the duration of supplemental oxygen (rs = -0.537). Further, the duration of mechanical ventilation was longer in patients with a lower LTR value. LTR immediately before birth is useful for the prediction of postnatal short-term outcomes in fetuses with isolated left-sided CDH. In particular, patients with prenatal LTR value less than 0.08 are at increased risk of postnatal death. © 2017 Japanese Teratology Society.

Is case-chaos methodology an appropriate alternative to conventional case-control studies for investigating outbreaks?

PubMed

Edelstein, Michael; Wallensten, Anders; Kühlmann-Berenzon, Sharon

2014-08-15

Case-chaos methodology is a proposed alternative to case-control studies that simulates controls by randomly reshuffling the exposures of cases. We evaluated the method using data on outbreaks in Sweden. We identified 5 case-control studies from foodborne illness outbreaks that occurred between 2005 and 2012. Using case-chaos methodology, we calculated odds ratios 1,000 times for each exposure. We used the median as the point estimate and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as the confidence interval. We compared case-chaos matched odds ratios with their respective case-control odds ratios in terms of statistical significance. Using Spearman's correlation, we estimated the correlation between matched odds ratios and the proportion of cases exposed to each exposure and quantified the relationship between the 2 using a normal linear mixed model. Each case-control study identified an outbreak vehicle (odds ratios = 4.9-45). Case-chaos methodology identified the outbreak vehicle 3 out of 5 times. It identified significant associations in 22 of 113 exposures that were not associated with outcome and 5 of 18 exposures that were significantly associated with outcome. Log matched odds ratios correlated with their respective proportion of cases exposed (Spearman ρ = 0.91) and increased significantly with the proportion of cases exposed (b = 0.054). Case-chaos methodology missed the outbreak source 2 of 5 times and identified spurious associations between a number of exposures and outcome. Measures of association correlated with the proportion of cases exposed. We recommended against using case-chaos analysis during outbreak investigations. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Validation of Walk Score® for Estimating Neighborhood Walkability: An Analysis of Four US Metropolitan Areas

PubMed Central

Duncan, Dustin T.; Aldstadt, Jared; Whalen, John; Melly, Steven J.; Gortmaker, Steven L.

2011-01-01

Neighborhood walkability can influence physical activity. We evaluated the validity of Walk Score® for assessing neighborhood walkability based on GIS (objective) indicators of neighborhood walkability with addresses from four US metropolitan areas with several street network buffer distances (i.e., 400-, 800-, and 1,600-meters). Address data come from the YMCA-Harvard After School Food and Fitness Project, an obesity prevention intervention involving children aged 5–11 years and their families participating in YMCA-administered, after-school programs located in four geographically diverse metropolitan areas in the US (n = 733). GIS data were used to measure multiple objective indicators of neighborhood walkability. Walk Scores were also obtained for the participant’s residential addresses. Spearman correlations between Walk Scores and the GIS neighborhood walkability indicators were calculated as well as Spearman correlations accounting for spatial autocorrelation. There were many significant moderate correlations between Walk Scores and the GIS neighborhood walkability indicators such as density of retail destinations and intersection density (p < 0.05). The magnitude varied by the GIS indicator of neighborhood walkability. Correlations generally became stronger with a larger spatial scale, and there were some geographic differences. Walk Score® is free and publicly available for public health researchers and practitioners. Results from our study suggest that Walk Score® is a valid measure of estimating certain aspects of neighborhood walkability, particularly at the 1600-meter buffer. As such, our study confirms and extends the generalizability of previous findings demonstrating that Walk Score is a valid measure of estimating neighborhood walkability in multiple geographic locations and at multiple spatial scales. PMID:22163200

Correlation of gingival thickness with gingival width, probing depth, and papillary fill in maxillary anterior teeth in students of a dental college in Navi Mumbai.

PubMed

Singh, Jyotsna; Rathod, Varsha J; Rao, Prajakta R; Patil, Aardra A; Langade, Deepak G; Singh, Roshan K

2016-01-01

The gingival biotype is of utmost importance for esthetics and biologic function. Anatomical characteristic of periodontium such as gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva, and alveolar bone morphology will determine the behavior of periodontium when subjected to physical, chemical, or bacterial insult or during therapeutic procedure. The aim of this study was to correlate the GT with gingival width (GW), probing depth (PD), and papillary fill (PF) in relation to maxillary anterior region. Undergraduate dental students and interns from a dental college in Navi Mumbai were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Six teeth per subject were assessed; a total of 2178 maxillary anterior teeth were examined. Subjects were examined clinically for GT, width of keratinized gingiva, pocket depth, and interdental PF. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Spearman's correlation analysis test was performed to find the correlation of GT with GW, PD, and PF. Positive correlation was found between GT and GW ( r = 0.241). No significant correlation could be found between GT and PD; and between GT and PF. The present study confirmed a positive correlation between GT and GW. A weak negative correlation was found between GT and PD.

The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: test-retest reliability and comparison with an accelerometer.

PubMed

van der Ploeg, Hidde P; Streppel, Kitty R M; van der Beek, Allard J; van der Woude, Luc H V; Vollenbroek-Hutten, Miriam; van Mechelen, Willem

2007-01-01

The objective was to determine the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD). Forty-five non-wheelchair dependent subjects were recruited from three Dutch rehabilitation centers. Subjects' diagnoses were: stroke, spinal cord injury, whiplash, and neurological-, orthopedic- or back disorders. The PASIPD is a 7-d recall physical activity questionnaire that was completed twice, 1 wk apart. During this week, physical activity was also measured with an Actigraph accelerometer. The test-retest reliability Spearman correlation of the PASIPD was 0.77. The criterion validity Spearman correlation was 0.30 when compared to the accelerometer. The PASIPD had test-retest reliability and criterion validity that is comparable to well established self-report physical activity questionnaires from the general population.

Accuracy of a new partial coherence interferometry analyser for biometric measurements.

PubMed

Holzer, M P; Mamusa, M; Auffarth, G U

2009-06-01

Precise biometry is an essential preoperative measurement for refractive surgery as well as cataract surgery. A new device based on partial coherence interferometry technology was tested and evaluated for accuracy of measurements. In a prospective study 200 eyes of 100 healthy phakic volunteers were examined with a functional prototype of the new ALLEGRO BioGraph (Wavelight AG)/LENSTAR LS 900 (Haag Streit AG) biometer and with the IOLMaster V.5 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). As recommended by the manufacturers, repeated measurements were performed with both devices and the results compared using Spearman correlation calculations (WinSTAT). Spearman correlation showed high correlations for axial length and keratometry measurements between the two devices tested. Anterior chamber depth, however, had a lower correlation between the two biometry devices. In addition, the mean values of the anterior chamber depth differed (IOLMaster 3.48 (SD 0.42) mm versus BioGraph/LENSTAR 3.64 (SD 0.26) mm); however, this difference was not statistically different (p>0.05, t test). The new biometer provided results that correlated very well with those of the IOLMaster. The ALLEGRO BioGraph/LENSTAR LS 900 is a precise device containing additional features that will be helpful tools for any cataract or refractive surgeon.

Relationship between icotinib hydrochloride exposure and clinical outcome in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Ni, Jun; Liu, Dong-Yang; Hu, Bei; Li, Chen; Jiang, Ji; Wang, Han-Ping; Zhang, Li

2015-09-01

The current study was conducted to explore the relationship between icotinib hydrochloride exposure and therapeutic effects in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with icotinib hydrochloride. A total of 30 patients with NSCLC who were treated with icotinib hydrochloride were chosen from a single-center, open-label, phase 1 dose escalation clinical trial. Different doses of icotinib hydrochloride were administered orally for 28 consecutive days in different groups until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities occurred. Blood samples were collected during the first treatment cycle (day 1-28) for the pharmacokinetic analysis. Tumor responses were assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The plasma concentrations of icotinib hydrochloride were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thirty patients with a median age of 56 years old (50% of whom were female) were enrolled. For single-dose treatment, the plasma pharmacokinetics demonstrated a median time to maximum concentration of 0.5 to 4 hours and a mean terminal elimination half-life of 6.21±3.44 hours at the 150-mg dose and 10.1±12.18 hours at the 200-mg dose. For multiple-dose treatment, the last measurable concentration (Clast ) was 708±368.67 ng/mL at the 150-mg every 12 hours, 782.73±618.18 ng/mL at the 200-mg every 12 hours, and 1162±658.44 ng/mL at the 125-mg every 8 hours; the under the concentration curve from time 0 to Clast was 14.5±2.43 hour*mg/mL, 13.2±2.5 hour*mg/mL, and 12.19±2.47 hour*mg/mL, respectively. At the dose of 150 mg every 12 hours, 1 patient with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion achieved a complete response for 10 months; another patient who carried the EGFR exon 19 deletion achieved stable disease for 6 months. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax ) after a single dose of icotinib hydrochloride was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.441; P = .012). The disease control rate was correlated with Tmax after a single dose (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.518; P = .011). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to last determination time and the area under the curve from 0 to infinite time after a single dose of icotinib hydrochloride were correlated with OS (P = .037 and .042, respectively). The Clast was found to affect progression-free survival (P = .016). Stratification of these patients according to smoking status indicated significant correlation between OS and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to last determination time (Spearman correlation coefficient, -0.709; P = .015). Patients with a longer Tmax and higher exposure might experience longer OS and a higher disease control rate. In addition, the increased Clast might prolong the progressive-free survival of patients. However, the relationships between EGFR mutation, pharmacokinetics, and clinical outcomes require further research. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

Validation of new psychosocial factors questionnaires: a Colombian national study.

PubMed

Villalobos, Gloria H; Vargas, Angélica M; Rondón, Martin A; Felknor, Sarah A

2013-01-01

The study of workers' health problems possibly associated with stressful conditions requires valid and reliable tools for monitoring risk factors. The present study validates two questionnaires to assess psychosocial risk factors for stress-related illnesses within a sample of Colombian workers. The validation process was based on a representative sample survey of 2,360 Colombian employees, aged 18-70 years. Worker response rate was 90%; 46% of the responders were women. Internal consistency was calculated, construct validity was tested with factor analysis and concurrent validity was tested with Spearman correlations. The questionnaires demonstrated adequate reliability (0.88-0.95). Factor analysis confirmed the dimensions proposed in the measurement model. Concurrent validity resulted in significant correlations with stress and health symptoms. "Work and Non-work Psychosocial Factors Questionnaires" were found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of workers' psychosocial factors, and they provide information for research and intervention. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke in hospitality venues.

PubMed

Galán, Iñaki; Mayo, Elga; López, María J; Pérez-Ríos, Mónica; Fu, Marcela; Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Schiaffino, Anna; Moncada, Albert; Montes, Agustín; Nebot, Manel; Fernández, Esteve

2014-08-01

The aim was to assess the validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in 50 hospitality venues of Madrid (Spain) in 2010, taking as a reference vapour-phase nicotine measured by active sampling. The questions posed in the questionnaire permitted distinguishing between the different levels of SHS. However, the moderate relationship found (Spearman׳s correlation=0.387, p<0.001) suggests that intensity of exposure to SHS in hospitality venues, based solely on self-reported information, should be used with caution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot Assay but Not CMV QuantiFERON Assay Is a Novel Biomarker To Determine Risk of Congenital CMV Infection in Pregnant Women

PubMed Central

Forner, Gabriella; Saldan, Alda; Mengoli, Carlo; Gussetti, Nadia; Palù, Giorgio

2016-01-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) and CMV QuantiFERON assays were examined as potential biomarkers predictive of congenital CMV (cCMV) transmission. Fifty-seven pregnant women with primary CMV infection and 23 with nonprimary CMV infection were recruited in the study. Maternal age, CMV IgG avidity, viremia, and viruria were also included among the potential predictors. Spearman's statistical correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the CMV ELISPOT and CMV QuantiFERON assay results (P < 0.001), but only the CMV ELISPOT assay correlated with cCMV (P < 0.001). cCMV was positively correlated with maternal viremia and viruria (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with CMV IgG avidity (P < 0.01). Maternal age and CMV QuantiFERON assay results were not statistically associated with cCMV. CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity detected by the CMV ELISPOT assay plays a critical role in cCMV. PMID:27280418

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis with CASL Core Simulator VERA-CS

DOE PAGES

Brown, C. S.; Zhang, Hongbin

2016-05-24

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are important for nuclear reactor safety design and analysis. A 2x2 fuel assembly core design was developed and simulated by the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications, Core Simulator (VERA-CS) coupled neutronics and thermal-hydraulics code under development by the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL). An approach to uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis with VERA-CS was developed and a new toolkit was created to perform uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis with fourteen uncertain input parameters. Furthermore, the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR), maximum fuel center-line temperature, and maximum outer clad surfacemore » temperature were chosen as the selected figures of merit. Pearson, Spearman, and partial correlation coefficients were considered for all of the figures of merit in sensitivity analysis and coolant inlet temperature was consistently the most influential parameter. We used parameters as inputs to the critical heat flux calculation with the W-3 correlation were shown to be the most influential on the MDNBR, maximum fuel center-line temperature, and maximum outer clad surface temperature.« less

Comparison of the basin-scale effect of dredging operations and natural estuarine processes on suspended sediment concentration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, D.H.

2002-01-01

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data from San Pablo Bay, California, were analyzed to compare the basin-scale effect of dredging and disposal of dredged material (dredging operations) and natural estuarine processes. The analysis used twelve 3-wk to 5-wk periods of mid-depth and near-bottom SSC data collected at Point San Pablo every 15 min from 1993-1998. Point San Pablo is within a tidal excursion of a dredged-material disposal site. The SSC data were compared to dredging volume, Julian day, and hydrodynamic and meteorological variables that could affect SSC. Kendall's ??, Spearman's ??, and weighted (by the fraction of valid data in each period) Spearman's ??w correlation coefficients of the variables indicated which variables were significantly correlated with SSC. Wind-wave resuspension had the greatest effect on SSC. Median water-surface elevation was the primary factor affecting mid-depth SSC. Greater depths inhibit wind-wave resuspension of bottom sediment and indicate greater influence of less turbid water from down estuary. Seasonal variability in the supply of erodible sediment is the primary factor affecting near-bottom SSC. Natural physical processes in San Pablo Bay are more areally extensive, of equal or longer duration, and as frequent as dredging operations (when occurring), and they affect SSC at the tidal time scale. Natural processes control SSC at Point San Pablo even when dredging operations are occurring.

Methodology for Developing a New EFNEP Food and Physical Activity Behaviors Questionnaire.

PubMed

Murray, Erin K; Auld, Garry; Baker, Susan S; Barale, Karen; Franck, Karen; Khan, Tarana; Palmer-Keenan, Debra; Walsh, Jennifer

2017-10-01

Research methods are described for developing a food and physical activity behaviors questionnaire for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a US Department of Agriculture nutrition education program serving low-income families. Mixed-methods observational study. The questionnaire will include 5 domains: (1) diet quality, (2) physical activity, (3) food safety, (4) food security, and (5) food resource management. A 5-stage process will be used to assess the questionnaire's test-retest reliability and content, face, and construct validity. Research teams across the US will coordinate questionnaire development and testing nationally. Convenience samples of low-income EFNEP, or EFNEP-eligible, adult participants across the US. A 5-stage process: (1) prioritize domain concepts to evaluate (2) question generation and content analysis panel, (3) question pretesting using cognitive interviews, (4) test-retest reliability assessment, and (5) construct validity testing. A nationally tested valid and reliable food and physical activity behaviors questionnaire for low-income adults to evaluate EFNEP's effectiveness. Cognitive interviews will be summarized to identify themes and dominant trends. Paired t tests (P ≤ .05) and Spearman and intra-class correlation coefficients (r > .5) will be conducted to assess reliability. Construct validity will be assessed using Wilcoxon t test (P ≤ .05), Spearman correlations, and Bland-Altman plots. Copyright © 2017 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decrease in lean body mass in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: mechanism and biomarkers.

PubMed

Hara, Noboru; Ishizaki, Fumio; Saito, Toshihiro; Nishiyama, Tsutomu; Kawasaki, Takashi; Takahashi, Kota

2013-02-01

To elucidate the mechanism of the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-related decrease in lean body mass (LBM). The LBM and blood samples were studied before and after 6 months of ADT in 72 patients with localized prostate cancer. The LBM was assessed using a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Before ADT, the LBM correlated with none of the serum sex steroid levels; however, it correlated closely with serum 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.409, P = .001) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.329, P = .005). After ADT, the LBM decreased by 0.9% (P = .036), and the serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone had decreased by 96.8% and 94.3%, respectively (P <.001 for both), and the IGF-I had increased by 11.6% (from 19.9 to 22.2 nmol/L, P = .001). The serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D] levels decreased after ADT by 9.8% (from 66.2 to 59.7 pg/mL, P = .008), and the post-treatment LBM correlated inversely with 1,25(OH)2D (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = -0.343, P = .003). The post-treatment LBM was dissociated with 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide and IGF-I. The pretreatment and post-treatment LBMs both correlated inversely with serum sex hormone-binding globulin (P = .024 and P = .016, respectively). The deficiency in androgen levels was suggested to be a link to the ADT-related decrease in LBM; the androgen metabolite 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide has a potential value for assessing the LBM in untreated men. IGF-I also promotes muscle building and is positively regulated during ADT. Sex hormone-binding globulin possibly accelerates the ADT-related decrease in LBM. Although the mechanism for the decrease in 1,25(OH)2D and its inverse correlation with LBM during ADT is unclear, 1,25(OH)2D might be a biomarker reflecting the ADT-related decrease in LBM. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laboratory mechanical parameters of composite resins and their relation to fractures and wear in clinical trials-A systematic review.

PubMed

Heintze, Siegward D; Ilie, Nicoleta; Hickel, Reinhard; Reis, Alessandra; Loguercio, Alessandro; Rousson, Valentin

2017-03-01

To evaluate a range of mechanical parameters of composite resins and compare the data to the frequency of fractures and wear in clinical studies. Based on a search of PubMed and SCOPUS, clinical studies on posterior composite restorations were investigated with regard to bias by two independent reviewers using Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. The target variables were chipping and/or fracture, loss of anatomical form (wear) and a combination of both (summary clinical index). These outcomes were modelled by time and material in a linear mixed effect model including random study and experiment effects. The laboratory data from one test institute were used: flexural strength, flexural modulus, compressive strength, and fracture toughness (all after 24-h storage in distilled water). For some materials flexural strength data after aging in water/saliva/ethanol were available. Besides calculating correlations between clinical and laboratory outcomes, we explored whether a model including a laboratory predictor dichotomized at a cut-off value better predicted a clinical outcome than a linear model. A total of 74 clinical experiments from 45 studies were included involving 31 materials for which laboratory data were also available. A weak positive correlation between fracture toughness and clinical fractures was found (Spearman rho=0.34, p=0.11) in addition to a moderate and statistically significant correlation between flexural strength and clinical wear (Spearman rho=0.46, p=0.01). When excluding those studies with "high" risk of bias (n=18), the correlations were generally weaker with no statistically significant correlation. For aging in ethanol, a very strong correlation was found between flexural strength decrease and clinical index, but this finding was based on only 7 materials (Spearman rho=0.96, p=0.0001). Prediction was not consistently improved with cutoff values. Correlations between clinical and laboratory outcomes were moderately positive with few significant results, fracture toughness being correlated with clinical fractures and flexural strength with clinical wear. Whether artificial aging enhances the prognostic value needs further investigations. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlation between Self-Citation and Impact Factor in Iranian English Medical Journals in WoS and ISC: A Comparative Approach.

PubMed

Ghazi Mirsaeid, Seyed Javad; Motamedi, Nadia; Ramezan Ghorbani, Nahid

2015-09-01

In this study, the impact of self-citation (Journal and Author) on impact factor of Iranian English Medical journals in two international citation databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Islamic world science citation center (ISC), were compared by citation analysis. Twelve journals in WoS and 26 journals in ISC databases indexed between the years (2006-2009) were selected and compared. For comparison of self-citation rate in two databases, we used Wilcoxon and Mann-whitney tests. We used Pearson test for correlation of self-citation and IF in WoS, and the Spearman's correlation coefficient for the ISC database. Covariance analysis was used for comparison of two correlation tests. P. value was 0.05 in all of tests. There was no significant difference between self-citation rates in two databases (P>0.05). Findings also showed no significant difference between the correlation of Journal self-citation and impact factor in two databases (P=0.526) however, there was significant difference between the author's self-citation and impact factor in these databases (P<0.001). The impact of Author's self-citation in the Impact Factor of WoS was higher than the ISC.

Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI relative cerebral blood volume and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in meningiomas.

PubMed

Ginat, Daniel T; Mangla, Rajiv; Yeaney, Gabrielle; Schaefer, Pamela W; Wang, Henry

2012-08-01

To determine whether there is a correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and cerebral blood flow (CBV) measurements in dynamic contrast-enhanced susceptibility perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the perfusion characteristics in high- versus low-grade meningiomas. A total of 48 (24 high-grade and 24 low-grade) meningiomas with available dynamic susceptibility-weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed for maximum CBV and semiquantitative VEGF immunoreactivity. Correlation between normalized CBV and VEGF was made using the Spearman rank test and comparison between CBV in high- versus low-grade meningiomas was made using the Wilcoxon test. There was a significant (P = .01) correlation between normalized maximum CBV and VEGF scores with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.37. In addition, there was a significant (P < .01) difference in normalized maximum CBV ratios between high-grade meningiomas (mean 12.6; standard deviation 5.2) and low-grade meningiomas (mean 8.2; standard deviation 5.2). The data suggest that CBV accurately reflects VEGF expression and tumor grade in meningiomas. Perfusion-weighted MRI can potentially serve as a useful biomarker for meningiomas, pending prospective studies. Copyright © 2012 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alternative statistical methods for interpreting airborne Alder (Alnus glutimosa (L.) Gaertner) pollen concentrations.

PubMed

González Parrado, Zulima; Valencia Barrera, Rosa M; Fuertes Rodríguez, Carmen R; Vega Maray, Ana M; Pérez Romero, Rafael; Fraile, Roberto; Fernández González, Delia

2009-01-01

This paper reports on the behaviour of Alnus glutinosa (alder) pollen grains in the atmosphere of Ponferrada (León, NW Spain) from 1995 to 2006. The study, which sought to determine the effects of various weather-related parameters on Alnus pollen counts, was performed using a volumetric method. The main pollination period for this taxon is January-February. Alder pollen is one of the eight major airborne pollen allergens found in the study area. An analysis was made of the correlation between pollen counts and major weather-related parameters over each period. In general, the strongest positive correlation was with temperature, particularly maximum temperature. During each period, peak pollen counts occurred when the maximum temperature fell within the range 9 degrees C-14 degrees C. Finally, multivariate analysis showed that the parameter exerting the greatest influence was temperature, a finding confirmed by Spearman correlation tests. Principal components analysis suggested that periods with high pollen counts were characterised by high maximum temperature, low rainfall and an absolute humidity of around 6 g m(-3). Use of this type of analysis in conjunction with other methods is essential for obtaining an accurate record of pollen-count variations over a given period.

Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products Predicts Impaired Alveolar Fluid Clearance in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

PubMed

Jabaudon, Matthieu; Blondonnet, Raiko; Roszyk, Laurence; Bouvier, Damien; Audard, Jules; Clairefond, Gael; Fournier, Mathilde; Marceau, Geoffroy; Déchelotte, Pierre; Pereira, Bruno; Sapin, Vincent; Constantin, Jean-Michel

2015-07-15

Levels of the soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) are elevated during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and correlate with severity and prognosis. Alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) is necessary for the resolution of lung edema but is impaired in most patients with ARDS. No reliable marker of this process has been investigated to date. To verify whether sRAGE could predict AFC during ARDS. Anesthetized CD-1 mice underwent orotracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid. At specified time points, lung injury was assessed by analysis of blood gases, alveolar permeability, lung histology, AFC, and plasma/bronchoalveolar fluid measurements of proinflammatory cytokines and sRAGE. Plasma sRAGE and AFC rates were also prospectively assessed in 30 patients with ARDS. The rate of AFC was inversely correlated with sRAGE levels in the plasma and the bronchoalveolar fluid of acid-injured mice (Spearman's ρ = -0.73 and -0.69, respectively; P < 10(-3)), and plasma sRAGE correlated with AFC in patients with ARDS (Spearman's ρ = -0.59; P < 10(-3)). Similarly, sRAGE levels were significantly associated with lung injury severity, and decreased over time in mice, whereas AFC was restored and lung injury resolved. Our results indicate that sRAGE levels could be a reliable predictor of impaired AFC during ARDS, and should stimulate further studies on the pathophysiologic implications of RAGE axis in the mechanisms leading to edema resolution. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00811629).

Direct ophthalmoscopy on YouTube: analysis of instructional YouTube videos' content and approach to visualization.

PubMed

Borgersen, Nanna Jo; Henriksen, Mikael Johannes Vuokko; Konge, Lars; Sørensen, Torben Lykke; Thomsen, Ann Sofia Skou; Subhi, Yousif

2016-01-01

Direct ophthalmoscopy is well-suited for video-based instruction, particularly if the videos enable the student to see what the examiner sees when performing direct ophthalmoscopy. We evaluated the pedagogical effectiveness of instructional YouTube videos on direct ophthalmoscopy by evaluating their content and approach to visualization. In order to synthesize main themes and points for direct ophthalmoscopy, we formed a broad panel consisting of a medical student, junior and senior physicians, and took into consideration book chapters targeting medical students and physicians in general. We then systematically searched YouTube. Two authors reviewed eligible videos to assess eligibility and extract data on video statistics, content, and approach to visualization. Correlations between video statistics and contents were investigated using two-tailed Spearman's correlation. We screened 7,640 videos, of which 27 were found eligible for this study. Overall, a median of 12 out of 18 points (interquartile range: 8-14 key points) were covered; no videos covered all of the 18 points assessed. We found the most difficulties in the approach to visualization of how to approach the patient and how to examine the fundus. Time spent on fundus examination correlated with the number of views per week (Spearman's ρ=0.53; P=0.029). Videos may help overcome the pedagogical issues in teaching direct ophthalmoscopy; however, the few available videos on YouTube fail to address this particular issue adequately. There is a need for high-quality videos that include relevant points, provide realistic visualization of the examiner's view, and give particular emphasis on fundus examination.

The role of contrast enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and comparison with the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC).

PubMed

Carbonetti, Francesco; Cremona, Antonio; Carusi, Valentina; Guidi, Marco; Iannicelli, Elsa; Di Girolamo, Marco; Sergi, Daniela; Clarioni, Alvise; Baio, Giulio; Antonelli, Giulio; Fratini, Luca; David, Vincenzo

2016-02-01

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in emergency departments for diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and for differential diagnosis of other musculoskeletal infections; to correlate radiological findings with the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC). 7 radiological parameters to be analysed on CECT scans were established, exams of 36 patients with proven diagnosis of NF (n 12) and other musculoskeletal infections (n 24) were retrospectively reviewed; LRINEC score was calculated. Fisher's test and Spearman's and Kendall's coefficients of rank correlations were performed. Two parameters were found to be strongly associated with the diagnosis of NF: involvement of the fascia (Spearman's ρ of 0.888, p < 0.001) and lack of fascial enhancement (Spearman's ρ of 0.672, p < 0.001). LRINEC score did not show strong association with the presence of fasciitis NF (Spearman's ρ of 0.490, p = 0.0024). Computed tomography (CT) parameters, which are significantly associated with the diagnosis of NF, are the involvement of the fascia and its lack of enhancement; LRINEC score could be high (>5) also in other musculoskeletal infections. Final diagnosis of necrosis among the fascia is surgical. Presence of gas is not a specific sign of necrotizing fasciitis being present in other musculoskeletal infections. CT could easily discriminate NF from other musculoskeletal infections, adds an important value to clinical and laboratory tests in diagnosis of NF in an emergency context when magnetic resonance imaging, which is superior to CT in this discernment, could not be performed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, C. S.; Zhang, Hongbin

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are important for nuclear reactor safety design and analysis. A 2x2 fuel assembly core design was developed and simulated by the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications, Core Simulator (VERA-CS) coupled neutronics and thermal-hydraulics code under development by the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL). An approach to uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis with VERA-CS was developed and a new toolkit was created to perform uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis with fourteen uncertain input parameters. Furthermore, the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR), maximum fuel center-line temperature, and maximum outer clad surfacemore » temperature were chosen as the selected figures of merit. Pearson, Spearman, and partial correlation coefficients were considered for all of the figures of merit in sensitivity analysis and coolant inlet temperature was consistently the most influential parameter. We used parameters as inputs to the critical heat flux calculation with the W-3 correlation were shown to be the most influential on the MDNBR, maximum fuel center-line temperature, and maximum outer clad surface temperature.« less

Using the angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and PlGF with Doppler ultrasound of the uterine artery for confirming preeclampsia.

PubMed

Bahlmann, Franz; Al Naimi, Ammar

2016-11-01

The aim of this study is to assess the value of the angiogenic factors for diagnosing preeclampsia and predicting the severity of manifestation. A secondary aim is assessing the combination of the uterine artery Doppler with the angiogenic factors for improving the diagnostic power. This is a prospective single center study in a tertiary referral hospital. This study includes 728 individual patients. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies, a referral to the hospital with suspicion of preeclampsia and any one or combination of the following symptoms: headache, upper abdominal pain, edema, and hypertension. Patients with complications that would affect the course of the pregnancy, such as placenta praevia, premature preterm rupture of membranes, breech presentation, and fetal chromosomal or structural anomalies, were excluded from the study. Blood samples collection and uterine artery Doppler ultrasound were performed at time of recruitment. The differences in sFlt-1, PlGF, and their quotient among normal collective and patients with preeclampsia were analyzed. Doppler ultrasound was performed by one of four highly qualified sonographers. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation, receiver operating characteristic curves, Chi-square test, and logistic regression were used in the analysis. A total of 1003 individual samples for the angiogenic factors were included in the analysis. 584 out of the recruited 728 patients had follow-up data with delivery information at the study hospital. Patients with preeclampsia show a significant increase in sFlt-1, which directly correlate with the increased severity of manifestation (Spearman's ρ 0.49). The sFlt-1 cut-off value of 5424 pg/ml confirms preeclampsia with 83.7 % sensitivity, 68.1 % specificity, and 24 % misclassification rate. Preeclampsia patients also show a significant decrease in PlGF, which negatively correlates with the increased severity of manifestation (Spearman's ρ -0.39). A PlGF cut-off value of 118 pg/ml confirms preeclampsia with 47.6 % sensitivity, 71.4 % specificity, and 27 % misclassification rate. Logistic regression shows that a combination of the quotient from sFlt-1/PlGF with notching and uterine artery PI provides a valid model for diagnosing preeclampsia with a diagnostic power of 74.4 %. The study confirms the use of the sFlt-1 and PlGF for diagnosing preeclampsia. It also shows their significance in differentiating between different categories of preeclampsia according to severity. This study shows that the use of angiogenic factors in combination with ultrasound findings provides valid models for confirming preeclampsia.

Palmar dermatoglyphic patterns in twins.

PubMed

Jacques, S M; Salzano, F M; Penña, H F

1977-01-01

The role of genetic factors in the determination of palmar dermatoglyphic patterns was investigated in a series of 49 MZ and 51 DZ twins, using Spearman's rank correlation and analysis of variance. Both methods indicated that the genetic effect in the distribution of patterns is highest in the interdigital III and lowest in the interdigital IV regions, the hypothenar and thenar showing intermediate values. As for interdigital II, no evaluation of genetic effects was possible using the nonparametric test, but the estimates of genetic variance indicate that inherited factors may play a relatively minor role in the pattern distribution of this area.

Plantar fasciitis and its relationship with hallux limitus.

PubMed

Aranda, Yolanda; Munuera, Pedro V

2014-05-01

We sought to determine whether patients with plantar fasciitis have limited dorsiflexion in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and which type of foot, pronated or supinated, is most frequently associated with plantar fasciitis. The 100 study participants (34 men and 66 women) were divided into two groups: patients with plantar fasciitis and controls. The Foot Posture Index and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were compared between the two groups, and a correlation analysis was conducted to study their relationship. In the plantar fasciitis group there was a slight limitation of dorsiflexion of the hallux that was not present in the control group (P < .001). Hallux dorsiflexion and the Foot Posture Index were inversely correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient, -0.441; P < .01). Participants with plantar fasciitis presented less hallux dorsiflexion than those in the control group, and their most common foot type was the pronated foot.

[Development and validation of the Chinese version of modified body imgae scale in Chinese population].

PubMed

Gao, X X; Zhu, L; Yu, S J; Xu, T

2018-02-25

Objective: To develop the Chinese version of modified body image scale (MBIS) questionnaires, and to validate them in Chinese population. Methods: The original English MBIS questionnaire was translated into Chinese, following the WHO cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality of life measures. The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of MBIS questionnaires were evaluated in Chinese population, MRKH syndrome patients. Results: Totally 50 patients with MRKH syndrome completed the MBIS and short-form 12-item health survey (SF-12) questionnaires. The Cronbach's alpha of MBIS was 0.741, intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.472-0.815 ( P< 0.01). MBIS scores were positively correlated with SF-12 scores (Spearman correlation coefficient was-0.409, P< 0.01) . Factor analysis showed that MBIS had one common factor. Conclusion: Chinese version of MBIS has high reliability and validity in Chinese population, therefore is suitable for clinic and research.

Weighing of risk factors for penetrating keratoplasty graft failure: application of Risk Score System.

PubMed

Tourkmani, Abdo Karim; Sánchez-Huerta, Valeria; De Wit, Guillermo; Martínez, Jaime D; Mingo, David; Mahillo-Fernández, Ignacio; Jiménez-Alfaro, Ignacio

2017-01-01

To analyze the relationship between the score obtained in the Risk Score System (RSS) proposed by Hicks et al with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) graft failure at 1y postoperatively and among each factor in the RSS with the risk of PKP graft failure using univariate and multivariate analysis. The retrospective cohort study had 152 PKPs from 152 patients. Eighteen cases were excluded from our study due to primary failure (10 cases), incomplete medical notes (5 cases) and follow-up less than 1y (3 cases). We included 134 PKPs from 134 patients stratified by preoperative risk score. Spearman coefficient was calculated for the relationship between the score obtained and risk of failure at 1y. Univariate and multivariate analysis were calculated for the impact of every single risk factor included in the RSS over graft failure at 1y. Spearman coefficient showed statistically significant correlation between the score in the RSS and graft failure ( P <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no statistically significant relationship ( P >0.05) between diagnosis and lens status with graft failure. The relationship between the other risk factors studied and graft failure was significant ( P <0.05), although the results for previous grafts and graft failure was unreliable. None of our patients had previous blood transfusion, thus, it had no impact. After the application of multivariate analysis techniques, some risk factors do not show the expected impact over graft failure at 1y.

Weighing of risk factors for penetrating keratoplasty graft failure: application of Risk Score System

PubMed Central

Tourkmani, Abdo Karim; Sánchez-Huerta, Valeria; De Wit, Guillermo; Martínez, Jaime D.; Mingo, David; Mahillo-Fernández, Ignacio; Jiménez-Alfaro, Ignacio

2017-01-01

AIM To analyze the relationship between the score obtained in the Risk Score System (RSS) proposed by Hicks et al with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) graft failure at 1y postoperatively and among each factor in the RSS with the risk of PKP graft failure using univariate and multivariate analysis. METHODS The retrospective cohort study had 152 PKPs from 152 patients. Eighteen cases were excluded from our study due to primary failure (10 cases), incomplete medical notes (5 cases) and follow-up less than 1y (3 cases). We included 134 PKPs from 134 patients stratified by preoperative risk score. Spearman coefficient was calculated for the relationship between the score obtained and risk of failure at 1y. Univariate and multivariate analysis were calculated for the impact of every single risk factor included in the RSS over graft failure at 1y. RESULTS Spearman coefficient showed statistically significant correlation between the score in the RSS and graft failure (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no statistically significant relationship (P>0.05) between diagnosis and lens status with graft failure. The relationship between the other risk factors studied and graft failure was significant (P<0.05), although the results for previous grafts and graft failure was unreliable. None of our patients had previous blood transfusion, thus, it had no impact. CONCLUSION After the application of multivariate analysis techniques, some risk factors do not show the expected impact over graft failure at 1y. PMID:28393027

Public perception of Tourette syndrome on YouTube.

PubMed

Fat, Mary Jane Lim; Sell, Erick; Barrowman, Nick; Doja, Asif

2012-08-01

We sought to determine public perception surrounding Tourette syndrome through viewers' responses to videos on YouTube. The top 20 videos on YouTube for search terms Tourette's, Tourette's syndrome, Tourette syndrome and tics were selected. The portrayal of Tourette syndrome was assessed as positive, negative, or neutral. Top 10 comments for each video were graded as "sympathetic," "neutral," or "derogatory." A total of 14 970 hits were obtained and 41 videos were retained, with an average of 590 113 views (1369 to 13 747 069) and 1761 comments (0 to 35 241). Twenty-two percent of videos retained portrayed Tourette syndrome negatively, 20% were neutral and 59% positive. Negative portrayals were significantly associated with more views (Spearman correlation rho = -.46, P =.003) and comments (Spearman correlation rho = -.47, P = .002). Although excellent examples of Tourette syndrome are available on YouTube, the popularity of negative portrayals may reinforce existing stigma in society.

Reproducibility and relative validity of food group intake in a food frequency questionnaire developed for Nepalese diet.

PubMed

Shrestha, Archana; Koju, Rajendra Prasad; Beresford, Shirley A A; Chan, Kwun Chuen Gary; Connell, Frederik A; Karmacharya, Biraj Man; Shrestha, Pramita; Fitzpatrick, Annette L

2017-08-01

We developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to measure the dietary practices of adult Nepalese. The present study examined the validity and reproducibility of the FFQ. To evaluate the reproducibility of the FFQ, 116 subjects completed two 115-item FFQ across a four-month interval. Six 24-h dietary recalls were collected (1 each month) to assess the validity of the FFQ. Seven major food groups and 23 subgroups were clustered from the FFQ based on macronutrient composition. Spearman correlation coefficients evaluating reproducibility for all food groups were greater than 0.5, with the exceptions of oil. The correlations varied from 0.41 (oil) to 0.81 (vegetables). All crude spearman coefficients for validity were greater than 0.5 except for dairy products, pizzas/pastas and sausage/burgers. The FFQ was found to be reliable and valid for ranking the intake of food groups for Nepalese dietary intake.

Whole-tumour diffusion kurtosis MR imaging histogram analysis of rectal adenocarcinoma: Correlation with clinical pathologic prognostic factors.

PubMed

Cui, Yanfen; Yang, Xiaotang; Du, Xiaosong; Zhuo, Zhizheng; Xin, Lei; Cheng, Xintao

2018-04-01

To investigate potential relationships between diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI)-derived parameters using whole-tumour volume histogram analysis and clinicopathological prognostic factors in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. 79 consecutive patients who underwent MRI examination with rectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively evaluated. Parameters D, K and conventional ADC were measured using whole-tumour volume histogram analysis. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, receiver operating characteristic curves and Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Almost all the percentile metrics of K were correlated positively with nodal involvement, higher histological grades, the presence of lymphangiovascular invasion (LVI) and circumferential margin (CRM) (p<0.05), with the exception of between K 10th , K 90th and histological grades. In contrast, significant negative correlations were observed between 25th, 50th percentiles and mean values of ADC and D, as well as ADC 10th , with tumour T stages (p< 0.05). Meanwhile, lower 75th and 90th percentiles of ADC and D values were also correlated inversely with nodal involvement (p< 0.05). K mean showed a relatively higher area under the curve (AUC) and higher specificity than other percentiles for differentiation of lesions with nodal involvement. DKI metrics with whole-tumour volume histogram analysis, especially K parameters, were associated with important prognostic factors of rectal cancer. • K correlated positively with some important prognostic factors of rectal cancer. • K mean showed higher AUC and specificity for differentiation of nodal involvement. • DKI metrics with whole-tumour volume histogram analysis depicted tumour heterogeneity.

Correlation between dental maturity and cervical vertebral maturity.

PubMed

Chen, Jianwei; Hu, Haikun; Guo, Jing; Liu, Zeping; Liu, Renkai; Li, Fan; Zou, Shujuan

2010-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dental and skeletal maturity. Digital panoramic radiographs and lateral skull cephalograms of 302 patients (134 boys and 168 girls, ranging from 8 to 16 years of age) were examined. Dental maturity was assessed by calcification stages of the mandibular canines, first and second premolars, and second molars, whereas skeletal maturity was estimated by the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages. The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between CVM stage and dental calcification stage of individual teeth. The mean chronologic age of girls was significantly lower than that of boys in each CVM stage. The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients between dental maturity and cervical vertebral maturity ranged from 0.391 to 0.582 for girls and from 0.464 to 0.496 for boys (P < 0.05). In girls, the mandibular second molar had the highest and the canine the lowest correlation. In boys, the canine had the highest and the first premolar the lowest correlation. Tooth calcification stage was significantly correlated with cervical vertebral maturation stage. The development of the mandibular second molar in females and that of the mandibular canine in males had the strongest correlations with cervical vertebral maturity. Therefore, it is practical to consider the relationship between dental and skeletal maturity when planning orthodontic treatment. Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproducibility of food consumption frequencies derived from the Children's Eating Habits Questionnaire used in the IDEFICS study.

PubMed

Lanfer, A; Hebestreit, A; Ahrens, W; Krogh, V; Sieri, S; Lissner, L; Eiben, G; Siani, A; Huybrechts, I; Loit, H-M; Papoutsou, S; Kovács, E; Pala, V

2011-04-01

To investigate the reproducibility of food consumption frequencies derived from the food frequency section of the Children's Eating Habits Questionnaire (CEHQ-FFQ) that was developed and used in the IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) project to assess food habits in 2- to 9-year-old European children. From a subsample of 258 children who participated in the IDEFICS baseline examination, parental questionnaires of the CEHQ were collected twice to assess reproducibility of questionnaire results from 0 to 354 days after the first examination. Weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients (κ) and Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to assess agreement between the first and second questionnaires for each food item of the CEHQ-FFQ. Stratification was performed for sex, age group, geographical region and length of period between the first and second administrations. Fisher's Z transformation was applied to test correlation coefficients for significant differences between strata. For all food items analysed, weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients (κ) and Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were significant and positive (P<0.001). Reproducibility was lowest for diet soft drinks (κ=0.23, r=0.32) and highest for sweetened milk (κ=0.68, r=0.76). Correlation coefficients were comparable to those of previous studies on FFQ reproducibility in children and adults. Stratification did not reveal systematic differences in reproducibility by sex and age group. Spearman's correlation coefficients differed significantly between northern and southern European countries for 10 food items. In nine of them, the lower respective coefficient was still high enough to conclude acceptable reproducibility. As expected, longer time (>128 days) between the first and second administrations resulted in a generally lower, yet still acceptable, reproducibility. Results indicate that the CEHQ-FFQ gives reproducible estimates of the consumption frequency of 43 food items from 14 food groups in European children.

Parental self-efficacy in childhood overweight: validation of the Lifestyle Behavior Checklist in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Gerards, Sanne M P L; Hummel, Karin; Dagnelie, Pieter C; de Vries, Nanne K; Kremers, Stef P J

2013-01-18

Evaluating whether parental challenges and self-efficacy toward managing children's lifestyle behaviors are successfully addressed by interventions requires valid instruments. The Lifestyle Behavior Checklist (LBC) has recently been developed in the Australian context. It consists of two subscales: the Problem scale, which measures parental perceptions of children's behavioral problems related to overweight and obesity, and the Confidence scale, measuring parental self-efficacy in dealing with these problems. The aim of the current study was to systematically translate the questionnaire into Dutch and to evaluate its internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. The LBC was systematically translated by four experts at Maastricht University. In total, 392 parents of 3-to13-year-old children were invited to fill out two successive online questionnaires with a two-week interval. Of these, 273 parents responded to the first questionnaire (test, response rate = 69.6%), and of the 202 who could be invited for the second questionnaire (retest), 100 responded (response rate = 49.5%). We assessed the questionnaire's internal consistency (Cronbach's α), construct validity (Spearman's Rho correlation tests, using the criterion measures: restrictiveness, nurturance, and psychological control), and test-retest reliability (Spearman's Rho correlation tests). Both scales had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.90). Spearman correlation coefficients indicated acceptable test-retest reliability for both the Problem scale (rs = 0.74) and the Confidence scale (rs = 0.70). The LBC Problem scale was significantly correlated to all criterion scales (nurturance, restrictiveness, psychological control) in the hypothesized direction, and the LBC Confidence scale was significantly correlated with nurturance and psychological control in the hypothesized direction, but not with restrictiveness. The Dutch translation of the LBC was found to be a reliable and reasonably valid questionnaire to measure parental perceptions of children's weight-related problem behavior and the extent to which parents feel confident to manage these problems.

Higher ambulatory systolic blood pressure independently associated with enlarged perivascular spaces in basal ganglia.

PubMed

Yang, Shuna; Yuan, Junliang; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Fan, Huimin; Li, Yue; Yin, Jiangmei; Hu, Wenli

2017-09-01

Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) have been identified as a marker of cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD). Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) is the strongest predictor of hypertension-related brain damage. However, the relationship between ABP levels and EPVS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between ABP levels and EPVS by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). We prospectively recruited inpatients for physical examinations in our hospital from May 2013 to Jun 2016. 24-hour ABPM data and cranial magnetic resonance imaging information were collected. EPVS in basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO) were identified and classified into three categories by the severity. White matter hyperintensities were scored by Fazekas scale. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between ABP levels and EPVS. A total of 573 subjects were enrolled in this study. 24-hour, day and night systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were positively related to higher numbers of EPVS in BG (24-hour SBP: r = 0.23, p < 0.01; day SBP: r = 0.25, p < 0.01; night SBP: r = 0.30, p < 0.01). The association was unchanged after controlling for confounders by multiple logistic regression analysis. 24-hour and day diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels increased with an increasing degree of EPVS in CSO (p = 0.04 and 0.049, respectively). But the association disappeared after adjusting for confounders. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that ABP levels were not associated with higher numbers of EPVS in CSO (p > 0.05). DBP levels were not independently associated with the severity of EPVS in BG and CSO. Higher SBP levels were independently associated with EPVS in BG, but not in CSO, which supported EPVS in BG to be a marker of CSVD. Pathogenesis of EPVS in BG and CSO might be different.

Memory B cells in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Xing, Chunye; Hao, Yanlei; Shi, Qiguang; Qi, Ziyou; Lv, Zhanyun; Song, Yan; Xu, Peng; Feng, Xungang; Zhang, Lili; Zhang, Yong; Wang, Yuzhong; Yuki, Nobuhiro

2017-04-15

IgG autoantibodies against gangliosides show the highest titers at the disease onset of axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), in which there are no IgM anti-ganglioside antibodies. We hypothesized that memory B cells take part in the development of producing IgG autoantibodies. In this study, we analyzed the memory B cells in patients with GBS using flow cytometry. There was significantly higher percentage of memory B cells in patients with GBS than the healthy controls. The Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that increased percentage of memory B cells was positively correlated with the clinical severity of the patients with GBS. Our study provides the evidences that memory B cells may be involved in mechanism of GBS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessing hospital disaster preparedness: a comparison of an on-site survey, directly observed drill performance, and video analysis of teamwork.

PubMed

Kaji, Amy H; Langford, Vinette; Lewis, Roger J

2008-09-01

There is currently no validated method for assessing hospital disaster preparedness. We determine the degree of correlation between the results of 3 methods for assessing hospital disaster preparedness: administration of an on-site survey, drill observation using a structured evaluation tool, and video analysis of team performance in the hospital incident command center. This was a prospective, observational study conducted during a regional disaster drill, comparing the results from an on-site survey, a structured disaster drill evaluation tool, and a video analysis of teamwork, performed at 6 911-receiving hospitals in Los Angeles County, CA. The on-site survey was conducted separately from the drill and assessed hospital disaster plan structure, vendor agreements, modes of communication, medical and surgical supplies, involvement of law enforcement, mutual aid agreements with other facilities, drills and training, surge capacity, decontamination capability, and pharmaceutical stockpiles. The drill evaluation tool, developed by Johns Hopkins University under contract from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, was used to assess various aspects of drill performance, such as the availability of the hospital disaster plan, the geographic configuration of the incident command center, whether drill participants were identifiable, whether the noise level interfered with effective communication, and how often key information (eg, number of available staffed floor, intensive care, and isolation beds; number of arriving victims; expected triage level of victims; number of potential discharges) was received by the incident command center. Teamwork behaviors in the incident command center were quantitatively assessed, using the MedTeams analysis of the video recordings obtained during the disaster drill. Spearman rank correlations of the results between pair-wise groupings of the 3 assessment methods were calculated. The 3 evaluation methods demonstrated qualitatively different results with respect to each hospital's level of disaster preparedness. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient between the results of the on-site survey and the video analysis of teamwork was -0.34; between the results of the on-site survey and the structured drill evaluation tool, 0.15; and between the results of the video analysis and the drill evaluation tool, 0.82. The disparate results obtained from the 3 methods suggest that each measures distinct aspects of disaster preparedness, and perhaps no single method adequately characterizes overall hospital preparedness.

Space, race, and poverty: Spatial inequalities in walkable neighborhood amenities?

PubMed Central

Aldstadt, Jared; Whalen, John; White, Kellee; Castro, Marcia C.; Williams, David R.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Multiple and varied benefits have been suggested for increased neighborhood walkability. However, spatial inequalities in neighborhood walkability likely exist and may be attributable, in part, to residential segregation. OBJECTIVE Utilizing a spatial demographic perspective, we evaluated potential spatial inequalities in walkable neighborhood amenities across census tracts in Boston, MA (US). METHODS The independent variables included minority racial/ethnic population percentages and percent of families in poverty. Walkable neighborhood amenities were assessed with a composite measure. Spatial autocorrelation in key study variables were first calculated with the Global Moran’s I statistic. Then, Spearman correlations between neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and walkable neighborhood amenities were calculated as well as Spearman correlations accounting for spatial autocorrelation. We fit ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and spatial autoregressive models, when appropriate, as a final step. RESULTS Significant positive spatial autocorrelation was found in neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. census tract percent Black), but not walkable neighborhood amenities or in the OLS regression residuals. Spearman correlations between neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics and walkable neighborhood amenities were not statistically significant, nor were neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics significantly associated with walkable neighborhood amenities in OLS regression models. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that there is residential segregation in Boston and that spatial inequalities do not necessarily show up using a composite measure. COMMENTS Future research in other geographic areas (including international contexts) and using different definitions of neighborhoods (including small-area definitions) should evaluate if spatial inequalities are found using composite measures but also should use measures of specific neighborhood amenities. PMID:29046612

The Relationship between Teacher Self-Efficacy and Student Discipline Referrals Written by Secondary Teachers from a Rural School District in a Southern State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laughter, Edwin Brice

2017-01-01

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine the strength of the relationship between teacher self-efficacy and discipline referrals. Participants completed the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale, which was used as an operational definition of teacher self-efficacy. A Spearman's correlation coefficient measured the…

[The comparison of the expansion of polyps according to the Ki-67 and computed tomography scores].

PubMed

Aydin, Sedat; Sanli, Arif; Tezer, Ilter; Hardal, Umit; Barişik, Nagehan Ozdemir

2009-01-01

The disease extention in nasal polyps was compared by using the mitotic activity rates and the computed tomography scores. This study was conducted on 19 nasal polyposis patients (8 males, 11 females; mean age 40.0+/-13.7 years; range 20 to 63 years). The preoperative computed tomography records of the patients were evaluated according to the Lund-Mackay grading system. The polyp tissues of the same patients were stained with the Ki-67 antigen for immunohistochemical evaluation. The correlation between the radiologic results and the Ki-67 values was compared by means of the Spearman's correlation test. The mean computed tomography score was observed as 14.3+/-4.7 (range 7-24). The mean Ki-67 score resulting from the immunohistochemical staining was calculated as 24.3+/-18.5 (range 3.3-73.5%). A significant correlation was determined between the Ki-67 values and the computed tomography scores. ("Spearman's" correlation factor: 0.677; p<0.001). As the mitotic activity rate of nasal polyps increases, both the volume of the polyps and the computed tomography scores increase as a result of the blockage of the sinus ostiums by the increased polyp volume.

Adaptation, reliability and validity testing of a Persian version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index in Iranian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Nazary-Moghadam, Salman; Zeinalzadeh, Afsaneh; Salavati, Mahyar; Almasi, Simin; Negahban, Hossein

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt and evaluate reliability and validity of Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) in Iranian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 234 patients with RA for validation study, Eighty-six participants for reliability study. Test-retest relative reliability and internal consistency of Persian version of HAQ-DI were examined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Additionally, HAQ-DI construct validity (Spearman's correlation) was examined using Persian version of Short-Form 36 Health survey (SF-36), activity and severity parameters. Persian version of HAQ-DI total score showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95). Spearman's correlations between the total PHAQ-DI score and activity and severity parameters were above 0.55. Correlation between PHAQ-DI and SF-36 Physical Health were higher as compared with SF-36 Mental Health. Persian version of HAQ-DI is a reliable and valid culturally-adapted instrument in order to measure functional limitations in Iranian people with RA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Fresh Detox Juices on Color Stability and Roughness of Resin-Based Composites.

PubMed

Yikilgan, İhsan; Akgul, Sinem; Hazar, Ahmet; Kedıcı Alp, Cemile; Baglar, Serdar; Bala, Oya

2018-02-27

To evaluate the effects of three fresh detox juices, including an orange, green, and red beverage, on the color stability and surface roughness of three anterior esthetic resin-based composites (RBCs). Disk-shaped specimens were prepared with three different esthetic RBCs (Amaris, G-aenial Anterior, Clearfil Majesty ES-2) according to the manufacturers' instructions. Forty specimens were prepared for each RBC, and all specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 24 hours. The initial color values and surface roughness measurements of the specimens were taken using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer. The specimens were then divided into 4 subgroups (n = 10). All specimens except the control specimens were immersed in their designated fresh detox juices (green, red, or orange) for 10 minutes twice a day. Color and surface roughness measurements were taken on day 15 and day 30, and the results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. The association between color change and surface roughness was evaluated by Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis. Color changes and surface roughness increased upon exposure to fresh detox juices for 15 and 30 days for all of the RBCs. All of the G-aenial and Amaris groups displayed color changes above the threshold of acceptability, whereas Clearfil Majesty ES-2 displayed a color change above the threshold of acceptability only after exposure to the red beverage for 30 days (ΔE > 3.7). With regard to surface roughness, Clearfil Majesty ES-2 outperformed the other RBCs (p < 0.001). According to Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis, there was no correlation between color change and surface roughness (p > 0.001). Exposure to the fresh detox juices used in this study led to similar color changes in the RBCs used in this study. © 2018 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

WE-FG-202-12: Investigation of Longitudinal Salivary Gland DCE-MRI Changes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ger, R; Howell, R; Li, H

Purpose: To determine the correlation between dose and changes through treatment in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI voxel parameters (Ktrans, kep, Ve, and Vp) within salivary glands of head and neck oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Methods: 17 HNSCC patients treated with definitive radiation therapy completed DCE-MRI scans on a 3T scanner at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and post-treatment time points. Mid-treatment and post-treatment DCE images were deformably registered to pre-treatment DCE images (Velocity software package). Pharmacokinetic analysis of the DCE images used a modified Tofts model to produce parameter maps with an arterial input function selected from each patient’s perivertebralmore » space on the image (NordicICE software package). In-house software was developed for voxel-by-voxel longitudinal analysis of the salivary glands within the registered images. The planning CT was rigidly registered to the pre-treatment DCE image to obtain dose values in each voxel. Voxels within the lower and upper dose quartiles for each gland were averaged for each patient, then an average of the patients’ means for the two quartiles were compared. Dose-relationships were also assessed by Spearman correlations between dose and voxel parameter changes for each patient’s gland. Results: Changes in parameters’ means between time points were observed, but inter-patient variability was high. Ve of the parotid was the only parameter that had a consistently significant longitudinal difference between dose quartiles. The highest Spearman correlation was Vp of the sublingual gland for the change in the pre-treatment to mid-treatment values with only a ρ=0.29. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, there was large inter-patient variability in the changes of DCE voxel parameters with no clear relationship with dose. Additional patients may reduce the uncertainties and allow for the determination of the existence of parameter and dose relationships.« less

A Simplified Approach to Measure the Effect of the Microvasculature in Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging Applied to Breast Tumors: Preliminary Results.

PubMed

Teruel, Jose R; Goa, Pål E; Sjøbakk, Torill E; Østlie, Agnes; Fjøsne, Hans E; Bathen, Tone F

2016-11-01

Purpose To evaluate the relative change of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at low- and medium-b-value regimens as a surrogate marker of microcirculation, to study its correlation with dynamic contrast agent-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived parameters, and to assess its potential for differentiation between malignant and benign breast tumors. Materials and Methods Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained. From May 2013 to June 2015, 61 patients diagnosed with either malignant or benign breast tumors were prospectively recruited. All patients were scanned with a 3-T MR imager, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and DCE MR imaging. Parametric analysis of DWI and DCE MR imaging was performed, including a proposed marker, relative enhanced diffusivity (RED). Spearman correlation was calculated between DCE MR imaging and DWI parameters, and the potential of the different DWI-derived parameters for differentiation between malignant and benign breast tumors was analyzed by dividing the sample into equally sized training and test sets. Optimal cut-off values were determined with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in the training set, which were then used to evaluate the independent test set. Results RED had a Spearman rank correlation of 0.61 with the initial area under the curve calculated from DCE MR imaging. Furthermore, RED differentiated cancers from benign tumors with an overall accuracy of 90% (27 of 30) on the test set with 88.2% (15 of 17) sensitivity and 92.3% (12 of 13) specificity. Conclusion This study presents promising results introducing a simplified approach to assess results from a DWI protocol sensitive to the intravoxel incoherent motion effect by using only three b values. This approach could potentially aid in the differentiation, characterization, and monitoring of breast pathologies. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Brief Report: Dialister as a Microbial Marker of Disease Activity in Spondyloarthritis.

PubMed

Tito, Raul Y; Cypers, Heleen; Joossens, Marie; Varkas, Gaëlle; Van Praet, Liesbet; Glorieus, Elien; Van den Bosch, Filip; De Vos, Martine; Raes, Jeroen; Elewaut, Dirk

2017-01-01

Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota has been widely established in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is significant clinical and genetic overlap between spondyloarthritis (SpA) and IBD, and up to 50% of all patients with SpA exhibit microscopic signs of bowel inflammation, often bearing particular resemblance to early Crohn's disease, a subtype of IBD. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between intestinal microbial composition, gut histology, and disease activity markers in SpA. Gene analysis by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing was used to compare the microbial composition in ileal and colonic biopsy specimens from 27 patients with SpA (14 with microscopic bowel inflammation, 13 without) and 15 healthy control subjects (ileal samples from all 15 subjects and colonic samples from 6). Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to assess correlations of the microbial composition with disease activity measures. The intestinal inflammation status (histologically normal versus acute or chronic inflammation) was strongly associated with the mucosal microbiota profile of patients with SpA. In inflamed biopsy tissue, the detected bacterial community composition clustered separately from that in noninflamed biopsy tissue (P < 0.05 by permutational multivariate analysis of variance, using hierarchical clustering on Bray-Curtis distances). Interestingly, abundance of the genus Dialister was found to be positively correlated with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (Spearman's rho = 0.62, false discovery rate-corrected q < 0.01). This finding was further supported by the low frequency of Dialister observed in noninflamed ileal and colonic biopsy tissue from patients with SpA and healthy controls. These findings demonstrate a significant difference in the intestinal microbial composition in patients with SpA who have microscopic gut inflammation compared to those without microscopic gut inflammation. Moreover, Dialister may represent a potential microbial marker of disease activity in SpA. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Use of the Oxford Handicap Scale at hospital discharge to predict Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months in patients with traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Perel, Pablo; Edwards, Phil; Shakur, Haleema; Roberts, Ian

2008-11-06

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of acquired disability. In evaluating the effectiveness of clinical interventions for TBI it is important to measure disability accurately. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) is the most widely used outcome measure in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in TBI patients. However GOS measurement is generally collected at 6 months after discharge when loss to follow up could have occurred. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association and predictive validity between a simple disability scale at hospital discharge, the Oxford Handicap Scale (OHS), and the GOS at 6 months among TBI patients. The study was a secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial among TBI patients (MRC CRASH Trial). A Spearman correlation was estimated to evaluate the association between the OHS and GOS. The validity of different dichotomies of the OHS for predicting GOS at 6 months was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity and the C statistic. Uni and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted including OHS as explanatory variable. For each model we analysed its discrimination and calibration. We found that the OHS is highly correlated with GOS at 6 months (spearman correlation 0.75) with evidence of a linear relationship between the two scales. The OHS dichotomy that separates patients with severe dependency or death showed the greatest discrimination (C statistic: 84.3). Among survivors at hospital discharge the OHS showed a very good discrimination (C statistic 0.78) and excellent calibration when used to predict GOS outcome at 6 months. We have shown that the OHS, a simple disability scale available at hospital discharge can predict disability accurately, according to the GOS, at 6 months. OHS could be used to improve the design and analysis of clinical trials in TBI patients and may also provide a valuable clinical tool for physicians to improve communication with patients and relatives when assessing a patient's prognosis at hospital discharge.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Health and Taste Attitude Scale (HTAS) in Portuguese].

PubMed

Koritar, Priscila; Philippi, Sonia Tucunduva; Alvarenga, Marle dos Santos; Santos, Bernardo dos

2014-08-01

The scope of this study was to show the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Health and Taste Attitude Scale in Portuguese. The methodology included translation of the scale; evaluation of conceptual, operational and item-based equivalence by 14 experts and 51 female undergraduates; semantic equivalence and measurement assessment by 12 bilingual women by the paired t-test, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the coefficient intraclass correlation; internal consistency and test-retest reliability by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively, after application on 216 female undergraduates; assessment of discriminant and concurrent validity via the t-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively, in addition to Confirmatory Factor and Exploratory Factor Analysis. The scale was considered adequate and easily understood by the experts and university students and presented good internal consistency and reliability (µ 0.86, ICC 0.84). The results show that the scale is valid and can be used in studies with women to better understand attitudes related to taste.

Spatial abilities, Earth science conceptual understanding, and psychological gender of university non-science majors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, Alice A. (Jill)

Research has shown the presence of many Earth science misconceptions and conceptual difficulties that may impede concept understanding, and has also identified a number of categories of spatial ability. Although spatial ability has been linked to high performance in science, some researchers believe it has been overlooked in traditional education. Evidence exists that spatial ability can be improved. This correlational study investigated the relationship among Earth science conceptual understanding, three types of spatial ability, and psychological gender, a self-classification that reflects socially-accepted personality and gender traits. A test of Earth science concept understanding, the Earth Science Concepts (ESC) test, was developed and field tested from 2001 to 2003 in 15 sections of university classes. Criterion validity was .60, significant at the .01 level. Spearman/Brown reliability was .74 and Kuder/Richardson reliability was .63. The Purdue Visualization of Rotations (PVOR) (mental rotation), the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) (spatial perception), the Differential Aptitude Test: Space Relations (DAT) (spatial visualization), and the Bem Inventory (BI) (psychological gender) were administered to 97 non-major university students enrolled in undergraduate science classes. Spearman correlations revealed moderately significant correlations at the .01 level between ESC scores and each of the three spatial ability test scores. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that PVOR scores were the best predictor of ESC scores, and showed that spatial ability scores accounted for 27% of the total variation in ESC scores. Spatial test scores were moderately or weakly correlated with each other. No significant correlations were found among BI scores and other test scores. Scantron difficulty analysis of ESC items produced difficulty ratings ranging from 33.04 to 96.43, indicating the percentage of students who answered incorrectly. Mean score on the ESC was 34%, indicating that the non-majors tested exhibited many Earth science misconceptions and conceptual difficulties. A number of significant results were found when independent t-tests and correlations were conducted among test scores and demographic variables. The number of previous university Earth science courses was significantly related to ESC scores. Preservice elementary/middle majors differed significantly in several ways from other non-majors, and several earlier results were not supported. Results of this study indicate that an important opportunity may exist to improve Earth science conceptual understanding by focusing on spatial ability, a cognitive ability that has heretofore not been directly addressed in schools.

Rating scale for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: scale development and clinimetric testing.

PubMed

Cianci, Vittoria; Ferlazzo, Edoardo; Condino, Francesca; Mauvais, Hélène Somma; Farnarier, Guy; Labate, Angelo; Latella, Maria Adele; Gasparini, Sara; Branca, Damiano; Pucci, Franco; Vazzana, Francesco; Gambardella, Antonio; Aguglia, Umberto

2011-06-01

Our aim was to develop a clinimetric scale evaluating motor phenomena, associated features, and severity of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Sixty video/EEG-recorded PNES induced by suggestion maneuvers were evaluated. We examined the relationship between results from this scale and results from the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale to validate this technique. Interrater reliabilities of the PNES scale for three raters were analyzed using the AC1 statistic, Kendall's coefficient of concordance (KCC), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The relationship between the CGI and PNES scales was evaluated with Spearman correlations. The AC1 statistic demonstrated good interrater reliability for each phenomenon analyzed (tremor/oscillation, tonic; clonic/jerking, hypermotor/agitation, atonic/akinetic, automatisms, associated features). KCC and the ICC showed moderate interrater agreement for phenomenology, associated phenomena, and total PNES scores. Spearman's correlation of mean CGI score with mean total PNES score was 0.69 (P<0.001). The scale described here accurately evaluates the phenomenology of PNES and could be used to assess and compare subgroups of patients with PNES. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Artificial neural network model of the relationship between Betula pollen and meteorological factors in Szczecin (Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puc, Małgorzata

2012-03-01

Birch pollen is one of the main causes of allergy during spring and early summer in northern and central Europe. The aim of this study was to create a forecast model that can accurately predict daily average concentrations of Betula sp. pollen grains in the atmosphere of Szczecin, Poland. In order to achieve this, a novel data analysis technique—artificial neural networks (ANN)—was used. Sampling was carried out using a volumetric spore trap of the Hirst design in Szczecin during 2003-2009. Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that humidity had a strong negative correlation with Betula pollen concentrations. Significant positive correlations were observed for maximum temperature, average temperature, minimum temperature and precipitation. The ANN resulted in multilayer perceptrons 366 8: 2928-7-1:1, time series prediction was of quite high accuracy (SD Ratio between 0.3 and 0.5, R > 0.85). Direct comparison of the observed and calculated values confirmed good performance of the model and its ability to recreate most of the variation.

Motivation of farmers to cultivate organic rice in Central Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalmiyatun, T.; Eddy, B. T.; Sumekar, W.; Mardiningsih, D.

2018-01-01

The consumer’s need for organic agricultural products increases sharply along with awareness of health, lifestyle and environmental concern. This research was intended to determine the relationship between social factors and the motivation of farmers for cultivating organic rice in Central Java. The research has been done by survey to farmers groups at three regions i.e. Semarang, Sragen and Demak. The determination of the location was carried out by means of purposive i.e. farmer groups that conduct organic rice cultivation (not semi organic). The determination of the sample was conducted purposively for a number of 50 people each regencies. Data were analyzed descriptive analysis and rank Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that social factors include age, cultivated area, education, farming experience have correlation with motivation. education and cultivated area of land has a fairly close relation with correlation value 0,463% and 0,242%. Based on the motivation level, 33% of farmers have high motivation, motivation of farmers varied but most of them, 54% of total farmers stated that the motivation to cultivate organic rice is the quality of organic rice products and high income.

Non-invasive Characterization of the Histopathologic Features of Pulmonary Nodules of the Lung Adenocarcinoma Spectrum using Computer Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield (CANARY) – a Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Maldonado, Fabien; Boland, Jennifer M.; Raghunath, Sushravya; Aubry, Marie Christine; Bartholmai, Brian J.; deAndrade, Mariza; Hartman, Thomas E.; Karwoski, Ronald A.; Rajagopalan, Srinivasan; Sykes, Anne-Marie; Yang, Ping; Yi, Eunhee S.; Robb, Richard A.; Peikert, Tobias

2013-01-01

Introduction Pulmonary nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum are characterized by distinctive morphological and radiological features and variable prognosis. Non-invasive high-resolution computed-tomography (HRCT)-based risk stratification tools are needed to individualize their management. Methods Radiological measurements of histopathologic tissue invasion were developed in a training set of 54 pulmonary nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum and validated in 86 consecutively resected nodules. Nodules were isolated and characterized by computer-aided analysis and data were analyzed by Spearman correlation, sensitivity, specificity as well as the positive and negative predictive values. Results Computer Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield (CANARY) can non-invasively characterize pulmonary nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum. Unsupervised clustering analysis of HRCT data identified 9 unique exemplars representing the basic radiologic building blocks of these lesions. The exemplar distribution within each nodule correlated well with the proportion of histologic tissue invasion, Spearman R=0.87,p < 0.0001 and 0.89,p < 0.0001 for the training and the validation set, respectively. Clustering of the exemplars in three-dimensional space corresponding to tissue invasion and lepidic growth was used to develop a CANARY decision algorithm, which successfully categorized these pulmonary nodules as “aggressive” (invasive adenocarcinoma) or “indolent” (adenocarcinoma in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this approach for the detection of “aggressive” lesions were 95.4%, 96.8%, 95.4% and 96.8%, respectively in the training set and 98.7%, 63.6%, 94.9% and 87.5%, respectively in the validation set. Conclusion CANARY represents a promising tool to non-invasively risk stratify pulmonary nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum. PMID:23486265

A comparison of roughness parameters and friction coefficients of aesthetic archwires.

PubMed

Rudge, Philippa; Sherriff, Martyn; Bister, Dirk

2015-02-01

Compare surface roughness of 'aesthetic' nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires with their dynamic frictional properties. Archwires investigated were: four fully coated tooth coloured [Forestadent: Biocosmetic (FB) and Titanol Cosmetic (FT); TOC Tooth Tone (TT); and Hawley Russell Coated Superelastic NiTi (HRC)]; two partially coated tooth coloured [DB Euroline Microcoated (DB) and TP Aesthetic NiTi (TP)]; two rhodium coated [TOC Sentalloy (TS) and Hawley Russell Rhodium Coated Superelastic NiTi (HRR)]; and two controls: stainless steel [Forestadent Steel (FS)] and NiTi archwire [Forestadent Titanol Superelastic (FN)]. Surface roughness [profilometry (Rugosurf)] was compared with frictional coefficients for archwire/bracket/ligature combinations (n = 10). Analysis of variance, Sidak's multiple comparison of means, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for analysis. Roughness coefficients were from low to high: FB; FN; TT; FS; TS; HRR; FT; DB; TP; HRC. Friction coefficients were from low to high: TP; FS; FN; HRR; FT; DB; FB; HRC; TS; TT. Coated archwires generally exhibited higher friction than uncoated controls. TP had the lowest friction but this was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Friction of tooth coloured coated archwires were significantly different for some wires. Spearman's correlation did not demonstrate consistency between surface roughness (R a) and dynamic friction. Aesthetic archwires investigated had either low surface roughness or low frictional resistance but not both properties simultaneously. Causes for friction are likely to be multifactorial and do not appear to be solely determined by surface roughness (measured by profilometry). For selecting the most appropriate aligning archwire, both surface roughness and frictional resistance need to be considered. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Orthodontic Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The correlation between proprioception and handwriting legibility in children

PubMed Central

Hong, So Young; Jung, Nam-Hae; Kim, Kyeong Mi

2016-01-01

[Purpose] This study investigated the association between proprioception, including joint position sense and kinetic sense, and handwriting legibility in healthy children. [Subjects and Methods] Assessment of joint position sense, kinetic sense, and handwriting legibility was conducted for 19 healthy children. Joint position sense was assessed by asking the children to flex their right elbow between 30° to 110° while blindfolded. The range of elbow movement was analyzed with Compact Measuring System 10 for 3D motion Analysis. Kinetic sense was assessed using the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. The children were directed to write 30 words from the Korean alphabet, and the legibility of their handwriting was scored for form, alignment, space, size, and shape. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. [Results] There was significant negative correlation between handwriting legibility and Kinetic sense. A significant correlation between handwriting legibility and Joint position sense was not found. [Conclusion] This study showed that a higher Kinetic sense was associated with better legibility of handwriting. Further work is needed to determine the association of handwriting legibility and speed with Joint position sense of the elbow, wrist, and fingers. PMID:27821948

Cadmium, Chromium, and Copper Concentration plus Semen-Quality in Environmental Pollution Site, China

PubMed Central

LI, Yan; GAO, Qiaoyan; LI, Mingcai; LI, Mengyang; GAO, Xueming

2014-01-01

Abstract Background The environmental pollution is one of the factors contributing to the decrease of sperm quality for human beings. The aim of this study was to assess cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) concentration of man in environmental pollution site, and explore relationships between men exposure to Cd, Cr, and Cu and semen-quality parameters in environmental pollution site. Methods Ninety five men were recruited through pollution area and controls in 2011. We measured semen quality using Computer-aided Semen Quality Analysis, and Cd, Cr, and Cu levels in seminal plasma using Graphite Gurnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Cd, Cr and Cu concentration in seminal plasma and semen quality. Results The mean of seminal plasma Cd, Cr, and Cu values in pollution area was higher than the controls. Seminal plasma Cr values displayed a significant negative correlation with total motility and normomorph sperm rate. Seminal plasma Cu values also displayed a negative correlation with normomorph sperm rate. Conclusions Male reproductive health may be threatened by environmental pollution, and it may be influence local population diathesis. PMID:26060677

Postconcussive Symptoms in OEF-OIF Veterans: Factor Structure and Impact of Posttraumatic Stress

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-03

correlations between NSI full items are presented in Appendix A. Visual inspection of the correlation matrix, the Kaiser - Meyer - Olkin coefficient of .92, and...Spearman rho correlations between NSI residuals are pre- sented in Appendix B. Again, visual inspection of the correla- tion matrix, the Kaiser - Meyer ... Olkin coefficient of .83, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (x2 5 1,936.0, p , .01) suggested that the matrix could be factored. Principal-components

Linguistic Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of Tamil Version of General Oral Health Assessment Index-Tml.

PubMed

Appukuttan, D P; Vinayagavel, M; Balasundaram, A; Damodaran, L K; Shivaraman, P; Gunasshegaran, K

2015-01-01

Oral health has an impact on quality of life hence for research purpose validation of a Tamil version of General Oral Health Assessment Index would enable it to be used as a valuable tool among Tamil speaking population. In this study, we aimed to assess the psychometric properties of translated Tamil version of General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-Tml). Linguistic adaptation involved forward and backward blind translation process. Reliability was analyzed using test-retest, Cronbach alpha, and split half reliability. Inter-item and item-total correlation were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation. Convenience sampling was done, and 265 consecutive patients aged 20-70 years attending the outpatient department were recruited. Subjects were requested to fill a self-reporting questionnaire along with Tamil GOHAI version. Clinical examination was done on the same visit. Concurrent validity was measured by assessing the relationship between GOHAI scores and self-perceived oral health and general health status, satisfaction with oral health, need for dental treatment and esthetic satisfaction. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparing the GOHAI scores with the objectively assessed clinical parameters. Exploratory factor analysis was done to examine the factor structure. Mean GOHAI-Tml was 52.7 (6.8, range 22-60, median 54). The mean number of negative impacts was 2 (2.4, range 0-11, median 1). The Spearman rank correlation for test-retest ranged from 0.8 to 0.9 (P < 0.001) for all the 12 items between visits. The Cronbach alpha for 265 samples was 0.8 suggesting good internal consistency and homogeneity between items. Item scale correlation ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 (P < 0.001). Concurrent and discriminant validity was established. Principal component analysis resulted in extraction of four factors which together accounted for 66.4% (7.9/12) variance. GOHAI-Tml has shown acceptable psychometric properties, so that it can be used as an efficient tool in identifying the impact of oral health on quality of life among the Tamil speaking population.

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Manganese and Other Metals in Welding Fumes by Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

PubMed Central

Laohaudomchok, Wisanti; Cavallari, Jennifer M.; Fang, Shona C.; Lin, Xihong; Herrick, Robert F.; Christiani, David C.; Weisskopf, Marc G.

2011-01-01

Elemental analysis of welding fume samples can be done using several laboratory-based techniques. However, portable measurement techniques could offer several advantages. In this study, we sought to determine whether the portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) is suitable for analysis of five metals (manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and chromium) on 37-mm polytetrafluoroethylene filters. Using this filter fitted on a cyclone in line with a personal pump, gravimetric samples were collected from a group of boilermakers exposed to welding fumes. We assessed the assumption of uniform deposition of these metals on the filters, and the relationships between measurement results of each metal obtained from traditional laboratory-based XRF and the portable XRF. For all five metals of interest, repeated measurements with the portable XRF at the same filter area showed good consistency (reliability ratios are equal or close to 1.0 for almost all metals). The portable XRF readings taken from three different areas of each filter were not significantly different (p-values = 0.77 to 0.98). This suggested that the metal rich PM2.5 deposits uniformly on the samples collected using this gravimetric method. For comparison of the two XRFs, the results from the portable XRF were well correlated and highly predictive of those from the laboratory XRF. The Spearman correlation coefficients were from 0.325 for chromium, to 0.995 for manganese and 0.998 for iron. The mean differences as a percent of the mean laboratory XRF readings were also small (<5%) for manganese, iron, and copper. The differences were greater for zinc and chromium, which were present at very low amounts in our samples and below the limits of detection of the portable XRF for many of the samples. These five metals were moderately to strongly correlated with the total fine particle fraction on filters (Spearman ρ = 0.41 for zinc to 0.97 for iron). Such strong correlations and comparable results suggested that the portable XRF could be used as an effective and reliable tool for exposure assessment in many studies. PMID:20526948

Assessment of occupational exposure to manganese and other metals in welding fumes by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.

PubMed

Laohaudomchok, Wisanti; Cavallari, Jennifer M; Fang, Shona C; Lin, Xihong; Herrick, Robert F; Christiani, David C; Weisskopf, Marc G

2010-08-01

Elemental analysis of welding fume samples can be done using several laboratory-based techniques. However, portable measurement techniques could offer several advantages. In this study, we sought to determine whether the portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) is suitable for analysis of five metals (manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and chromium) on 37-mm polytetrafluoroethylene filters. Using this filter fitted on a cyclone in line with a personal pump, gravimetric samples were collected from a group of boilermakers exposed to welding fumes. We assessed the assumption of uniform deposition of these metals on the filters, and the relationships between measurement results of each metal obtained from traditional laboratory-based XRF and the portable XRF. For all five metals of interest, repeated measurements with the portable XRF at the same filter area showed good consistency (reliability ratios are equal or close to 1.0 for almost all metals). The portable XRF readings taken from three different areas of each filter were not significantly different (p-values = 0.77 to 0.98). This suggested that the metal rich PM(2.5) deposits uniformly on the samples collected using this gravimetric method. For comparison of the two XRFs, the results from the portable XRF were well correlated and highly predictive of those from the laboratory XRF. The Spearman correlation coefficients were from 0.325 for chromium, to 0.995 for manganese and 0.998 for iron. The mean differences as a percent of the mean laboratory XRF readings were also small (<5%) for manganese, iron, and copper. The differences were greater for zinc and chromium, which were present at very low amounts in our samples and below the limits of detection of the portable XRF for many of the samples. These five metals were moderately to strongly correlated with the total fine particle fraction on filters (Spearman rho = 0.41 for zinc to 0.97 for iron). Such strong correlations and comparable results suggested that the portable XRF could be used as an effective and reliable tool for exposure assessment in many studies.

Progression-free survival/time to progression as a potential surrogate for overall survival in HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

PubMed

Forsythe, Anna; Chandiwana, David; Barth, Janina; Thabane, Marroon; Baeck, Johan; Tremblay, Gabriel

2018-01-01

Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS); however, few have reported improvement in overall survival (OS). The surrogacy of PFS or time to progression (TTP) for OS has not been formally investigated in HR+, HER2- MBC. A systematic literature review of RCTs in HR+, HER2- MBC was conducted to identify studies that reported both median PFS/TTP and OS. The correlation between PFS/TTP and OS was evaluated using Pearson's product-moment correlation and Spearman's rank correlation. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore possible reasons for heterogeneity. Errors-in-variables weighted least squares regression (LSR) was used to model incremental OS months as a function of incremental PFS/TTP months. An exploratory analysis investigated the impact of three covariates (chemotherapy vs hormonal/targeted therapy, PFS vs TTP, and first-line therapy vs second-line therapy or greater) on OS prediction. The lower 95% prediction band was used to determine the minimum incremental PFS/TTP months required to predict OS benefit (surrogate threshold effect [STE]). Forty studies were identified. There was a statistically significant correlation between median PFS/TTP and OS (Pearson =0.741, P =0.000; Spearman =0.650, P =0.000). These results proved consistent for chemotherapy and hormonal/targeted therapy. Univariate LSR analysis yielded an R 2 of 0.354 with 1 incremental PFS/TTP month corresponding to 1.13 incremental OS months. Controlling the type of treatment (chemotherapy vs hormonal/targeted therapy), line of therapy (first vs subsequent), and progression measure (PFS vs TTP) led to an improved R 2 of 0.569 with 1 PFS/TTP month corresponding to 0.78 OS months. The STE for OS benefit was 5-6 months of incremental PFS/TTP. We demonstrated a significant association between PFS/TTP and OS, which may justify the use of PFS/TTP as a surrogate for OS benefit in HR+, HER2- MBC.

Translation of the Neck Disability Index and validation of the Greek version in a sample of neck pain patients.

PubMed

Trouli, Marianna N; Vernon, Howard T; Kakavelakis, Kyriakos N; Antonopoulou, Maria D; Paganas, Aristofanis N; Lionis, Christos D

2008-07-22

Neck pain is a highly prevalent condition resulting in major disability. Standard scales for measuring disability in patients with neck pain have a pivotal role in research and clinical settings. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a valid and reliable tool, designed to measure disability in activities of daily living due to neck pain. The purpose of our study was the translation and validation of the NDI in a Greek primary care population with neck complaints. The original version of the questionnaire was used. Based on international standards, the translation strategy comprised forward translations, reconciliation, backward translation and pre-testing steps. The validation procedure concerned the exploration of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Bland and Altman method), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) and responsiveness (Spearman correlation coefficient, Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change) of the questionnaire. Data quality was also assessed through completeness of data and floor/ceiling effects. The translation procedure resulted in the Greek modified version of the NDI. The latter was culturally adapted through the pre-testing phase. The validation procedure raised a large amount of missing data due to low applicability, which were assessed with two methods. Floor or ceiling effects were not observed. Cronbach alpha was calculated as 0.85, which was interpreted as good internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be 0.93 (95% CI 0.84-0.97), which was considered as very good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis yielded one factor with Eigenvalue 4.48 explaining 44.77% of variance. The Spearman correlation coefficient (0.3; P = 0.02) revealed some relation between the change score in the NDI and Global Rating of Change (GROC). The SEM and MDC were calculated as 0.64 and 1.78 respectively. The Greek version of the NDI measures disability in patients with neck pain in a reliable, valid and responsive manner. It is considered a useful tool for research and clinical settings in Greek Primary Health Care.

Translation of the Neck Disability Index and validation of the Greek version in a sample of neck pain patients

PubMed Central

Trouli, Marianna N; Vernon, Howard T; Kakavelakis, Kyriakos N; Antonopoulou, Maria D; Paganas, Aristofanis N; Lionis, Christos D

2008-01-01

Background Neck pain is a highly prevalent condition resulting in major disability. Standard scales for measuring disability in patients with neck pain have a pivotal role in research and clinical settings. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a valid and reliable tool, designed to measure disability in activities of daily living due to neck pain. The purpose of our study was the translation and validation of the NDI in a Greek primary care population with neck complaints. Methods The original version of the questionnaire was used. Based on international standards, the translation strategy comprised forward translations, reconciliation, backward translation and pre-testing steps. The validation procedure concerned the exploration of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Bland and Altman method), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) and responsiveness (Spearman correlation coefficient, Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change) of the questionnaire. Data quality was also assessed through completeness of data and floor/ceiling effects. Results The translation procedure resulted in the Greek modified version of the NDI. The latter was culturally adapted through the pre-testing phase. The validation procedure raised a large amount of missing data due to low applicability, which were assessed with two methods. Floor or ceiling effects were not observed. Cronbach alpha was calculated as 0.85, which was interpreted as good internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be 0.93 (95% CI 0.84–0.97), which was considered as very good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis yielded one factor with Eigenvalue 4.48 explaining 44.77% of variance. The Spearman correlation coefficient (0.3; P = 0.02) revealed some relation between the change score in the NDI and Global Rating of Change (GROC). The SEM and MDC were calculated as 0.64 and 1.78 respectively. Conclusion The Greek version of the NDI measures disability in patients with neck pain in a reliable, valid and responsive manner. It is considered a useful tool for research and clinical settings in Greek Primary Health Care. PMID:18647393

Prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: tissue microarray analysis.

PubMed

Sun, Xicai; Guo, Limin; Wang, Jingjing; Wang, Huan; Liu, Zhuofu; Liu, Juan; Yu, Huapeng; Hu, Li; Li, Han; Wang, Dehui

2014-08-01

Although JNA is a benign neoplasm histopathologically, it has a propensity for locally destructive growth and remains a higher postoperative recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and localization of MMP-9 in JNA using tissue microarray to elucidate its correlation with clinicopathological features and recurrence. The expression of MMP-9 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray from 70 patients with JNA and 10 control subjects. Correlation between the levels of MMP-9 expression and clinicopathologic variables, as well as tumor recurrence, were analyzed. MMP-9 was detected in perivascular and extravascular less differentiated cells and stromal cells of patients with JNA but not in the matured vascular endothelial cells of these patients. The presence of MMP-9 expression in JNA was correlated with patient's age (p=0.001). Spearman correlation analysis suggested that high expression of MMP-9 in JNA had negative correlation with patient's age (r=-0.412, p<0.001). The recurrence rate in JNA patients with high MMP-9 expression was significantly higher than those with low MMP-9 expression (p=0.002). In multivariate and ROC curve analysis, MMP-9 was a good prognostic factor for tumor recurrence of JNA. Higher MMP-9 expression is a poor prognostic factor for patients with JNA who have been surgically treated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Climatic Variables and Malaria Morbidity in Mutale Local Municipality, South Africa: A 19-Year Data Analysis

PubMed Central

Botai, Joel O.; Rautenbach, Hannes; Ncongwane, Katlego P.; Botai, Christina M.

2017-01-01

The north-eastern parts of South Africa, comprising the Limpopo Province, have recorded a sudden rise in the rate of malaria morbidity and mortality in the 2017 malaria season. The epidemiological profiles of malaria, as well as other vector-borne diseases, are strongly associated with climate and environmental conditions. A retrospective understanding of the relationship between climate and the occurrence of malaria may provide insight into the dynamics of the disease’s transmission and its persistence in the north-eastern region. In this paper, the association between climatic variables and the occurrence of malaria was studied in the Mutale local municipality in South Africa over a period of 19-year. Time series analysis was conducted on monthly climatic variables and monthly malaria cases in the Mutale municipality for the period of 1998–2017. Spearman correlation analysis was performed and the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was developed. Microsoft Excel was used for data cleaning, and statistical software R was used to analyse the data and develop the model. Results show that both climatic variables’ and malaria cases’ time series exhibited seasonal patterns, showing a number of peaks and fluctuations. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that monthly total rainfall, mean minimum temperature, mean maximum temperature, mean average temperature, and mean relative humidity were significantly and positively correlated with monthly malaria cases in the study area. Regression analysis showed that monthly total rainfall and monthly mean minimum temperature (R2 = 0.65), at a two-month lagged effect, are the most significant climatic predictors of malaria transmission in Mutale local municipality. A SARIMA (2,1,2) (1,1,1) model fitted with only malaria cases has a prediction performance of about 51%, and the SARIMAX (2,1,2) (1,1,1) model with climatic variables as exogenous factors has a prediction performance of about 72% in malaria cases. The model gives a close comparison between the predicted and observed number of malaria cases, hence indicating that the model provides an acceptable fit to predict the number of malaria cases in the municipality. To sum up, the association between the climatic variables and malaria cases provides clues to better understand the dynamics of malaria transmission. The lagged effect detected in this study can help in adequate planning for malaria intervention. PMID:29117114

Climatic Variables and Malaria Morbidity in Mutale Local Municipality, South Africa: A 19-Year Data Analysis.

PubMed

Adeola, Abiodun M; Botai, Joel O; Rautenbach, Hannes; Adisa, Omolola M; Ncongwane, Katlego P; Botai, Christina M; Adebayo-Ojo, Temitope C

2017-11-08

The north-eastern parts of South Africa, comprising the Limpopo Province, have recorded a sudden rise in the rate of malaria morbidity and mortality in the 2017 malaria season. The epidemiological profiles of malaria, as well as other vector-borne diseases, are strongly associated with climate and environmental conditions. A retrospective understanding of the relationship between climate and the occurrence of malaria may provide insight into the dynamics of the disease's transmission and its persistence in the north-eastern region. In this paper, the association between climatic variables and the occurrence of malaria was studied in the Mutale local municipality in South Africa over a period of 19-year. Time series analysis was conducted on monthly climatic variables and monthly malaria cases in the Mutale municipality for the period of 1998-2017. Spearman correlation analysis was performed and the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was developed. Microsoft Excel was used for data cleaning, and statistical software R was used to analyse the data and develop the model. Results show that both climatic variables' and malaria cases' time series exhibited seasonal patterns, showing a number of peaks and fluctuations. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that monthly total rainfall, mean minimum temperature, mean maximum temperature, mean average temperature, and mean relative humidity were significantly and positively correlated with monthly malaria cases in the study area. Regression analysis showed that monthly total rainfall and monthly mean minimum temperature ( R ² = 0.65), at a two-month lagged effect, are the most significant climatic predictors of malaria transmission in Mutale local municipality. A SARIMA (2,1,2) (1,1,1) model fitted with only malaria cases has a prediction performance of about 51%, and the SARIMAX (2,1,2) (1,1,1) model with climatic variables as exogenous factors has a prediction performance of about 72% in malaria cases. The model gives a close comparison between the predicted and observed number of malaria cases, hence indicating that the model provides an acceptable fit to predict the number of malaria cases in the municipality. To sum up, the association between the climatic variables and malaria cases provides clues to better understand the dynamics of malaria transmission. The lagged effect detected in this study can help in adequate planning for malaria intervention.

Congenital heart disease: interrelation between German diagnosis-related groups system and Aristotle complexity score.

PubMed

Sinzobahamvya, Nicodème; Photiadis, Joachim; Arenz, Claudia; Kopp, Thorsten; Hraska, Viktor; Asfour, Boulos

2010-06-01

The Disease-Related Groups (DRGs) system postulates that inpatient stays with similar levels of clinical complexity are expected to consume similar amounts of resources. This, applied to surgery of congenital heart disease, suggests that the higher the complexity of procedures as estimated by the Aristotle complexity score, the higher hospital reimbursement should be. This study analyses how much case-mix index (CMI) generated by German DRG 2009 version correlates with Aristotle score. A total of 456 DRG cases of year 2008 were regrouped according to German DRG 2009 and related cost-weight values and overall CMI evaluated. Corresponding Aristotle basic and comprehensive complexity scores (ABC and ACC) and levels were determined. Associated surgical performance (Aristotle score times hospital survival) was estimated. Spearman 'r' correlation coefficients were calculated between Aristotle scores and cost-weights. Goodness of fit 'r(2)' from derived regression was determined. Correlation was estimated to be optimal if Spearman 'r' and derived goodness of fit 'r(2)' approached 1 value. CMI was 8.787 while mean ABC and ACC scores were 7.64 and 9.27, respectively. Hospital survival was 98.5%: therefore, surgical performance attained 7.53 (ABC score) and 9.13 (ACC score). ABC and ACC scores and levels positively correlated with cost-weights. With Spearman 'r' of 1 and goodness of fit 'r(2)' of 0.9790, scores of the six ACC levels correlated at best. The equation was y = 0.5591 + 0.939x, in which y stands for cost-weight (CMI) and x for score of ACC level. ACC score correlates almost perfectly with corresponding cost-weights (CMI) generated by the German DRG 2009. It could therefore be used as the basis for hospital reimbursement to compensate in conformity with procedures' complexity. Extrapolated CMI in this series would be 9.264. Modulation of reimbursement according to surgical performance could be established and thus 'reward' quality in congenital heart surgery. Copyright 2009 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of Murine Single-Kidney Glomerular Filtration Rate Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI.

PubMed

Jiang, Kai; Tang, Hui; Mishra, Prasanna K; Macura, Slobodan I; Lerman, Lilach O

2018-06-01

To develop and validate a method for measuring murine single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A fast longitudinal relaxation time (T 1 ) measurement method was implemented to capture gadolinium dynamics (1 s/scan), and a modified two-compartment model was developed to quantify GFR as well as renal perfusion using 16.4T MRI in mice 2 weeks after unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS, n = 6) or sham (n = 8) surgeries. This approach was validated by comparing model-derived GFR and perfusion to those obtained by fluorescein isothiocyanante (FITC)-inulin clearance and arterial spin labeling (ASL), respectively, using the Pearson's and Spearman's rank correlations and Bland-Altman analysis. The compartmental model provided a good fitting to measured gadolinium dynamics in both normal and RAS kidneys. The proposed DCE-MRI method offered assessment of single-kidney GFR and perfusion, comparable to the FITC-inulin clearance (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.95 and Spearman's correlation coefficient ρ = 0.94, P < 0.0001, and mean difference -7.0 ± 11.0 μL/min) and ASL (r = 0.92 and ρ = 0.84, P < 0.0001, and mean difference 4.4 ± 66.1 mL/100 g/min) methods. The proposed DCE-MRI method may be useful for reliable noninvasive measurements of single-kidney GFR and perfusion in mice. Magn Reson Med 79:2935-2943, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Hepatic iron overload is associated with hepatocyte apoptosis during Clonorchis sinensis infection.

PubMed

Han, Su; Tang, Qiaoran; Chen, Rui; Li, Yihong; Shu, Jing; Zhang, Xiaoli

2017-08-01

Hepatic iron overload has been implicated in many liver diseases; however, whether it is involved in clonorchiasis remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) infection causes hepatic iron overload, analyze the relationship between the iron overload and associated cell apoptosis, so as to determine the role of excess iron plays in C. sinensis-induced liver injury. The Perls' Prussian staining and atomic absorption spectrometry methods were used to investigate the iron overload in hepatic sections of wistar rats and patients infected with C. sinensis. The hepatic apoptosis was detected by transferase uridyl nick end labeling (TUNEL) methods. Spearman analysis was used for determining the correlation of the histological hepatic iron index and the apoptotic index. Blue iron particles were deposited mainly in the hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and endothelial cells, around the liver portal and central vein area of both patients and rats. The total iron score was found to be higher in the infected groups than the respective control from 8 weeks. The hepatic iron concentration was also significantly higher in treatment groups than in control rats from 8 weeks. The hepatocyte apoptosis was found to be significantly higher in the portal area of the liver tissue and around the central vein. However, spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed that there was a mildly negative correlation between the iron index and hepatocyte apoptosis. This present study confirmed that hepatic iron overload was found during C. sinensis infection. This suggests that iron overload may be associated with hepatocyte apoptosis and involved in liver injury during C. sinensis infection. Further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanism involved here.

DNA methylation changes in Mexican children exposed to arsenic from two historic mining areas in San Luis potosí.

PubMed

Alegría-Torres, Jorge Alejandro; Carrizales-Yánez, Leticia; Díaz-Barriga, Fernando; Rosso-Camacho, Fernando; Motta, Valeria; Tarantini, Letizia; Bollati, Valentina

2016-12-01

Arsenic is a carcinogen and epimutagen that threatens the health of exposed populations worldwide. In this study, we examined the methylation status of Alu and long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE-1) and their association with levels of urinary arsenic in 84 Mexican children between 6 and 12 years old from two historic mining areas in the State of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Urinary arsenic levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and DNA methylation analysis was performed in peripheral blood leukocytes by bisulfite-pyrosequencing. The geometric mean of urinary arsenic was 26.44 µg/g Cr (range 1.93-139.35). No significant differences in urinary arsenic or methylation patterns due to gender were observed. A positive correlation was found between urinary arsenic and the mean percentage of methylated cytosines in Alu sequences (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.532, P < 0.001), and a trend of LINE-1 hypomethylation was also observed (Spearman correlation coefficient r = -0.232, P = 0.038) after adjustment for sex and age. A linear regression model showed an association with log-normalized urinary arsenic for Alu (β = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.67; 1.43, P < 0.001) and LINE-1 (β = -0.703, 95% CI: -1.36; -0.38, P = 0.038). Despite the low-level arsenic exposure, a subtle epigenetic imbalance measured as DNA methylation was detected in the leukocytes of Mexican children living in two historic mining areas. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:717-723, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sperm count and motility are quantitatively affected by functional polymorphisms of HTR2A, MAOA and SLC18A.

PubMed

Cortés-Rodriguez, Miriam; Royo, Jose-Luis; Reyes-Palomares, Arturo; Lendínez, Ana M; Ruiz-Galdón, Maximiliano; Reyes-Engel, Armando

2018-05-01

Spermatozoa and neurones share similar membrane characteristics and features. Associations of multiple polymorphisms traditionally related to neurotransmission were investigated. Infertile men were grouped into controls with normospermia (n = 182) and idiopathic infertile men with asthenozoospermia (n = 103), and analysed as a case-control study and as a quantitative association of each genotype. Ten neurotransmission-associated genetic variants were mapped by SNP analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. Men with HTR2A rs6313 had a higher risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 2.14; P = 0.04). MAOA rs3788862 G carriers displayed an increased risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 2.29; P = 0.02). The SLC18A1 rs1390938 G allele was more frequent among such cases (0.75 versus 0.87; P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 for Armitage trend test); for SLC18A1 rs2270641 P = 0.02 (case-control frequency) and P = 0.01 (Armitage trend test). MAOA rs3788862 was correlated with sperm motility (Spearman ρ = 0.14; P = 0.02); SLC18A1 rs1390938 was correlated with sperm count and motility (Spearman ρ = 0.20; P < 0.01). Gene polymorphisms of HTR2A, MAOA and SLC18A1, related to neurotransmission, are individually associated with asthenozoospermia through variation in sperm count and motility, without detectable allelic or genotype interaction. Copyright © 2018 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Hepatic Steatosis by Using Acoustic Structure Quantification US in a Rat Model: Comparison with Pathologic Examination and MR Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Ho; Lee, Jae Young; Lee, Kyung Bun; Han, Joon Koo

2017-11-01

Purpose To determine factors that significantly affect the focal disturbance (FD) ratio calculated with an acoustic structure quantification (ASQ) technique in a dietary-induced fatty liver disease rat model and to assess the diagnostic performance of the FD ratio in the assessment of hepatic steatosis by using histopathologic examination as a standard of reference. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight male F344 rats were fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet with a variable duration (3.5 days [half week] or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks; four rats in each group). A control group of four rats was maintained on a standard diet. At the end of each diet period, ASQ ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy were performed. Then, the rat was sacrificed and histopathologic examination of the liver was performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of the FD ratio in the evaluation of the degree of hepatic steatosis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the ordinal values, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify significant determinant factors for the FD ratio. Results The diagnostic performance of the FD ratio in the assessment of the degree of hepatic steatosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 1.000 for 5%-33% steatosis, 0.981 for >33% to 66% steatosis, and 0.965 for >66% steatosis) was excellent and was comparable to that of MR spectroscopy. There was a strong negative linear correlation between the FD ratio and the estimated fat fraction at MR spectroscopy (Spearman ρ, -0.903; P < .001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the degree of hepatic steatosis (P < .001) and fibrosis stage (P = .022) were significant factors affecting the FD ratio. Conclusion The FD ratio may potentially provide good diagnostic performance in the assessment of the degree of hepatic steatosis, with a strong negative linear correlation with the estimated fat fraction at MR spectroscopy. The degree of steatosis and stage of fibrosis at histopathologic examination were significant factors that affected the FD ratio. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Prediction of survival with multi-scale radiomic analysis in glioblastoma patients.

PubMed

Chaddad, Ahmad; Sabri, Siham; Niazi, Tamim; Abdulkarim, Bassam

2018-06-19

We propose a multiscale texture features based on Laplacian-of Gaussian (LoG) filter to predict progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM). Experiments use the extracted features derived from 40 patients of GBM with T1-weighted imaging (T1-WI) and Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images that were segmented manually into areas of active tumor, necrosis, and edema. Multiscale texture features were extracted locally from each of these areas of interest using a LoG filter and the relation between features to OS and PFS was investigated using univariate (i.e., Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier estimator) and multivariate analyses (i.e., Random Forest classifier). Three and seven features were statistically correlated with PFS and OS, respectively, with absolute correlation values between 0.32 and 0.36 and p < 0.05. Three features derived from active tumor regions only were associated with OS (p < 0.05) with hazard ratios (HR) of 2.9, 3, and 3.24, respectively. Combined features showed an AUC value of 85.37 and 85.54% for predicting the PFS and OS of GBM patients, respectively, using the random forest (RF) classifier. We presented a multiscale texture features to characterize the GBM regions and predict he PFS and OS. The efficiency achievable suggests that this technique can be developed into a GBM MR analysis system suitable for clinical use after a thorough validation involving more patients. Graphical abstract Scheme of the proposed model for characterizing the heterogeneity of GBM regions and predicting the overall survival and progression free survival of GBM patients. (1) Acquisition of pretreatment MRI images; (2) Affine registration of T1-WI image with its corresponding FLAIR images, and GBM subtype (phenotypes) labelling; (3) Extraction of nine texture features from the three texture scales fine, medium, and coarse derived from each of GBM regions; (4) Comparing heterogeneity between GBM regions by ANOVA test; Survival analysis using Univariate (Spearman rank correlation between features and survival (i.e., PFS and OS) based on each of the GBM regions, Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank test to predict the PFS and OS of patient groups that grouped based on median of feature), and multivariate (random forest model) for predicting the PFS and OS of patients groups that grouped based on median of PFS and OS.

Quality of life, disability, and body mass index are related in obese patients.

PubMed

Sirtori, Anna; Brunani, Amelia; Liuzzi, Antonio; Pasqualinotto, Lucia; Villa, Valentina; Leonardi, Matilde; Raggi, Alberto

2011-09-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between health-related quality of life (QoL), disability, and degree of obesity. Adult obese patients (BMI>30) were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS II) and the short version of the impact of weight on QoL (IWQoL-Lite) were administered. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed. A P value of less than 0.01 was used to set the statistical significance. A total of 117 patients (mean age: 47.4 years, mean BMI: 43.7) were enrolled. Correlations between WHO-DAS II and IWQoL-Lite were between 0.21 and 0.78. BMI between 0.19 and 0.26 correlated with WHO-DAS II and BMI between 0.23 and 0.49 correlated with IWQoL-Lite. In conclusion, low/moderate correlations between BMI index, disability, and health-related QoL measures, and a low association between the two outcome measures are reported, supporting the idea that they underline different and not transposable dimensions.

Periodontal inflamed surface area as a novel numerical variable describing periodontal conditions

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purpose A novel index, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), represents the sum of the periodontal pocket depth of bleeding on probing (BOP)-positive sites. In the present study, we evaluated correlations between PISA and periodontal classifications, and examined PISA as an index integrating the discrete conventional periodontal indexes. Methods This study was a cross-sectional subgroup analysis of data from a prospective cohort study investigating the association between chronic periodontitis and the clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis. Data from 84 patients without systemic diseases (the control group in the previous study) were analyzed in the present study. Results PISA values were positively correlated with conventional periodontal classifications (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.52; P<0.01) and with periodontal indexes, such as BOP and the plaque index (PI) (r=0.94; P<0.01 and r=0.60; P<0.01, respectively; Pearson correlation test). Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) expression and the presence of serum P. gingivalis antibodies were significant factors affecting PISA values in a simple linear regression analysis, together with periodontal classification, PI, bleeding index, and smoking, but not in the multivariate analysis. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, PISA values were positively correlated with the quantity of current smoking, PI, and severity of periodontal disease. Conclusions PISA integrates multiple periodontal indexes, such as probing pocket depth, BOP, and PI into a numerical variable. PISA is advantageous for quantifying periodontal inflammation and plaque accumulation. PMID:29093989

The correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels and erectile function among men with late-onset hypogonadism.

PubMed

Shigehara, Kazuyoshi; Konaka, Hiroyuki; Ijima, Masashi; Nohara, Takahiro; Narimoto, Kazutaka; Izumi, Koji; Kadono, Yoshifumi; Kitagawa, Yasuhide; Mizokami, Atsushi; Namiki, Mikio

2016-12-01

We investigated the correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and erectile function, and assessed the clinical role of hs-CRP levels in men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. For 77 participants, we assessed Sexual Health Inventory for men (SHIM) score, Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) score and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). We also evaluated free testosterone (FT), hs-CRP, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, waist size and blood pressure. We attempted to identify parameters correlated with SHIM score and to determine the factors affecting cardiovascular risk based on hs-CRP levels. A Spearman rank correlation test revealed that age, AMS score, IPSS and hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with SHIM score. Age-adjusted analysis revealed that hs-CRP and IPSS were the independent factors affecting SHIM score (r= -0.304 and -0.322, respectively). Seventeen patients belonged to the moderate to high risk group for cardiovascular disease, whereas the remaining 60 belonged to the low risk group. Age, FT value and SHIM score showed significant differences between the two groups. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that SHIM score was an independent factor affecting cardiovascular risk (OR: 0.796; 95%CI: 0.637-0.995).

Ventilation/perfusion SPECT or SPECT/CT for lung function imaging in patients with pulmonary emphysema?

PubMed

Froeling, Vera; Heimann, Uwe; Huebner, Ralf-Harto; Kroencke, Thomas J; Maurer, Martin H; Doellinger, Felix; Geisel, Dominik; Hamm, Bernd; Brenner, Winfried; Schreiter, Nils F

2015-07-01

To evaluate the utility of attenuation correction (AC) of V/P SPECT images for patients with pulmonary emphysema. Twenty-one patients (mean age 67.6 years) with pulmonary emphysema who underwent V/P SPECT/CT were included. AC/non-AC V/P SPECT images were compared visually and semiquantitatively. Visual comparison of AC/non-AC images was based on a 5-point likert scale. Semiquantitative comparison assessed absolute counts per lung (aCpLu) and lung lobe (aCpLo) for AC/non-AC images using software-based analysis; percentage counts (PC = (aCpLo/aCpLu) × 100) were calculated. Correlation between AC/non-AC V/P SPECT images was analyzed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient; differences were tested for significance with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Visual analysis revealed high conformity for AC and non-AC V/P SPECT images. Semiquantitative analysis of PC in AC/non-AC images had an excellent correlation and showed no significant differences in perfusion (ρ = 0.986) or ventilation (ρ = 0.979, p = 0.809) SPECT/CT images. AC of V/P SPECT images for lung lobe-based function imaging in patients with pulmonary emphysema do not improve visual or semiquantitative image analysis.

Voice Use Among Music Theory Teachers: A Voice Dosimetry and Self-Assessment Study.

PubMed

Schiller, Isabel S; Morsomme, Dominique; Remacle, Angélique

2017-07-25

This study aimed (1) to investigate music theory teachers' professional and extra-professional vocal loading and background noise exposure, (2) to determine the correlation between vocal loading and background noise, and (3) to determine the correlation between vocal loading and self-evaluation data. Using voice dosimetry, 13 music theory teachers were monitored for one workweek. The parameters analyzed were voice sound pressure level (SPL), fundamental frequency (F0), phonation time, vocal loading index (VLI), and noise SPL. Spearman correlation was used to correlate vocal loading parameters (voice SPL, F0, and phonation time) and noise SPL. Each day, the subjects self-assessed their voice using visual analog scales. VLI and self-evaluation data were correlated using Spearman correlation. Vocal loading parameters and noise SPL were significantly higher in the professional than in the extra-professional environment. Voice SPL, phonation time, and female subjects' F0 correlated positively with noise SPL. VLI correlated with self-assessed voice quality, vocal fatigue, and amount of singing and speaking voice produced. Teaching music theory is a profession with high vocal demands. More background noise is associated with increased vocal loading and may indirectly increase the risk for voice disorders. Correlations between VLI and self-assessments suggest that these teachers are well aware of their vocal demands and feel their effect on voice quality and vocal fatigue. Visual analog scales seem to represent a useful tool for subjective vocal loading assessment and associated symptoms in these professional voice users. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[The Influence of Subjective Health Status, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Social Support on Successful Aging in Middle-Aged Women].

PubMed

Lee, Seung Hee; Jang, Hyung Suk; Yang, Young Hee

2016-10-01

This study was done to investigate factors influencing successful aging in middle-aged women. A convenience sample of 103 middle-aged women was selected from the community. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, Pearson correlations, Spearman correlations and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Results of regression analysis showed that significant factors influencing successful aging were post-traumatic growth and social support. This regression model explained 48% of the variance in successful aging. Findings show that the concept 'post-traumatic growth' is an important factor influencing successful aging in middle-aged women. In addition, social support from friends/co-workers had greater influence on successful aging than social support from family. Thus, we need to consider the positive impact of post-traumatic growth and increase the chances of social participation in a successful aging program for middle-aged women.

Phosphorylated ribosomal S6 (p-rpS6) as a post-treatment indicator of HER2 signalling targeted drug resistance.

PubMed

Yang-Kolodji, Gloria; Mumenthaler, Shannon M; Mehta, Arjun; Ji, Lingyun; Tripathy, Debu

2015-01-01

To identify clinically relevant predictive biomarkers of trastuzumab resistance. MTT, FACS assays, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry were used to phenotypically characterize drug responses of two cell models BT474R and SKBR3R. Student's t-test and Spearman's correlation were applied for statistic analysis. The activity of a downstream effector of the HER2 pathway phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (p-rpS6), was suppressed by trastuzumab in the parental cell lines yet remained unchanged in the resistant cells following treatment. The level of p-rpS6 was inversely correlated to the drug induced growth inhibition of trastuzumab-resistant cells when they are treated with selected HER2 targeting drugs. p-rpS6 is a robust post-treatment indicator of HER2 pathway-targeted therapy resistance.

Validation of the Hindi version of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale.

PubMed

Prasad, Kameshwar; Dash, Deepa; Kumar, Amit

2012-01-01

To determine the reliability and validity of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with the Hindi and Indian adaptation of items 9 and 10. NIHSS items 9 and 10 were modified and culturally adapted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the resulting version was termed as Hindi version (HV-NIHSS). HV-NIHSS was applied by two independent investigators on 107 patients with stroke. Inter-observer agreement and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. The predictive validity of the HV-NIHSS was calculated using functional outcome after three months in the form of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). The study included 107 patients of stroke recruited from a tertiary referral hospital at Delhi between November 1, 2009, and October 1, 2010; the mean age of these patients was 56.26±13.84 years and 65.4% of them had suffered ischemic stroke. Inter-rater reliability was high between the two examiners, with Pearson's r ranging from 0.72 to 0.99 for the 15 items on the Scale. Intra-class correlation coefficient for the total score was 0.995 (95% CI-0.993-0.997). Concurrent construct validity was established between HV-NIHSS and baseline Glasgow Coma Scale, with a high correlation (Spearman coefficient = -0.863, P<.001). Predictive validity was also established with BI at three months (Spearman's rho: -0.829, P<.001) and with mRS at three months (Spearman's rho: 0.851, P<0.001). This study shows that a Hindi language version of the NIHSS developed at AIIMS appears reliable and valid when applied to a Hindi-speaking population.

The Relationship Between Focal Erosions and Generalized Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis (OPiRA) Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Solomon, Daniel H.; Finkelstein, Joel S.; Shadick, Nancy; LeBoff, Meryl S; Winalski, Carl; Stedman, Margaret; Glass, Roberta; Brookhart, M. Alan; Weinblatt, Michael E.; Gravallese, Ellen M.

2009-01-01

Background After 10 years of RA, more than half of patients have focal erosions and the risk of fracture is doubled. However, little information exists about the potential relationship between focal erosions and BMD. Methods We enrolled 163 postmenopausal women with RA who did not use osteoporosis medications. Participants underwent a DXA test at the hip and spine, hand x-rays, and answered a questionnaire. The hand x-rays were scored using the Sharp method. We examined the relationship between BMD and erosions using Spearman correlation coefficients and adjusted linear regression models. Results The 163 postmenopausal women had an average duration of RA of 13.7 years and almost all patients were currently using a DMARD. 63% were RF positive, the median mHAQ score was 0.7, and the average DAS-28 was 3.8. The erosion score was significantly correlated with the total hip BMD (Spearman R = −0.33, p < 0.0001) but not with the lumbar spine BMD (Spearman R = −0.09, p = 0.27). Hip BMD was significantly lower in RF positive women versus RF negative women (p = 0.02). In multivariable models that included age, BMI, and cumulative oral glucocorticoid dosage, neither total hip nor spine BMD were significantly associated with focal erosions. Conclusion These results suggest that hip BMD is associated with focal erosions among postmenopausal women with RA, but that this association disappears after multivariate adjustment. While BMD and erosions may be correlated bone manifestations of RA, their relationship is complex and influenced by other disease-related factors. PMID:19479876

Validation of the work and health interview.

PubMed

Stewart, Walter F; Ricci, Judith A; Leotta, Carol; Chee, Elsbeth

2004-01-01

Instruments that measure the impact of illness on work do not usually provide a measure that can be directly translated into lost hours or costs. We describe the validation of the Work and Health Interview (WHI), a questionnaire that provides a measure of lost productive time (LPT) from work absence and reduced performance at work. A sample (n = 67) of inbound phone call agents was recruited for the study. Validity of the WHI was assessed over a 2-week period in reference to workplace data (i.e. absence time, time away from call station and electronic continuous performance) and repeated electronic diary data (n = 48) obtained approximately eight times a day to estimate time not working (i.e. a component of reduced performance). The mean (median) missed work time estimate for any reason was 11 (8.0) and 12.9 (8.0) hours in a 2-week period from the WHI and workplace data, respectively, with a Pearson's (Spearman's) correlation of 0.84 (0.76). The diary-based mean (median) estimate of time not working while at work was 3.9 (2.8) hours compared with the WHI estimate of 5.7 (3.2) hours with a Pearson's (Spearman's) correlation of 0.19 (0.33). The 2-week estimate of total productive time from the diary was 67.2 hours compared with 67.8 hours from the WHI, with a Pearson's (Spearman's) correlation of 0.50 (0.46). At a population level, the WHI provides an accurate estimate of missed time from work and total productive time when compared with workplace and diary estimates. At an individual level, the WHI measure of total missed time, but not reduced performance time, is moderately accurate.

Generation and validation of the Condensed MCMDM-1VWD Bleeding Questionnaire for von Willebrand disease.

PubMed

Bowman, M; Mundell, G; Grabell, J; Hopman, W M; Rapson, D; Lillicrap, D; James, P

2008-12-01

Given the challenges involved in obtaining accurate bleeding histories, attempts at standardization have occurred and the value of quantifying hemorrhagic symptoms has been recognized. An extensive validated bleeding questionnaire (MCMDM-1VWD) was condensed by eliminating all details that did not directly affect the bleeding score (BS) and the correlation between the two versions was tested. Additionally, the diagnostic utility of the condensed version was prospectively tested. Data on 259 individuals who were administered the questionnaire are presented here; 217 being prospectively investigated for von Willebrand disease (VWD) (group 1) and 42 previously known to have type 1, 2 or 3 VWD (group 2). Of the 217 prospectively investigated, 35 had positive BS (> or =4) and 182 had negative scores. Seven individuals (all with positive BS) had laboratory results consistent with type 1 VWD. This results in a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 87%. The positive predictive value is 0.20 and the negative predictive value is 1. The correlation between the full MCMDM-1VWD and condensed versions is excellent (Spearman's 0.97, P < 0.001, linear regression r(2) = 96.4). Inter-observer reliability for the condensed version is reasonable (Spearman's 0.72, P < 0.001 and intra-class correlation coefficient 0.805, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in BS between subtypes of VWD, with type 3 > type 2 > type 1 VWD (anova P < 0.001). There is a strong inverse relationship between VWF:Ag level and BS (Spearman's -0.411, P < 0.001). The Condensed MCMDM-1VWD Bleeding Questionnaire is an efficient, effective tool in the evaluation of patients for VWD.

Parenteral nutrition in childhood and consequences for dentition and gingivae.

PubMed

Olczak-Kowalczyk, D; Danko, M; Banaś, E; Gozdowski, D; Popińska, K; Krasuska-Sławińska, E; Książyk, J

2017-03-01

Assessment of dentition in children under parenteral nutrition, risk factors for caries, and dental developmental abnormalities. The study involved 63 patients (aged 2.25-16.6 years), i.e. 32 subjects receiving parenteral nutrition for a mean period of 5.6±2.94 years, and 31 healthy control subjects. Oral hygiene (OHI-S, PL-I), gingival (GI), and dentition status (caries, DMFT/dmft, enamel defects, shape alterations), frequency of oral meals and frequency of cariogenic snacks consumption were evaluated. Medical records provided information on parenteral meals per week, age parenteral nutrition started, birth body mass, Apgar score, weight deficiency, and antibiotic therapy until aged 1 year. The Mann-Whitney test, chi-squared test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used (p≤0.05). Dental developmental abnormalities occurred more often in PN subjects (71.87% vs. 25.80%). The prevalence of caries in PN (56.25% vs. 90.32%) and dmft (2.00±3.30 vs. 4.21±3.33) and DMFT (2.47±4.08 vs. 3.33±3.50) were lower. Positive caries Spearman's rank correlation coefficients: frequency of oral meals and frequency of cariogenic snacks consumption, and GI. Negative correlation coefficients: low birth body mass, antibiotic therapy, and low body mass in the first year of life. Positive dental developmental abnormality Spearman's coefficients: low birth body mass, Apgar score < 7, parenteral nutrition duration, low body mass and antibiotic therapy in the first year of life. Beta- lactam, aminoglycoside, glycopeptide and nitroimidazole treatments were related to enamel hypoplasia. Parenteral nutrition in childhood is related to the risk of dental developmental abnormalities, promoted by malnutrition and antibiotic therapy in infancy. Limiting the number of meals and cariogenic snacks, and most probably administration of antibiotics, decreases the risk of caries.

[Evaluation of dental plaque by quantitative digital image analysis system].

PubMed

Huang, Z; Luan, Q X

2016-04-18

To analyze the plaque staining image by using image analysis software, to verify the maneuverability, practicability and repeatability of this technique, and to evaluate the influence of different plaque stains. In the study, 30 volunteers were enrolled from the new dental students of Peking University Health Science Center in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The digital images of the anterior teeth were acquired after plaque stained according to filming standardization.The image analysis was performed using Image Pro Plus 7.0, and the Quigley-Hein plaque indexes of the anterior teeth were evaluated. The plaque stain area percentage and the corresponding dental plaque index were highly correlated,and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.776 (P<0.01). Intraclass correlation coefficients of the tooth area and plaque area which two researchers used the software to calculate were 0.956 and 0.930 (P<0.01).The Bland-Altman analysis chart showed only a few spots outside the 95% consistency boundaries. The different plaque stains image analysis results showed that the difference of the tooth area measurements was not significant, while the difference of the plaque area measurements significant (P<0.01). This method is easy in operation and control,highly related to the calculated percentage of plaque area and traditional plaque index, and has good reproducibility.The different plaque staining method has little effect on image segmentation results.The sensitive plaque stain for image analysis is suggested.

Network analysis of surgical innovation: Measuring value and the virality of diffusion in robotic surgery.

PubMed

Garas, George; Cingolani, Isabella; Panzarasa, Pietro; Darzi, Ara; Athanasiou, Thanos

2017-01-01

Existing surgical innovation frameworks suffer from a unifying limitation, their qualitative nature. A rigorous approach to measuring surgical innovation is needed that extends beyond detecting simply publication, citation, and patent counts and instead uncovers an implementation-based value from the structure of the entire adoption cascades produced over time by diffusion processes. Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and existing surgical regulatory frameworks, the surgical innovation funnel is described. This illustrates the different stages through which innovation in surgery typically progresses. The aim is to propose a novel and quantitative network-based framework that will permit modeling and visualizing innovation diffusion cascades in surgery and measuring virality and value of innovations. Network analysis of constructed citation networks of all articles concerned with robotic surgery (n = 13,240, Scopus®) was performed (1974-2014). The virality of each cascade was measured as was innovation value (measured by the innovation index) derived from the evidence-based stage occupied by the corresponding seed article in the surgical innovation funnel. The network-based surgical innovation metrics were also validated against real world big data (National Inpatient Sample-NIS®). Rankings of surgical innovation across specialties by cascade size and structural virality (structural depth and width) were found to correlate closely with the ranking by innovation value (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.758 (p = 0.01), 0.782 (p = 0.008), 0.624 (p = 0.05), respectively) which in turn matches the ranking based on real world big data from the NIS® (Spearman's coefficient = 0.673;p = 0.033). Network analysis offers unique new opportunities for understanding, modeling and measuring surgical innovation, and ultimately for assessing and comparing generative value between different specialties. The novel surgical innovation metrics developed may prove valuable especially in guiding policy makers, funding bodies, surgeons, and healthcare providers in the current climate of competing national priorities for investment.

Development and preliminary validation of a leadership competency instrument for existing and emerging allied health professional leaders.

PubMed

Ang, Hui-Gek; Koh, Jeremy Meng-Yeow; Lee, Jeffrey; Pua, Yong-Hao

2016-02-19

No instruments, to our knowledge, exist to assess leadership competency in existing and emerging allied health professional (AHP) leaders. This paper describes the development and preliminary exploration of the psychometric properties of a leadership competency instrument for existing and emerging AHP leaders and examines (i) its factor structure, (ii) its convergent validity with the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), and (iii) its discriminative validity in AHPs with different grades. During development, we included 25 items in the AHEAD (Aspiring leaders in Healthcare-Empowering individuals, Achieving excellence, Developing talents) instrument. A cross-sectional study was then conducted in 106 high-potential AHPs from Singapore General Hospital (34 men and 72 women) of different professional grades (49 principal-grade AHPs, 41 senior-grade AHPs, and 16 junior-grade AHPs) who completed both AHEAD and LPI instruments. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test the theoretical structure of AHEAD. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the convergent validity of AHEAD with LPI. Using proportional odds regression models, we evaluated the association of grades of AHPs with AHEAD and LPI. To assess discriminative validity, the c-statistics - a measure of discrimination - were derived from these ordinal models. As theorized, factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution, where "skills" and "values" formed separate factors. Internal consistency of AHEAD was excellent (α-values > 0.88). Total and component AHEAD and LPI scores correlated moderately (Spearman ρ-values, 0.37 to 0.58). The c-index for discriminating between AHP grades was higher for AHEAD than for the LPI (0.76 vs. 0.65). The factorial structure of AHEAD was generally supported in our study. AHEAD showed convergent validity with the LPI and outperformed the LPI in terms of discriminative validity. These results provide initial evidence for the use of AHEAD to assess leadership competency in AHPs.

Hip Strength Testing of Soccer Players With Long-Standing Hip and Groin Pain: What are the Clinical Implications of Pain During Testing?

PubMed

Rafn, Bolette S; Tang, Lars; Nielsen, Martin P; Branci, Sonia; Hölmich, Per; Thorborg, Kristian

2016-05-01

To investigate whether self-reported pain during hip strength testing correlates to a large degree with hip muscle strength in soccer players with long-standing unilateral hip and groin pain. Cross-sectional study. Clinical assessments at Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Arthroscopic Centre Amager, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. Twenty-four male soccer players with unilateral long-standing hip and groin pain. The soccer players performed 5 reliable hip muscle strength tests (isometric hip flexion, adduction, abduction, isometric hip flexion-modified Thomas test, and eccentric hip adduction). Muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer, and the players rated the pain during testing on a numerical rating scale (0-10). In 4 tests (isometric hip adduction, abduction, flexion, and eccentric adduction), no significant correlations were found between pain during testing and hip muscle strength (Spearman rho = -0.28 to 0.06, P = 0.09-0.39). Isometric hip flexion (modified Thomas test position) showed a moderate negative correlation between pain and hip muscle strength (Spearman rho = -0.44, P = 0.016). Self-reported pain during testing does not seem to correlate with the majority of hip muscle strength tests used in soccer players with long-standing hip and groin pain.

Chronologic age and skeletal maturation of the cervical vertebrae and hand-wrist: is there a relationship?

PubMed

Uysal, Tancan; Ramoglu, Sabri Ilhan; Basciftci, Faruk Ayhan; Sari, Zafer

2006-11-01

The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between chronologic age and maturation of cervical vertebrae, (2) to identify the relationship between chronologic age and maturation stage evaluated by hand-wrist radiographs, and (3) to determine whether the maturation of cervical vertebrae correlates with maturation indicated by hand-wrist radiographs in a Turkish population. The samples were derived from lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs of 503 subjects (213 male, 290 female; ages, 5.3-24.1 years). Cervical vertebral development was evaluated by the method of Hassel and Farman. Skeletal maturation of each hand-wrist radiograph was determined according to the method described by Björk and Grave, and Brown's system. The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were estimated separately for males and females to measure the relationships among chronologic age, cervical vertebral maturation, and the skeletal maturation measured at the hand-wrist. The Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.72 (P <.001) between chronologic age and cervical vertebrae skeletal maturation, and 0.79 (P < .001) between chronologic age and maturation via hand-wrist radiographs. The correlation coefficient between hand-wrist and cervical-vertebrae maturation was 0.86 (P <.001). The cervical-vertebrae maturation stages are clinically useful maturity indicators of the pubertal growth period Turkish subjects.

Validity and cross-cultural adaptation of the persian version of the oxford elbow score.

PubMed

Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad H; Kachooei, Amir Reza; Vahedi, Ehsan; Moradi, Ali; Mashayekhi, Zeinab; Hallaj-Moghaddam, Mohammad; Azami, Mehran; Birjandinejad, Ali

2014-01-01

Oxford Elbow Score (OES) is a patient-reported questionnaire used to assess outcomes after elbow surgery. The aim of this study was to validate and adapt the OES into Persian language. After forward-backward translation of the OES into Persian, a total number of 92 patients after elbow surgeries completed the Persian OES along with the Persian DASH and SF-36. To assess test-retest reliability, 31 randomly selected patients (34%) completed the Persian OES again after three days while abstaining from all forms of therapeutic regimens. Reliability of the Persian OES was assessed by measuring intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to test the construct validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92 showing excellent reliability. Cronbach's alpha for function, pain, and social-psychological subscales was 0.95, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.85 for the overall questionnaire and 0.90, 0.76, and 0.75 for function, pain, and social-psychological subscales, respectively. Construct validity was confirmed as the Spearman correlation between OES and DASH was 0.80. Persian OES is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure to assess postsurgical elbow status in Persian speaking population.

Validity and test-retest reliability in assessing current body size with figure drawings in Chinese adolescents.

PubMed

Lo, Wing-Sze; Ho, Sai-Yin; Wong, Bonny Yee-Man; Mak, Kwok-Kei; Lam, Tai-Hing

2011-06-01

The reliability and validity of Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale (FRS) as a measure of current body size (CBS) was established in Western adolescent girls but not in non-Western population. We examined the validity and test-retest reliability of Stunkard's FRS in assessing CBS among Chinese adolescents. Methods. In a school-based survey in Hong Kong, 5666 adolescents (boys: 45.1%; mean age 14.7 years) provided data on self-reported height and weight, CBS, perceived weight status, and health-related quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form version 2 (SF-12v2). Height and weight were also objectively measured. Spearman's correlation was used to assess construct validity, concurrent validity and test-retest reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were good: CBS correlated strongly with weight and self-reported/measured BMI, but only weakly with SF-12v2. CBS correlated strongly with perceived weight status, showing concurrent validity. Spearman's correlation (r) for CBS was 0.78 for girls and 0.72 for boys indicating good test-retest reliability. Validity and reliability results did not differ significantly between senior and junior grade adolescents. Our findings support the use of Stunkard's FRS to measure body size among Chinese adolescents.

Reliability and validity of a quantitative color scale to evaluate masticatory performance using color-changeable chewing gum.

PubMed

Hama, Yohei; Kanazawa, Manabu; Minakuchi, Shunsuke; Uchida, Tatsuro; Sasaki, Yoshiyuki

2014-03-19

In the present study, we developed a novel color scale for visual assessment, conforming to theoretical color changes of a gum, to evaluate masticatoryperformance; moreover, we investigated the reliability and validity of this evaluation method using the color scale. Ten participants (aged 26.30 years) with natural dentition chewed the gum at several chewing strokes. Changes in color were measured using a colorimeter, and then, linearregression expressions that represented changes in gum color were derived. The color scale was developed using these regression expressions. Thirty-two chewed gums were evaluated using colorimeter and were assessed three times using the color scale by six dentists aged 25.27 (mean, 25.8) years, six preclinical dental students aged 21.23 (mean, 22.2) years, and six elderly individuals aged 68.84 (mean, 74.0) years. The intrarater and interrater reliability of evaluations was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity of the method compared with a colorimeter was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. All intraclass correlation coefficients were > 0.90, and Spearman's rank-correlation coefficients were > 0.95 in all groups. These results indicated that the evaluation method of the color-changeable chewing gum using the newly developed color scale is reliable and valid.

Conference attendance and performance on the in-training examination in internal medicine.

PubMed

Cacamese, Suzanne M; Eubank, Kathryn J; Hebert, Randy S; Wright, Scott M

2004-11-01

The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between attendance at conferences during residency training and residents' performance on the In-Training Examination (ITE) in Internal Medicine. Nineteen house officers participated in the study. Conference attendance records were retrospectively reviewed for the one-year period preceding the ITE (pre-ITE), and in the three-month period after house officers received their ITE scores (post-ITE). After receiving their scores, participants completed a questionnaire asking about study habits and opinions about conferences. Attendance was taken at 126/165 (76.4%) conferences pre-ITE and 32/42 (76.2%) conferences post-ITE. House officers attended a mean of 35% (range, 10-59) of the conferences pre-ITE and 32% (range, 9-75) post-ITE (p = 0.365). There was no correlation between prior conference attendance and ITE scores (Spearman correlation coefficient -0.230, p = 0.34), and no correlation between score and conference attendance post-ITE (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.174, p = 0.48). Participation in clinical rotations also failed to influence ITE scores in that content area (all p > 0.05). The findings of this study suggest conference attendance does not influence ITE scores. Medical educators may need to rethink and study how best to impart medical knowledge.

Synkinesis assessment in facial palsy: validation of the Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire.

PubMed

Kleiss, Ingrid J; Beurskens, Carien H G; Stalmeier, Peep F M; Ingels, Koen J A O; Marres, Henri A M

2016-06-01

The objective of this study is to validate an existing health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with synkinesis in facial palsy for implementation in the Dutch language and culture. The Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire was translated into the Dutch language using a forward-backward translation method. A pilot test with the translated questionnaire was performed in 10 patients with facial palsy and 10 normal subjects. Finally, cross-cultural adaption was accomplished at our outpatient clinic for facial palsy. Analyses for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity were performed. Sixty-six patients completed the Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire and the Dutch Facial Disability Index. Cronbach's α, representing internal consistency, was 0.80. Test-retest reliability was 0.53 (Spearman's correlation coefficient, P < 0.01). Correlations with the House-Brackmann score, Sunnybrook score, Facial Disability Index physical function, and social/well-being function were -0.29, 0.20, -0.29, and -0.32, respectively. Correlation with the Sunnybrook synkinesis subscore was 0.50 (Spearman's correlation coefficient). The Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire shows good psychometric values and can be implemented in the management of Dutch-speaking patients with facial palsy and synkinesis in the Netherlands. Translation of the instrument into other languages may lead to widespread use, making evaluation, and comparison possible among different providers.

Recall of past use of mobile phone handsets.

PubMed

Parslow, R C; Hepworth, S J; McKinney, P A

2003-01-01

Previous studies investigating health effects of mobile phones have based their estimation of exposure on self-reported levels of phone use. This UK validation study assesses the accuracy of reported voice calls made from mobile handsets. Data collected by postal questionnaire from 93 volunteers was compared to records obtained prospectively over 6 months from four network operators. Agreement was measured for outgoing calls using the kappa statistic, log-linear modelling, Spearman correlation coefficient and graphical methods. Agreement for number of calls gained moderate classification (kappa = 0.39) with better agreement for duration (kappa = 0.50). Log-linear modelling produced similar results. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.48 for number of calls and 0.60 for duration. Graphical agreement methods demonstrated patterns of over-reporting call numbers (by a factor of 1.7) and duration (by a factor of 2.8). These results suggest that self-reported mobile phone use may not fully represent patterns of actual use. This has implications for calculating exposures from questionnaire data.

Correlation of histological and ex-vivo confocal tumor thickness in malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Hartmann, Daniela; Krammer, Sebastian; Ruini, Cristel; Ruzicka, Thomas; von Braunmühl, Tanja

2016-07-01

The ex-vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (ex-vivo CLSM) is a novel diagnostic method for fresh tissue examination, which has already shown promising results in the evaluation of healthy skin and different skin tumors. In malignant melanoma, the histological tumor thickness plays an essential role for further treatment strategies. The immediate perioperative measurement of tumor thickness by means of ex-vivo CLSM might accelerate the decision for further operating procedures in malignant melanoma. Ten histologically confirmed malignant melanomas from various donor sites were blindly examined by two investigators via ex-vivo CLSM and conventional light microscopy. The histopathological tumor thickness (HTT) and confocal tumor thickness (CTT) were measured independently and evaluated using correlation curves, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots. Bland-Altman plots for HTT and reflectance-mode CTT, as well as for fluorescence-mode CTT, showed high correlations. Spearman's correlation coefficient of HTT and CTT was 1.00 in FM and RM. The mean difference of RM-CTT and FM-CTT versus HTT was 0.09 ± 0.30 mm and 0.19 ± 0.35 mm. In one case, the HTT was identical to the CTT in both modes. This pilot study shows high conformity of CTT and HTT measured in malignant melanoma underlining the potential of ex-vivo CLSM for perioperative decisions on safety margin excisions of malignant melanoma in the future.

Analysis of a Single Hemodialysis on Phosphate Removal of the Internal Fistula Patients by Mathematical and Statistical Methods

PubMed Central

Yu, Qiyao; Bai, Yaling; Zhang, Junxia; Cui, Liwen; Zhang, Huiran; Xu, Jinsheng; Gao, Chao

2013-01-01

Chronic kidney disease related mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD) is a worldwide challenge in hemodialysis patients. In china, the number of dialysis patients is growing but few data are available about their bone disorders. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of clinical factors on the serum phosphorus clearance in the 80 maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Six clinical factors were identified for their association with the serum phosphorus clearance using the analysis of Spearman's single linear correlation, including predialysis serum phosphate level, CRR, membrane surface area of the dialyzer, effective blood flow rate, the blood chamber volume, and hematocrit. In an overall multivariate analysis, pre-P, CRR, membrane SA, and Qb were identified as independent risk factors associated with the serum phosphorus clearance. In conclusion, HD could effectively clear serum phosphorus. The analysis of CRR might help to estimate serum phosphorus reduction ratio. PMID:24454542

Do smoke-free policies in work and public places increase smoking in private venues?

PubMed

Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Blanch, Carles; Fu, Marcela; Gallus, Silvano; La Vecchia, Carlo; Fernández, Esteve

2014-05-01

To evaluate the correlation between the implementation of tobacco control policies, particularly smoke-free bans at work and in public places, and smoking prevalence in private venues in the 27 countries of the European Union. Ecological study with the country as the unit of analysis. Data analysis of tobacco control activities in European countries in 2007 as compiled in the Tobacco Control Scale (TCS) and information on the level of smoking permissiveness in houses and cars from the Special Eurobarometer on Tobacco conducted in 2009. Spearman rank-correlation coefficients (rsp) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The correlation between the TCS score and the prevalence of smoking in private venues (houses and cars) where smoking inside was always allowed was close to zero. A similar lack of association was observed between the TCS score of specific bans at work and in public places and smoking rules inside houses and cars. There was a non-significant direct correlation between the TCS score and the prevalence of smoke-free houses (rsp=0.21, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.55) and a non-significant inverse correlation with smoking allowed in certain rooms inside the house (rsp=-0.34; 95% CI -0.64 to 0.05). Smoke-free legislation in workplaces and public places is not correlated with increased smoking prevalence in private venues (houses and cars) at an ecological level.

Application of the Gini correlation coefficient to infer regulatory relationships in transcriptome analysis.

PubMed

Ma, Chuang; Wang, Xiangfeng

2012-09-01

One of the computational challenges in plant systems biology is to accurately infer transcriptional regulation relationships based on correlation analyses of gene expression patterns. Despite several correlation methods that are applied in biology to analyze microarray data, concerns regarding the compatibility of these methods with the gene expression data profiled by high-throughput RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology have been raised. These concerns are mainly due to the fact that the distribution of read counts in RNA-Seq experiments is different from that of fluorescence intensities in microarray experiments. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the existing correlation methods and, if necessary, introduction of novel methods into biology is appropriate. In this study, we compared four existing correlation methods used in microarray analysis and one novel method called the Gini correlation coefficient on previously published microarray-based and sequencing-based gene expression data in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and maize (Zea mays). The comparisons were performed on more than 11,000 regulatory relationships in Arabidopsis, including 8,929 pairs of transcription factors and target genes. Our analyses pinpointed the strengths and weaknesses of each method and indicated that the Gini correlation can compensate for the shortcomings of the Pearson correlation, the Spearman correlation, the Kendall correlation, and the Tukey's biweight correlation. The Gini correlation method, with the other four evaluated methods in this study, was implemented as an R package named rsgcc that can be utilized as an alternative option for biologists to perform clustering analyses of gene expression patterns or transcriptional network analyses.

Application of the Gini Correlation Coefficient to Infer Regulatory Relationships in Transcriptome Analysis[W][OA

PubMed Central

Ma, Chuang; Wang, Xiangfeng

2012-01-01

One of the computational challenges in plant systems biology is to accurately infer transcriptional regulation relationships based on correlation analyses of gene expression patterns. Despite several correlation methods that are applied in biology to analyze microarray data, concerns regarding the compatibility of these methods with the gene expression data profiled by high-throughput RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology have been raised. These concerns are mainly due to the fact that the distribution of read counts in RNA-Seq experiments is different from that of fluorescence intensities in microarray experiments. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the existing correlation methods and, if necessary, introduction of novel methods into biology is appropriate. In this study, we compared four existing correlation methods used in microarray analysis and one novel method called the Gini correlation coefficient on previously published microarray-based and sequencing-based gene expression data in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and maize (Zea mays). The comparisons were performed on more than 11,000 regulatory relationships in Arabidopsis, including 8,929 pairs of transcription factors and target genes. Our analyses pinpointed the strengths and weaknesses of each method and indicated that the Gini correlation can compensate for the shortcomings of the Pearson correlation, the Spearman correlation, the Kendall correlation, and the Tukey’s biweight correlation. The Gini correlation method, with the other four evaluated methods in this study, was implemented as an R package named rsgcc that can be utilized as an alternative option for biologists to perform clustering analyses of gene expression patterns or transcriptional network analyses. PMID:22797655

Five radiographic methods for assessing skeletal maturity in a Spanish population: is there a correlation?

PubMed

Camacho-Basallo, Paula; Yáñez-Vico, Rosa-María; Solano-Reina, Enrique; Iglesias-Linares, Alejandro

2017-03-01

The need for accurate techniques of estimating age has sharply increased in line with the rise in illegal migration and the political, economic and socio-demographic problems that this poses in developed countries today. The methods routinely employed for determining chronological age are mainly based on determining skeletal maturation using radiological techniques. The objective of this study was to correlate five different methods for assessing skeletal maturation. 606 radiographs of growing patients were analyzed, and each patient was classified according to two cervical vertebral-based methods, two hand-wrist-based methods and one tooth-based method. Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient was applied to assess the relationship between chronological age and the five methods of assessing maturation, as well as correlations between the five methods (p < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for chronological age and cervical vertebral maturation stage using both methods were 0.656/0.693 (p < 0.001), respectively, for males. For females, the correlation was stronger for both methods. The correlation coefficients for chronological age against the two hand-wrist assessment methods were statistically significant only for Fishman's method, 0.722 (p < 0.001) and 0.839 (p < 0.001), respectively for males and females. The cervical vertebral, hand-wrist and dental maturation methods of assessment were all found to correlate strongly with each other, irrespective of gender, except for Grave and Brown's method. The results found the strongest correlation between the second molars and females, and the second premolar and males. This study sheds light on and correlates with the five radiographic methods most commonly used for assessing skeletal maturation in a Spanish population in southern Europe.

Poverty, a risk factor overlooked: a cross-sectional cohort study comparing poverty rate and cardiovascular disease outcomes in the state of Florida.

PubMed

Al-Turk, Bashar; Harris, Ciel; Nelson, Grant; Smotherman, Carmen; Palacio, Carlos; House, Jeff

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between poverty rate and heart disease in our state. A cross-sectional data analysis was performed using figures provided by the Center for Disease Control's Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke Tables. Spearman's correlations and simple regressions were used to determine if there was a relationship between poverty and cardiovascular hospitalization rate and cardiovascular death rate. There was a positive monotonic correlation between poverty rate and cardiovascular hospitalization rate (Rho=0.384, P=0.001). There was a positive monotonic correlation between poverty rate and cardiovascular death rate (Rho=0.646, P<0.0001). County poverty rate had a statistically significant positive relationship with cardiovascular hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in the state of Florida. © American Federation for Medical Research (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

A psychometric study of the multidimensional fatigue inventory to assess fatigue in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Hedlund, Lena; Gyllensten, Amanda Lundvik; Hansson, Lars

2015-04-01

Fatigue is frequently reported by patients with mental illness. The multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) is a self-assessment instrument with 20 items including five dimensions of fatigue. The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent construct validity and feasibility of using MFI-20 in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients completed two self-assessment instruments, MFI-20 (n = 93) and Visual Analogue Scale (n = 79), twice within 1 week ± 2 days. Fifty-three patients also rated the feasibility of responding to the MFI-20 with a Likert scale. The test-retest reliability and validity were analysed by using Spearman's correlations and internal consistency by calculating Cronbach's α. The test-retest showed a correlation between .66 and .91 for all subscales of MFI. The internal consistency was .92. The analysis of convergent construct validity showed a correlation of .68 (time 1) and .77 (time 2). No item was systematically identified as being difficult to answer.

Thrombocytopenia in neonates with polycythemia: incidence, risk factors and clinical outcome.

PubMed

Vlug, Roos D; Lopriore, Enrico; Janssen, Marleen; Middeldorp, Johanna M; Rath, Mirjam E A; Smits-Wintjens, Vivianne E H J

2015-02-01

Polycythemia occurs in 1 to 5% of neonates and is associated with complications, including an increased risk of thrombocytopenia. To evaluate incidence, risk factors, management and outcome of thrombocytopenia in neonates with polycythemia. All neonates with polycythemia admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between 2006 and 2013 were included in this retrospective study. We evaluated the incidence of thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 10(9)/l) and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 × 10(9)/l) and the correlation between platelet counts and hematocrit values. The incidence of thrombocytopenia and severe thrombocytopenia was 51 (71/140) and 9% (13/140), respectively. Platelet count was negatively correlated with hematocrit (spearman correlation coefficient -0.233, p = 0.007). After multiple regression analysis, we found an independent association between thrombocytopenia and being small for gestational age (OR: 10.0; 95%; CI: 1.2-81.7; p = 0.031). Thrombocytopenia occurs in 51% of neonates with polycythemia and is independently associated with growth restriction. Increased hematocrit is associated with decreased platelet count.

A real-time monitoring system for the facial nerve.

PubMed

Prell, Julian; Rachinger, Jens; Scheller, Christian; Alfieri, Alex; Strauss, Christian; Rampp, Stefan

2010-06-01

Damage to the facial nerve during surgery in the cerebellopontine angle is indicated by A-trains, a specific electromyogram pattern. These A-trains can be quantified by the parameter "traintime," which is reliably correlated with postoperative functional outcome. The system presented was designed to monitor traintime in real-time. A dedicated hardware and software platform for automated continuous analysis of the intraoperative facial nerve electromyogram was specifically designed. The automatic detection of A-trains is performed by a software algorithm for real-time analysis of nonstationary biosignals. The system was evaluated in a series of 30 patients operated on for vestibular schwannoma. A-trains can be detected and measured automatically by the described method for real-time analysis. Traintime is monitored continuously via a graphic display and is shown as an absolute numeric value during the operation. It is an expression of overall, cumulated length of A-trains in a given channel; a high correlation between traintime as measured by real-time analysis and functional outcome immediately after the operation (Spearman correlation coefficient [rho] = 0.664, P < .001) and in long-term outcome (rho = 0.631, P < .001) was observed. Automated real-time analysis of the intraoperative facial nerve electromyogram is the first technique capable of reliable continuous real-time monitoring. It can critically contribute to the estimation of functional outcome during the course of the operative procedure.

The validity and reliability of tinnitus handicap inventory Thai version.

PubMed

Limviriyakul, Siriporn; Supavanich, Walop

2012-11-01

Demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Thai Version (THI-T), a self-report measure of tinnitus. A cross-sectional psychometric validation study was used to determine internal consistency reliability and validity of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Thai Version at the Otoneurology clinic at Tertiary care center The cross-cultural adaptation of the Tinnitus Handicapped Inventory English version (Newman et al, 1996) was translated into Thai version following the steps indicated by Guillemin et al. The reliability was constructed by using Cronbach's coefficient alpha. The validity was analyzed by the correlation between Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Thai version and the 36-items short form health survey and visual analog scale using Spearman and Pearson test. The result showed good internal consistency reliabilities of total, functional, emotional, and catastrophic scale (a = 0.902, 0.804, 0.831 and 0.661, respectively) of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Thai Version. Spearman correlation showed the significant correlation of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory to 36-items short form health survey and visual analog scale. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Thai Version will be a vigorous tool in evaluating tinnitus patients as well as monitoring the progress of their symptoms.

Rectal nitric oxide and fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Reinders, Claudia A; Jonkers, Daisy; Janson, Emmellie A; Stockbrügger, Reinhold W; Stobberingh, Ellen E; Hellström, Per M; Lundberg, Jon O

2007-10-01

The assessment of intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a difficult challenge. Both rectal nitric oxide (NO) and fecal calprotectin can be measured using non-invasive methods and are emerging as promising inflammatory markers in IBD. In this study the aim was to compare calprotectin and NO levels in IBD patients. Rectal NO was measured tonometrically in 23 healthy volunteers and 32 patients with IBD. In addition, we collected stool samples from all subjects for measurement of fecal calprotectin and nitrate/nitrite (NO metabolites). Patients with IBD had greatly increased NO and calprotectin levels compared to healthy volunteers (p <0.001). In addition, the nitrate levels were slightly increased in IBD patients. A weak correlation was found between rectal NO levels, disease activity and number of loose stools in IBD patients (Spearman's rho 0.37 and 0.51, respectively; p <0.05). Fecal calprotectin correlated only with age (Spearman's rho 0.51; p <0.01). However, no correlation was found between NO and calprotectin. Both rectal NO and fecal calprotectin are greatly increased during bowel inflammation, but they may reflect different parts of the inflammatory process. Future studies will elucidate the clinical usefulness of these two markers.

A systematic correlation analysis of carotenoids, chlorophyll, non-pigmented cell mass, and cell number for the blueprint of Dunaliella salina culture in a photobioreactor.

PubMed

Song, Hyeon Gi; Byeon, Seon Yeong; Chung, Goo Yong; Jung, Sang-Myung; Choi, Jung Il; Shin, Hwa Sung

2018-05-28

Microalgal carotenoids are attractive health ingredients, but their production should be optimized to improve cost-effectiveness. Understanding cellular physiology centered on carotenoid synthesis is the prerequisite for this work. Therefore, systematic correlation analyses were conducted among chlorophyll, carotenoids, non-pigmented cell mass, and cell number of Dunaliella salina in a specified condition over a relatively long culture time. First, an integrated correlation was performed: a temporal profile of the carotenoids was correlated with those of other factors, including chlorophyll, non-pigmented cell mass, and cell number. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were performed to identify linearity and monotonicity of the correlation, respectively, and then cross-correlation was executed to determine if the correlation had a time lag. Second, to understand the cellular potential of metabolism, the procedure was repeated to provide a data set composed of the specific synthesis rates of the factors or growth rate, which additionally provided kinetic correlations among the constituting components of the cell, excluding the effect of cell number. This systematic approach could generate a blueprint model that is composed of only what it needs, which could make it possible to efficiently control and optimize the process.

Utility of Urinary Protein-Creatinine Ratio and Protein Content in a 24-Hour Urine Collection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Medina-Rosas, Jorge; Yap, Kristy S; Anderson, Melanie; Su, Jiandong; Touma, Zahi

2016-09-01

To systematically review literature on the utility of spot urinary protein-creatinine ratio (PCR) as a screening test for proteinuria and its ability to accurately measure proteinuria compared with 24-hour urine collection (24H-P) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We conducted a literature search (1900-2015) for articles comparing PCR and 24H-P in SLE patients in the databases Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. Included studies and their results were critically appraised and analyzed. Thirteen studies (1,001 patients; 84.01% women) were included. Ten studies reported on Pearson's correlation (range 0.67-0.94), and 3 studies reported on Spearman's correlation (range 0.78-1.00). The meta-analysis of studies with Pearson's correlation showed a high overall correlation of 0.80 between 24H-P and PCR, yet with high heterogeneity (I(2)  = 97.2%). Correlation analysis is not sufficient to evaluate the utility of a new test against the gold standard test, and analysis on agreement is required. Seven studies reported on agreement: 3 studies analyzed concordance correlation coefficient (0.48-0.94), 3 analyzed intraclass correlation coefficient (0.66-0.95), and 1 analyzed kappa coefficient (0.58). These results confirmed that the agreement between 24H-P and PCR was inappropriate. Three studies included Bland-Altman plots, and the results also demonstrated poor agreement between both tests. The PCR has a utility as a screening test for proteinuria in SLE patients. The studies' results of 24H-P and PCR showed poor agreement between both tests, signifying that PCR should not be a substitute for the gold standard test (24H-P) to accurately measure proteinuria. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Validation of Portuguese version of Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ) and comparison to International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and RAND 36-Item Health Survey

PubMed Central

Reis, Ana Luiza; Reis, Leonardo Oliveira; Saade, Ricardo Destro; Santos, Carlos Alberto; de Lima, Marcelo Lopes; Fregonesi, Adriano

2015-01-01

Purpose To validate the Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ) considering Brazilian social-cultural aspects. Materials and Methods To determine equivalence between the Portuguese and the English QEQ versions, the Portuguese version was back-translated by two professors who are native English speakers. After language equivalence had been determined, urologists considered the QEQ Portuguese version suitable. Men with self-reported erectile dysfunction (ED) and infertile men who had a stable sexual relationship for at least 6 months were invited to answer the QEQ, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36). The questionnaires were presented together and answered without help in a private room. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test-retest reliability (Spearman), convergent validity (Spearman correlation) coefficients and known-groups validity (the ability of the QEQ Portuguese version to differentiate erectile dysfunction severity groups) were assessed. Results We recruited 197 men (167 ED patients and 30 non-ED patients), mean age of 53.3 and median of 55.5 years (23-82 years). The Portuguese version of the QEQ had high internal consistency (Cronbach α=0.93), high stability between test and retest (ICC 0.83, with IC 95%: 0.76-0.88, p<0.001) and Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.82 (p<0.001), which demonstrated the high correlation between the QEQ and IIEF results. The correlations between the QEQ and RAND-36 were significantly low in ED (r=0.20, p=0.01) and non-ED patients (r=0.37, p=0.04). Conclusion The QEQ Portuguese version presented good psychometric properties and high convergent validity in relation to IIEF. The low correlations between the QEQ and the RAND-36, as well as between the IIEF and the RAND-36 indicated IIEF and QEQ specificity, which may have resulted from the patients’ psychological adaptations that minimized the impact of ED on Quality of Life (QoL) and reestablished the well-being feeling. PMID:25928522

An epidermal equivalent assay for identification and ranking potency of contact sensitizers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gibbs, Susan, E-mail: S.Gibbs@VUMC.nl; Corsini, Emanuela; Spiekstra, Sander W.

2013-10-15

The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of combining the epidermal equivalent (EE) potency assay with the assay which assesses release of interleukin-18 (IL-18) to provide a single test for identification and classification of skin sensitizing chemicals, including chemicals of low water solubility or stability. A protocol was developed using different 3D-epidermal models including in house VUMC model, epiCS® (previously EST1000™), MatTek EpiDerm™ and SkinEthic™ RHE and also the impact of different vehicles (acetone:olive oil 4:1, 1% DMSO, ethanol, water) was investigated. Following topical exposure for 24 h to 17 contact allergens and 13 non-sensitizers a robustmore » increase in IL-18 release was observed only after exposure to contact allergens. A putative prediction model is proposed from data obtained from two laboratories yielding 95% accuracy. Correlating the in vitro EE sensitizer potency data, which assesses the chemical concentration which results in 50% cytotoxicity (EE-EC{sub 50}) with human and animal data showed a superior correlation with human DSA{sub 05} (μg/cm{sup 2}) data (Spearman r = 0.8500; P value (two-tailed) = 0.0061) compared to LLNA data (Spearman r = 0.5968; P value (two-tailed) = 0.0542). DSA{sub 05} = induction dose per skin area that produces a positive response in 5% of the tested population Also a good correlation was observed for release of IL-18 (SI-2) into culture supernatants with human DSA{sub 05} data (Spearman r = 0.8333; P value (two-tailed) = 0.0154). This easily transferable human in vitro assay appears to be very promising, but additional testing of a larger chemical set with the different EE models is required to fully evaluate the utility of this assay and to establish a definitive prediction model. - Highlights: • A potential epidermal equivalent assay to label and classify sensitizers • Il-18 release distinguishes sensitizers from non sensitizers • IL-18 release can rank sensitizer potency • EC50 (chemical concentration causing 50% decrease in cell viability) ranks potency • In vitro: human DSA{sub 05} correlation is better than in vitro: LLNA correlation.« less

Abundance and Distribution of Microbial Cells and Viruses in an Alluvial Aquifer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Donald; Nolan, Jason; Williams, Kenneth H.

Viruses are the most abundant biological entity on Earth and their interactions with microbial communities are recognized to influence microbial ecology and impact biogeochemical cycling in various ecosystems. While the factors that control the distribution of viruses in surface aquatic environments are well-characterized, the abundance and distribution of continental subsurface viruses with respect to microbial abundance and biogeochemical parameters have not yet been established. In order to begin to understand the factors governing virus distribution in subsurface environments, we assessed microbial cell and virus abundance in groundwater concurrent with groundwater chemistry in a uranium impacted alluvial aquifer adjoining the Coloradomore » River near Rifle, CO. Virus abundance ranged from 8.0 × 10 4 to 1.0 × 10 6 mL -1 and exceeded cell abundance in all samples (cell abundance ranged from 5.8 × 10 4 to 6.1 × 10 5 mL -1). The virus to microbial cell ratio ranged from 1.1 to 8.1 and averaged 3.0 ± 1.6 with virus abundance most strongly correlated to cell abundance (Spearman's ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001). Both viruses and cells were positively correlated to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with cells having a slightly stronger correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.46, p < 0.05 and ρ = 0.54, p < 0.05; respectively). Groundwater uranium was also strongly correlated with DOC and virus and cell abundance (Spearman's ρ = 0.62, p < 0.05; ρ = 0.46, p < 0.05; and ρ = 0.50, p < 0.05; respectively). Together the data indicate that microbial cell and virus abundance are correlated to the geochemical conditions in the aquifer. As such local geochemical conditions likely control microbial host cell abundance which in turn controls viral abundance. Given the potential impacts of viral-mediated cell lysis such as liberation of labile organic matter from lysed cells and changes in microbial community structure, viral interactions with the microbiota should be considered in an effort to understand subsurface biogeochemical cycling and contaminant mobility.« less

Abundance and Distribution of Microbial Cells and Viruses in an Alluvial Aquifer

DOE PAGES

Pan, Donald; Nolan, Jason; Williams, Kenneth H.; ...

2017-07-11

Viruses are the most abundant biological entity on Earth and their interactions with microbial communities are recognized to influence microbial ecology and impact biogeochemical cycling in various ecosystems. While the factors that control the distribution of viruses in surface aquatic environments are well-characterized, the abundance and distribution of continental subsurface viruses with respect to microbial abundance and biogeochemical parameters have not yet been established. In order to begin to understand the factors governing virus distribution in subsurface environments, we assessed microbial cell and virus abundance in groundwater concurrent with groundwater chemistry in a uranium impacted alluvial aquifer adjoining the Coloradomore » River near Rifle, CO. Virus abundance ranged from 8.0 × 10 4 to 1.0 × 10 6 mL -1 and exceeded cell abundance in all samples (cell abundance ranged from 5.8 × 10 4 to 6.1 × 10 5 mL -1). The virus to microbial cell ratio ranged from 1.1 to 8.1 and averaged 3.0 ± 1.6 with virus abundance most strongly correlated to cell abundance (Spearman's ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001). Both viruses and cells were positively correlated to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with cells having a slightly stronger correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.46, p < 0.05 and ρ = 0.54, p < 0.05; respectively). Groundwater uranium was also strongly correlated with DOC and virus and cell abundance (Spearman's ρ = 0.62, p < 0.05; ρ = 0.46, p < 0.05; and ρ = 0.50, p < 0.05; respectively). Together the data indicate that microbial cell and virus abundance are correlated to the geochemical conditions in the aquifer. As such local geochemical conditions likely control microbial host cell abundance which in turn controls viral abundance. Given the potential impacts of viral-mediated cell lysis such as liberation of labile organic matter from lysed cells and changes in microbial community structure, viral interactions with the microbiota should be considered in an effort to understand subsurface biogeochemical cycling and contaminant mobility.« less

Measuring Retention in HIV Care: The Elusive Gold Standard

PubMed Central

Mugavero, Michael J.; Westfall, Andrew O.; Zinski, Anne; Davila, Jessica; Drainoni, Mari-Lynn; Gardner, Lytt I.; Keruly, Jeanne C.; Malitz, Faye; Marks, Gary; Metsch, Lisa; Wilson, Tracey E.; Giordano, Thomas P.

2012-01-01

Background Measuring retention in HIV primary care is complex as care includes multiple visits scheduled at varying intervals over time. We evaluated six commonly used retention measures in predicting viral load (VL) suppression and the correlation among measures. Methods Clinic-wide patient-level data from six academic HIV clinics were used for 12-months preceding implementation of the CDC/HRSA Retention in Care intervention. Six retention measures were calculated for each patient based upon scheduled primary HIV provider visits: count and dichotomous missed visits, visit adherence, 6-month gap, 4-month visit constancy, and the HRSA HAB retention measure. Spearman correlation coefficients and separate unadjusted logistic regression models compared retention measures to one another and with 12-month VL suppression, respectively. The discriminatory capacity of each measure was assessed with the c-statistic. Results Among 10,053 patients, 8,235 (82%) had 12-month VL measures, with 6,304 (77%) achieving suppression (VL<400 c/mL). All six retention measures were significantly associated (P<0.0001) with VL suppression (OR;95%CI, c-statistic): missed visit count (0.73;0.71–0.75,0.67), missed visit dichotomous (3.2;2.8–3.6,0.62), visit adherence (3.9;3.5–4.3,0.69), gap (3.0;2.6–3.3,0.61), visit constancy (2.8;2.5–3.0,0.63), HRSA HAB (3.8;3.3–4.4,0.59). Measures incorporating “no show” visits were highly correlated (Spearman coefficient=0.83–0.85), as were measures based solely upon kept visits (Spearman coefficient=0.72–0.77). Correlation coefficients were lower across these two groups of measures (Range=0.16–0.57). Conclusions Six retention measures displayed a wide range of correlation with one another, yet each measure had significant association and modest discrimination for VL suppression. These data suggest there is no clear gold standard, and that selection of a retention measure may be tailored to context. PMID:23011397

TC-99m MIBI SPECT imaging in patients with lung carcinoma: is it a functional probe of multidrug resistance genes?

PubMed

Ak, Ilknur; Gülbaş, Zafer; Ocak, Suna; Kaya, Eser; Alataş, Füsun; Vardareli, Erkan; Metintaş, Muzaffer

2007-01-01

Multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenotype concerns altered membrane transport that results in lower cell concentrations of cytotoxic drug in many cancer types, including lung cancer, and is related to the overexpression of a variety of proteins that act as adenosine triphosphate-dependent extrusion pumps. Tc-99m Sestamibi (MIBI) is a transport substrate for P-glycoprotein (Pgp) pump. In this study, we assessed the uptake and clearance of technetium-99m-2-hexakis 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-99m MIBI) from the tumor and its correlation with messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Pgp, MDR-associated protein (MRP1), and lung resistance protein (LRP) in lung carcinoma. This study was carried out on 19 patients (mean age, 60.1 +/- 2.07 years) with advanced-stage lung carcinoma. The tumor samples obtained by bronchoscopy were assessed to estimate the levels of Pgp, MRP1, and LRP expression on mRNA level by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Tc-99m MIBI chest imaging was performed 15 and 180 minutes after injection of 740 MBq Tc-99m MIBI. The early (T/Be) and delayed (T/Bd) Tc-99m MIBI uptakes and washout rate (WR) of Tc-99m MIBI from the tumor were measured. No correlation was found between the T/Be Tc-99m MIBI uptake of tumors (T/Be) and the levels of Pgp mRNA, MRP1 mRNA, and LRP mRNA by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. There was a correlation between the mean T/Bd Tc-99m MIBI uptake and Pgp expression of the tumors (P = 0.001, Spearman rho = - 0.702). There was a correlation between the WR of Tc-99m MIBI from the tumor and Pgp expression of the tumor (P = 0.000, Spearman rho = 0.875). Washout rate of Tc-99m MIBI was not related to the levels of MRP1 mRNA (P = 0.93, Spearman rho = 0.02) or LRP mRNA (P = 0.47, Spearman rho = 0.177). Increased WR of Tc-99m MIBI is related in Pgp over expression of the tumor. Tc-99m MIBI single photon emission computed tomography imaging may be a functional probe of overexpression of Pgp in patients with lung carcinoma. However, Tc-99m MIBI single photon emission computed tomography imaging cannot be used to identify the MDR involved in the MRP1 or LRP in these patients.

Dispositional optimism and therapeutic expectations in early-phase oncology trials.

PubMed

Jansen, Lynn A; Mahadevan, Daruka; Appelbaum, Paul S; Klein, William M P; Weinstein, Neil D; Mori, Motomi; Daffé, Racky; Sulmasy, Daniel P

2016-04-15

Prior research has identified unrealistic optimism as a bias that might impair informed consent among patient-subjects in early-phase oncology trials. However, optimism is not a unitary construct; it also can be defined as a general disposition, or what is called dispositional optimism. The authors assessed whether dispositional optimism would be related to high expectations for personal therapeutic benefit reported by patient-subjects in these trials but not to the therapeutic misconception. The authors also assessed how dispositional optimism related to unrealistic optimism. Patient-subjects completed questionnaires designed to measure expectations for therapeutic benefit, dispositional optimism, unrealistic optimism, and the therapeutic misconception. Dispositional optimism was found to be significantly associated with higher expectations for personal therapeutic benefit (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [r], 0.333; P<.0001), but was not associated with the therapeutic misconception (Spearman r, -0.075; P = .329). Dispositional optimism was found to be weakly associated with unrealistic optimism (Spearman r, 0.215; P = .005). On multivariate analysis, both dispositional optimism (P = .02) and unrealistic optimism (P<.0001) were found to be independently associated with high expectations for personal therapeutic benefit. Unrealistic optimism (P = .0001), but not dispositional optimism, was found to be independently associated with the therapeutic misconception. High expectations for therapeutic benefit among patient-subjects in early-phase oncology trials should not be assumed to result from misunderstanding of specific information regarding the trials. The data from the current study indicate that these expectations are associated with either a dispositionally positive outlook on life or biased expectations concerning specific aspects of trial participation. Not all manifestations of optimism are the same, and different types of optimism likely have different consequences for informed consent in early-phase oncology research. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Assessment of posterior vaginal wall prolapse: comparison of physical findings to cystodefecoperitoneography.

PubMed

Altman, Daniel; López, Annika; Kierkegaard, Jonas; Zetterström, Jan; Falconer, Christian; Pollack, Johan; Mellgren, Anders

2005-01-01

The aim of the present study was to compare clinical and radiological findings when assessing posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Defecography can be used to complement the clinical evaluation in patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Further development of the defecography technique, using contrast medium in the urinary bladder and intraperitoneally, have resulted in cystodefecoperitoneography (CDP). Thirty-eight women underwent clinical examination using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) followed by CDP. All patients answered a standardized bowel function questionnaire. Statistical analysis measuring correlation between POP-Q and CDP using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient (rs) demonstrated a poor to moderate correlation, r=0.49 and rs=0.55. Although there was a strong association between large rectoceles (>3 cm) at CDP and symptoms of rectal emptying difficulties (p<0.001), severity and prevalence of bowel dysfunction showed poor coherence with clinical prolapse staging and findings at radiological imaging. Vaginal topography and POP-Q staging predict neither radiological size nor visceral involvement in posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Radiological evaluation may therefore be a useful complement in selected patients.

Inertial measurements of free-living activities: assessing mobility to predict falls.

PubMed

Wang, Kejia; Lovell, Nigel H; Del Rosario, Michael B; Liu, Ying; Wang, Jingjing; Narayanan, Michael R; Brodie, Matthew A D; Delbaere, Kim; Menant, Jasmine; Lord, Stephen R; Redmond, Stephen J

2014-01-01

An exploratory analysis was conducted into how simple features, from acceleration at the lower back and ankle during simulated free-living walking, stair ascent and descent, correlate with age, the overall fall risk from a clinically validated Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), and its sub-components. Inertial data were captured from 92 older adults aged 78-95 (42 female, mean age 84.1, standard deviation 3.9 years). The dominant frequency, peak width from Welch's power spectral density estimate, and signal variance along each axis, from each sensor location and for each activity were calculated. Several correlations were found between these features and the physiological risk factors. The strongest correlations were from the dominant frequency at the ankle along the mediolateral direction during stair ascent (Spearman's correlation coefficient p = - 0.45) with anterioposterior sway, and signal variance of the anterioposterior acceleration at the lower back during stair descent (p = - 0.45) with age. These findings should aid future attempts to classify activities and predict falls in older adults, based on true free-living data from a range of activities.

The Integration of International Migrants into Western Society

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-31

demographic data and living circumstances. Overall, surveys were distributed to 205 migrants, with a response rate of 60.5% (n=128). Given that the...Society 5 The amount of time spent in Australia was significantly correlated with increasing age (Spearman 0.475, pɘ.001) and country of birth... correlated with the amount of time spent in-country. The amount of time that migrants wished to stay in Australia was significantly associated with age

Wealth, Health Expenditure, and Cancer: A National Perspective.

PubMed

Chahoud, Jad; Semaan, Adele; Rieber, Alyssa

2016-08-01

The US health care system is characterized by high health expenditures with penultimate outcomes. This ecological study evaluates the associations between wealth, health expenditure, and cancer outcomes at the state level. We extracted gross domestic product (GDP) and health expenditure per capita from the 2009 Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, respectively. Using data from the NCI, we retrieved colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer, and all-cancer age-adjusted rates and computed mortality/incidence (M/I) ratios. We used the Spearman's rank correlation to determine the association between the financial indicators and cancer outcomes, and we constructed geographic distribution maps to describe these associations. GDP per capita significantly correlated with lower M/I ratios for all cancers, breast cancer, and CRC. As for health expenditure per capita, preliminary analysis highlighted a rift between the Northeastern and Southern states, which translated into worse breast and all-cancer outcomes in Southern states. Further analysis showed that higher health expenditure significantly correlated with decreased breast cancer M/I ratio. However, CRC outcomes were not significantly affected by health expenditure, nor were all-cancer outcomes. All cancers, breast cancer, and CRC outcomes significantly correlated with wealth, whereas only breast cancer correlated with higher health expenditure. Future research is needed to evaluate the potential role of policies in optimizing resource allocation in the states' efforts against CRC and minimizing disparities in interstate cancer outcomes. Copyright © 2016 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Milk consumption in relation to incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 48 countries/regions.

PubMed

Mai, Zhi-Ming; Lo, Ching-Man; Xu, Jun; Chan, King-Pan; Wong, Chit-Ming; Lung, Maria Li; Lam, Tai-Hing

2015-12-21

Decreasing trends of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) incidence have been consistently reported in endemic populations but the etiology of NPC remains unclear. The objective of our study was to assess the international and local (Hong Kong) correlations of milk and dairy products per capita consumption with NPC incidence. We conducted an ecological study in 48 countries/regions. Age standardized incidence rates of NPC were obtained from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Dairy product consumption and Human Development Index were obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Development Programme. Spearman correlation, multivariate analysis and time-lagged analysis were performed. The negative correlations between milk consumption and decreased age standardized incidence rates of NPC were observed in the 48 countries/regions adjusting for Human Development Index in endemic countries/regions. In Hong Kong, multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other potential confounders, including salted fish, cigarette, vegetable consumption and socioeconomic status, showed consistently negative and significant correlations between milk consumption and NPC incidence (The strongest coefficient (β) was observed at 10-year lag in males [β = -0.439; P < 0.01] and in females [β = -0.258; P < 0.01]). Our study showed the correlations on milk consumption per capita and against lower risk of NPC in 48 countries/regions and in Hong Kong. These hypothesis-generating results could support further studies on individual exposures and the disease.

Cenesthopathy and Subjective Cognitive Complaints: An Exploratory Study in Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Jimeno, Natalia; Vargas, Martin L

2018-01-01

Cenesthopathy is mainly associated with schizophrenia; however, its neurobiological basis is nowadays unclear. The general objective was to explore clinical correlates of cenesthopathy and subjective cognitive complaints in schizophrenia. Participants (n = 30) meeting DSM-IV criteria for psychotic disorder were recruited from a psychiatry unit and assessed with: Association for Methodology and Documentation in Psychiatry (AMDP) system, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ), and the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS). For quantitative variables, means and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. Linear regression following backward method and principal component analysis with varimax rotation were used. 83.3% of subjects (73.3% male, mean age, 31.5 years) presented any type of cenesthopathy; all types of cenesthetic basic symptoms were found. Cenesthetic basic symptoms significantly correlated with the AMDP category "fear and anancasm," FCQ total score, and BSABS cognitive thought disturbances. In the regression analysis only 1 predictor, cognitive thought disturbances, entered the model. In the principal component analysis, a main component which accounted for 22.69% of the variance was found. Cenesthopathy, as assessed with the Bonn Scale (BSABS), is mainly associated with cog-nitive abnormalities including disturbances of thought initiative and mental intentionality, of receptive speech, and subjective retardation or pressure of thoughts. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Analysis of synonymous codon usage patterns in the genus Rhizobium.

PubMed

Wang, Xinxin; Wu, Liang; Zhou, Ping; Zhu, Shengfeng; An, Wei; Chen, Yu; Zhao, Lin

2013-11-01

The codon usage patterns of rhizobia have received increasing attention. However, little information is available regarding the conserved features of the codon usage patterns in a typical rhizobial genus. The codon usage patterns of six completely sequenced strains belonging to the genus Rhizobium were analysed as model rhizobia in the present study. The relative neutrality plot showed that selection pressure played a role in codon usage in the genus Rhizobium. Spearman's rank correlation analysis combined with correspondence analysis (COA) showed that the codon adaptation index and the effective number of codons (ENC) had strong correlation with the first axis of the COA, which indicated the important role of gene expression level and the ENC in the codon usage patterns in this genus. The relative synonymous codon usage of Cys codons had the strongest correlation with the second axis of the COA. Accordingly, the usage of Cys codons was another important factor that shaped the codon usage patterns in Rhizobium genomes and was a conserved feature of the genus. Moreover, the comparison of codon usage between highly and lowly expressed genes showed that 20 unique preferred codons were shared among Rhizobium genomes, revealing another conserved feature of the genus. This is the first report of the codon usage patterns in the genus Rhizobium.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Needs Based Biopsychosocial Distress Instrument for Cancer Patients (CANDI)

PubMed Central

Beyhun, Nazim Ercument; Can, Gamze; Tiryaki, Ahmet; Karakullukcu, Serdar; Bulut, Bekir; Yesilbas, Sehbal; Kavgaci, Halil; Topbas, Murat

2016-01-01

Background Needs based biopsychosocial distress instrument for cancer patients (CANDI) is a scale based on needs arising due to the effects of cancer. Objectives The aim of this research was to determine the reliability and validity of the CANDI scale in the Turkish language. Patients and Methods The study was performed with the participation of 172 cancer patients aged 18 and over. Factor analysis (principal components analysis) was used to assess construct validity. Criterion validities were tested by computing Spearman correlation between CANDI and hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS), and brief symptom inventory (BSI) (convergent validity) and quality of life scales (FACT-G) (divergent validity). Test-retest reliabilities and internal consistencies were measured with intraclass correlation (ICC) and Cronbach-α. Results A three-factor solution (emotional, physical and social) was found with factor analysis. Internal reliability (α = 0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.87) were significantly high. Correlations between CANDI and HADS (rs = 0.67), and BSI (rs = 0.69) and FACT-G (rs = -0.76) were moderate and significant in the expected direction. Conclusions CANDI is a valid and reliable scale in cancer patients with a three-factor structure (emotional, physical and social) in the Turkish language. PMID:27621931

Validation of the MISSCARE-BRASIL survey - A tool to assess missed nursing care.

PubMed

Siqueira, Lillian Dias Castilho; Caliri, Maria Helena Larcher; Haas, Vanderlei José; Kalisch, Beatrice; Dantas, Rosana Aparecida Spadoti

2017-12-21

to analyze the metric validity and reliability properties of the MISSCARE-BRASIL survey. methodological research conducted by assessing construct validity and reliability via confirmatory factor analysis, known-groups validation, convergent construct validation, analysis of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The sample consisted of 330 nursing professionals, of whom 86 participated in the retest phase. of the 330 participants, 39.7% were aides, 33% technicians, 20.9% nurses, and 6.4% nurses with administrative roles. Confirmatory factorial analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument is adequately adjusted to the dimensional structure the scale authors originally proposed. The correlation between "satisfaction with position/role" and "satisfaction with teamwork" and the survey's missed care variables was moderate (Spearman's coefficient =0.35; p<0.001). The results of the Student's t-test indicated known-group validity. Professionals from closed units reported lower levels of missed care in comparison with the other units. The reliability showed a strong correlation, with the exception of "institutional management/leadership style" (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.15; p=0.04). The internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach's alpha was greater than 0.70). the MISSCARE-BRASIL was valid and reliable in the group studied. The application of the MISSCARE-BRASIL can contribute to identifying solutions for missed nursing care.

Studying hemispheric lateralization during a Stroop task through near-infrared spectroscopy-based connectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Sun, Jinyan; Sun, Bailei; Luo, Qingming; Gong, Hui

2014-05-01

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a developing and promising functional brain imaging technology. Developing data analysis methods to effectively extract meaningful information from collected data is the major bottleneck in popularizing this technology. In this study, we measured hemodynamic activity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during a color-word matching Stroop task using NIRS. Hemispheric lateralization was examined by employing traditional activation and novel NIRS-based connectivity analyses simultaneously. Wavelet transform coherence was used to assess intrahemispheric functional connectivity. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between behavioral performance and activation/functional connectivity, respectively. In agreement with activation analysis, functional connectivity analysis revealed leftward lateralization for the Stroop effect and correlation with behavioral performance. However, functional connectivity was more sensitive than activation for identifying hemispheric lateralization. Granger causality was used to evaluate the effective connectivity between hemispheres. The results showed increased information flow from the left to the right hemispheres for the incongruent versus the neutral task, indicating a leading role of the left PFC. This study demonstrates that the NIRS-based connectivity can reveal the functional architecture of the brain more comprehensively than traditional activation, helping to better utilize the advantages of NIRS.

Malocclusion: social, functional and emotional influence on children.

PubMed

Martins-Júnior, P A; Marques, L S; Ramos-Jorge, M L

2012-01-01

To determine the association between types of malocclusion and quality of life in children between 8-10 years of age and establish correlations between the severity of the malocclusion and particular bio-psychosocial variables. The sample was made up of 102 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years. Clinical exams were performed using the criteria of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) to determine the presence and severity of malocclusions. The impact on quality of life was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Spearman's correlation analysis. Malocclusions affected 61% of the children examined. There was a positive correlation between total CPQ8-10 and DAI scores (P = 0.034). The following types of malocclusion had a significant effect on the quality of life of the children: upper anterior irregularity > or = 2 mm, anterior open bite > or = 2 mm and diastema > or = 2 mm. Children with malocclusion experienced a greater negative impact on quality of life in comparison to those without malocclusion. Malocclusions had a negative influence over the quality of life of children between 8-10 years of age. More severe malocclusions had a greater impact with regard to social, emotional and functional aspects.

Pelvic incidence: a predictive factor for three-dimensional acetabular orientation-a preliminary study.

PubMed

Boulay, Christophe; Bollini, Gérard; Legaye, Jean; Tardieu, Christine; Prat-Pradal, Dominique; Chabrol, Brigitte; Jouve, Jean-Luc; Duval-Beaupère, Ginette; Pélissier, Jacques

2014-01-01

Acetabular cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) is a fundamental topic in orthopaedics and depends on pelvis tilt (positional parameter) emphasising the notion of a safe range of pelvis tilt. The hypothesis was that pelvic incidence (morphologic parameter) could yield a more accurate and reliable assessment than pelvis tilt. The aim was to find out a predictive equation of acetabular 3D orientation parameters which were determined by pelvic incidence to include in the model. The second aim was to consider the asymmetry between the right and left acetabulae. Twelve pelvic anatomic specimens were measured with an electromagnetic Fastrak system (Polhemus Society) providing 3D position of anatomical landmarks to allow measurement of acetabular and pelvic parameters. Acetabulum and pelvis data were correlated by a Spearman matrix. A robust linear regression analysis provided prediction of acetabulum axes. The orientation of each acetabulum could be predicted by the incidence. The incidence is correlated with the morphology of acetabula. The asymmetry of the acetabular roof was correlated with pelvic incidence. This study allowed analysis of relationships of acetabular orientation and pelvic incidence. Pelvic incidence (morphologic parameter) could determine the safe range of pelvis tilt (positional parameter) for an individual and not a group.

Pelvic Incidence: A Predictive Factor for Three-Dimensional Acetabular Orientation—A Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Bollini, Gérard; Legaye, Jean; Tardieu, Christine; Prat-Pradal, Dominique; Chabrol, Brigitte; Jouve, Jean-Luc; Duval-Beaupère, Ginette; Pélissier, Jacques

2014-01-01

Acetabular cup orientation (inclination and anteversion) is a fundamental topic in orthopaedics and depends on pelvis tilt (positional parameter) emphasising the notion of a safe range of pelvis tilt. The hypothesis was that pelvic incidence (morphologic parameter) could yield a more accurate and reliable assessment than pelvis tilt. The aim was to find out a predictive equation of acetabular 3D orientation parameters which were determined by pelvic incidence to include in the model. The second aim was to consider the asymmetry between the right and left acetabulae. Twelve pelvic anatomic specimens were measured with an electromagnetic Fastrak system (Polhemus Society) providing 3D position of anatomical landmarks to allow measurement of acetabular and pelvic parameters. Acetabulum and pelvis data were correlated by a Spearman matrix. A robust linear regression analysis provided prediction of acetabulum axes. The orientation of each acetabulum could be predicted by the incidence. The incidence is correlated with the morphology of acetabula. The asymmetry of the acetabular roof was correlated with pelvic incidence. This study allowed analysis of relationships of acetabular orientation and pelvic incidence. Pelvic incidence (morphologic parameter) could determine the safe range of pelvis tilt (positional parameter) for an individual and not a group. PMID:25006461

Rankings of International Achievement Test Performance and Economic Strength: Correlation or Conjecture?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tienken, Christopher H.

2008-01-01

Examining a popular political notion, this article presents results from a series of Spearman Rho calculations conducted to investigate relationships between countries' rankings on international tests of mathematics and science and future economic competitiveness as measured by the 2006 World Economic Forum's Growth Competitiveness Index (GCI).…

The Impact of Prior Programming Knowledge on Lecture Attendance and Final Exam

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veerasamy, Ashok Kumar; D'Souza, Daryl; Lindén, Rolf; Laakso, Mikko-Jussi

2018-01-01

In this article, we report the results of the impact of prior programming knowledge (PPK) on lecture attendance (LA) and on subsequent final programming exam performance in a university level introductory programming course. This study used Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, multiple regression, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni correction…

Availability of Vending Machines and School Stores in California Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cisse-Egbuonye, Nafissatou; Liles, Sandy; Schmitz, Katharine E.; Kassem, Nada; Irvin, Veronica L.; Hovell, Melbourne F.

2016-01-01

Background: This study examined the availability of foods sold in vending machines and school stores in United States public and private schools, and associations of availability with students' food purchases and consumption. Methods: Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and Spearman product-moment correlations were conducted on data collected…

The Texas saltwater angler population: a longitudinal perspective (1989-2005)

Treesearch

Yung-Ping (Emilio) Tseng; Robert B. Ditton

2007-01-01

This paper focuses on selected human dimensions indicators of the Texas recreational fishery using the Index of Qualitative Variation (IQV) and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient. Minority (Hispanic, Spanish, and females) participation and the overall participation rate in saltwater fishing did not keep pace with a dramatic population...

Validation of the trait anxiety scale for state-trait anxiety inventory in suicide victims and living controls of Chinese rural youths.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Gao, Qi

2012-01-01

This study evaluated the validation of STAI Trait-Anxiety Scale in suicide cases and community living controls in rural China. The participants were 392 suicides and 416 controls. Cronbach's Alpha was computed to evaluate the internal consistency. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient between Trait-Anxiety Scale and other instrument was calculated to evaluate the external validity, and the Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to evaluate the construct validity. The results showed the Cronbach's Alpha was .891 and .787 respectively in case and control groups. Most of the correlations between instruments were significant. We found 2 factors in cases and 3 factors in controls. We could cautiously infer that the Trait Anxiety Scale was an adequate tool to measure trait anxiety through proxy data in suicide victims and living controls in rural China.

Rhythm and amplitude of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep in bruxers - comparison with gum chewing.

PubMed

Matsuda, Shinpei; Yamaguchi, Taihiko; Mikami, Saki; Okada, Kazuki; Gotouda, Akihito; Sano, Kazuo

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to elucidate characteristics of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) during sleep by comparing masseteric EMG (electromyogram) activities of RMMA with gum chewing. The parts of five or more consecutive phasic bursts in RMMA of 23 bruxers were analyzed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test for matched pairs and Spearman's correlation coefficient by the rank test were used for statistical analysis. Root mean square value of RMMA phasic burst was smaller than that during gum chewing, but correlates to that of gum chewing. The cycle of RMMA was longer than that of gum chewing due to the longer burst duration of RMMA, and variation in the cycles of RMMA was wider. These findings suggest that the longer but smaller EMG burst in comparison with gum chewing is one of the characteristics of RMMA. The relation between size of RMMA phasic bursts and gum chewing is also suggested.

The impact of acculturation on diabetes risk among Arab Americans in Southeastern Louisiana.

PubMed

Al-Dahir, Sara; Brakta, Fatima; Khalil, Alaa; Benrahla, Mustafa

2013-02-01

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between acculturation and diabetes risk among Arab Americans in Southeastern Louisiana. The secondary objective was to identify the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease in the same population. Research suggests that Arab Americans report disproportionate rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases. A cross-sectional study of 181 Arab Americans was conducted in Louisiana. Interviewers recruited participants to answer a 37-item survey with a five-dimension acculturation assessment and abridged National Institute of Health Survey and American Diabetes Association (2010) diabetes tool. Results were analyzed using factor analysis and Spearman's correlation. A negative correlation was found between Arab acculturation variables and diabetes risk among males (r=-.216, p=.044) and American acculturation variables among females (r=-.222, p=.032). Twelve percent reported being diagnosed with Type II diabetes by a primary care physician.

The effects of organisational culture on nurses' perceptions of their work.

PubMed

Garcia, Alessandra Bassalobre; Rocha, Fernanda Ludmilla Rossi; Pissinati, Paloma de Souza Cavalcante; Marziale, Maria Helena Palucci; Camelo, Silvia Helena Henriques; Haddad, Maria do Carmo Fernandez Lourenço

2017-07-27

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the organisational culture and feelings of pleasure and suffering among working nursing professionals. This was a cross-sectional correlational study conducted in a tertiary hospital with 214 nursing staff over 3 months using three instruments: professional characterisation, the Brazilian Instrument for Assessment of Organisational Culture, and the Scale of Pleasure and Suffering at Work. The analysis included descriptive statistics and the Spearman correlation test. The external integration practice was the domain most frequently found in the organisational culture and the feeling of pleasure-gratification predominated among the workers. Values of cooperative professionalism and wellbeing, and practices of external integration and relationship promotion, were related to increased pleasure and decreased suffering at work. These aspects depend on the organisational culture of the institution. Investigating organisational culture facilitates the understanding of potential collective coping strategies and the organisational changes that favour good mental health in nurses.

Radiogenomics analysis identifies correlations of digital mammography with clinical molecular signatures in breast cancer.

PubMed

Tamez-Peña, Jose-Gerardo; Rodriguez-Rojas, Juan-Andrés; Gomez-Rueda, Hugo; Celaya-Padilla, Jose-Maria; Rivera-Prieto, Roxana-Alicia; Palacios-Corona, Rebeca; Garza-Montemayor, Margarita; Cardona-Huerta, Servando; Treviño, Victor

2018-01-01

In breast cancer, well-known gene expression subtypes have been related to a specific clinical outcome. However, their impact on the breast tissue phenotype has been poorly studied. Here, we investigate the association of imaging data of tumors to gene expression signatures from 71 patients with breast cancer that underwent pre-treatment digital mammograms and tumor biopsies. From digital mammograms, a semi-automated radiogenomics analysis generated 1,078 features describing the shape, signal distribution, and texture of tumors along their contralateral image used as control. From tumor biopsy, we estimated the OncotypeDX and PAM50 recurrence scores using gene expression microarrays. Then, we used multivariate analysis under stringent cross-validation to train models predicting recurrence scores. Few univariate features reached Spearman correlation coefficients above 0.4. Nevertheless, multivariate analysis yielded significantly correlated models for both signatures (correlation of OncotypeDX = 0.49 ± 0.07 and PAM50 = 0.32 ± 0.10 in stringent cross-validation and OncotypeDX = 0.83 and PAM50 = 0.78 for a unique model). Equivalent models trained from the unaffected contralateral breast were not correlated suggesting that the image signatures were tumor-specific and that overfitting was not a considerable issue. We also noted that models were improved by combining clinical information (triple negative status and progesterone receptor). The models used mostly wavelets and fractal features suggesting their importance to capture tumor information. Our results suggest that molecular-based recurrence risk and breast cancer subtypes have observable radiographic phenotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study associating mammographic information to gene expression recurrence signatures.

Radiogenomics analysis identifies correlations of digital mammography with clinical molecular signatures in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Tamez-Peña, Jose-Gerardo; Rodriguez-Rojas, Juan-Andrés; Gomez-Rueda, Hugo; Celaya-Padilla, Jose-Maria; Rivera-Prieto, Roxana-Alicia; Palacios-Corona, Rebeca; Garza-Montemayor, Margarita; Cardona-Huerta, Servando

2018-01-01

In breast cancer, well-known gene expression subtypes have been related to a specific clinical outcome. However, their impact on the breast tissue phenotype has been poorly studied. Here, we investigate the association of imaging data of tumors to gene expression signatures from 71 patients with breast cancer that underwent pre-treatment digital mammograms and tumor biopsies. From digital mammograms, a semi-automated radiogenomics analysis generated 1,078 features describing the shape, signal distribution, and texture of tumors along their contralateral image used as control. From tumor biopsy, we estimated the OncotypeDX and PAM50 recurrence scores using gene expression microarrays. Then, we used multivariate analysis under stringent cross-validation to train models predicting recurrence scores. Few univariate features reached Spearman correlation coefficients above 0.4. Nevertheless, multivariate analysis yielded significantly correlated models for both signatures (correlation of OncotypeDX = 0.49 ± 0.07 and PAM50 = 0.32 ± 0.10 in stringent cross-validation and OncotypeDX = 0.83 and PAM50 = 0.78 for a unique model). Equivalent models trained from the unaffected contralateral breast were not correlated suggesting that the image signatures were tumor-specific and that overfitting was not a considerable issue. We also noted that models were improved by combining clinical information (triple negative status and progesterone receptor). The models used mostly wavelets and fractal features suggesting their importance to capture tumor information. Our results suggest that molecular-based recurrence risk and breast cancer subtypes have observable radiographic phenotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study associating mammographic information to gene expression recurrence signatures. PMID:29596496

Beta-lactams in continuous infusion for Gram-negative bacilli osteoarticular infections: an easy method for clinical use.

PubMed

Ribera, Alba; Soldevila, Laura; Rigo-Bonnin, Raul; Tubau, Fe; Padullés, Ariadna; Gómez-Junyent, Joan; Ariza, Javier; Murillo, Oscar

2018-04-01

Continuous infusion (CI) of beta-lactams could optimize their pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic indices, especially in difficult-to-treat infections. To validate an easy-to-use method to guide beta-lactams dosage in CI (formula). A retrospective analysis was conducted of a prospectively collected cohort (n = 24 patients) with osteoarticular infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) managed with beta-lactams in CI. Beta-lactams dose was calculated using a described formula (daily dose = 24 h × beta-lactam clearance × target "steady-state" concentration) to achieve concentrations above the MIC. We correlated the predicted concentration (C pred  = daily dose/24 h × beta-lactam clearance) with the patient's observed concentration (C obs ) measured by UPLC-MS/MS (Spearman's coefficient). The most frequent microorganism treated was P. aeruginosa (21 cases; 9 MDR). Beta-lactams in CI were ceftazidime (n = 14), aztreonam (7), and piperacillin/tazobactam (3), mainly used in combination (12 with colistin, 5 with ciprofloxacin) and administered without notable side effects. The plasma C obs was higher overall than C pred ; the Spearman correlation between both concentrations was rho = 0.6 (IC 95%: 0.2-0.8) for all beta-lactams, and rho = 0.8 (IC 95%: 0.4-1) for those treated with ceftazidime. The formula may be useful in clinical practice for planning the initial dosage of beta-lactams in CI, while we await a systematic therapeutic drug monitoring. The use of beta-lactams in CI was safe.

Reliability and validity of a brief questionnaire to assess television viewing and computer use by middle school children.

PubMed

Schmitz, Kathryn H; Harnack, Lisa; Fulton, Janet E; Jacobs, David R; Gao, Shujun; Lytle, Leslie A; Van Coevering, Pam

2004-11-01

Sedentary behaviors, like television viewing, are positively associated with overweight among young people. To monitor national health objectives for sedentary behaviors in young adolescents, this project developed and assessed the reliability and validity of a brief questionnaire to measure weekly television viewing, usual television viewing, and computer use by middle school children. Reliability and validity of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) question on weekday television viewing also were examined. A brief, five-item television and computer use questionnaire was completed twice by 245 middle school children with one week apart. To concurrently assess validity, students also completed television and computer use logs for seven days. Among all students, Spearman correlations for test-retest reliability for television viewing and computer use ranged from 0.55 to 0.68. Spearman correlations between the first questionnaire and the seven-day log produced the following results: YRBS question for weekday television viewing (0.46), weekend television viewing (0.37), average television viewing over the week (0.47), and computer use (0.39). Methods comparison analysis showed a mean difference (hours/week) between answers to questionnaire items and the log of -0.04 (1.70 standard deviation [SD]) hours for weekday television, -0.21 (2.54 SD) for weekend television, -0.09 (1.75 SD) for average television over the week, and 0.68 (1.26 SD) for computer use. The YRBS weekday television viewing question, and the newly developed questions to assess weekend television viewing, average television viewing, and computer use, produced adequate reliability and validity for surveillance of middle school students.

Development and validation of the Japanese version of cognitive flexibility scale.

PubMed

Oshiro, Keiko; Nagaoka, Sawako; Shimizu, Eiji

2016-05-17

Various instruments have been developed to assess cognitive flexibility, which is an important construct in psychology. Among these, the self-report cognitive flexibility scale (CFS) is particularly popular for use with English speakers; however, there is not yet a Japanese version of this scale. This study reports on the development of a Japanese version of the cognitive flexibility scale (CFS-J), and the assessment of its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validities. We used the standard translation-back-translation process to develop the Japanese wording of the items and tested these using a sample of 335 eligible participants who did not have a mental illness, were aged 18 years or older, and lived in the suburbs of Tokyo. Participants included office workers, public servants, and college students; 71.6 % were women and 64.8 % were students. The translated scale's internal consistency reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, and test-retest reliability was assessed with 107 eligible participants via intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman's correlation of coefficient. Exploratory factory analysis (EFA) and correlations with other scales were used to examine the factor-based and concurrent validities of the CFS-J. Results indicated that the CFS-J has good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.847, McDonald's omega = 0.871) and acceptable test-retest reliability (Spearman's = 0.687, ICC = 0.689). EFA provided evidence that the CFS-J has a one-factor structure and factor loadings were generally appropriate. The total CFS-J score was significantly and positively correlated with the cognitive flexibility inventory-Japanese version and its two subscales, along with the cognitive control scale and the positive subscale of the short Japanese version of the automatic thought questionnaire-revised (ATQ-R); further, it had a significantly negative correlation with the negative subscale of the ATQ-R (ps < 0.001). This study developed a Japanese version of the cognitive flexibility scale and confirmed its reliability and validity among a sample of people with no current mental illness, who were living in the suburbs of Tokyo.

Indication of Cognitive Change and Associated Risk Factor after Thoracic Surgery in the Elderly: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Kulason, Kay; Nouchi, Rui; Hoshikawa, Yasushi; Noda, Masafumi; Okada, Yoshinori; Kawashima, Ryuta

2017-01-01

Background: This pilot study investigated the effects of partial pulmonary lobectomy lung surgery on cognitive functions of elderly Japanese patients. It is recognized that elderly patients undergoing surgery have increased risk of Postoperative Cognitive Decline (POCD), a condition in which learning, memory, and processing speed is greatly reduced after surgery. Since elderly patients are more likely to exhibit symptoms of POCD, the incidence is increasing as the population receiving surgery is aging. Methods: Cognitive function was measured for all subjects ( n = 12) before and after surgery using three different cognitive tests: Mini-Mental Status Exam-Japanese (MMSE-J), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and a computerized Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB). Changes in these measures indicate changes in cognitive function. In addition, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the 5-item Quality of Life questionnaire (QOL-5) were administered at each time point to measure mental and emotional state. Changes in outcome measures were analyzed via Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Exploratory correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman's rho. Results: Data show a decline in detection (DET; p = 0.045) and identification (IDN; p = 0.038). Spearman's correlation coefficient show a significant correlation between postoperative DET scores and postoperative IDN scores (ρ = 0.78, p = 0.005), a significant correlation between change in IDN and baseline GHQ-12 scores (ρ = -0.595, p = 0.027), and a significant correlation between change in one-back (OBK) scores and duration of anesthesia (ρ = -0.72, p = 0.012). Discussion: This was the first report to examine cognitive decline after major thoracic surgery in Japanese patients. Previous studies have evidenced that POCD is a common phenomenon after surgery, and that age is a major risk factor. The CCB measured significant change in two cognitive domains: attention and psycomotor function. This study clarified that decline in cognition is detectable in certain measures after thoracic surgery in the elderly Japanese patient population. Additionally, longer anesthetic exposure may negatively impact attention and working memory, and preoperative mental wellbeing is a possible predictor of POCD. These preliminary results have important implications and support the need for future studies.

Association between expression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 and pelvic lymph node and para-aortic lymph node metastasis in early cervical cancer.

PubMed

Guo, Hui; Dai, Yifei; Wang, Anna; Wang, Chunyan; Sun, Lili; Wang, Zheng

2018-05-16

To investigate the association of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 and MMP-9 with pelvic lymph node and para-aortic lymph node metastasis in early cervical cancer. A total of 137 patients with early cervical cancer (Stage Ia2-IIa2) were recruited from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tumor Hospital of Liaoning Province from January 2009 to May 2014. We evaluated the expression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 by immunohistochemistry and their association with the clinicopathological parameters such as pelvic, common iliac and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Spearman correlation was performed to analyze the correlation between MMP-7 and MMP-9 in cervical cancer. Finally, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in pelvic lymph node metastasis were assessed. MMP-7 expression was significantly higher in patients with adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas (P = 0.014), vascular cancer embolus (P = 0.041), pelvic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000) and a higher level of Ki-67 (P = 0.000). MMP-9 expression was significantly associated with vascular cancer embolus (P = 0.003), depth of stromal invasion (P = 0.001), pelvic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003), common iliac lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001) and para-aortic lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.004). Coexpression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 was significantly associated with vascular cancer embolus (P < 0.001), higher expression of Ki-67 (P < 0.001) and pelvic lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between MMP-7 and MMP-9 (r = 0.263, P = 0.002). Areas under the ROC of MMP-7 and MMP-9 were 0.707 and 0.646, respectively. MMP-7 and MMP-9 expressions were associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with early cervical cancers, suggesting a positive correlation of MMP-7 and MMP-9 with invasive potential in early cervical cancers. © 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Biostatistics Series Module 6: Correlation and Linear Regression.

PubMed

Hazra, Avijit; Gogtay, Nithya

2016-01-01

Correlation and linear regression are the most commonly used techniques for quantifying the association between two numeric variables. Correlation quantifies the strength of the linear relationship between paired variables, expressing this as a correlation coefficient. If both variables x and y are normally distributed, we calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient ( r ). If normality assumption is not met for one or both variables in a correlation analysis, a rank correlation coefficient, such as Spearman's rho (ρ) may be calculated. A hypothesis test of correlation tests whether the linear relationship between the two variables holds in the underlying population, in which case it returns a P < 0.05. A 95% confidence interval of the correlation coefficient can also be calculated for an idea of the correlation in the population. The value r 2 denotes the proportion of the variability of the dependent variable y that can be attributed to its linear relation with the independent variable x and is called the coefficient of determination. Linear regression is a technique that attempts to link two correlated variables x and y in the form of a mathematical equation ( y = a + bx ), such that given the value of one variable the other may be predicted. In general, the method of least squares is applied to obtain the equation of the regression line. Correlation and linear regression analysis are based on certain assumptions pertaining to the data sets. If these assumptions are not met, misleading conclusions may be drawn. The first assumption is that of linear relationship between the two variables. A scatter plot is essential before embarking on any correlation-regression analysis to show that this is indeed the case. Outliers or clustering within data sets can distort the correlation coefficient value. Finally, it is vital to remember that though strong correlation can be a pointer toward causation, the two are not synonymous.

Biostatistics Series Module 6: Correlation and Linear Regression

PubMed Central

Hazra, Avijit; Gogtay, Nithya

2016-01-01

Correlation and linear regression are the most commonly used techniques for quantifying the association between two numeric variables. Correlation quantifies the strength of the linear relationship between paired variables, expressing this as a correlation coefficient. If both variables x and y are normally distributed, we calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). If normality assumption is not met for one or both variables in a correlation analysis, a rank correlation coefficient, such as Spearman's rho (ρ) may be calculated. A hypothesis test of correlation tests whether the linear relationship between the two variables holds in the underlying population, in which case it returns a P < 0.05. A 95% confidence interval of the correlation coefficient can also be calculated for an idea of the correlation in the population. The value r2 denotes the proportion of the variability of the dependent variable y that can be attributed to its linear relation with the independent variable x and is called the coefficient of determination. Linear regression is a technique that attempts to link two correlated variables x and y in the form of a mathematical equation (y = a + bx), such that given the value of one variable the other may be predicted. In general, the method of least squares is applied to obtain the equation of the regression line. Correlation and linear regression analysis are based on certain assumptions pertaining to the data sets. If these assumptions are not met, misleading conclusions may be drawn. The first assumption is that of linear relationship between the two variables. A scatter plot is essential before embarking on any correlation-regression analysis to show that this is indeed the case. Outliers or clustering within data sets can distort the correlation coefficient value. Finally, it is vital to remember that though strong correlation can be a pointer toward causation, the two are not synonymous. PMID:27904175

Correlation between hospital-level antibiotic consumption and incident health care facility-onset Clostridium difficile infection.

PubMed

Crew, Page E; Rhodes, Nathaniel J; O'Donnell, J Nicholas; Miglis, Cristina; Gilbert, Elise M; Zembower, Teresa R; Qi, Chao; Silkaitis, Christina; Sutton, Sarah H; Scheetz, Marc H

2018-03-01

The purpose of this single-center, ecologic study is to characterize the relationship between facility-wide (FacWide) antibiotic consumption and incident health care facility-onset Clostridium difficile infection (HO-CDI). FacWide antibiotic consumption and incident HO-CDI were tallied on a monthly basis and standardized, from January 2013 through April 2015. Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were calculated using matched-months analysis and a 1-month delay. Regression analyses were performed, with P < .05 considered statistically significant. FacWide analysis identified a matched-months correlation between ceftriaxone and HO-CDI (ρ = 0.44, P = .018). A unit of stem cell transplant recipients did not have significant correlation between carbapenems and HO-CDI in matched months (ρ = 0.37, P = .098), but a significant correlation was observed when a 1-month lag was applied (ρ = 0.54, P = .014). Three statistically significant lag associations were observed between FacWide/unit-level antibiotic consumption and HO-CDI, and 1 statistically significant nonlagged association was observed FacWide. Antibiotic consumption may convey extended ward-level risk for incident CDI. Consumption of antibiotic agents may have immediate and prolonged influence on incident CDI. Additional studies are needed to investigate the immediate and delayed associations between antibiotic consumption and C difficile colonization, infection, and transmission at the hospital level. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A missing link in the estuarine nitrogen cycle?: Coupled nitrification-denitrification mediated by suspended particulate matter.

PubMed

Zhu, Weijing; Wang, Cheng; Hill, Jaclyn; He, Yangyang; Tao, Bangyi; Mao, Zhihua; Wu, Weixiang

2018-02-02

In estuarine and coastal ecosystems, the majority of previous studies have considered coupled nitrification-denitrification (CND) processes to be exclusively sediment based, with little focus on suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water column. Here, we present evidence of CND processes in the water column of Hangzhou Bay, one of the largest macrotidal embayments in the world. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that SPM was negatively correlated with nitrate (rho = -0.372, P = 0.018) and marker genes for nitrification and denitrification in the water column were detected by quantitative PCR analysis. The results showed that amoA and nir gene abundances strongly correlated with SPM (all P < 0.01) and the ratio of amoA/nir strongly correlated with nitrate (rho = -0.454, P = 0.003). Furthermore, aggregates consisting of nitrifiers and denitrifiers on SPM were also detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Illumina MiSeq sequencing further showed that ammonia oxidizers mainly belonged to the genus Nitrosomonas, while the potential denitrifying genera Bradyrhizobium, Comamonas, Thauera, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, Anaeromyxobacter, Sulfurimonas, Paenibacillus and Sphingobacterium showed significant correlations with SPM (all P < 0.01). This study suggests that SPM may provide a niche for CND processes to occur, which has largely been missing from our understanding of nitrogen cycling in estuarine waters.

Validity and reliability of Arabic MOS social support survey.

PubMed

Dafaalla, Mohamed; Farah, Abdulraheem; Bashir, Sheima; Khalil, Ammar; Abdulhamid, Rabab; Mokhtar, Mousab; Mahadi, Mohamed; Omer, Zulfa; Suliman, Asgad; Elkhalifa, Mohammed; Abdelgadir, Hanin; Kheir, Abdelmoneim E M; Abdalrahman, Ihab

2016-01-01

We aimed to generate a valid reliable Arabic version of MOS social support survey (MOS-SSS). We did a cross sectional study in medical students of Faculty of Medicine in Khartoum, Sudan. We did a clustered random sampling in 500 students of which 487 were suitable for analysis. We followed the standard translation process for translating the MOS-SSS. We accomplished factor analysis to assess construct validity, and generated item-scales correlations to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity. We extracted the Cronbach's α and Spearman Brown coefficient of spit half method to determine internal consistency. We measured stability by correlation between the scores of the MOS survey taken at two different occasions with ten days apart in 252 participants. All items correlated highly (0.788 or greater) with their hypothesized scales. All items in subscales correlated higher by two standard errors with their own scale than with any other scale. Principle component analysis with varimax rotation was conducted on the 19 items and examination of scree plot graphically suggested 4 predominant factors that account for 72 % of variance. It showed high loadings, ranging from 0.720 to 0.84 for items of emotional support, 0.699-0.845 for tangible support, 0.518-0.823 for affectionate support, and 0.740-0.816 for positive social interaction. Cronbach's alpha for overall MOS scale and subscales indicated high internal consistency. The test-retest correlation showed weak correlation between the test and retest (ranges from 0.04 to 0.104). The Arabic MOS-SSS had high validity and internal consistency.

Within-person reproducibility of urinary bisphenol A and phthalate metabolites over a 1 to 3 year period among women in the Nurses’ Health Studies: a prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Associations of bisphenol A and phthalates with chronic disease health outcomes are increasingly being investigated in epidemiologic studies. The majority of previous studies of within-person variability in urinary bisphenol A and phthalate metabolite concentrations have focused on reproducibility over short time periods. Long-term reproducibility data are needed to assess the potential usefulness of these biomarkers for prospective studies, particularly those examining risk of diseases with long latency periods. Low within-person reproducibility may attenuate relative risk estimates and reduce statistical power to detect associations with disease. Therefore, we assessed within-person reproducibility of bisphenol A, eight phthalate metabolites, and phthalic acid in spot urine samples over 1 to 3 years among women enrolled in two large cohort studies. Methods Women in the Nurses’ Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II provided two spot urine samples, 1 to 3 years apart (n = 80 women for analyses of bisphenol A; n = 40 women for analyses of phthalate metabolites; n = 34 women for analyses of phthalic acid). To measure within-person reproducibility, we calculated Spearman rank correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients for creatinine-adjusted concentrations of bisphenol A, phthalate metabolites, and phthalic acid. Results Over 1 to 3 years, within-person variability of bisphenol A was high relative to total variability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.14) and rankings of bisphenol A levels between time-points were weakly correlated (Spearman correlation = 0.19). Seven of the eight phthalate metabolites and phthalic acid demonstrated moderate within-person stability over time (Spearman correlation or intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.39-0.55). Restricting analyses to first-morning urine samples did not alter results. Conclusions Single measurements of bisphenol A in spot urine samples were highly variable within women over 1 to 3 years, indicating that investigation of associations between a single urinary bisphenol A measurement and disease risk may be challenging in epidemiologic studies. The majority of urinary phthalate metabolites and phthalic acid appeared moderately reproducible within women over time, suggesting single measurements may be useful in epidemiologic studies, although observed relative risks can be substantially attenuated. PMID:24034517

Within-person reproducibility of urinary bisphenol A and phthalate metabolites over a 1 to 3 year period among women in the Nurses' Health Studies: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Townsend, Mary K; Franke, Adrian A; Li, Xingnan; Hu, Frank B; Eliassen, A Heather

2013-09-13

Associations of bisphenol A and phthalates with chronic disease health outcomes are increasingly being investigated in epidemiologic studies. The majority of previous studies of within-person variability in urinary bisphenol A and phthalate metabolite concentrations have focused on reproducibility over short time periods. Long-term reproducibility data are needed to assess the potential usefulness of these biomarkers for prospective studies, particularly those examining risk of diseases with long latency periods. Low within-person reproducibility may attenuate relative risk estimates and reduce statistical power to detect associations with disease. Therefore, we assessed within-person reproducibility of bisphenol A, eight phthalate metabolites, and phthalic acid in spot urine samples over 1 to 3 years among women enrolled in two large cohort studies. Women in the Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II provided two spot urine samples, 1 to 3 years apart (n = 80 women for analyses of bisphenol A; n = 40 women for analyses of phthalate metabolites; n = 34 women for analyses of phthalic acid). To measure within-person reproducibility, we calculated Spearman rank correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients for creatinine-adjusted concentrations of bisphenol A, phthalate metabolites, and phthalic acid. Over 1 to 3 years, within-person variability of bisphenol A was high relative to total variability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.14) and rankings of bisphenol A levels between time-points were weakly correlated (Spearman correlation = 0.19). Seven of the eight phthalate metabolites and phthalic acid demonstrated moderate within-person stability over time (Spearman correlation or intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.39-0.55). Restricting analyses to first-morning urine samples did not alter results. Single measurements of bisphenol A in spot urine samples were highly variable within women over 1 to 3 years, indicating that investigation of associations between a single urinary bisphenol A measurement and disease risk may be challenging in epidemiologic studies. The majority of urinary phthalate metabolites and phthalic acid appeared moderately reproducible within women over time, suggesting single measurements may be useful in epidemiologic studies, although observed relative risks can be substantially attenuated.

[Study on influence of floods on bacillary dysentery incidence in Liaoning province, 2004 -2010].

PubMed

Xu, X; Liu, Z D; Han, D B; Xu, Y Q; Jiang, B F

2016-05-01

To understand the influence of floods on bacillary dysentery in Liaoning province. The monthly surveillance data of bacillary dysentery, floods, meteorological and demographic data in Liaoning from 2004 to 2010 were collected. Panel Poisson regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of floods on the incidence of bacillary dysentery in Liaoning. The mean monthly morbidity of bacillary dysentery was 2.17 per 100 000 during the study period, the bacillary dysentery cases mainly occurred in during July-September. Spearman correlation analysis showed that no lagged effect was detected in the influence of floods on the incidence of bacillary dysentery. After adjusting the influence of meteorological factors, panel data analysis showed that the influence of floods on the incidence of bacillary dysentery existed and the incidence rate ratio was 1.439 4(95%CI: 1.408 1-1.471 4). Floods could significantly increase the risk of bacillary dysentery for population in Liaoning.

Validation of image analysis techniques to measure skin aging features from facial photographs.

PubMed

Hamer, M A; Jacobs, L C; Lall, J S; Wollstein, A; Hollestein, L M; Rae, A R; Gossage, K W; Hofman, A; Liu, F; Kayser, M; Nijsten, T; Gunn, D A

2015-11-01

Accurate measurement of the extent skin has aged is crucial for skin aging research. Image analysis offers a quick and consistent approach for quantifying skin aging features from photographs, but is prone to technical bias and requires proper validation. Facial photographs of 75 male and 75 female North-European participants, randomly selected from the Rotterdam Study, were graded by two physicians using photonumeric scales for wrinkles (full face, forehead, crow's feet, nasolabial fold and upper lip), pigmented spots and telangiectasia. Image analysis measurements of the same features were optimized using photonumeric grades from 50 participants, then compared to photonumeric grading in the 100 remaining participants stratified by sex. The inter-rater reliability of the photonumeric grades was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.65-0.93). Correlations between the digital measures and the photonumeric grading were moderate to excellent for all the wrinkle comparisons (Spearman's rho ρ = 0.52-0.89) bar the upper lip wrinkles in the men (fair, ρ = 0.30). Correlations were moderate to good for pigmented spots and telangiectasia (ρ = 0.60-0.75). These comparisons demonstrate that all the image analysis measures, bar the upper lip measure in the men, are suitable for use in skin aging research and highlight areas of improvement for future refinements of the techniques. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons.

Nuclear Multidrug-Resistance Related Protein 1 Contributes to Multidrug-Resistance of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Mainly via Regulating Multidrug-Resistance Protein 1: A Human Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Cells Model and Spearman's Rank Correlation Analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Yuan; Xu, Xiaofang; Guan, Sumin; Wu, Junzheng; Liu, Yanpu

2013-01-01

Background Multidrug resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1/P-glycoprotein/ABCB1) are both membrane-bound drug transporters. In contrast to MDR1, MRP1 also transports glutathione (GSH) and drugs conjugated to GSH. Due to its extraordinary transport properties, MRP1/ABCC1 contributes to several physiological functions and pathophysiological incidents. We previously found that nuclear translocation of MRP1 contributes to multidrug-resistance (MDR) of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The present study investigated how MRP1 contributes to MDR in the nuclei of MEC cells. Methods Western blot and RT-PCR was carried out to investigate the change of multidrug-resistance protein 1 (MDR1) in MC3/5FU cells after MRP1 was downregulated through RNA interference (RNAi). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of 127 cases of MEC tissues was scored with the expression index (EI). The EI of MDR1 and MRP1 (or nuclear MRP1) was analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Using multiple tumor tissue assays, the location of MRP1 in other tissues was checked by HIC. Luciferase reporter assays of MDR1 promoter was carried out to check the connection between MRP1 and MDR1 promoter. Results MRP1 downregulation led to a decreased MDR1 expression in MC3/5FU cells which was caused by decreased activity of MDR1 promoter. IHC study of 127 cases of MEC tissues demonstrated a strong positive correlation between nuclear MRP1 expression and MDR1 expression. Furthermore, IHC study of multiple tumor tissue array sections showed that although nuclear MRP1 widely existed in MEC tissues, it was not found in normal tissues or other tumor tissues. Conclusions Our findings indicate that nuclear MRP1 contributes to MDR mainly through regulating MDR1 expression in MEC. And the unique location of MRP1 made it an available target in identifying MEC from other tumors. PMID:24013781

Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a predictor of outcome in patients admitted to intensive care. A prospective observational study.

PubMed

De Geer, Lina; Fredrikson, Mats; Oscarsson, Anna

2012-06-01

Amino-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide is known to predict outcome in patients with heart failure, but its role in an intensive care setting is not yet fully established. To assess the incidence of elevated amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) on admission to intensive care and its relation to death in the ICU and within 30 days. Prospective, observational cohort study. A mixed non-cardiothoracic tertiary ICU in Sweden. NT-pro-BNP was collected from 481 consecutive patients on admission to intensive care, in addition to data on patient characteristics and outcome. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to identify a discriminatory level of significance, a stepwise logistic regression analysis to correct for other clinical factors and a Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess survival. The correlation between Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA) and NT-pro-BNP was analysed using Spearman's correlation test. Quartiles of NT-pro-BNP elevation were compared for baseline data and outcome using a logistic regression model. An NT-pro-BNP more than 1380 ng -l on admission was an independent predictor of death in the ICU and within 30 days [odds ratio (OR) 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5 to 4.4] and was present in 44% of patients. Thirty-three percent of patients with NT-pro-BNP more than 1380 ng -1, and 14.6% of patients below that threshold died within 30 days (log rank P=0.005). NT-pro-BNP correlated moderately with SAPS 3 and with SOFA on admission (Spearman's ρ 0.5552 and 0.5129, respectively). In quartiles of NT-pro-BNP elevation on admission, severity of illness and mortality increased significantly (30-day mortality 36.1%; OR 3.9; 95% CI, 2.0 to 7.3 in the quartile with the highest values, vs. 12.8% in the lowest quartile). We conclude that NT-pro-BNP is commonly elevated on admission to intensive care, that it increases with severity of illness and that it is an independent predictor of mortality.

Stress and optimism of elderlies who are caregivers for elderlies and live with children.

PubMed

Oliveira, Nathalia Alves de; Souza, Érica Nestor; Luchesi, Bruna Moretti; Inouye, Keika; Pavarini, Sofia Cristina Iost

2017-01-01

to evaluate the relation between stress and optimism of elderlies who are informal caregivers for elderlies and live with children. cross-sectional study on 50 elderlies who provide care to elderlies, live with children, and are registered in the primary health care. The interviews occurred in the participant's residence and we evaluated characteristics of the care-dependent elderly and of the children, sociodemographic characteristics, stress through the Perceived Stress Scale and optimism through the Pinto and Pais-Ribeiro Spirituality Scale, in the elderly caregiver. For statistical analysis we used the Spearman correlation test. the mean level of stress was 23.9 points and of optimism was 3.3 points. Correlation analysis showed that the higher the level of optimism the significantly lower the level of perceived stress of elderlies who provided care to elderlies and lived with children. inversely proportional correlation was identified between stress and optimism. avaliar a relação entre estresse e otimismo de idosos cuidadores informais de idosos e que residem com crianças. Método: estudo transversal com 50 idosos cuidadores de idosos que residem com crianças e são cadastrados na atenção básica. As entrevistas ocorreram no domicílio do participante e foram avaliadas características do idoso dependente de cuidados e das crianças, características sociodemográficas, estresse por meio da Escala de Estresse Percebido e o otimismo por meio da Escala de Espiritualidade de Pinto e Pais-Ribeiro, no idoso cuidador. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o teste correlação de Spearman. o nível médio de estresse foi de 23,9 pontos e de otimismo foi de 3,3 pontos. A análise de correlação mostrou que quanto maior o nível de otimismo significativamente menor foi o nível de estresse percebido dos idosos cuidadores de idosos que residiam com crianças. foi identificada correlação inversamente proporcional entre estresse e otimismo.

[Influence of lunar cycle on catches of spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba].

PubMed

Lopeztegui, Alexander; Baisre, Julio A; Capetillo, Norberto

2011-03-01

Many biological processes such as reproductive and migratory behaviours have been associated with moon cycles. In this study, the nocturnal light levels associated with lunar cycle (INT) were correlated with daily catch rate of lobster P. argus, during seven lunar months of 2002 fishing period, to determine a possible relationship between these variables. The lobster catches were obtained from three fishing companies that develop their activities in the Gulf of Batabanó: EPICOL that fishes in Coloma area; PESCAHABANA in Batabanó area and PESCAISLA in Isla area. Daily catch per boat (CDB) was used as a measurement of daily catch variations (catch rate). The correlation was analyzed showing it in chronological graphs based on average of CDB per lunar phases, comparing lobster catch rate per lunar phases -with the Kruskal-Wallis test-. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and cross correlation techniques were also applied. Similarities between lobster catch rate and the lunar cycle were not found. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was modularly smaller than 0.1 in all cases and demonstrated quantitatively that correlation between CDB and INT does not exist. Kruskal-Wallis test detected differences only in Batabanó area but not when making the analyses for the whole Gulf of Batabanó. Finally, the cross correlations do not detected significance in any zone, as well. It is concluded that, in opposition to what other authors have reported, the catch rates of P. argus and the lunar cycle did not show significant correlation in the Gulf of Batabanó. This trend was independent of the fishing art, which varied according to the time of the year that was analyzed.

High correlation of Middle East respiratory syndrome spread with Google search and Twitter trends in Korea.

PubMed

Shin, Soo-Yong; Seo, Dong-Woo; An, Jisun; Kwak, Haewoon; Kim, Sung-Han; Gwack, Jin; Jo, Min-Woo

2016-09-06

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was exported to Korea in 2015, resulting in a threat to neighboring nations. We evaluated the possibility of using a digital surveillance system based on web searches and social media data to monitor this MERS outbreak. We collected the number of daily laboratory-confirmed MERS cases and quarantined cases from May 11, 2015 to June 26, 2015 using the Korean government MERS portal. The daily trends observed via Google search and Twitter during the same time period were also ascertained using Google Trends and Topsy. Correlations among the data were then examined using Spearman correlation analysis. We found high correlations (>0.7) between Google search and Twitter results and the number of confirmed MERS cases for the previous three days using only four simple keywords: "MERS", " ("MERS (in Korean)"), " ("MERS symptoms (in Korean)"), and " ("MERS hospital (in Korean)"). Additionally, we found high correlations between the Google search and Twitter results and the number of quarantined cases using the above keywords. This study demonstrates the possibility of using a digital surveillance system to monitor the outbreak of MERS.

Network-Based Analysis of Software Change Propagation

PubMed Central

Wang, Rongcun; Qu, Binbin

2014-01-01

The object-oriented software systems frequently evolve to meet new change requirements. Understanding the characteristics of changes aids testers and system designers to improve the quality of softwares. Identifying important modules becomes a key issue in the process of evolution. In this context, a novel network-based approach is proposed to comprehensively investigate change distributions and the correlation between centrality measures and the scope of change propagation. First, software dependency networks are constructed at class level. And then, the number of times of cochanges among classes is minded from software repositories. According to the dependency relationships and the number of times of cochanges among classes, the scope of change propagation is calculated. Using Spearman rank correlation analyzes the correlation between centrality measures and the scope of change propagation. Three case studies on java open source software projects Findbugs, Hibernate, and Spring are conducted to research the characteristics of change propagation. Experimental results show that (i) change distribution is very uneven; (ii) PageRank, Degree, and CIRank are significantly correlated to the scope of change propagation. Particularly, CIRank shows higher correlation coefficient, which suggests it can be a more useful indicator for measuring the scope of change propagation of classes in object-oriented software system. PMID:24790557

Network-based analysis of software change propagation.

PubMed

Wang, Rongcun; Huang, Rubing; Qu, Binbin

2014-01-01

The object-oriented software systems frequently evolve to meet new change requirements. Understanding the characteristics of changes aids testers and system designers to improve the quality of softwares. Identifying important modules becomes a key issue in the process of evolution. In this context, a novel network-based approach is proposed to comprehensively investigate change distributions and the correlation between centrality measures and the scope of change propagation. First, software dependency networks are constructed at class level. And then, the number of times of cochanges among classes is minded from software repositories. According to the dependency relationships and the number of times of cochanges among classes, the scope of change propagation is calculated. Using Spearman rank correlation analyzes the correlation between centrality measures and the scope of change propagation. Three case studies on java open source software projects Findbugs, Hibernate, and Spring are conducted to research the characteristics of change propagation. Experimental results show that (i) change distribution is very uneven; (ii) PageRank, Degree, and CIRank are significantly correlated to the scope of change propagation. Particularly, CIRank shows higher correlation coefficient, which suggests it can be a more useful indicator for measuring the scope of change propagation of classes in object-oriented software system.

Positive correlation between retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and triglyceride level in central obesity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oktaria, S.; Sari, D. K.; Dalimunthe, D.; Eyanoer, P. C.

2018-03-01

Obesity has become an epidemic in both developed and developing countries. Central obesity considered a risk factor that is closely related to several chronic diseases. Central obesity is associated with elevated triglyceride levels and associated with RBP4 which can lead to insulin resistance. Increased level of RBP4 can cause lipid metabolism disorders and can become a marker for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This study aims to find the correlation of RBP4 with triglycerides and Apo B100 in central obesity. It was a cross- sectional study on 46 subjects with central obesity, aged 20-50 years old. Blood samples were taken in cubital vein and examined for RBP4 and triglyceride levels. Data analysis was performed using Spearman correlation test. The results showed that gender frequency distribution showed little difference between men and women, i. e., men 43.5% and women 56.5%. RBP4 level was positively correlated with triglyceride (r = 0.48) and statistically significant (p = 0.001). The rbp4 level was positively correlated with triglyceride, indicating the role of RBP4 on high triglyceride level in central obesity.

Relationship between mental workload and musculoskeletal disorders among Alzahra Hospital nurses

PubMed Central

Habibi, Ehsanollah; Taheri, Mohamad Reza; Hasanzadeh, Akbar

2015-01-01

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious problem among the nursing staff. Mental workload is the major cause of MSDs among nursing staff. The aim of this study was to investigate the mental workload dimensions and their association with MSDs among nurses of Alzahra Hospital, affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 247 randomly selected nurses who worked in the Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran in the summer of 2013. The Persian version of National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) (measuring mental load) specialized questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used for data collection. Data were collected and analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman correlation coefficient tests in SPSS 20. Results: Pearson and Spearman correlation tests showed a significant association between the nurses’ MSDs and the dimensions of workload frustration, total workload, temporal demand, effort, and physical demand (r = 0.304, 0.277, 0.277, 0.216, and 0.211, respectively). However, there was no significant association between the nurses’ MSDs and the dimensions of workload performance and mental demand (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The nurses’ frustration had a direct correlation with MSDs. This shows that stress is an inseparable component in hospital workplace. Thus, reduction of stress in nursing workplace should be one of the main priorities of hospital managers. PMID:25709683

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is a reliable method for urinary stone analysis

PubMed Central

Mutlu, Nazım; Çiftçi, Seyfettin; Gülecen, Turgay; Öztoprak, Belgin Genç; Demir, Arif

2016-01-01

Objective We compared laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with the traditionally used and recommended X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) for urinary stone analysis. Material and methods In total, 65 patients with urinary calculi were enrolled in this prospective study. Stones were obtained after surgical or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy procedures. All stones were divided into two equal pieces. One sample was analyzed by XRD and the other by LIBS. The results were compared by the kappa (κ) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) tests. Results Using LIBS, 95 components were identified from 65 stones, while XRD identified 88 components. LIBS identified 40 stones with a single pure component, 20 stones with two different components, and 5 stones with three components. XRD demonstrated 42 stones with a single component, 22 stones with two different components, and only 1 stone with three different components. There was a strong relationship in the detection of stone types between LIBS and XRD for stones components (Spearman rho, 0.866; p<0.001). There was excellent agreement between the two techniques among 38 patients with pure stones (κ index, 0.910; Spearman rho, 0.916; p<0.001). Conclusion Our study indicates that LIBS is a valid and reliable technique for determining urinary stone composition. Moreover, it is a simple, low-cost, and nondestructive technique. LIBS can be safely used in routine daily practice if our results are supported by studies with larger numbers of patients. PMID:27011877

Correlation between the Voice Handicap and Swallowing Quality of Life in patients with laryngeal cancer submitted to chemoradiotherapy.

PubMed

Rosa, Maria Eduarda da; Mituuti, Cláudia Tiemi; Ghirardi, Ana Carolina de Assis Moura

2018-01-01

Purpose To verify the correlation between the voice handicap and swallowing quality of life in individuals submitted to chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer treatment. Methods Cross-sectional, observational and quantitative study. Fourteen male individuals diagnosed with laryngeal cancer were submitted to exclusive chemoradiotherapy treatment. The individuals completed the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaires. Data were submitted to descriptive and inferential analysis using Spearman's Correlation Test to verify possible correlations among the scores of these instruments. Values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results No significant correlation was found between the total VHI and overall SWAL-QOL scores. However, there was significant correlation between the domain Functional of the VHI and the domains Fatigue and Social of the SWAL-QOL, between the domain Organic in the VHI and the SWAL-QOL domain Social, and total VHI score and SWAL-QOL domain Swallowing as a burden. Furthermore, chemoradiotherapy treatment had a greater impact on the voice than on the swallowing for the studied individuals. Conclusion The data showed a significant correlation between voice handicap and the impact of quality of life involving swallowing in individuals with laryngeal cancer submitted to chemoradiotherapy. This may affect individuals' emotional and social aspects, impacting their overall quality of life.

Firefighter hearing health: an informatics approach to screening, measurement, and research.

PubMed

Hong, OiSaeng; Monsen, Karen A; Kerr, Madeleine J; Chin, Dal Lae; Lytton, Amy B; Martin, Karen S

2012-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a standardized interface terminology, the Omaha System, with respect to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). A descriptive, correlational design was employed for this secondary analysis with the data from an ongoing hearing protection intervention study. A total of 346 firefighters were included. First, an evidence-based standardized care plan (EB-SCP) for hearing screening was developed and validated by clinical experts. Second, occupational health records were used to compute Omaha System Knowledge, Behavior, and Status outcomes. Third, research data were mapped to Omaha System rating scales. For Knowledge, the mean score was close to 'adequate' (3.7). For Behavior, the mean score was close to 'rarely appropriate' (2.2). For Status, the mean score was close to 'minimal sign/symptom' (4.4). Significant positive relationships were found between Knowledge and Behavior (Spearman's rho =.13, p =.01), and between Behavior and hearing Status (Spearman's rho =.12, p =.02). Findings support the validity of the new Knowledge, Behavior, and hearing Status. Informatics methods such as the standardized NIHL EB-SCP and outcome data sets will create opportunities for clinical decision support and data exchange across various health care settings, thus supporting population-based hearing health assessments and outcomes.

Lipid-anthropometric index optimization for insulin sensitivity estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velásquez, J.; Wong, S.; Encalada, L.; Herrera, H.; Severeyn, E.

2015-12-01

Insulin sensitivity (IS) is the ability of cells to react due to insulińs presence; when this ability is diminished, low insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance (IR) is considered. IR had been related to other metabolic disorders as metabolic syndrome (MS), obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes. IS can be determined using direct or indirect methods. The indirect methods are less accurate and invasive than direct and they use glucose and insulin values from oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The accuracy is established by comparison using spearman rank correlation coefficient between direct and indirect method. This paper aims to propose a lipid-anthropometric index which offers acceptable correlation to insulin sensitivity index for different populations (DB1=MS subjects, DB2=sedentary without MS subjects and DB3=marathoners subjects) without to use OGTT glucose and insulin values. The proposed method is parametrically optimized through a random cross-validation, using the spearman rank correlation as comparator with CAUMO method. CAUMO is an indirect method designed from a simplification of the minimal model intravenous glucose tolerance test direct method (MINMOD-IGTT) and with acceptable correlation (0.89). The results show that the proposed optimized method got a better correlation with CAUMO in all populations compared to non-optimized. On the other hand, it was observed that the optimized method has better correlation with CAUMO in DB2 and DB3 groups than HOMA-IR method, which is the most widely used for diagnosing insulin resistance. The optimized propose method could detect incipient insulin resistance, when classify as insulin resistant subjects that present impaired postprandial insulin and glucose values.

A Reactive Balance Rating Method that Correlates with Kinematics after Trip-Like Perturbations on a Treadmill and Fall Risk Among Residents of Older Adult Congregate Housing.

PubMed

Madigan, Michael L; Aviles, Jessica; Allin, Leigh J; Nussbaum, Maury A; Alexander, Neil B

2018-04-16

A growing number of studies are using modified treadmills to train reactive balance after trip-like perturbations that require multiple steps to recover balance. The goal of this study was thus to develop and validate a low-tech reactive balance rating method in the context of trip-like treadmill perturbations to facilitate the implementation of this training outside the research setting. Thirty-five residents of five senior congregate housing facilities participated in the study. Subjects completed a series of reactive balance tests on a modified treadmill from which the reactive balance rating was determined, along with a battery of standard clinical balance and mobility tests that predict fall risk. We investigated the strength of correlation between the reactive balance rating and reactive balance kinematics. We compared the strength of correlation between the reactive balance rating and clinical tests predictive of fall risk, with the strength of correlation between reactive balance kinematics and the same clinical tests. We also compared the reactive balance rating between subjects predicted to be at a high or low risk of falling. The reactive balance rating was correlated with reactive balance kinematics (Spearman's rho squared = .04 - .30), exhibited stronger correlations with clinical tests than most kinematic measures (Spearman's rho squared = .00 - .23), and was 42-60% lower among subjects predicted to be at a high risk for falling. The reactive balance rating method may provide a low-tech, valid measure of reactive balance kinematics, and an indicator of fall risk, after trip-like postural perturbations.

Validity and reliability of the Traditional Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory in general population.

PubMed

Chuang, Li-Ling; Chuang, Yu-Fen; Hsu, Miao-Ju; Huang, Ying-Zu; Wong, Alice M K; Chang, Ya-Ju

2018-01-01

Fatigue is a common symptom in the general population and has a substantial effect on individuals' quality of life. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) has been widely used to quantify the impact of fatigue, but no Traditional Chinese translation has yet been validated. The goal of this study was to translate the MFI from English into Traditional Chinese ('the MFI-TC') and subsequently to examine its validity and reliability. The study recruited a convenience sample of 123 people from various age groups in Taiwan. The MFI was examined using a two-step process: (1) translation and back-translation of the instrument; and (2) examination of construct validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error. The validity and reliability of the MFI-TC were assessed by factor analysis, Spearman rho correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. All participants completed the Short-Form-36 Health Survey Taiwan Form (SF-36-T) and the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) concurrently to test the convergent validity of the MFI-TC. Test-retest reliability was assessed by readministration of the MFI-TC after a 1-week interval. Factor analysis confirmed the four dimensions of fatigue: general/physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue. A four-factor model was extracted, combining general fatigue and physical fatigue as one factor. The results demonstrated moderate convergent validity when correlating fatigue (MFI-TC) with quality of life (SF-36-T) and sleep disturbances (PSQI) (Spearman's rho = 0.68 and 0.47, respectively). Cronbach's alpha for the MFI-TC total scale and subscales ranged from 0.73 (mental fatigue subscale) to 0.92 (MFI-TC total scale). ICCs ranged from 0.85 (reduced motivation) to 0.94 (MFI-TC total scale), and the MDC ranged from 2.33 points (mental fatigue) to 9.5 points (MFI-TC total scale). The Bland-Altman analyses showed no significant systematic bias between the repeated assessments. The results support the use of the Traditional Chinese version of the MFI as a comprehensive instrument for measuring specific aspects of fatigue. Clinicians and researchers should consider interpreting general fatigue and physical fatigue as one subscale when measuring fatigue in Traditional Chinese-speaking populations.

Validity and reliability of the Traditional Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory in general population

PubMed Central

Chuang, Li-Ling; Chuang, Yu-Fen; Hsu, Miao-Ju; Huang, Ying-Zu; Wong, Alice M. K.

2018-01-01

Background Fatigue is a common symptom in the general population and has a substantial effect on individuals’ quality of life. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) has been widely used to quantify the impact of fatigue, but no Traditional Chinese translation has yet been validated. The goal of this study was to translate the MFI from English into Traditional Chinese (‘the MFI-TC’) and subsequently to examine its validity and reliability. Methods The study recruited a convenience sample of 123 people from various age groups in Taiwan. The MFI was examined using a two-step process: (1) translation and back-translation of the instrument; and (2) examination of construct validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error. The validity and reliability of the MFI-TC were assessed by factor analysis, Spearman rho correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. All participants completed the Short-Form-36 Health Survey Taiwan Form (SF-36-T) and the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) concurrently to test the convergent validity of the MFI-TC. Test-retest reliability was assessed by readministration of the MFI-TC after a 1-week interval. Results Factor analysis confirmed the four dimensions of fatigue: general/physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue. A four-factor model was extracted, combining general fatigue and physical fatigue as one factor. The results demonstrated moderate convergent validity when correlating fatigue (MFI-TC) with quality of life (SF-36-T) and sleep disturbances (PSQI) (Spearman's rho = 0.68 and 0.47, respectively). Cronbach’s alpha for the MFI-TC total scale and subscales ranged from 0.73 (mental fatigue subscale) to 0.92 (MFI-TC total scale). ICCs ranged from 0.85 (reduced motivation) to 0.94 (MFI-TC total scale), and the MDC ranged from 2.33 points (mental fatigue) to 9.5 points (MFI-TC total scale). The Bland-Altman analyses showed no significant systematic bias between the repeated assessments. Conclusions The results support the use of the Traditional Chinese version of the MFI as a comprehensive instrument for measuring specific aspects of fatigue. Clinicians and researchers should consider interpreting general fatigue and physical fatigue as one subscale when measuring fatigue in Traditional Chinese-speaking populations. PMID:29746466

Increased distractibility by task-irrelevant sound changes in abstinent alcoholics.

PubMed

Ahveninen, J; Jääskeläinen, I P; Pekkonen, E; Hallberg, A; Hietanen, M; Näätänen, R; Schröger, E; Sillanaukee, P

2000-12-01

Chronic alcoholism is accompanied by "frontal" neuropsychological deficits that include an inability to maintain focus of attention. This might be associated with pronounced involuntary attention shifting to task-irrelevant stimulus changes and, thereafter, an impaired reorienting to the relevant task. The neural abnormalities that underlie such deficits in alcoholics were explored with event-related potential (ERP) components that disclosed different phases of detection and orienting to stimulus changes. Twenty consecutive abstinent male alcoholics (DSM-IV) and 20 age-matched male controls (healthy social drinkers) were instructed to discriminate equiprobable 100 and 200 msec tones in a reaction-time task (RT) and to ignore occasional, either slight (7%) or wide (70%), frequency changes (hypothesized to increase RT) during an ERP measurement. In the alcoholics, we found pronounced distractibility, evidenced by a RT lag (p < 0.01) caused by deviants, that correlated (Spearman p = 0.5) with a significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) amplitude of mismatch negativity (MMN) to deviants. Significantly increased RT lag for trials subsequent to deviants (slight p < 0.001, wide p < 0.05) in the alcoholics suggested impaired reorienting to the relevant task. The MMN enhancement also predicted poorer hit rates in the alcoholics (Spearman p = 0.6-0.7). Both the MMN enhancement and pronounced distractibility correlated (Spearman p = 0.4) with an early onset of alcoholism. Attentional deficits in the abstinent alcoholics were indicated by the increased distractibility by irrelevant sound changes. The MMN enhancement suggested that this reflects impaired neural inhibition of involuntary attention shifting, being most pronounced in early-onset alcoholics.

Appropriateness and reliability testing of the modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale in Spanish patients with advanced cancer.

PubMed

Benítez-Rosario, Miguel Angel; Castillo-Padrós, Manuel; Garrido-Bernet, Belen; González-Guillermo, Toribio; Martínez-Castillo, Luis Pedro; González, Aceysele

2013-06-01

A tool to quantify agitation severity and sedation level in patients with advanced cancer is needed. To test the appropriateness and reliability of the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) in Spanish patients with advanced cancer. The original RASS was translated into Spanish according to the standard guidelines. Face validity was assessed by members of the palliative care team, and interrater reliability was assessed, using a weighted kappa, from observations of patients admitted to the palliative care unit. The association between scores of the RASS, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Glasgow Coma Scale was evaluated using Spearman's ρ. Three hundred twenty-two observations were performed in 156 patients: 116 observations were performed for delirious patients, 76 observations for sedated patients, and 130 observations for patients admitted for other symptom control. The weighted kappa values were practically equal to or greater than 0.90 between nurses and nurses and physicians. The agreement level between observers for each RASS score was roughly 90%. The correlation between the RASS and the Ramsay and Glasgow Scale values was analyzed for 196 observations recorded in 80 patients. The sedation scale of the RASS had a strong correlation with both the Ramsay (Spearman's ρ, -0.89; P < 0.001) and the Glasgow Coma Scales (Spearman's ρ, 0.85; P < 0.001). These data support the use of the RASS in Spanish patients with advanced cancer. Copyright © 2013 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sparrow migration along a river corridor in desert grassland

Treesearch

Deborah M. Finch; Wang Yong

1996-01-01

We analyzed trends of sparrows and towhees captured in fall at the Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1985 to 1994. Species were grouped into three breeding-habitat classes: grassland and shrubsteppe, riparian and deciduous vegetation, and upland forests, woodlands, and edges. Spearman's rank correlations were used to determine whether...

Effect of Group versus Individual Assessments on Coursework among Undergraduates in Tanzania: Implications for Continuous Assessments in Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mbalamula, Yazidu Saidi

2018-01-01

The study analyzes students' performance scores in formative assessments depicting the individual and group settings. A case study design was adopted using quantitative approach to extract data of 198 undergraduate students. Data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics--means and frequencies; spearman correlations, multiple…

Toxic trace elements in maternal and cord blood and social determinants in a Bolivian mining city.

PubMed

Barbieri, Flavia L; Gardon, Jacques; Ruiz-Castell, María; Paco V, Pamela; Muckelbauer, Rebecca; Casiot, Corinne; Freydier, Rémi; Duprey, Jean-Louis; Chen, Chih-Mei; Müller-Nordhorn, Jacqueline; Keil, Thomas

2016-01-01

This study assessed lead, arsenic, and antimony in maternal and cord blood, and associations between maternal concentrations and social determinants in the Bolivian mining city of Oruro using the baseline assessment of the ToxBol/Mine-Niño birth cohort. We recruited 467 pregnant women, collecting venous blood and sociodemographic information as well as placental cord blood at birth. Metallic/semimetallic trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Lead medians in maternal and cord blood were significantly correlated (Spearman coefficient = 0.59; p < 0.001; 19.35 and 13.50 μg/L, respectively). Arsenic concentrations were above detection limit (3.30 μg/L) in 17.9% of maternal and 34.6% of cord blood samples. They were not associated (Fischer's p = 0.72). Antimony medians in maternal and cord blood were weakly correlated (Spearman coefficient = 0.15; p < 0.03; 9.00 and 8.62 μg/L, respectively). Higher concentrations of toxic elements in maternal blood were associated with maternal smoking, low educational level, and partner involved in mining.

Role of non-contrast balanced steady-state free precession megnetic resonance angiography compared to contrast-enhanced megnetic resonance angiography in diagnosing renal artery stenosis: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tao, Weijing; Shen, Yang; Guo, Lili; Bo, Genji

2014-01-01

Balanced steady-state free precession MR angiography (b-SSFP MRA) has shown great promise in diagnosing renal artery stenosis (RAS) as a non-contrast MR angiography (NC-MRA) method. However, results from related studies are inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the accuracy of b-SSFP MRA compared to contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) in diagnosing RAS. English and Chinese studies that were published prior to September 4, 2013 and that assessed b-SSFP MRA diagnostic performance in RAS patients were reviewed. Quality of the literature was assessed independently by two observers. The statistical analysis was adopted by the software of Meta-Disc version 1.4. Using the heterogeneity test, a statistical effect model was chosen to calculate different pooled weighted values. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) space and Spearman correlation coefficient were to explore threshold effect. Sensitivity analysis and the publication bias were performed to demonstrate if the pooled estimates were stable and reliable. We produced forest plots to calculate the pooled values and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and constructed a summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). A total of 10 high quality articles were used in this meta-analysis. The studies showed a high degree of heterogeneity. The "shoulder-arm" shape in the ROC plot and the Spearman correlation coefficient between the log(SEN) and log(1-SPE) suggested that there was a threshold effect. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the actual combined effect size was equal to the theoretical combined effect size. The publication bias was low after quality evaluation of the literature and the construction of a funnel plot. The pooled sensitivity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83-0.91) and pooled specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.93-0.95); pooled PLR was 14.57 (95% CI, 9.78-21.71]) and pooled NLR was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11-0.20). The AUC was 0.964 3. In contrast to CE-MRA, the b-SSFP MRA is more accurate in diagnosing RAS, and may be able to replace other diagnostic methods in patients with renal insufficiency.

Vine Water Deficit Impacts Aging Bouquet in Fine Red Bordeaux Wine.

PubMed

Picard, Magali; van Leeuwen, Cornelis; Guyon, François; Gaillard, Laetitia; de Revel, Gilles; Marchand, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vine water status on bouquet typicality, revealed after aging, and the perception of three aromatic notes (mint, truffle, and undergrowth) in bottled fine red Bordeaux wines. To address the issue of the role of vine water deficit in the overall quality of fine aged wines, a large set of wines from four Bordeaux appellations were subjected to sensory analysis. As vine water status can be characterized by carbon isotope discrimination (δ 13 C), this ratio was quantified for each wine studied. Statistical analyses combining δ 13 C and sensory data highlighted that δ 13 C-values discriminated effectively between the most- and least-typical wines. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed correlations between δ 13 C-values and truffle, undergrowth, and mint aromatic notes, three characteristics of the red Bordeaux wine aging bouquet. These correlations were confirmed to be significant using a Spearman statistical test. This study highlighted for the first time that vine water deficit positively relates to the perception of aging bouquet typicality, as well as the expression of its key aromatic nuances.

Accuracy improvement of the H-drive air-levitating wafer inspection stage based on error analysis and compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Liu, Pinkuan

2018-04-01

In order to improve the inspection precision of the H-drive air-bearing stage for wafer inspection, in this paper the geometric error of the stage is analyzed and compensated. The relationship between the positioning errors and error sources are initially modeled, and seven error components are identified that are closely related to the inspection accuracy. The most effective factor that affects the geometric error is identified by error sensitivity analysis. Then, the Spearman rank correlation method is applied to find the correlation between different error components, aiming at guiding the accuracy design and error compensation of the stage. Finally, different compensation methods, including the three-error curve interpolation method, the polynomial interpolation method, the Chebyshev polynomial interpolation method, and the B-spline interpolation method, are employed within the full range of the stage, and their results are compared. Simulation and experiment show that the B-spline interpolation method based on the error model has better compensation results. In addition, the research result is valuable for promoting wafer inspection accuracy and will greatly benefit the semiconductor industry.

Vine water deficit impacts aging bouquet in fine red Bordeaux wine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Picard, Magali; van Leeuwen, Cornelis; Guyon, François; Gaillard, Laetitia; de Revel, Gilles; Marchand, Stéphanie

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vine water status on bouquet typicality, revealed after aging, and the perception of three aromatic notes (mint, truffle, and undergrowth) in bottled fine red Bordeaux wines. To address the issue of the role of vine water deficit in the overall quality of fine aged wines, a large set of wines from four Bordeaux appellations were subjected to sensory analysis. As vine water status can be characterized by carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C), this ratio was quantified for each wine studied. Statistical analyses combining δ13C and sensory data highlighted that δ13C values discriminated effectively between the most- and least-typical wines. In addition, Principal Component Analysis revealed correlations between δ13C values and truffle, undergrowth, and mint aromatic notes, three characteristics of the red Bordeaux wine aging bouquet. These correlations were confirmed to be significant using a Spearman statistical test. This study highlighted for the first time that vine water deficit positively relates to the perception of aging bouquet typicality, as well as the expression of its key aromatic nuances.

Comparison of breast density measurements made using ultrasound tomography and mammography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sak, Mark; Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Bey-Knight, Lisa; Krycia, Mark; Sherman, Mark E.; Boyd, Norman; Gierach, Gretchen L.

2015-03-01

Women with elevated mammographic percent density, defined as the ratio of fibroglandular tissue area to total breast area on a mammogram are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an imaging modality that can create tomographic sound speed images of a patient's breast, which can then be used to measure breast density. These sound speed images are useful because physical tissue density is directly proportional to sound speed. The work presented here updates previous results that compared mammographic breast density measurements with UST breast density measurements within an ongoing study. The current analysis has been expanded to include 158 women with negative digital mammographic screens who then underwent a breast UST scan. Breast density was measured for both imaging modalities and preliminary analysis demonstrated strong and positive correlations (Spearman correlation coefficient rs = 0.703). Additional mammographic and UST related imaging characteristics were also analyzed and used to compare the behavior of both imaging modalities. Results suggest that UST can be used among women with negative mammographic screens as a quantitative marker of breast density that may avert shortcomings of mammography.

The Outpatient Experience Questionnaire of comprehensive public hospital in China: development, validity and reliability.

PubMed

Hu, Yinhuan; Zhang, Zixia; Xie, Jinzhu; Wang, Guanping

2017-02-01

The objective of this study is to describe the development of the Outpatient Experience Questionnaire (OPEQ) and to assess the validity and reliability of the scale. Literature review, patient interviews, Delphi method and Cross-sectional validation survey. Six comprehensive public hospitals in China. The survey was carried out on a sample of 600 outpatients. Acceptability of the questionnaire was assessed according to the overall response rate, item non-response rate and the average completion time. Correlation coefficients and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test construct validity. Delphi method was used to assess the content validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's coefficient alpha and split-half reliability coefficient were used to estimate the internal reliability of the questionnaire. The overall response rate was 97.2% and the item non-response rate ranged from 0% to 0.3%. The mean completion time was 6 min. The Spearman correlations of item-total score ranged from 0.466 to 0.765. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items had factor loadings above 0.40 and the dimension intercorrelation ranged from 0.449 to 0.773, the goodness of fit of the questionnaire was reasonable. The overall authority grade of expert consultation was 0.80 and Kendall's coefficient of concordance W was 0.186. The Cronbach's coefficients alpha of six dimensions ranged from 0.708 to 0.895, the split-half reliability coefficient (Spearman-Brown coefficient) was 0.969. The OPEQ is a promising instrument covering the most important aspects which influence outpatient experiences of comprehensive public hospital in China. It has good evidence for acceptability, validity and reliability. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Association between Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Ren, Xingxing; Chen, Zeng Ai; Zheng, Shuang; Han, Tingting; Li, Yangxue; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2016-01-01

To explore the association between the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (272 men and 288 women) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to TG/HDL-C tertiles. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Demographic information and clinical characteristics were obtained. Spearman's correlation was used to estimate the association between TG/HDL-C and other variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were adopted to obtain probabilities of insulin resistance. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of TG/HDL-C to discriminate insulin resistance. TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.01). Patients in the higher tertiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than patients in the lower tertiles [T1: 2.68(1.74-3.70); T2: 2.96(2.29-4.56); T3: 3.09(2.30-4.99)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR, and patients in the higher TG/HDL-C tertile had a higher OR than those in the lower TG/HDL-C tertile, after adjusting for multiple covariates including indices for central obesity [T1: 1; T2: 4.02(1.86-8.71); T3: 4.30(1.99-9.29)]. Following stratification of waist circumference into quartiles, the effect of TG/HDL-C on insulin resistance remained significant irrespective of waist circumference. TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance independent of waist circumference. Whether it could be a surrogate marker for insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus still needs to be confirmed by more researches.

Neurosurgical Skills Assessment: Measuring Technical Proficiency in Neurosurgery Residents Through Intraoperative Video Evaluations.

PubMed

Sarkiss, Christopher A; Philemond, Steven; Lee, James; Sobotka, Stanislaw; Holloway, Terrell D; Moore, Maximillian M; Costa, Anthony B; Gordon, Errol L; Bederson, Joshua B

2016-05-01

Although technical skills are fundamental in neurosurgery, there is little agreement on how to describe, measure, or compare skills among surgeons. The primary goal of this study was to develop a quantitative grading scale for technical surgical performance that distinguishes operator skill when graded by domain experts (residents, attendings, and nonsurgeons). Scores provided by raters should be highly reliable with respect to scores from other observers. Neurosurgery residents were fitted with a head-mounted video camera while performing craniotomies under attending supervision. Seven videos, 1 from each postgraduate year (PGY) level (1-7), were anonymized and scored by 16 attendings, 8 residents, and 7 nonsurgeons using a grading scale. Seven skills were graded: incision, efficiency of instrument use, cauterization, tissue handling, drilling/craniotomy, confidence, and training level. A strong correlation was found between skills score and PGY year (P < 0.001, analysis of variance). Junior residents (PGY 1-3) had significantly lower scores than did senior residents (PGY 4-7, P < 0.001, t test). Significant variation among junior residents was observed, and senior residents' scores were not significantly different from one another. Interrater reliability, measured against other observers, was high (r = 0.581 ± 0.245, Spearman), as was assessment of resident training level (r = 0.583 ± 0.278, Spearman). Both variables were strongly correlated (r = 0.90, Pearson). Attendings, residents, and nonsurgeons did not score differently (P = 0.46, analysis of variance). Technical skills of neurosurgery residents recorded during craniotomy can be measured with high interrater reliability. Surgeons and nonsurgeons alike readily distinguish different skill levels. This type of assessment could be used to coach residents, to track performance over time, and potentially to compare skill levels. Developing an objective tool to evaluate surgical performance would be useful in several areas of neurosurgery education. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development, linguistic and clinimetric validation of the WOMAC VA3.01 Bangla for Bangladesh Index.

PubMed

Rabbani, M G; Haq, S A; Bellamy, N; Islam, M N; Choudhury, M R; Naheed, A; Ahmed, S; Shahin, A

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to develop and to validate a Bengali version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index in Bangladesh. The WOMAC was translated into the local language of Bangladesh (Bengali) and adapted in the local sociocultural context, following the standard guidelines by Beaton et al. Content validity of the preliminary Bengali version was assessed by using the index of content validity (ICV) and floor and ceiling effects. Patients were assessed at the Department of Rheumatology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and were diagnosed to have knee OA by American College of Rheumatology criteria and recruited according to the requirements of the validation study. Convergent and divergent validity were measured by comparing with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The questionnaire was readministered to 40 patients within a week for assessing reliability by using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In addition, factor analysis of Bengali WOMAC questionnaire was performed to examine the number of factors influencing a common set of items. A Bengali version was developed with changes in three items to suit local practices. The ICV of the content validity was 1 for all items. The Bengali WOMAC had similar construct validity when compared to the HAQ (ρ 0.74, n = 70) and SF-36 bodily pain and physical functioning. It had dissimilar construct validity to SF-36 mental health domain except WOMAC pain. Factor analysis revealed five factors with eigenvalues of more than 1.0. Cronbach's alpha and ICC exceeded 0.7 in all domains. In the test-retest reliability testing, Spearman's ρ for all items exceeded 0.4 (n = 40). This study has demonstrated that the Bengali version of WOMAC is a valid tool for assessing quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis in Bangladesh and is reliable.

PageRank and rank-reversal dependence on the damping factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, S.-W.; Christensen, C.; Grassberger, P.; Paczuski, M.

2012-12-01

PageRank (PR) is an algorithm originally developed by Google to evaluate the importance of web pages. Considering how deeply rooted Google's PR algorithm is to gathering relevant information or to the success of modern businesses, the question of rank stability and choice of the damping factor (a parameter in the algorithm) is clearly important. We investigate PR as a function of the damping factor d on a network obtained from a domain of the World Wide Web, finding that rank reversal happens frequently over a broad range of PR (and of d). We use three different correlation measures, Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall, to study rank reversal as d changes, and we show that the correlation of PR vectors drops rapidly as d changes from its frequently cited value, d0=0.85. Rank reversal is also observed by measuring the Spearman and Kendall rank correlation, which evaluate relative ranks rather than absolute PR. Rank reversal happens not only in directed networks containing rank sinks but also in a single strongly connected component, which by definition does not contain any sinks. We relate rank reversals to rank pockets and bottlenecks in the directed network structure. For the network studied, the relative rank is more stable by our measures around d=0.65 than at d=d0.

The geographic location (latitude) of studies evaluating protective effect of BCG vaccine and it's efficacy/effectiveness against tuberculosis.

PubMed

Zodpey, Sanjay P; Shrikhande, Sunanda N

2007-01-01

To study association between the geographic location (latitude) of studies evaluating protective effect of BCG vaccine and it's efficacy / effectiveness against tuberculosis. A comprehensive literature search was carried out to identify relevant studies. Data extraction from these studies included place of study (geographic latitude), study design and reported point estimate of protective effect of BCG vaccine against tuberculosis. Information on latitude was obtained from Oxford School Atlas for World Geography. A spearman rank correlation coefficient was estimated to study the association between the latitude of studies and protective effect of BCG vaccine. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was significant for all studies grouped together & trials and marginally non-significant for other observational studies. However it was not statistically significant for case-control studies and cohort studies. Overall rho (for 80 studies) between latitude and protective effect of BCG was calculated to be 0.3853 (p = 0.0004). The results thus demonstrated that, in general BCG appeared to provide greater protection at higher latitudes. Thus a correlation coefficient of 0.3853 between latitude and protective effect would indicate that (0.3853)(2) or 15% of the variance in protective effect was accounted for by latitude. The study recognized an association between geographic locations of studies and reported protective effects of BCG vaccine against tuberculosis.

[Income inequality, corruption, and life expectancy at birth in Mexico].

PubMed

Idrovo, Alvaro Javier

2005-01-01

To ascertain if the effect of income inequality on life expectancy at birth in Mexico is mediated by corruption, used as a proxy of social capital. An ecological study was carried out with the 32 Mexican federative entities. Global and by sex correlations between life expectancy at birth were estimated by federative entity with the Gini coefficient, the Corruption and Good Government Index, the percentage of Catholics, and the percentage of the population speaking indigenous language. Robust linear regressions, with and without instrumental variables, were used to explore if corruption acts as intermediate variable in the studied relationship. Negative correlations with Spearman's rho near to -0.60 (p < 0.05) and greater than -0.66 (p < 0.05) between life expectancy at birth, the Gini coefficient and the population speaking indigenous language, respectively, were observed. Moreover, the Corruption and Good Government Index correlated with men's life expectancy at birth with Spearman's rho -0.3592 (p < 0.05). Regressions with instruments were more consistent than conventional ones and they show a strong negative effect (p < 0.05) of income inequality on life expectancy at birth. This effect was greater among men. The findings suggest a negative effect of income inequality on life expectancy at birth in Mexico, mediated by corruption levels and other related cultural factors.

Inter-rater reliability of h-index scores calculated by Web of Science and Scopus for clinical epidemiology scientists.

PubMed

Walker, Benjamin; Alavifard, Sepand; Roberts, Surain; Lanes, Andrea; Ramsay, Tim; Boet, Sylvain

2016-06-01

We investigated the inter-rater reliability of Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus when calculating the h-index of 25 senior scientists in the Clinical Epidemiology Program of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Bibliometric information and the h-indices for the subjects were computed by four raters using the automatic calculators in WoS and Scopus. Correlation and agreement between ratings was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and a Bland-Altman plot, respectively. Data could not be gathered from Google Scholar due to feasibility constraints. The Spearman's rank correlation between the h-index of scientists calculated with WoS was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.92) and with Scopus was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.99). The Bland-Altman plot showed no significant rater bias in WoS and Scopus; however, the agreement between ratings is higher in Scopus compared to WoS. Our results showed a stronger relationship and increased agreement between raters when calculating the h-index of a scientist using Scopus compared to WoS. The higher inter-rater reliability and simple user interface used in Scopus may render it the more effective database when calculating the h-index of senior scientists in epidemiology. © 2016 Health Libraries Group.

Validation of a Persian version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-P).

PubMed

Bidari, Ali; Hassanzadeh, Morteza; Mohabat, Mohamad-Farzam; Talachian, Elham; Khoei, Effat Merghati

2014-02-01

The aim of this study is to translate, adapt, and validate a Persian version of the Fibromyalgia (FM) Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-P). The FIQ-P was adapted following the translation and back-translation approach; then, it was administered to thirty females with FM. Participants also completed two other validated questionnaires, the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Internal consistency within the FIQ-P items and its test-retest reliability were assessed with Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively. Construct validity was analyzed by Spearman's r when correlating the FIQ-P to other questionnaires. The translated version was concordant. Adaptation affected two sub-items of physical function. Participants' mean age ± standard deviation was 40.4 ± 9.0 years. Internal consistency proved good with α = 0.80. Test-retest coefficient ranged from 0.50 for the item "work days missed" to 0.79 for all FIQ-P items. Fair and statistically significant (P < 0.01) correlations were found between the FIQ-P items and two other questionnaires, SF-36 (r = -0.57) and BDI (r = 0.53). We concluded that the FIQ-P is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring health status of Persian-speaking FM patients.

Validity and reliability of Turkish translation of Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire in patients with migraine.

PubMed

Gedikoglu, U; Coskun, O; Inan, L E; Ucler, S; Tunc, T; Emre, U

2005-06-01

The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire is a brief, self-administered questionnaire which is designed to quantify headache-related disability in a 3-month period. We have tested a Turkish version of the MIDAS questionnaire in 60 migraine patients. Sixty of the clinically diagnosed migraine headache sufferers were enrolled in a 90-day diary study and completed the MIDAS questionnaire in the first, 21st and the last day of the 90-day study. The scores taken from the diary and the scores of the MIDAS taken at different times were evaluated by the correlation tests of both Pearson and Spearman for each question and total scores. Cronbach's scores taken from the diary and taken from the test of the MIDAS which was applied at different times were evaluated. Pearson's correlation on the responses in the initial MIDAS questions was between 0.44 (reduced productivity in household chores) and 0.78 (missed work or school days). The correlation of the Spearman was similar to the Pearson values. As a result, we found that the overall score of the MIDAS has a good reliability and its internal consistency is also good (Cronbach's alpha 0.87). These findings support the use of the MIDAS questionnaire as a clinical and research tool on Turkish patients.

Cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations and their influence on morphological parameters in blood donors from different age groups from southern Poland.

PubMed

Janicka, Monika; Binkowski, Łukasz J; Błaszczyk, Martyna; Paluch, Joanna; Wojtaś, Włodzimierz; Massanyi, Peter; Stawarz, Robert

2015-01-01

Due to industrial development, environmental contamination with metals increases which leads to higher human exposure via air, water and food. In order to evaluate the level of the present exposition, the concentrations of metals can be measured in such biological materials as human blood. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in blood samples from male blood donors from southern Poland (Europe) born in 1994 (n=30) and between 1947 and 1955 (n=30). Higher levels of Pb were seen in the group of older men (4.48 vs 2.48μg/L), whereas the Hg levels were lower (1.78 vs 4.28μg/L). Cd concentrations did not differ between age groups (0.56μg/L). The levels of Cd and Pb in older donors were significantly correlated (Spearman R 0.5135). We also observed a positive correlation between the number of red blood cells (RBC) and Hg concentrations in the older group (Spearman R 0.4271). Additionally, we noted numerous correlations among morphological parameters. Based on our results, we can state that metals influence the blood morphology and their concentrations in blood vary among age groups. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Relative Validity and Reproducibility of an Interviewer Administered 14-Item FFQ to Estimate Flavonoid Intake Among Older Adults with Mild-Moderate Dementia.

PubMed

Kent, Katherine; Charlton, Karen

2017-01-01

There is a large burden on researchers and participants when attempting to accurately measure dietary flavonoid intake using dietary assessment. Minimizing participant and researcher burden when collecting dietary data may improve the validity of the results, especially in older adults with cognitive impairment. A short 14-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to measure flavonoid intake, and flavonoid subclasses (anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones) was developed and assessed for validity and reproducibility against a 24-hour recall. Older adults with mild-moderate dementia (n = 49) attended two interviews 12 weeks apart. With the assistance of a family carer, a 24-h recall was collected at the first interview, and the flavonoid FFQ was interviewer-administered at both time-points. Validity and reproducibility was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman Plots, and Cohen's kappa. Mean flavonoid intake was determined (FFQ1 = 795 ± 492.7 mg/day, 24-h recall = 515.6 ± 384.3 mg/day). Tests of validity indicated the FFQ was better at estimating total flavonoid intake than individual flavonoid subclasses compared with the 24-h recall. There was a significant difference in total flavonoid intake estimates between the FFQ and the 24-h recall (Wilcoxon signed-rank sum p < 0.001; Bland-Altman plots indicated large bias and wide limits of agreement), but they were well correlated (Spearman's correlation coefficient r = 0.74, p < 0.001; Cohen's kappa κ = 0.292, p < 0.001). The FFQ showed good reproducibility, with a small mean percentage difference (12.6%). The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test showed no significant difference, Spearman's correlation coefficient indicated excellent reliability (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), Bland-Altman plots visually showed small, nonsignificant bias and wide limits of agreement, and Cohen's kappa indicated fair agreement (κ = 0.429, p < 0.001). A 14-item FFQ developed to easily measure flavonoid intake in older adults with dementia demonstrates fair validity against a 24-h recall and good reproducibility.

Turkish Version of Kolcaba's Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire: A Validity and Reliability Study.

PubMed

Tosun, Betül; Aslan, Özlem; Tunay, Servet; Akyüz, Aygül; Özkan, Hüseyin; Bek, Doğan; Açıksöz, Semra

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire (ICQ). The sample used in this methodological study consisted of 121 patients undergoing lower extremity arthroscopy in a training and research hospital. The validity study of the questionnaire assessed language validity, structural validity and criterion validity. Structural validity was evaluated via exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between the visual analog scale (VAS) scores (i.e., the comfort and pain VAS scores) and the ICQ scores using Spearman's correlation test. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient and Bartlett's test of sphericity were used to determine the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated to determine reliability. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 15.00 for Windows. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. A p value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. A moderate positive correlation was found between the ICQ scores and the VAS comfort scores; a moderate negative correlation was found between the ICQ and the VAS pain measures in the criterion validity analysis. Cronbach α values of .75 and .82 were found for the first and second measurements, respectively. The findings of this study reveal that the ICQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the comfort of patients in Turkey who are immobilized because of lower extremity orthopedic problems. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Correlation between Trunk Posture and Neck Reposition Sense among Subjects with Forward Head Neck Postures

PubMed Central

Lee, Han Suk; Chung, Hyung Kuk; Park, Sun Wook

2015-01-01

Objective. To assess the correlation of abnormal trunk postures and reposition sense of subjects with forward head neck posture (FHP). Methods. In all, postures of 41 subjects were evaluated and the FHP and trunk posture including shoulder, scapular level, pelvic side, and anterior tilting degrees were analyzed. We used the head repositioning accuracy (HRA) test to evaluate neck position senses of neck flexion, neck extension, neck right and left side flexion, and neck right and left rotation and calculated the root mean square error in trials for each subject. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and regression analysis were used to assess the degree of correlation between the trunk posture and HRA value, and a significance level of α = 0.05 was considered. Results. There were significant correlations between the HRA value of right side neck flexion and pelvic side tilt angle (p < 0.05). If pelvic side tilting angle increases by 1 degree, right side neck flexion increased by 0.76 degrees (p = 0.026). However, there were no significant correlations between other neck motions and trunk postures. Conclusion. Verifying pelvic postures should be prioritized when movement is limited due to the vitiation of the proprioceptive sense of neck caused by FHP. PMID:26583125

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Data-driven Textural Analysis of Extent of Fibrosis at Baseline and 15-Month Follow-up.

PubMed

Humphries, Stephen M; Yagihashi, Kunihiro; Huckleberry, Jason; Rho, Byung-Hak; Schroeder, Joyce D; Strand, Matthew; Schwarz, Marvin I; Flaherty, Kevin R; Kazerooni, Ella A; van Beek, Edwin J R; Lynch, David A

2017-10-01

Purpose To evaluate associations between pulmonary function and both quantitative analysis and visual assessment of thin-section computed tomography (CT) images at baseline and at 15-month follow-up in subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Materials and Methods This retrospective analysis of preexisting anonymized data, collected prospectively between 2007 and 2013 in a HIPAA-compliant study, was exempt from additional institutional review board approval. The extent of lung fibrosis at baseline inspiratory chest CT in 280 subjects enrolled in the IPF Network was evaluated. Visual analysis was performed by using a semiquantitative scoring system. Computer-based quantitative analysis included CT histogram-based measurements and a data-driven textural analysis (DTA). Follow-up CT images in 72 of these subjects were also analyzed. Univariate comparisons were performed by using Spearman rank correlation. Multivariate and longitudinal analyses were performed by using a linear mixed model approach, in which models were compared by using asymptotic χ 2 tests. Results At baseline, all CT-derived measures showed moderate significant correlation (P < .001) with pulmonary function. At follow-up CT, changes in DTA scores showed significant correlation with changes in both forced vital capacity percentage predicted (ρ = -0.41, P < .001) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide percentage predicted (ρ = -0.40, P < .001). Asymptotic χ 2 tests showed that inclusion of DTA score significantly improved fit of both baseline and longitudinal linear mixed models in the prediction of pulmonary function (P < .001 for both). Conclusion When compared with semiquantitative visual assessment and CT histogram-based measurements, DTA score provides additional information that can be used to predict diminished function. Automatic quantification of lung fibrosis at CT yields an index of severity that correlates with visual assessment and functional change in subjects with IPF. © RSNA, 2017.

Cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein is associated with risk stratification of mantle cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Gong, Yi; Zhang, Xi; Chen, Rui; Wei, Yan; Zou, Zhongmin; Chen, Xinghua

2017-01-01

To investigate the association of C-MYC protein expression and risk stratification in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and to evaluate the utility of C-MYC protein as a prognostic biomarker in clinical practice. We conducted immunohistochemical staining of C-MYC, Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD8, Ki-67, p53 and SRY (sex determining region Y) -11 (SOX11) to investigate their expression in 64 patients with MCL. The staining results and other clinical data were evaluated for their roles in risk stratification of MCL cases using ANOVA, Chi-square, and Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient analysis. Immunohistochemical staining in our study indicated that SOX11, Ki-67 and p53 presented nuclear positivity of tumor cells, CD8 showed membrane positivity in infiltrating T lymphocytes while PD-L1 showed membrane and cytoplasmic positivity mainly in macrophage cells and little in tumor cells. We observed positive staining of C-MYC either in the nucleus or cytoplasm or in both subcellular locations. There were significant differences in cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 proliferative index of tumor cells, and CD8 positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+TIL) among three risk groups ( P  = 0.000, P  = 0.037 and P =0.020, respectively). However, no significant differences existed in the expression of nuclear C-MYC, SOX11, p53, and PD-L1 in MCL patients with low-, intermediate-, and high risks. In addition, patient age and serum LDH level were also significantly different among 3 groups of patients ( P  = 0.006 and P  = 0.000, respectively). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis indicated that cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 index, age, WBC, as well as LDH level had significantly positive correlations with risk stratification ( P  = 0.000, 0.015, 0.000, 0.029 and 0.000, respectively), while CD8+TIL in tumor microenvironment negatively correlated with risk stratification of patients ( P  = 0.006). Patients with increased positive cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein and decreased CD8+TIL appeared to be associated with a poor response to chemotherapy, but the correlation was not statistically significant. Our study suggested that assessment of cytoplasmic C-MYC overexpression and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by immunohistochemical staining might be helpful for MCL risk stratification and outcome prediction. However, large cohort studies of MCL patients with complete follow up are needed to validate our speculation.

Copenhagen five-second squeeze: a valid indicator of sports-related hip and groin function.

PubMed

Thorborg, K; Branci, S; Nielsen, M P; Langelund, M T; Hölmich, P

2017-04-01

No simple clinical measure exits to evaluate groin pain and its severity in athletes. The aim was to investigate the validity, reliability and responsiveness of a five-second hip-adduction squeeze test for football players designed to assess sports-related hip and groin function, pain and severity. Construct validity was assessed in 667 subelite male football players with a mean age (±SD) of 24±4 in the beginning of the season. Responsiveness and reliability were evaluated during the season in 52 and 10 players, respectively. Players answered the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and performed the Copenhagen five-second squeeze assessed on a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10. As hypothesised higher pain scores during the Copenhagen five-second squeeze correlated significantly (Spearman's rho=-0.61, p<0.01) with a lesser HAGOS (Sport) Score. The change scores in the Copenhagen five-second squeeze also correlated significantly (Spearman's rho=-0.51, p<0.01), with HAGOS (Sport) change scores in the responsiveness analysis, and test-retest reliability (concordance correlation coefficient) was 0.90. Moreover, significant (p<0.01) between-group differences existed for HAGOS (Sport) Scores in players reporting groin pain intensity at one of the 3 different pain levels: NRS (0-2), NRS (3-5) and NRS (6-10). The NRS (6-10) group had the lowest median (IQR) HAGOS (Sport) Score of 47 (31-61). The Copenhagen five-second squeeze is a valid indicator of sports-related hip and groin function in football players. Players reporting groin pain intensity as 6 of 10 or more in the Copenhagen five-second squeeze experience substantially impaired sports-related hip and groin function. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Implications of family environment and language development: comparing typically developing children to those with spina bifida.

PubMed

Vachha, B; Adams, R

2009-09-01

This study examines the effect of family environment on language performance in children with myelomeningocele compared with age- and education-matched controls selected from the same geographic region. Seventy-five monolingual (English) speaking children with myelomeningocele [males: 30; ages: 7-16 years; mean age: 10 years 1 month, standard deviation (SD) 2 years 7 months] and 35 typically developing children (males: 16; ages 7-16 years; mean age: 10 years 9 months, SD 2 years 6 months) participated in the study. The Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language (CASL) and the Wechsler tests of intelligence were administered individually to all participants. The CASL measures four subsystems: lexical, syntactic, supralinguistic and pragmatic. Parents completed the Family Environment Scale (FES) questionnaire and provided background demographic information. Standard independent sample t-tests, chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to make simple comparisons between groups for age, socio-economic status, gender and ethnicity. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to detect associations between language and FES data. Group differences for the language and FES scores were analysed with a multivariate analysis of variance at a P-value of 0.05. For the myelomeningocele group, both Spearman correlation and partial correlation analyses revealed statistically significant positive relationships for the FES 'intellectual-cultural orientation' (ICO) variable and language performance in all subsystems (P < 0.01). For controls, positive associations were seen between: (1) ICO and lexical/semantic and syntactic subsystems; and (2) FES 'independence' and lexical/semantic and supralinguistic tasks. The relationship between language performance and family environment appears statistically and intuitively sound. As in our previous study, the positive link between family focus on intellectually and culturally enhancing activities and language performance among children with myelomeningocele and shunted hydrocephalus remains robust. Knowledge of this relationship should assist parents and professionals in supporting language development through activities within the natural learning environment.

Strength Measurements in Acute Hamstring Injuries: Intertester Reliability and Prognostic Value of Handheld Dynamometry.

PubMed

Reurink, Gustaaf; Goudswaard, Gert Jan; Moen, Maarten H; Tol, Johannes L; Verhaar, Jan A N; Weir, Adam

2016-08-01

Study Design Cohort study, repeated measures. Background Although hamstring strength measurements are used for assessing prognosis and monitoring recovery after hamstring injury, their actual clinical relevance has not been established. Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is a commonly used method of measuring muscle strength. The reliability of HHD has not been determined in athletes with acute hamstring injuries. Objectives To determine the intertester reliability and the prognostic value of hamstring HHD strength measurement in acute hamstring injuries. Methods We measured knee flexion strength with HHD in 75 athletes at 2 visits, at baseline (within 5 days of hamstring injury) and follow-up (5 to 7 days after the baseline measurement). We assessed isometric hamstring strength in 15° and 90° of knee flexion. Reliability analysis testing was performed by 2 testers independently at the follow-up visit. We recorded the time needed to return to play (RTP) up to 6 months following baseline. Results The intraclass correlation coefficients of the strength measurements in injured hamstrings were between 0.75 and 0.83. There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between the time to RTP and the strength deficit at 15° of knee flexion measured at baseline (Spearman r = 0.25, P = .045) and at the follow-up visit (Spearman r = 0.26, P = .034). Up to 7% of the variance in time to RTP is explained by this strength deficit. None of the other strength variables were significantly correlated with time to RTP. Conclusion Hamstring strength can be reliably measured with HHD in athletes with acute hamstring injuries. The prognostic value of strength measurements is limited, as there is only a weak association between the time to RTP and hamstring strength deficit after acute injury. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(8):689-696. Epub 12 May 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6363.

Association of rs1285933 single nucleotide polymorphism in CLEC5A gene with dengue severity and its functional effects.

PubMed

Xavier-Carvalho, Caroline; Cezar, Renata Duarte da Silva; Freire, Naishe Matos; Vasconcelos, Carla Maria Mola de; Solorzano, Victor Edgar Fiestas; de Toledo-Pinto, Thiago Gomes; Fialho, Luciana Gomes; do Carmo, Rodrigo Feliciano; Vasconcelos, Luydson Richardson Silva; Cordeiro, Marli Tenório; Baptista, Paulo; de Azeredo, Elzinandes Leal; da Cunha, Rivaldo Venâncio; de Souza, Luiz José; Pacheco, Antonio Guilherme; Kubelka, Claire Fernandes; Moura, Patrícia Muniz Mendes Freire de; Moraes, Milton Ozorio

2017-10-01

Outbreaks of the Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses, especially in the Americas, pose a global threat due to their rapid spread and difficulty controlling the vector. Extreme phenotypes are often observed, from asymptomatic to severe clinical manifestations, which are well-studied in dengue. Host variations are also important contributors to disease outcomes, and many case-control studies have associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with severe dengue. Here, we found that the TC genotype and T-carriers for SNP rs1285933 in the C-type lectin superfamily member 5 (CLEC5A) gene was associated with severe dengue in a Northern Brazilian population (OR=2.75 and p-value=0.01, OR=2.11 and p-value=0.04, respectively). We also tested the functional effect of the CLEC5A protein and found that it is upregulated on the surface of human monocytes after in vitro dengue infection. CLEC5A was correlated with viral load inside the monocytes (Spearman r=0.55, p=0.008) and TNF production in culture supernatants (Spearman r=0.72, p=0.03). Analysis of mRNA in blood samples from DENV4-infected patients exhibiting mild symptoms showed that CLEC5A mRNA expression is correlated with TNF (r=0.67, p=0.0001) and other immune mediators. Monocytes from rs1285933 TT/TC individuals showed lower CLEC5A expression compared to CC genotypes. However, in these cells, CLEC5A was not correlated with TNF production. In summary, we confirmed that CLEC5A is genetically associated with dengue severity outcome, playing a central role during the immune response triggered by a dengue viral infection, and rs1285933 is a relevant SNP that is able to regulate signaling pathways after interactions between the dengue virus and CLEC5A receptors. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Delivery of Essential Medicines to Primary Care Institutions and its Association with Procurement Volume and Price: A Case Study in Hubei Province, China.

PubMed

Tang, Yuqing; Liu, Chaojie; Zhang, Xinping

2017-02-01

The low availability of essential medicines is a worldwide issue of concern. In 2009, China introduced a National Essential Medicines List (NEML), with NEML medicines being purchased in bulk at contracted prices established by tenders conducted at the provincial level. The availability of essential medicines in the public sector largely relies on commercial supply chains. The objectives of this paper were to analyze the delivery performance of essential medicines under NEML provincial procurement arrangements, and to determine whether the procurement volume and price of medicines are associated with the delivery performance of suppliers. We reviewed 9390 recorded orders of 1099 essential medicines in Hubei province from August 2011 to April 2012. The reliability of medicine delivery in-full and on-time (DIFOT) was considered the performance indicator, and we used Spearman correlation analyses to explore whether there were any associations between DIFOT and procurement price and volume. Quantile regressions were performed to determine such associations. The DIFOT had positive correlations with procurement price and volume. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between price and DIFOT were 0.114, 0.34 and 0.25 for medicines with low one-third, middle one-third and high one-third procurement volumes, respectively. The quantile regression analysis revealed a positive association between price and DIFOT across all quantiles of DIFOT, and although significant positive associations between volume and DIFOT were only found at the 25th percentile of DIFOT, volume showed significant interactions with price for both the 25th and 50th percentiles of DIFOT. Higher procurement price is associated with better delivery performance of essential medicines; however, it is important to link procurement price with procurement volume. Increasing procurement volume may alleviate the negative effect of low price on delivery performance. Variation in volumes of repeated orders imposes uncertainties and may jeopardize the delivery of essential medicines.

Volumetric computed tomography analysis of the olfactory cleft in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

PubMed

Soler, Zachary M; Pallanch, John F; Sansoni, Eugene Ritter; Jones, Cameron S; Lawrence, Lauren A; Schlosser, Rodney J; Mace, Jess C; Smith, Timothy L

2015-09-01

Commonly used computed tomography (CT) staging systems for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) focus on the sinuses and do not quantify disease in the olfactory cleft. The goal of the current study was to determine whether precise measurements of olfactory cleft opacification better correlate with olfaction in patients with CRS. Olfaction was assessed using the 40-item Smell Identification Test (SIT-40) before and after sinus surgery in adult patients. Olfactory cleft opacification was quantified precisely using three-dimensional (3D), computerized volumetric analysis, as well as via semiquantitative Likert scale estimations at predetermined anatomic sites. Sinus opacification was also quantified using the Lund-Mackay staging system. The overall cohort (n = 199) included 89 (44.7%) patients with CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and 110 (55.3%) with CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP). The olfactory cleft opacified volume correlated with objective olfaction as determined by the SIT-40 (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [Rs ] = -0.461; p < 0.001). The correlation was significantly stronger in the CRSwNP subgroup (Rs = -0.573; p < 0.001), whereas no appreciable correlation was found in the CRSsNP group (Rs = -0.141; p = 0.141). Correlations between sinus-specific Lund-Mackay CT scoring and SIT-40 scores were weaker in the CRSwNP (Rs = -0.377; p < 0.001) subgroup but stronger in the CRSsNP (Rs = -0.225; p = 0.018) group when compared to olfactory cleft correlations. Greater intraclass correlations (ICCs) were found between quantitative volumetric measures of olfactory cleft opacification (ICC = 0.844; p < 0.001) as compared with semiquantitative Likert grading (ICC = 0.627; p < 0.001). Quantitative measures of olfactory cleft opacification correlate with objective olfaction, with the strongest correlations seen in patients with nasal polyps. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Regionally variant collagen alignment correlates with viscoelastic properties of the disc of the human temporomandibular joint.

PubMed

Gutman, Shawn; Kim, Daniel; Tarafder, Solaiman; Velez, Sergio; Jeong, Julia; Lee, Chang H

2018-02-01

To determine the regionally variant quality of collagen alignment in human TMJ discs and its statistical correlation with viscoelastic properties. For quantitative analysis of the quality of collagen alignment, horizontal sections of human TMJ discs with Pricrosirius Red staining were imaged under circularly polarized microscopy. Mean angle and angular deviation of collagen fibers in each region were analyzed using a well-established automated image-processing for angular gradient. Instantaneous and relaxation moduli of each disc region were measured under stress-relaxation test both in tensile and compression. Then Spearman correlation analysis was performed between the angular deviation and the moduli. To understand the effect of glycosaminoglycans on the correlation, TMJ disc samples were treated by chondroitinase ABC (C-ABC). Our imaging processing analysis showed the region-variant direction of collagen alignment, consistently with previous findings. Interestingly, the quality of collagen alignment, not only the directions, was significantly different in between the regions. The angular deviation of fiber alignment in the anterior and intermediate regions were significantly smaller than the posterior region. Medial and lateral regions showed significantly bigger angular deviation than all the other regions. The regionally variant angular deviation values showed statistically significant correlation with the tensile instantaneous modulus and the relaxation modulus, partially dependent on C-ABC treatment. Our findings suggest the region-variant degree of collagen fiber alignment is likely attributed to the heterogeneous viscoelastic properties of TMJ disc that may have significant implications in development of regenerative therapy for TMJ disc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Descriptive analysis of the masticatory and salivary functions and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children.

PubMed

Marquezin, Maria Carolina Salomé; Pedroni-Pereira, Aline; Araujo, Darlle Santos; Rosar, João Vicente; Barbosa, Taís S; Castelo, Paula Midori

2016-08-01

The objective of this study is to better understand salivary and masticatory characteristics, this study evaluated the relationship among salivary parameters, bite force (BF), masticatory performance (MP) and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children. The secondary outcome was to evaluate possible gender differences. One hundred and sixteen eutrophic subjects aged 7-11 years old were evaluated, caries-free and with no definite need of orthodontic treatment. Salivary flow rate and pH, total protein (TP), alpha-amylase (AMY), calcium (CA) and phosphate (PHO) concentrations were determined in stimulated (SS) and unstimulated saliva (US). BF and MP were evaluated using digital gnathodynamometer and fractional sieving method, respectively. Gustatory sensitivity was determined by detecting the four primary tastes (sweet, salty, sour and bitter) in three different concentrations. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney/t-test, Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis, considering α = 0.05. Significant positive correlation between taste and age was observed. CA and PHO concentrations correlated negatively with salivary flow and pH; sweet taste scores correlated with AMY concentrations and bitter taste sensitivity correlated with US flow rate (p < 0.05). No significant difference between genders in salivary, masticatory characteristics and gustatory sensitivity was observed. The regression analysis showed a weak relationship between the distribution of chewed particles among the different sieves and BF. The concentration of some analytes was influenced by salivary flow and pH. Age, saliva flow and AMY concentrations influenced gustatory sensitivity. In addition, salivary, masticatory and taste characteristics did not differ between genders, and only a weak relation between MP and BF was observed.

Quantitative immunohistochemistry of factor VIII-related antigen in breast carcinoma: a comparison of computer-assisted image analysis with established counting methods.

PubMed

Kohlberger, P D; Obermair, A; Sliutz, G; Heinzl, H; Koelbl, H; Breitenecker, G; Gitsch, G; Kainz, C

1996-06-01

Microvessel density in the area of the most intense neovascularization in invasive breast carcinoma is reported to be an independent prognostic factor. The established method of enumeration of microvessel density is to count the vessels using an ocular raster (counted microvessel density [CMVD]). The vessels were detected by staining endothelial cells using Factor VIII-related antigen. The aim of the study was to compare the CMVD results with the percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area using computer-assisted image analysis. A true color red-green-blue (RGB) image analyzer based on a morphologically reduced instruction set computer processor was used to evaluate the area of stained endothelial cells. Sixty invasive breast carcinomas were included in the analysis. There was no significant correlation between the CMVD and the percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.24, confidence interval = 0.02-0.46). Although high CMVD was significantly correlated with poorer recurrence free survival (P = .024), percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area showed no prognostic value. Counted microvessel density and percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area showed a highly significant correlation with vessel invasion (P = .0001 and P = .02, respectively). There was no correlation between CMVD and percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area with other prognostic factors. In contrast to the CMVD within malignant tissue, the percentage of factor VIII-related antigen-stained area is not suitable as an indicator of prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Cross ranking of cities and regions: population versus income

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerqueti, Roy; Ausloos, Marcel

2015-07-01

This paper explores the relationship between the inner economical structure of communities and their population distribution through a rank-rank analysis of official data, along statistical physics ideas within two techniques. The data is taken on Italian cities. The analysis is performed both at a global (national) and at a more local (regional) level in order to distinguish ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ aspects. First, the rank-size rule is found not to be a standard power law, as in many other studies, but a doubly decreasing power law. Next, the Kendall τ and the Spearman ρ rank correlation coefficients which measure pair concordance and the correlation between fluctuations in two rankings, respectively,—as a correlation function does in thermodynamics, are calculated for finding rank correlation (if any) between demography and wealth. Results show non only global disparities for the whole (country) set, but also (regional) disparities, when comparing the number of cities in regions, the number of inhabitants in cities and that in regions, as well as when comparing the aggregated tax income of the cities and that of regions. Different outliers are pointed out and justified. Interestingly, two classes of cities in the country and two classes of regions in the country are found. ‘Common sense’ social, political, and economic considerations sustain the findings. More importantly, the methods show that they allow to distinguish communities, very clearly, when specific criteria are numerically sound. A specific modeling for the findings is presented, i.e. for the doubly decreasing power law and the two phase system, based on statistics theory, e.g. urn filling. The model ideas can be expected to hold when similar rank relationship features are observed in fields. It is emphasized that the analysis makes more sense than one through a Pearson Π value-value correlation analysis

Elevated Plasma SPARC Levels Are Associated with Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia, and Inflammation in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Xu, Lu; Ping, Fan; Yin, Jinhua; Xiao, Xinhua; Xiang, Hongding; Ballantyne, Christie M.; Wu, Huaizhu; Li, Ming

2013-01-01

Objective Recent studies suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a novel adipokine, is a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether concentrations of SPARC were altered in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls and to investigate the relationships between SPARC and metabolic parameters in pregnant women. Design/Methods Cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women with GDM and 60 controls with NGT, in a university hospital setting. Plasma levels of SPARC, adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), insulin and proinsulin were determined by ELISA. Results GDM women had higher SPARC and lower adiponectin than NGT subjects; no difference was found in FGF21. SPARC levels were the lowest in subjects in the third tertile of insulin sensitivity index (ISIOGTT) and correlated positively with pre-pregnant BMI, insulin and 3 h glucose during 100-g OGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting proinsulin, hsCRP and white blood cells count, and negatively with ISIOGTT, when adjusting for gestational age. Triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) correlated with SPARC in partial Pearson correlation. Correlations between SPARC with adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and TG were marginally significant in partial Spearman correlation analysis. In multivariate regression analysis, SPARC was an independent negative indicator of ISIOGTT. Conclusions SPARC levels are correlated significantly with inflammation and may also be correlated with dyslipidemia and represent an independent determinant of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, indicating a potential role of SPARC in the pathophysiology of GDM. PMID:24349098

Elevated plasma SPARC levels are associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Xu, Lu; Ping, Fan; Yin, Jinhua; Xiao, Xinhua; Xiang, Hongding; Ballantyne, Christie M; Wu, Huaizhu; Li, Ming

2013-01-01

Recent studies suggested that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a novel adipokine, is a key player in the pathology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether concentrations of SPARC were altered in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) controls and to investigate the relationships between SPARC and metabolic parameters in pregnant women. Cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women with GDM and 60 controls with NGT, in a university hospital setting. Plasma levels of SPARC, adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), insulin and proinsulin were determined by ELISA. GDM women had higher SPARC and lower adiponectin than NGT subjects; no difference was found in FGF21. SPARC levels were the lowest in subjects in the third tertile of insulin sensitivity index (ISIOGTT) and correlated positively with pre-pregnant BMI, insulin and 3 h glucose during 100-g OGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting proinsulin, hsCRP and white blood cells count, and negatively with ISIOGTT, when adjusting for gestational age. Triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) correlated with SPARC in partial Pearson correlation. Correlations between SPARC with adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and TG were marginally significant in partial Spearman correlation analysis. In multivariate regression analysis, SPARC was an independent negative indicator of ISIOGTT. SPARC levels are correlated significantly with inflammation and may also be correlated with dyslipidemia and represent an independent determinant of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, indicating a potential role of SPARC in the pathophysiology of GDM.

Spectroscopic Evidence of Anthropogenic Compounds Extraction from Polymers by Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in Natural Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miranda, M.; Trojzuck, A.; Voss, D.; Gassmann, S.; Zielinski, O.

2016-04-01

FDOM is one of the most important carriers of anthropogenic compounds in natural waters. It can combine with environmental contaminants and polymers to form diverse chemical structures. To this end, here a microfluidic chip was designed for the analysis of these changes in fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) fingerprints due to thermal treatment and varying time intervals of exposure. Excitation Emission Matrix Spectroscopy (EEMS) approach was utilized to detect and identify the inherent compounds in sampled FDOM. Strong direct correlations were founded, Spearman rank correlation values (ρ = 0.85 at α = 0.1, n = 4) and linear correlation R2 = 0.8359 were noted between thermal treatment pattern 2 and fluorescence intensity of samples. Materials, acrylic based glue and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) polymer, used to design the microfluidic sensor were determined to possess unique spectral features in the ultraviolet to green spectrum using EEMS. The study therefore provides an insight on methods to identify contaminants in natural waters. This underlines the potential of optical sensors providing measurements at fast intervals, enabling environmental monitoring.

Brominated flame retardants in the hair and serum samples from an e-waste recycling area in southeastern China: the possibility of using hair for biomonitoring.

PubMed

Liang, Si; Xu, Feng; Tang, Weibiao; Zhang, Zheng; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Lili; Wang, Junxia; Lin, Kuangfei

2016-08-01

Hair samples and paired serum samples were collected from e-waste and urban areas in Wenling of Zhejiang Province, China. The PBDE and DBDPE concentrations in hair and serum samples from e-waste workers were significantly higher than those of non-occupational residents and urban residents. BDE209 was the dominating BFRs in hair and serum samples from the e-waste area, while DBDPE was the major BFRs from the urban area. Statistically significant correlations were observed between hair level and serum level for some substances (BDE209, DBDPE, BDE99, BDE47, BDE28, and BDE17), although the PBDE congener profiles in hair were different from those in the serum. A statistically significant positive correlation between the PBDE concentrations and the working age, as well as gender difference, was observed in e-waste workers. Different sources of PBDEs and DBDPE in three groups were identified by principal component analysis and spearman correlation coefficient. Hair is suggested to be a useful matrix for biomonitoring the PBDE exposure in humans.

The relevance of receptive vocabulary in reading comprehension.

PubMed

Nalom, Ana Flávia de Oliveira; Soares, Aparecido José Couto; Cárnio, Maria Silvia

2015-01-01

To characterize the performance of students from the 5th year of primary school, with and without indicatives of reading and writing disorders, in receptive vocabulary and reading comprehension of sentences and texts, and to verify possible correlations between both. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution (no. 098/13). Fifty-two students in the 5th year from primary school, with and without indicatives of reading and writing disorders, and from two public schools participated in this study. After signing the informed consent and having a speech therapy assessment for the application of inclusion criteria, the students were submitted to a specific test for standardized evaluation of receptive vocabulary and reading comprehension. The data were studied using statistical analysis through the Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance techniques, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient with level of significance to be 0.05. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (was constructed in which reading comprehension was considered as gold standard. The students without indicatives of reading and writing disorders presented a better performance in all tests. No significant correlation was found between the tests that evaluated reading comprehension in either group. A correlation was found between reading comprehension of texts and receptive vocabulary in the group without indicatives. In the absence of indicatives of reading and writing disorders, the presence of a good range of vocabulary highly contributes to a proficient reading comprehension of texts.

Optimal monochromatic color combinations for fusion imaging of FDG-PET and diffusion-weighted MR images.

PubMed

Kamei, Ryotaro; Watanabe, Yuji; Sagiyama, Koji; Isoda, Takuro; Togao, Osamu; Honda, Hiroshi

2018-05-23

To investigate the optimal monochromatic color combination for fusion imaging of FDG-PET and diffusion-weighted MR images (DW) regarding lesion conspicuity of each image. Six linear monochromatic color-maps of red, blue, green, cyan, magenta, and yellow were assigned to each of the FDG-PET and DW images. Total perceptual color differences of the lesions were calculated based on the lightness and chromaticity measured with the photometer. Visual lesion conspicuity was also compared among the PET-only, DW-only and PET-DW-double positive portions with mean conspicuity scores. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way analysis of variance and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Among all the 12 possible monochromatic color-map combinations, the 3 combinations of red/cyan, magenta/green, and red/green produced the highest conspicuity scores. Total color differences between PET-positive and double-positive portions correlated with conspicuity scores (ρ = 0.2933, p < 0.005). Lightness differences showed a significant negative correlation with conspicuity scores between the PET-only and DWI-only positive portions. Chromaticity differences showed a marginally significant correlation with conspicuity scores between DWI-positive and double-positive portions. Monochromatic color combinations can facilitate the visual evaluation of FDG-uptake and diffusivity as well as registration accuracy on the FDG-PET/DW fusion images, when red- and green-colored elements are assigned to FDG-PET and DW images, respectively.

Comparative study between microvascular tone regulation and rheological properties of blood in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Antonova, N; Tsiberkin, K; Podtaev, S; Paskova, V; Velcheva, I; Chaushev, N

2016-01-01

The aim of the study is to investigate the changes of the skin blood flow responses to cold stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 through wavelet analysis of the peripheral skin temperature oscillations and to estimate their relationship with the blood viscosity values. The amplitudes of the skin temperature pulsations (ASTP) were monitored by "Microtest" device ("FM-Diagnostics", Russia); the whole blood viscosity and the shear stresses were measured by Contraves LS30 viscometer (Switzerland) at a steady flow in 9 healthy subjects and in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Power law and Herschel-Bulkley (HB) equations were applied to describe the blood rheology. Both models include consistency (k) and flow index (m), and the HB also gives the yield stress (τ0). The Spearman rank correlations between these parameters and the ASTP in the frequency ranges, corresponding to the myogenic, neurogenic and endothelial mechanisms of the microcirculation tone regulation were calculated. The ASTP values decreased when the blood viscosity increased. The correlation analysis revealed good ASTP-m (r > 0.5) and ASTP-k (r < -0.5) relationships in the endothelial range, while the ASTP-τ0 correlation was weaker (r≈-0.4). These correlations became lower for the ASTP during the cold stress. The results prompt manifestation of endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Spanish adaptation of the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R).

PubMed

Campos, Teresa Salas; Rodríguez-Santos, Francisco; Esteban, Jesus; Vázquez, Pilar Cordero; Mora Pardina, Jesus S; Carmona, Alejandra Cano

2010-10-01

ALSFRS-R is a tool designed to measure disease progress in ALS patients. It consists of 12 items grouped into four functions designed to assess disabilities according to the Activities of daily living (ADL). Our objective was to validate the Spanish version of ALSFRS-R based on the original version. Four examiners assessed 73 ALS patients, applying the ALSFRS-R, ALSAQ-40 and the respiratory function variable assessed by the SRI scale, which measures respiratory insufficiency. Internal consistency and test-retest correlations were measured using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's Rho tests. Factor analysis was performed by applying Varimax rotation and Kaiser standardization. Validity was analysed based on correlations between items in the ALSFRS-R scales and equivalents in the ALSAQ-40 and SRI questionnaires. The results showed high internal consistency (0.77-0.95) and a good test-retest correlation (0.80-0.95). Factor analysis showed a 73.3% principal component contribution; the weight of each item regarding their corresponding factors was 0.7-0.9. High correlations were observed (rs >0.60) between corresponding factors of ALSFRS-R/ALSAQ-40 and ALSFRS-R/SRI. We conclude that the version obtained from the ALSFRS-R maintains the internal consistency and validity of the construct of the original scale. The Spanish version of ALSFRS-R is available for readers at http://www.fundela.es/verOtras.php.

Impact of financial crisis on selected health outcomes in Europe.

PubMed

Baumbach, Anja; Gulis, Gabriel

2014-06-01

A number of health outcomes were affected by previous financial crises, e.g. suicides, homicides and transport accident mortality. Aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the current financial crisis on selected health outcomes at population level in Europe. A mixed approach of ecologic and time trend design was applied, including correlation analysis. For eight countries, data on the economic situation (unemployment rate and economic growth) and health indicators (overall mortality, suicide and transport accident mortality) was drawn from EUROSTAT database for 2000-10. Spearman's rank correlation was applied to analyse the influence of social protection on the association between exposure and outcome variables. The financial crisis had no visible effect on overall mortality in any of the eight countries until 2010. Transport accident mortality decreased in all eight countries, in the range of 18% in Portugal to 52% in Slovenia. In contrast, suicide mortality increased in Germany (+5.3%), Portugal (+5.2%), Czech Republic (+7.6%), Slovakia (+22.7%) and Poland (+19.3%). The effect of unemployment on suicide is higher in countries with lower social spending (Spearman's r = -0.83). Clear cause-effect relations could not be established owing to the ecological study design and issues concerning data availability. However, there are clear changes in suicide and transport accident mortality after onset of the crisis, and findings are consistent with previous work. As part of this work, a comprehensive framework was developed, which can be applied to analyse health effects of financial crises in more detail. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Validation of SURE, a four-item clinical checklist for detecting decisional conflict in patients.

PubMed

Ferron Parayre, Audrey; Labrecque, Michel; Rousseau, Michel; Turcotte, Stéphane; Légaré, France

2014-01-01

We sought to determine the psychometric properties of SURE, a 4-item checklist designed to screen for clinically significant decisional conflict in clinical practice. This study was a secondary analysis of a clustered randomized trial assessing the effect of DECISION+2, a 2-hour online tutorial followed by a 2-hour interactive workshop on shared decision making, on decisions to use antibiotics for acute respiratory infections. Patients completed SURE and also the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), as the gold standard, after consultation. We evaluated internal consistency of SURE using the Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient (KR-20). We compared DCS and SURE scores using the Spearman correlation coefficient. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of SURE scores (cut-off score ≤3 out of 4) by identifying patients with and without clinically significant decisional conflict (DCS score >37.5 on a scale of 0-100). Of the 712 patients recruited during the trial, 654 completed both tools. SURE scores showed adequate internal consistency (KR-20 coefficient of 0.7). There was a significant correlation between DCS and SURE scores (Spearman's ρ = -0.45, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of clinically significant decisional conflict as estimated by the DCS was 5.2% (95% CI 3.7-7.3). Sensitivity and specificity of SURE ≤3 were 94.1% (95% CI 78.9-99.0) and 89.8% (95% CI 87.1-92.0), respectively. SURE shows adequate psychometric properties in a primary care population with a low prevalence of clinically significant decisional conflict. SURE has the potential to be a useful screening tool for practitioners, responding to the growing need for detecting clinically significant decisional conflict in patients.

Drinking water contributes to excessive iodine intake among children in Hebei, China.

PubMed

Lv, S; Wang, Y; Xu, D; Rutherford, S; Chong, Z; Du, Y; Jia, L; Zhao, J

2013-09-01

In Hebei province, China, over six million people are potentially exposed to excessive iodine through consumption of high iodine underground drinking water and consumption of iodized salt. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contributions of drinking water and iodized salt on children's iodine nutrition in one area of Hebei province in order to refine strategies to correct the excessive iodine intake in these areas. To investigate the relationships between iodine content in water, iodized salt and urinary iodine content (UIC) in children (8-10 years), we randomly sampled three towns with a known median water iodine (MWI) of 150-300 μg/l in Hengshui City, Hebei province and collected water, salt and urine samples. The median UIC was 518.1 μg/l, the overall MWI was 247.0 μg/l, and 83% of children sampled were found to have urinary iodine concentrations higher than the WHO criterion of 300 μg/l. There was a significant and positive correlation between the median UIC of the children and the MWI in the 12 villages where the children lived (Spearman R=0.79, P=0.002), but the UIC was not significantly correlated with the median salt intake (MSI) (Spearman R=-0.17, P=0.6). A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that 68.7% of the variability in median UIC is associated with variability in MWI in the 12 villages. Iodine in drinking water was identified to be the key contributor to this excessive iodine in children indicating that in these areas, intervention should focus on providing alternative drinking water supplies.

[A test to measure the degree of knowledge on food and nutrition at the onset of elementary school].

PubMed

Ivanovic Marincovich, D; Castro Gómez, C G; Ivanovic Marincovich, R

1997-06-01

The objective of this work was to design a test to measure the degree of knowledge on food and nutrition in school-age children from elementary first and second grades. A graphic instrument was designed according to the psychological child development and was based on the specific objectives pursued by the curriculum programs of the Ministry of Education. The test was developed around the following topics through 15 items: Area 1: Basic Concepts on Food and Nutrition (9 items) and Area 2: Food, Personal and Environmental Hygiene (9 items). The test was pilot tested on 103 school-age children of both grades (1:1), of both sexes (1:1), belonging to Peñalolén and Las Condes counties from Chile's Metropolitan Region and from high and low socioeconomic status (SES) (1:1), measured through the Graffar's Modified Method. The final version of the test was applied in a representative sample of 1.482 school-age children from Chile's Metropolitan Region from elementary first and second grades during 1986-1987. Content validity was assured by a team of judges and by the curriculum programs. Reliability was assessed by the Spearman correlation with the Spearman-Brown correction. Item-test consistency was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Data were processed by the statistical analysis system (SAS) package. Results showed that reliability coefficient was 0.84 and item-test consistency was equal or above 0.25 in all items. It can be concluded that this test can be useful to determine the degree of knowledge on food and nutrition at the onset of elementary school, both in Chile and in other countries.

Increased levels of the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins in the synovial fluid of dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

PubMed

Sardari, Kamran; Chavez-Muñoz, Claudia; Kilani, Ruhangiz T; Schiller, Terri; Ghahary, Aziz

2011-10-01

The present study investigated whether the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins, which are potent matrix metalloprotease (MMP) stimulators, are detectable in the synovial fluid of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Synovial fluid samples from 7 dogs with unilateral CCLR and control samples from 4 dogs without a history of any joint inflammation or any other abnormalities underwent Western blot analysis for the 14-3-3 η, γ, and σ proteins as well as MMP-1 and MMP-3. Craniocaudal and lateral radiographic projections of the stifle joint were evaluated for the presence and severity of 13 specific radiographic markers of osteoarthritis and graded numerically. The Spearman method was used to detect any correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the radiograph-based grade. The η isoform was present only in the samples from the dogs with CCLR. The levels of 14-3-3-γ, MMP-1, and MMP-3 were significantly higher in the samples from the dogs with CCLR than in the control samples (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the CCLR and control samples in the level of the σ isoform. The Spearman method showed a significant correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the presence of either patellar osteophytes or lateral or medial (or both) condylar periarticular osteophytes (P < 0.05). The MMP stimulatory effect of the 14-3-3 η and γ isoforms may be the reason for the high levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 observed. Thus, 14-3-3 proteins, especially the η isoform, may be important markers of osteoarthritis caused by CCLR.

Increased levels of the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins in the synovial fluid of dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture

PubMed Central

Sardari, Kamran; Chavez-Muñoz, Claudia; Kilani, Ruhangiz T.; Schiller, Terri; Ghahary, Aziz

2011-01-01

The present study investigated whether the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins, which are potent matrix metalloprotease (MMP) stimulators, are detectable in the synovial fluid of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Synovial fluid samples from 7 dogs with unilateral CCLR and control samples from 4 dogs without a history of any joint inflammation or any other abnormalities underwent Western blot analysis for the 14-3-3 η, γ, and σ proteins as well as MMP-1 and MMP-3. Craniocaudal and lateral radiographic projections of the stifle joint were evaluated for the presence and severity of 13 specific radiographic markers of osteoarthritis and graded numerically. The Spearman method was used to detect any correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the radiograph-based grade. The η isoform was present only in the samples from the dogs with CCLR. The levels of 14-3-3-γ, MMP-1, and MMP-3 were significantly higher in the samples from the dogs with CCLR than in the control samples (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the CCLR and control samples in the level of the σ isoform. The Spearman method showed a significant correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the presence of either patellar osteophytes or lateral or medial (or both) condylar periarticular osteophytes (P < 0.05). The MMP stimulatory effect of the 14-3-3 η and γ isoforms may be the reason for the high levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 observed. Thus, 14-3-3 proteins, especially the η isoform, may be important markers of osteoarthritis caused by CCLR. PMID:22468024

The children's menu assessment: development, evaluation, and relevance of a tool for evaluating children's menus.

PubMed

Krukowski, Rebecca A; Eddings, Kenya; West, Delia Smith

2011-06-01

Restaurant foods represent a substantial portion of children's dietary intake, and consumption of foods away from home has been shown to contribute to excess adiposity. This descriptive study aimed to pilot-test and establish the reliability of a standardized and comprehensive assessment tool, the Children's Menu Assessment, for evaluating the restaurant food environment for children. The tool is an expansion of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey-Restaurant. In 2009-2010, a randomly selected sample of 130 local and chain restaurants were chosen from within 20 miles of Little Rock, AR, to examine the availability of children's menus and to conduct initial calibration of the Children's Menu Assessment tool (final sample: n=46). Independent raters completed the Children's Menu Assessment in order to determine inter-rater reliability. Test-retest reliability was also examined. Inter-rater reliability was high: percent agreement was 97% and Spearman correlation was 0.90. Test-retest was also high: percent agreement was 91% and Spearman correlation was 0.96. Mean Children's Menu Assessment completion time was 14 minutes, 56 seconds ± 10 minutes, 21 seconds. Analysis of Children's Menu Assessment findings revealed that few healthier options were available on children's menus, and most menus did not provide parents with information for making healthy choices, including nutrition information or identification of healthier options. The Children's Menu Assessment tool allows for comprehensive, rapid measurement of the restaurant food environment for children with high inter-rater reliability. This tool has the potential to contribute to public health efforts to develop and evaluate targeted environmental interventions and/or policy changes regarding restaurant foods. Copyright © 2011 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The autophagy-related marker LC3 can predict prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Lee, Yoo Jin; Hah, Yu Jin; Ha, Yu Jin; Kang, Yu Na; Kang, Koo Jeong; Hwang, Jae Seok; Chung, Woo Jin; Cho, Kwang Bum; Park, Kyung Sik; Kim, Eun Soo; Seo, Hye-Young; Kim, Mi-Kyung; Park, Keun-Gyu; Jang, Byoung Kuk

2013-01-01

Defects of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are related to many diseases and tumors. However, only a few studies have examined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as related to these processes. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression and extent of autophagy and ER stress-related markers in HCC and their influence on clinical characteristics and prognosis for each protein. The expression of autophagy-related markers (LC3 and Beclin-1) and ER stress-related markers (GRP78 and CHOP) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tissues from completely resected specimens of 190 HCC patients. Their influence on clinicopathologic features and prognosis were evaluated using the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Correlations of each protein were determined by Spearman's correlation analysis. LC3 expression was not correlated with TNM, BCLC stage, or Edmonson-Steiner grading, whereas it was correlated with longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.039) and tended to be related with longer time to recurrence (TTR) (p=0.068) although it did not show statistical significance. Multivariate analysis indicated that LC3 expression was a significantly independent prognostic factor of OS (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80; p-value=0.009) and TTR (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33-0.90; p=0.017). Expression of LC3 in advanced stages of TNM (III) (p=0.045) and Edmonson-Steiner Grades (III and IV) (p=0.043) was correlated with longer survival, but not in the early stages. A positive correlation was not observed between the expression of autophagy-related markers and ER stress-related markers. Our results suggest that the expression and extent of LC3 might be a strong prognostic factor of HCC, especially in patients with surgical resection.

[Expressions of EMMPRIN and its ligand CyPA in gingival crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis patients].

PubMed

He, Yan-ping; Xie, Ming; Jiao, Ting

2016-02-01

To detect the expressions of EMMPRIN and its ligand CyPA in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and explore their possible relation to the status of periodontal inflammation. GCF of CP patients (group CP) and periodontitis-free patients with intact dentition (the control group) were collected and assayed for EMMPRIN and CyPA expressions by ELISA. The clinical periodontal status of these patients were examined. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS 17.0 software package. Spearman's correlation analysis was utilized to determine the relationships between the expressions of EMMPRIN and CyPA in GCF and the clinical parameters. In addition, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparing the difference between group CP and the control group. In group CP, GCF volume was positively correlated with EMMPRIN total amount, CyPA total amount and some clinical periodontal indexes (GI,SBI,AL). EMMPRIN total amount was positively correlated with GCF volume, CyPA total amount and some of clinical periodontal indexes (GI,SBI,AL), but it was negatively correlated with smoking status (P<0.05). Moreover, CyPA total amount was positively correlated with GCF volume, EMMPRIN total amount and some of clinical periodontal indexes (GI,SBI,AL). In the control group,there were significant positive correlations among GCF volume, EMMPRIN total amount and CyPA total amount. The difference of GCF, EMMPRIN and CyPA between the 2 groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). EMMPRIN and its ligand CyPA in GCF of periodontitis-free patients with intact dentition and CP patients were all detected. As the progress of periodontal inflammation, GCF secretion increases, as well as the expressions of EMMPRIN and CyPA in GCF.

Economic, Educational and Cultural Predictors of Science Learning in Lithuania and Estonia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mikk, Jaan

2007-01-01

The aim of the research was to assess the economic, educational and cultural predictors of the TIMSS 2003 science test results in Lithuania and Estonia. The data for the research were received from the TIMSS 2003 User Guide for the International Database. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients, calculated on the students' level and the schools…

Examining the Relationship between the Perceived Adequacy of Tools and Equipment and Perceived Competency to Teach Agricultural Mechanics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCubbins, O. P.; Wells, Trent; Anderson, Ryan G.; Paulsen, Thomas H.

2017-01-01

Agricultural mechanics holds an important place in agricultural education programs. Teacher efficacy in regards to teaching agricultural mechanics is also important. We used a questionnaire to survey agricultural education teachers in Iowa regarding agricultural mechanics. Spearman Rho correlations were used to determine the magnitude of the…

Skills for the literacy process.

PubMed

Côrrea, Kelli Cristina do Prado; Machado, Maria Aparecida Miranda de Paula; Hage, Simone Rocha de Vasconcellos

2018-03-01

Examine a set of competencies in children beginning the process of literacy and find whether there is positive correlation with their level of writing. Study conducted with 70 six-year-old students enrolled in the first year of Elementary School in municipal schools. The children were submitted to the Initial Reading and Writing Competence Assessment Battery (BACLE) and the Diagnostic Probing Protocol for classification of their level of writing. Descriptive statistical analysis and the Spearman coefficient were used for correlation between instruments. The students presented satisfactory performance in the tasks of the BACLE. Regarding the writing hypothesis, most children presented syllabic level with sound value. Significant positive correlation was observed between body scheme/time-space orientation and language skills. The group of schoolchildren performed satisfactorily on tests that measure pre-reading and writing skills. The areas of body scheme/time-space orientation and language presented significant correlation with the level of writing hypothesis, indicating that children with higher scores in these areas present better levels of writing. Identification of the necessary competencies for learning of reading and writing can provide teachers and educational audiology professionals with conditions for evaluation and early intervention in certain abilities for the development of reading and writing.

Correlation of mastication and masticatory movements and effect of chewing side preference.

PubMed

Farias Gomes, Simone Guimarães; Custodio, William; Moura Jufer, Juliana Silva; Del Bel Cury, Altair Antoninha; Rodrigues Garcia, Renata Cunha Matheus

2010-01-01

The aims of this study were to correlate masticatory performance with mandibular movements during mastication, and to evaluate masticatory performance and mandibular movements of subjects with different types of mastication. Seventy-eight healthy dentate subjects were selected and divided into 2 groups: bilateral and unilateral chewers. This classification was set by using kinesiography during mastication of an artificial material. Unilateral mastication was defined as the majority of the cycles took place at one specific side. The same tracings used to define type of mastication were used to evaluate mandibular movements by means of its parameters. Masticatory performance was analyzed by comminution of the artificial material and a sieving method. Statistical analysis was performed by Spearman's correlation method, and Mann-Whitney and Student's t-test, when appropriate, at 5% significance level. No correlation was found between masticatory performance and parameters of mandibular movement during mastication. Bilateral chewers presented significantly better (p<0.05) masticatory performance than unilateral ones, however no differences in parameters of mandibular movement were found between groups. Within the limits of this study, it may be concluded that parameters of jaw movements during mastication are not related to masticatory performance, and that the presence of a preferred chewing side worsens mastication.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score predicts hospital charges and resource use after aortic valve replacement.

PubMed

Arnaoutakis, George J; George, Timothy J; Alejo, Diane E; Merlo, Christian A; Baumgartner, William A; Cameron, Duke E; Shah, Ashish S

2011-09-01

The impact of Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score on resource use has not been previously studied. We hypothesize that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement are associated with greater hospital charges. Clinical and financial data for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over a 10-year period (January 2000 to December 2009) were reviewed. The current Society of Thoracic Surgeons formula (v2.61) for in-hospital mortality was used for all patients. After stratification into risk quartiles, index admission hospital charges were compared across risk strata with rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Linear regression and Spearman's coefficient assessed correlation and goodness of fit. Multivariable analysis assessed relative contributions of individual variables on overall charges. A total of 553 patients underwent aortic valve replacement during the study period. Average predicted mortality was 2.9% (±3.4) and actual mortality was 3.4% for aortic valve replacement. Median charges were greater in the upper quartile of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (quartiles 1-3, $39,949 [interquartile range, 32,708-51,323] vs quartile 4, $62,301 [interquartile range, 45,952-97,103], P < .01]. On univariate linear regression, there was a positive correlation between Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score and log-transformed charges (coefficient, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.07; P < .01). Spearman's correlation R-value was 0.51. This positive correlation persisted in risk-adjusted multivariable linear regression. Each 1% increase in Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was associated with an added $3000 in hospital charges. This is the first study to show that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score predicts greater charges after aortic valve replacement. As competing therapies, such as percutaneous valve replacement, emerge to treat high-risk patients, these results serve as a benchmark to compare resource use. Copyright © 2011 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Summary of retrospective asbestos and welding fume exposure estimates for a nuclear naval shipyard and their correlation with radiation exposure estimates.

PubMed

Zaebst, D D; Seel, E A; Yiin, J H; Nowlin, S J; Chen, P

2009-07-01

In support of a nested case-control study at a U.S. naval shipyard, the results of the reconstruction of historical exposures were summarized, and an analysis was undertaken to determine the impact of historical exposures to potential chemical confounders. The nested case-control study (N = 4388) primarily assessed the relationship between lung cancer and external ionizing radiation. Chemical confounders considered important were asbestos and welding fume (as iron oxide fume), and the chromium and nickel content of welding fume. Exposures to the potential confounders were estimated by an expert panel based on a set of quantitatively defined categories of exposure. Distributions of the estimated exposures and trends in exposures over time were examined for the study population. Scatter plots and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess the degree of association between the estimates of exposure to asbestos, welding fume, and ionizing radiation. Correlation coefficients were calculated separately for 0-, 15-, 20-, and 25-year time-lagged cumulative exposures, total radiation dose (which included medical X-ray dose) and occupational radiation dose. Exposed workers' estimated cumulative exposures to asbestos ranged from 0.01 fiber-days/cm(3) to just under 20,000 fiber-days/cm(3), with a median of 29.0 fiber-days/cm(3). Estimated cumulative exposures to welding fume ranged from 0.16 mg-days/m(3) to just over 30,000 mg-days/m(3), with a median of 603 mg-days/m(3). Spearman correlation coefficients between cumulative radiation dose and cumulative asbestos exposures ranged from 0.09 (occupational dose) to 0.47 (total radiation dose), and those between radiation and welding fume from 0.14 to 0.47. The estimates of relative risk for ionizing radiation and lung cancer were unchanged when lowest and highest estimates of asbestos and welding fume were considered. These results suggest a fairly large proportion of study population workers were exposed to asbestos and welding fume, that the absolute level of confounding exposure did not affect the risk estimates, and that weak relationships existed between monitored lifetime cumulative occupational radiation dose and asbestos or welding fume.

The associations between serum VEGF, bFGF and endoglin levels with microvessel density and expression of proangiogenic factors in malignant and benign ovarian tumors.

PubMed

Szubert, Sebastian; Moszynski, Rafal; Michalak, Slawomir; Nowicki, Michal; Sajdak, Stefan; Szpurek, Dariusz

2016-09-01

To investigate whether serum levels of VEGF, bFGF and endoglin correlate with tumor VEGF and bFGF expression or microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian cancer. Forty five patients with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) and 38 patients with benign ovarian tumors (BOTs) were included into the study. Serum levels of VEGF, bFGF and endoglin were assessed using ELISA. The expression of VEGF and bFGF in tumor samples were evaluated using ELISA of supernatants obtained from tumor homogenization. MVD was analyzed using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD31, CD34 and CD105. Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in EOCs than in BOTs (436.6pg/ml [19.67-2860] vs 295.5pg/ml [123-539], P=0.025). Serum endoglin levels were lowered in the group EOCs when compared to BOTs (33,720g/ml [12,220-73,940] vs 42,390pg/ml [19,380-56,910], P=0.015). There were no differences in bFGF levels between studied groups. EOCs have significantly higher CD105 MVD (25 vessels/mm2 [0-57] vs 6 vessels/mm2 [0-70], P<0.001) and tumor VEGF (405.9pg/mg protein [0-3000] vs 2.225 [0-634.7], P<0.001) expression than BOTs, while, bFGF expression was higher in BOTs than in EOCs (2076pg/mg protein [668.1-8718] vs 847.3pg/mg protein [188.9-8333], P=0.003). In patients with EOCs we have observed negative correlation between serum VEGF concentration and its tissue expression (r Spearman=-0.571, P=0.0261), and serum VEGF concentration correlated positively with CD34-MVD (r Spearman=0.545, P=0.0289). In a multiple regression analysis we have observed only the negative correlation between serum VEGF and CD105-MVD (r=-0.5288, P=0.0427). Serum VEGF is a useful marker for prediction of ovarian cancer MVD and tumor VEGF expression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain Measure for the knee.

PubMed

Panah, Sara Hojat; Baharlouie, Hamze; Rezaeian, Zahra Sadat; Hawker, Gilian

2016-01-01

The present study aimed to translate and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the 11-item Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) measure in Iranian subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). The ICOAP questionnaire was translated according to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) protocol. The procedure consisted of forward and backward translation, as well as the assessment of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the questionnaire. A sample of 230 subjects with KOA was asked to complete the Persian versions of ICOAP and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The ICOAP was readministered to forty subjects five days after the first visit. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation. The correlation between ICOAP and KOOS was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Subjects found the Persian-version of the ICOAP to be clear, simple, and unambiguous, confirming its face validity. Spearman correlations between ICOAP total and subscale scores with KOOS scores were between 0.5 and 0.7, confirming construct validity. Cronbach's alpha, used to assess internal consistency, was 0.89, 0.93, and 0.92 for constant pain, intermittent pain, and total pain scores, respectively. The ICC was 0.90 for constant pain and 0.91 for the intermittent pain and total pain score. The Persian version of the ICOAP is a reliable and valid outcome measure that can be used in Iranian subjects with KOA.

Oxford Knee Score: cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Turkish version in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

PubMed

Tuğay, Baki Umut; Tuğay, Nazan; Güney, Hande; Kınıklı, Gizem İrem; Yüksel, İnci; Atilla, Bülent

2016-01-01

The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a valid, short, self-administered, and site- specific outcome measure specifically developed for patients with knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the OKS to be used in Turkish-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The OKS was translated and culturally adapted according to the guidelines in the literature. Ninety-one patients (mean age: 55.89±7.85 years) with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. Patients completed the Turkish version of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS-TR), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) questionnaires. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's α coefficient. Patients completed the OKS-TR questionnaire twice in 7 days to determine the reproducibility. Correlation between the total results of both tests was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Validity was assessed by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficient between the OKS, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores. Floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α: 0.90). The reproducibility tested by 2 different methods showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The construct validity analyses showed a significant correlation between the OKS and the other scores (p<0.05). There was no floor or ceiling effect in total OKS score. The OKS-TR is a reliable and valid measure for the self-assessment of pain and function in Turkish-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

[Evaluation of sphincter damage degree with anal endosonography for children with fecal incontinence].

PubMed

Sun, Xiaobing; Li, Dianguo; Wang, Ruoyi; Sun, Xiaogang; Liu, Qian

2014-03-01

To evaluate the application of anal endosonography in the morphology of internal anal sphincter (IAS), external anal sphincter (EAS) and puborectalis (PR) in order to provide necessary information for analysis of the etiology of fecal incontinence and formulation of the therapeutic schedule. From December 2010 to November 2012, 18 children of anorectal malformation (n=14) or Hirschsprung's disease(n=4) with fecal incontinence received anal endosonography. The morphology of IAS, EAS and PR was observed. The damage of anal sphincter was classified according to Starck criteria. Anorectal mamometry and anal clinical score were measured simultaneously. Spearman analysis was performed to examine the correlation of anal sphincter damage with anorectal mamometric score and anal clinical score. According to Starck criteria, anal sphincter damage was small in 11 children, moderate in 6, and severe in 1. PR damage was found in 4 cases. Starck score was positively correlated with manometric score(P<0.05), while not correlated with anal clinical score(P>0.05). Anal endosonography can clearly display the morphology of IAS, EAS and PR, and their integrity and damage degree. It is a very valuable technique to evaluate the anal sphincter of the children with fecal incontinence, which however can not reflect the function of anal sphincter and anal continence thoroughly.

Why Do Some First Nations Communities Have Safe Water and Others Not? Socioeconomic Determinants of Drinking Water Risk.

PubMed

Brown, Brandon; Wachowiak-Smolíková, Renata; Spence, Nicholas D; Wachowiak, Mark P; Walters, Dan F

2016-09-01

Securing safe and adequate drinking water is an ongoing issue for many Canadian First Nations communities despite nearly 15 years of reports, studies, policy changes, financial commitments, and regulations. The federal drinking water evaluation scheme is narrowly scoped, ignoring community level social factors, which may play a role in access to safe water in First Nations. This research used the 2006 Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada First Nations Drinking Water System Risk Survey data and the Community Well-Being Index, including labour force, education, housing, and income, from the 2006 Census. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Spearman's correlation, Kendall's tau correlation, and Pearson's correlation. Multivariable analysis was conducted using an ordinal (proportional or cumulative odds) regression model. Results showed that the regression model was significant. Community socioeconomic indicators had no relationship with drinking water risk characterization in both the bivariate and multivariable models, with the sole exception of labour force, which had a significantly positive effect on drinking water risk rankings. Socioeconomic factors were not important in explaining access to safe drinking water in First Nations communities. Improvements in the quality of safe water data as well as an examination of other community processes are required to address this pressing policy issue.

Two-colour chewing gum mixing ability: digitalisation and spatial heterogeneity analysis.

PubMed

Weijenberg, R A F; Scherder, E J A; Visscher, C M; Gorissen, T; Yoshida, E; Lobbezoo, F

2013-10-01

Many techniques are available to assess masticatory performance, but not all are appropriate for every population. A proxy suitable for elderly persons suffering from dementia was lacking, and a two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test was investigated for this purpose. A fully automated digital analysis algorithm was applied to a mixing ability test using two-coloured gum samples in a stepwise increased number of chewing cycles protocol (Experiment 1: n = 14; seven men, 19-63 years), a test-retest assessment (Experiment 2: n = 10; four men, 20-49 years) and compared to an established wax cubes mixing ability test (Experiment 3: n = 13; 0 men, 21-31 years). Data were analysed with repeated measures anova (Experiment 1), the calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; Experiment 2) and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient (Experiment 3). The method was sensitive to increasing numbers of chewing cycles (F5,65 = 57·270, P = 0·000) and reliable in the test-retest (ICC value of 0·714, P = 0·004). There was no significant correlation between the two-coloured gum test and the wax cubes test. The two-coloured gum mixing ability test was able to adequately assess masticatory function and is recommended for use in a population of elderly persons with dementia. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Association between sleep disorders, hyperacusis and tinnitus: evaluation with tinnitus questionnaires.

PubMed

Fioretti, Alessandra B; Fusetti, Marco; Eibenstein, Alberto

2013-01-01

Patients with tinnitus are heterogeneous and several factors influence the impact of this symptom on the quality of life. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between age, gender, sleep disorders, hyperacusis and tinnitus annoyance and to demonstrate the utility of tinnitus questionnaires as screening tools for sleep disorders and hyperacusis in patients with tinnitus. 37 consecutive patients (18 males and 19 females) with subjective tinnitus lasting over 3 months were evaluated with a complete interview, otological examination, pure tone audiometry, Italian version of tinnitus sample case history (TSCH) and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI). Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon's rank sum test, the Spearman's rho non-parametric correlation and the logistic regression analysis. THI grades were slight (16%), mild (32%), moderate (30%), severe (19%) and catastrophic (3%). Based on the answers to TSCH 20 patients reported sleep disorders (54%) and 20 patients reported hyperacusis (54%). 11 patients (30%) reported sleep disorders and hyperacusis. No significant correlation was found between the severity of tinnitus and patients' age and gender. Significant correlation was found between sleep disorders (P = 0.0009) and tinnitus annoyance and between hyperacusis (P = 0.03) and tinnitus annoyance. TSCH and THI may be considered as screening tools in the clinical practice to evidence sleep disorders and hyperacusis in patients with tinnitus.

Reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire.

PubMed

Doğan, Hanife; Özengin, Nuriye; Bakar, Yeşim; Duran, Bülent

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to translate the Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (GPFBQ) into Turkish and to assess its validity and reliability. The Turkish adaptation of the GPFBQ was created by following the stages of the intercultural adaptation process. A test-retest interval of 1 week was used to assess the reliability, which was examined by the intraclass correlation coefficient. The validity of the GPFBQ was assessed and compared with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. For construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis was performed. A total of 131 women, whose mean age was 46.83 years, were included in the study. The test-retest reliability of the GPFBQ was excellent (0.998, p < 0.0001). The GPFBQ correlated significantly with the PFDI-20 (r = 0.860, p = 0.00) and PFIQ-7 (r = 0.802, p = 0.00). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine construct validity, and it was found that it had four dimensions. The Turkish version of the GPFBQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the symptoms of bother and severity in Turkish-speaking women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Evaluation of the relationship between the static measurement of transverse arch flexibility of the forefoot and gait parameters in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Kondo, Takashi; Muneta, Takeshi; Fukui, Tsutomu

2017-03-01

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between the static measurement of the transverse arch of the forefoot, using a 3-dimensional (3D) foot scanner, and kinetics and kinematics of gait parameters in the sagittal plane. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. The transverse arch of the forefoot was measured under three conditions as follows: condition 1, sitting; condition 2, standing; and condition 3, foot forward and lower leg tilting anteriorly to the maximum position with heel contact. Gait parameters were recorded using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Correlation coefficients between TAF for each comparison of conditions and gait parameters were calculated using the Spearman correlation analysis. [Results] Rates of the transverse arch of the forefoot width and height between condition 2 and condition 3 were significantly correlated with the anterior and posterior component of ground reaction forces, the hip joint extension angle, and the ankle plantar flexion moment. [Conclusion] Our study's findings indicated that increased stiffness of the transverse arch of the forefoot was related to the increase in ankle plantar moment, and decreased stiffness of the transverse arch of the forefoot was related to the increase in hip joint extension angle during gait.

Evaluation of the relationship between the static measurement of transverse arch flexibility of the forefoot and gait parameters in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Kondo, Takashi; Muneta, Takeshi; Fukui, Tsutomu

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between the static measurement of the transverse arch of the forefoot, using a 3-dimensional (3D) foot scanner, and kinetics and kinematics of gait parameters in the sagittal plane. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. The transverse arch of the forefoot was measured under three conditions as follows: condition 1, sitting; condition 2, standing; and condition 3, foot forward and lower leg tilting anteriorly to the maximum position with heel contact. Gait parameters were recorded using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Correlation coefficients between TAF for each comparison of conditions and gait parameters were calculated using the Spearman correlation analysis. [Results] Rates of the transverse arch of the forefoot width and height between condition 2 and condition 3 were significantly correlated with the anterior and posterior component of ground reaction forces, the hip joint extension angle, and the ankle plantar flexion moment. [Conclusion] Our study’s findings indicated that increased stiffness of the transverse arch of the forefoot was related to the increase in ankle plantar moment, and decreased stiffness of the transverse arch of the forefoot was related to the increase in hip joint extension angle during gait. PMID:28356622

Epistaxis grading in Osler's disease: comparison of comprehensive scores with detailed bleeding diaries.

PubMed

Parzefall, Thomas; Wolf, Axel; Frei, Klemens; Kaider, Alexandra; Riss, Dominik

2017-03-01

Use of reliable grading scores to measure epistaxis severity in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is essential in clinical routine and for scientific purposes. For practical reasons, visual analog scale (VAS) scoring and the Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) are widely used. VAS scores are purely subjective, and a potential shortcoming of the ESS is that it is based on self-reported anamnestic bleeding data. The aim of this study was to validate the level of correlation between VAS scores, the ESS, and actual bleeding events, based on detailed epistaxis diaries of patients. Records from daily epistaxis diaries maintained by 16 HHT patients over 112 consecutive days were compared with the monthly ESS and daily VAS scores in the corresponding time period. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient, analysis of variance models, and multiple R 2 measures were used for statistical analysis. Although the ESS and VAS scores generally showed a high degree of correlation with actual bleeding events, mild events were underrepresented in both scores. Our results highlight the usefulness of the ESS as a standard epistaxis score in cohorts with moderate to severe degrees of epistaxis. The use of detailed epistaxis diaries should be considered when monitoring patients and cohorts with mild forms of HHT. © 2016 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Metacognitive reading strategies of children with learning disabilities.

PubMed

Nicolielo-Carrilho, Ana Paola; Hage, Simone Rocha de Vasconcellos

2017-05-15

to check the use of metacognitive reading strategies in children with learning disabilities and determine whether there is a relationship between their use and text comprehension. the study was conducted on 30 children, aged 8 to 12 years, of both genders, divided into experimental group (EG) - 15 children with learning disabilities; and control group (CG) - 15 children without disability. All children were submitted to the Reading Strategies Scale and Prolec text comprehension subtest. The sample was described in mean, median, minimum and maximum values. Comparative analysis was performed between the groups using the Mann-Whitney test. The degree of correlation between variables was verified by Spearman Correlation Analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. across the total scores of the scale, EG performance was lower in all descriptive measures, with a significant difference compared to CG. The EG achieved a performance close to children without difficulties only in global strategies. The correlation between the use of metacognitive strategies and reading comprehension was positive. children with learning disabilities showed deficits in the use of metacognitive reading strategies when compared to children without learning disabilities. The better the performance in reading strategies, the better textual comprehension was and vice versa, suggesting that metacognitive reading skills contribute to reading comprehension.

Associations Between Physician Empathy, Physician Characteristics, and Standardized Measures of Patient Experience.

PubMed

Chaitoff, Alexander; Sun, Bob; Windover, Amy; Bokar, Daniel; Featherall, Joseph; Rothberg, Michael B; Misra-Hebert, Anita D

2017-10-01

To identify correlates of physician empathy and determine whether physician empathy is related to standardized measures of patient experience. Demographic, professional, and empathy data were collected during 2013-2015 from Cleveland Clinic Health System physicians prior to participation in mandatory communication skills training. Empathy was assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data were also collected for seven measures (six provider communication items and overall provider rating) from the visit-specific and 12-month Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group (CG-CAHPS) surveys. Associations between empathy and provider characteristics were assessed by linear regression, ANOVA, or a nonparametric equivalent. Significant predictors were included in a multivariable linear regression model. Correlations between empathy and CG-CAHPS scores were assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. In bivariable analysis (n = 847 physicians), female sex (P < .001), specialty (P < .01), outpatient practice setting (P < .05), and DO degree (P < .05) were associated with higher empathy scores. In multivariable analysis, female sex (P < .001) and four specialties (obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and thoracic surgery; all P < .05) were significantly associated with higher empathy scores. Of the seven CG-CAHPS measures, scores on five for the 583 physicians with visit-specific data and on three for the 277 physicians with 12-month data were positively correlated with empathy. Specialty and sex were independently associated with physician empathy. Empathy was correlated with higher scores on multiple CG-CAHPS items, suggesting improving physician empathy might play a role in improving patient experience.

Correlation between safety climate and contractor safety assessment programs in construction

PubMed Central

Sparer, EH1; Murphy, LA; Taylor, KM; Dennerlein, Jt

2015-01-01

Background Contractor safety assessment programs (CSAPs) measure safety performance by integrating multiple data sources together; however, the relationship between these measures of safety performance and safety climate within the construction industry is unknown. Methods 401 construction workers employed by 68 companies on 26 sites and 11 safety managers employed by 11 companies completed brief surveys containing a nine-item safety climate scale developed for the construction industry. CSAP scores from ConstructSecure, Inc., an online CSAP database, classified these 68 companies as high or low scorers, with the median score of the sample population as the threshold. Spearman rank correlations evaluated the association between the CSAP score and the safety climate score at the individual level, as well as with various grouping methodologies. In addition, Spearman correlations evaluated the comparison between manager-assessed safety climate and worker-assessed safety climate. Results There were no statistically significant differences between safety climate scores reported by workers in the high and low CSAP groups. There were, at best, weak correlations between workers’ safety climate scores and the company CSAP scores, with marginal statistical significance with two groupings of the data. There were also no significant differences between the manager-assessed safety climate and the worker-assessed safety climate scores. Conclusions A CSAP safety performance score does not appear to capture safety climate, as measured in this study. The nature of safety climate in construction is complex, which may be reflective of the challenges in measuring safety climate within this industry. PMID:24038403

Surface area and volume determination of subgingival calculus using laser fluorescence.

PubMed

Shakibaie, Fardad; Walsh, Laurence J

2014-03-01

Visible red (655 nm) laser fluorescence (LF) devices are currently used for identifying deposits of subgingival calculus on the root surfaces of teeth during dental examination and treatment; however, it is not known how the fluorescence readings produced by commercially available LF systems correlate to the nature of the deposits. This laboratory study explored the correlation between LF digital readings and the surface area and volume of subgingival calculus deposits on teeth. A collection of 30 extracted human posterior teeth with various levels of subgingival deposits of calculus across 240 sites were used in a clinical simulation, with silicone impression material used to replicate periodontal soft tissues. The teeth were scored by two examiners by using three commercial LF systems (DIAGNOdent, DIAGNOdent Pen and KEY3). The silicone was removed, and the teeth were removed for photography at × 20 magnification under white or ultraviolet light. The surface area, thickness, and volume were calculated, and both linear least squares regression and nonlinear (Spearman's rank method) correlation coefficients were determined. Visible red LF digital readings showed better correlation to calculus volume than to surface area. Overall, the best performance was found for the KEY3 system (Spearman coefficient 0.59), compared to the Classic DIAGNOdent (0.56) and the DIAGNOdent Pen (0.49). These results indicate that while visible red LF systems vary somewhat in performance, their LF readings provide a useful estimation of the volume of subgingival calculus deposits present on teeth.

Validity and reproducibility of self-reported working hours among Japanese male employees.

PubMed

Imai, Teppei; Kuwahara, Keisuke; Miyamoto, Toshiaki; Okazaki, Hiroko; Nishihara, Akiko; Kabe, Isamu; Mizoue, Tetsuya; Dohi, Seitaro

2016-07-22

Working long hours is a potential health hazard. Although self-reporting of working hours in various time frames has been used in epidemiologic studies, its validity is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the validity and reproducibility of self-reported working hours among Japanese male employees. The participants were 164 male employees of four large-scale companies in Japan. For validity, the Spearman correlation between self-reported working hours in the second survey and the working hours recorded by the company was calculated for the following four time frames: daily working hours, monthly overtime working hours in the last month, average overtime working hours in the last 3 months, and the frequency of long working months (≥45 h/month) within the last 12 months. For reproducibility, the intraclass correlation between the first (September 2013) and second surveys (December 2013) was calculated for each of the four time frames. The Spearman correlations between self-reported working hours and those based on company records were 0.74, 0.81, 0.85, and 0.89 for daily, monthly, 3-monthly, and yearly time periods, respectively. The intraclass correlations for self-reported working hours between the two questionnaire surveys were 0.63, 0.66, 0.73, and 0.87 for the respective time frames. The results of the present study among Japanese male employees suggest that the validity of self-reported working hours is high for all four time frames, whereas the reproducibility is moderate to high.

SU-F-R-45: The Prognostic Value of Radiotherapy Based On the Changes of Texture Features Between Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment FDG PET Image for NSCLC Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, C; Yin, Y

Purpose: The purpose of this research is investigating which texture features extracted from FDG-PET images by gray-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM) have a higher prognostic value than the other texture features. Methods: 21 non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients were approved in the study. Patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans with both pre-treatment and post-treatment. Firstly, the tumors were extracted by our house developed software. Secondly, the clinical features including the maximum SUV and tumor volume were extracted by MIM vista software, and texture features including angular second moment, contrast, inverse different moment, entropy and correlation were extracted using MATLAB.The differences can be calculatedmore » by using post-treatment features to subtract pre-treatment features. Finally, the SPSS software was used to get the Pearson correlation coefficients and Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the change ratios of texture features and change ratios of clinical features. Results: The Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficient between contrast and SUV maximum is 0.785 and 0.709. The P and S value between inverse difference moment and tumor volume is 0.953 and 0.942. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that the relationships between different texture features and the same clinical feature are different. Finding the prognostic value of contrast and inverse difference moment were higher than the other three textures extracted by GLCM.« less

What is the most suitable MR signal index for quantitative evaluation of placental function using Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo compared with T2-relaxation time?

PubMed

Kameyama, Kyoko Nakao; Kido, Aki; Himoto, Yuki; Moribata, Yusaku; Minamiguchi, Sachiko; Konishi, Ikuo; Togashi, Kaori

2018-06-01

Background Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) imaging is now widely used for placental and fetal imaging because of its rapidity and low sensitivity to fetal movement. If placental dysfunction is also predicted by quantitative value obtained from HASTE image, then it might be beneficial for evaluating placental wellbeing. Purpose To ascertain the most suitable magnetic resonance (MR) signal indexes reflecting placental function using HASTE imaging. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 37 consequent patients who had given informed consent to MR imaging (MRI) examinations. All had undergone MRI examinations between February 2014 and June 2015. First, the correlation between T2-relaxation time of normal placenta and gestational age (GA) was examined. Second, correlation between signal intensity ratios (SIRs) using HASTE imaging and placental T2-relaxation time were assessed. The SIRs were calculated using placental signal intensity (SI) relative to the SI of the amniotic fluid, fetal ocular globes, gastric fluid, bladder, maternal psoas major muscles, and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. Results Among the 37 patients, the correlation between T2-relaxation time of the 25 normal placentas and GA showed a moderately strong correlation (Spearman rho = -0.447, P = 0.0250). The most significant correlation with placental T2-relaxation time was observed with the placental SIR relative to the maternal psoas major muscles (SIR pl./psoas muscle ) (Spearman rho = -0.531, P = 0.0007). Conclusion This study revealed that SIR pl./psoas muscle showed the best correlation to placental T2-relaxation time. Results show that SIR pl./psoas muscle might be optimal as a clinically available quantitative index of placental function.

Translation and Validation of the Dysphagia Handicap Index in Hebrew-Speaking Patients.

PubMed

Shapira-Galitz, Yael; Drendel, Michael; Yousovich-Ulriech, Ruth; Shtreiffler-Moskovich, Liat; Wolf, Michael; Lahav, Yonatan

2018-06-07

The Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) is a 25-item questionnaire assessing the physical, functional, and emotional aspects of dysphagia patients' quality of life (QoL). The study goal was to translate and validate the Hebrew-DHI. 148 patients undergoing fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) in two specialized dysphagia clinics between February and August 2017 filled the Hebrew-DHI and self-reported their dysphagia severity on a scale of 1-7. 21 patients refilled the DHI during a 2-week period following their first visit. FEES were scored for residue (1 point per consistency), penetration and aspiration (1 point for penetration, 2 points for aspiration, per consistency). 51 healthy volunteers also filled the DHI. Internal consistency and test-retest reproducibility were used for reliability testing. Validity was established by comparing DHI scores of dysphagia patients and healthy controls. Concurrent validity was established by correlating the DHI score with the FEES score. Internal consistency of the Hebrew-DHI was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96), as was the test-retest reproducibility (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.82, p < 0.001). The Hebrew-DHI's total score, and its three subscales (physical/functional/emotional) were significantly higher in dysphagia patients compared to those in healthy controls (median 38 pts, IQR 18-56 for dysphagia patients compared to 0, IQR 0-2 for healthy controls, p < 0.0001). A strong correlation was observed between the DHI score and the self-reported dysphagia severity measure (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.88, p < 0.0001). A moderate correlation was found between the DHI score and the FEES score (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.245, p = 0.003). The Hebrew-DHI is a reliable and valid questionnaire assessing dysphagia patients' QoL.

Intraocular pressure and its correlation with midnight plasma cortisol level in Cushing's disease and other endogenous Cushing's syndrome.

PubMed

Mishra, Priyadarshini; Singh, Alok Pratap; Kanaujia, Vikas; Agarwal, Rachna; Mishra, Prabhaker; Guleria, Ashwani; Tripathi, Alka

2017-09-01

The purpose of this study is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and evaluate the correlation between IOP and midnight plasma cortisol (MPC) level in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) and other endogenous Cushing's syndrome (ECS). This is a cross-sectional study from a single center including newly diagnosed patients with CD or ECS. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmological evaluation. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry in the morning and evening on two consecutive days. MPC value was obtained for each patient. The data were compared using paired and unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Among 32 patients, 22 were CD (68.75%) and 10 patients were other ECS (31.25%). A total of 25 patients (78.12%) in our study group had normal IOP (<22 mmHg), and seven patients (21.88%) had increased IOP (≥22 mmHg). The percentage of patients with normal IOP was found to be significantly higher compared to percentage of patients with high IOP (P = 0.001) using one-sample Chi-square test. Mean MPC value was 468.6 ± 388.3 nmol/L in patients having IOP ≥22 mmHg and 658.5 ± 584 nmol/L in those with IOP <22 mmHg from both CD and ECS groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between IOP and MPC (Spearman's rank correlation rho = -0.16 [P = 0.38]). In CD and ECS patients, IOP elevation is an uncommon feature, and high IOP in either group does not correlate with MPC level.

Trends of pesticides and nitrate in ground water of the Central Columbia Plateau, Washington, 1993-2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frans, L.

2008-01-01

Pesticide and nitrate data for ground water sampled in the Central Columbia Plateau, Washington, between 1993 and 2003 by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program were evaluated for trends in concentration. A total of 72 wells were sampled in 1993-1995 and again in 2002-2003 in three well networks that targeted row crop and orchard land use settings as well as the regional basalt aquifer. The Regional Kendall trend test indicated that only deethylatrazine (DEA) concentrations showed a significant trend. Deethylatrazine concentrations were found to increase beneath the row crop land use well network, the regional aquifer well network, and for the dataset as a whole. No other pesticides showed a significant trend (nor did nitrate) in the 72-well dataset. Despite the lack of a trend in nitrate concentrations within the National Water-Quality Assessment dataset, previous work has found a statistically significant decrease in nitrate concentrations from 1998-2002 for wells with nitrate concentrations above 10 mg L-1 within the Columbia Basin ground water management area, which is located within the National Water-Quality Assessment study unit boundary. The increasing trend in DEA concentrations was found to negatively correlate with soil hydrologic group using logistic regression and with soil hydrologic group and drainage class using Spearman's correlation. The decreasing trend in high nitrate concentrations was found to positively correlate with the depth to which the well was cased using logistic regression, to positively correlate with nitrate application rates and sand content of the soil, and to negatively correlate with soil hydrologic group using Spearman's correlation. Copyright ?? 2008 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. All rights reserved.

Plasma concentrations of midazolam during continuous subcutaneous administration in palliative care.

PubMed

Bleasel, M D; Peterson, G M; Dunne, P F

1994-01-01

We have investigated the steady-state plasma concentrations of midazolam during continuous subcutaneous administration in palliative care. Using a sensitive gas chromatography with electron capture detector assay, plasma concentrations of midazolam were measured in 11 patients (median age 68 years; range 47-82 years; six females) receiving the drug by continuous subcutaneous infusion (median rate 20 mg/day; range 10-60 mg/day). While not significant, the infusion rate tended to decrease with increasing age of the patient (Spearman's p = -0.51; p = 0.11). The steady-state plasma concentration range was 10-147 ng/ml, with a median of 30 ng/ml. Infusion rates and plasma concentrations of midazolam were correlated (Spearman's p = 0.71; p < 0.05). No other significant relationships were found between plasma concentrations and the variables of age, sex and liver function.

A meta-analysis of the validity of FFQ targeted to adolescents.

PubMed

Tabacchi, Garden; Filippi, Anna Rita; Amodio, Emanuele; Jemni, Monèm; Bianco, Antonino; Firenze, Alberto; Mammina, Caterina

2016-05-01

The present work is aimed at meta-analysing validity studies of FFQ for adolescents, to investigate their overall accuracy and variables that can affect it negatively. A meta-analysis of sixteen original articles was performed within the ASSO Project (Adolescents and Surveillance System in the Obesity prevention). The articles assessed the validity of FFQ for adolescents, compared with food records or 24 h recalls, with regard to energy and nutrient intakes. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients, means/standard deviations, kappa agreement, percentiles and mean differences/limits of agreement (Bland-Altman method) were extracted. Pooled estimates were calculated and heterogeneity tested for correlation coefficients and means/standard deviations. A subgroup analysis assessed variables influencing FFQ accuracy. An overall fair/high correlation between FFQ and reference method was found; a good agreement, measured through the intake mean comparison for all nutrients except sugar, carotene and K, was observed. Kappa values showed fair/moderate agreement; an overall good ability to rank adolescents according to energy and nutrient intakes was evidenced by data of percentiles; absolute validity was not confirmed by mean differences/limits of agreement. Interviewer administration mode, consumption interval of the previous year/6 months and high number of food items are major contributors to heterogeneity and thus can reduce FFQ accuracy. The meta-analysis shows that FFQ are accurate tools for collecting data and could be used for ranking adolescents in terms of energy and nutrient intakes. It suggests how the design and the validation of a new FFQ should be addressed.

Assessing SOC labile fractions through respiration test, density-size fractionation and thermal analysis - A comparison of methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soucemarianadin, Laure; Cécillon, Lauric; Chenu, Claire; Baudin, François; Nicolas, Manuel; Savignac, Florence; Barré, Pierre

2017-04-01

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the biggest terrestrial carbon reservoir, storing 3 to 4 times more carbon than the atmosphere. However, despite its major importance for climate regulation SOM dynamics remains insufficiently understood. For instance, there is still no widely accepted method to assess SOM lability. Soil respiration tests and particulate organic matter (POM) obtained by different fractionation schemes have been used for decades and are now considered as classical estimates of very labile and labile soil organic carbon (SOC), respectively. But the pertinence of these methods to characterize SOM turnover can be questioned. Moreover, they are very time-consuming and their reproducibility might be an issue. Alternate ways of determining the labile SOC component are thus well-needed. Thermal analyses have been used to characterize SOM among which Rock-Eval 6 (RE6) analysis of soil has shown promising results in the determination of SOM biogeochemical stability (Gregorich et al., 2015; Barré et al., 2016). Using a large set of samples of French forest soils representing contrasted pedoclimatic conditions, including deep samples (up to 1 m depth), we compared different techniques used for SOM lability assessment. We explored whether results from soil respiration test (10-week laboratory incubations), SOM size-density fractionation and RE6 thermal analysis were comparable and how they were correlated. A set of 222 (respiration test and RE6), 103 (SOM fractionation and RE6) and 93 (respiration test, SOM fractionation and RE6) forest soils samples were respectively analyzed and compared. The comparison of the three methods (n = 93) using a principal component analysis separated samples from the surface (0-10 cm) and deep (40-80 cm) layers, highlighting a clear effect of depth on the short-term persistence of SOC. A correlation analysis demonstrated that, for these samples, the two classical methods of labile SOC determination (respiration and SOM fractionation) were only weakly positively correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.26, n = 93). Similarly, soil respiration had only a weak negative correlation (Spearman's ρ = -0.24, n = 93; ρ = -0.33, n = 222) with the RE6 parameter T50 CH pyrolysis. This parameter, previously used as an indicator of labile SOC (Gregorich et al., 2015), represents the temperature at which 50% of the OM was pyrolyzed to effluents (mainly hydrocarbons) during the pyrolysis phase of RE6. Conversely, POC content (% of total SOC) showed a higher negative correlation with T50 CH pyrolysis (ρ = -0.66, n = 93; ρ = -0.65, n = 103) and was positively and negatively correlated to the hydrogen index, HI (mg HC/g TOC; ρ = 0.56/0.53) and the oxygen index, OI (mg CO2/g TOC; ρ = -0.63/-0.62) respectively. Our results showed that RE6 results are consistent with respiration and fractionation results: SOC with higher respiration rate and higher POC content burns at a lower temperature. RE6 thermal analysis could therefore be viewed as a useful fast and cost effective alternative to more time-consuming methods used in SOM fractions determination. Barré, P. et al. Biogeochemistry 2016, 1-12, 130. Gregorich, E.G. et al. Soil Biol. Biochem. 2015, 182-191, 91.

Rasch analysis of three dry eye questionnaires and correlates with objective clinical tests.

PubMed

McAlinden, Colm; Gao, Rongrong; Wang, Qinmei; Zhu, Senmiao; Yang, Jing; Yu, Ayong; Bron, Anthony J; Huang, Jinhai

2017-04-01

To assess the psychometric properties of Chinese versions of the Ocular Comfort Index (OCI), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and McMonnies questionnaires. Further, to assess the correlation between questionnaire scores and objective dry eye disease (DED) clinical tests. Translated versions of the OCI, OSDI and McMonnies questionnaires were completed in a random order by 238 participants with DED. Objective clinical tests included visual acuity (VA), fluorescein tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer I testing and meibomian gland grading. Rasch analysis was used to assess questionnaire psychometrics and spearman rank for correlations. For the OCI, the person separation was 2.31, item infit and outfit statistics ranged from 0.74-1.14 and 0.75-1.32, respectively, and targeting 1.54 logits. For the OSDI, person separation was 0.94. None of the three subscales provided valid measurements based on Rasch analysis. For the McMonnies questionnaire, person separation was 1.17, item infit and outfit statistics ranged from 0.7 to 1.21 and 0.51-3.49, respectively. There were weak correlations between questionnaire scores and clinical tests. There were weak correlations between OSDI scores and VA, fluorescein TBUT, Schirmer I testing and corneal fluorescein staining. There were weak correlations between McMonnies scores and VA, fluorescein TBUT, Schirmer I testing, and corneal fluorescein staining and meibomian gland grading. The OCI questionnaire was the only questionnaire that provided valid measurement on the basis of Rasch analysis, although slight multidimensionality was found. There were weak correlations between OCI scores and fluorescein TBUT, Schirmer I testing, and corneal fluorescein staining. Due to this paradoxical disconnect between symptoms and signs and the repeatability of tests, the use of both subjective and objective markers in the clinical management of patients or as endpoints in clinical trials would appear prudent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Homicide mortality, socioeconomic development, and police violence in the city of São Paulo, Brazil].

PubMed

Peres, Maria Fernanda Tourinho; Cardia, Nancy; de Mesquita Neto, Paulo; Dos Santos, Patrícia Carla; Adorno, Sérgio

2008-04-01

To analyze the association between police violence and homicide mortality rates taking into consideration the effect of contextual variables. This was an environmental, cross-sectional study that included the 96 census districts in the City of São Paulo. The association between the variables was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and simple and multiple regression analysis. Univariate analysis revealed a strong and significant association between homicide mortality coefficients and all the indicators of socioeconomic development and police violence. After controlling for potential confounding factors, the association between police violence and homicide mortality coefficients remained strong and significant. This significance was lost only after control for the size of the resident population. The results indicate that police action that violates basic human rights is not the right answer to urban violence. The combination of homicides from interpersonal violence and deaths from police violence results in negative socialization and promotes further violence.

Differences in hemispherical thalamo-cortical causality analysis during resting-state fMRI.

PubMed

Anwar, Abdul Rauf; Muthalib, Makii; Perrey, Stephane; Wolff, Stephan; Deuschl, Guunther; Heute, Ulrich; Muthuraman, Muthuraman

2014-01-01

Thalamus is a very important part of the human brain. It has been reported to act as a relay for the messaging taking place between the cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain. In the present study, we analyze the functional network between both hemispheres of the brain with the focus on thalamus. We used conditional Granger causality (CGC) and time-resolved partial directed coherence (tPDC) to investigate the functional connectivity. Results of CGC analysis revealed the asymmetry between connection strengths of the bilateral thalamus. Upon testing the functional connectivity of the default-mode network (DMN) at low-frequency fluctuations (LFF) and comparing coherence vectors using Spearman's rank correlation, we found that thalamus is a better source for the signals directed towards the contralateral regions of the brain, however, when thalamus acts as sink, it is a better sink for signals generated from ipsilateral regions of the brain.

Daily Mini Quizzes as Means for Improving Student Performance in Anatomy Course

PubMed Central

Poljičanin, Ana; Čarić, Ana; Vilović, Katarina; Košta, Vana; Marinović Guić, Maja; Aljinović, Jure; Grković, Ivica

2009-01-01

Aim To evaluate daily-written 10-question quizzes in a medical anatomy course as a way to integrate assessment into the course and to evaluate their effect on the course success. Methods Students answering correctly 8/10 or more questions were awarded 0.5 points per quiz. There were 34 quizzes with a maximum point score 17. Measurable outcomes of academic progress in anatomy course (pass rates on 4 examination terms, total pass rate, and average marks) were calculated, and 2007/08 academic year was compared with the previous academic year in which daily written quizzes were not a part of the course. The relationship between cumulative points on daily quizzes and 3 components of the final examination (written, practical, and oral) for 2007/08 academic year was assessed by non-parametric correlation testing. Results Individual scores on quizzes ranged from 1.5 to 13.5 points. There was a positive correlation between scores on quizzes and grades on 3 components of the final examination: written (Spearman ρ = 0.784, P < 0.001, n = 79), practical (Spearman ρ = 0.342, P < 0.002, n = 79), and oral (Spearman ρ = 0.683, P < 0.001, n = 79) part. Compared with students in the previous academic year, students attending the course with daily quizzes significantly improved their academic achievement, expressed as the pass rate at the first examination term (39% vs 62%, respectively, χ2 test, P = 0.006) and the average course grade (2.71 ± 1.08 vs 3.38 ± 1.26, respectively; t test, P < 0.001). Conclusion Despite their frequency and possible associated stress, daily quizzes were associated with better academic success in the anatomy course. PMID:19260145

Role of zinc in chronic gastritis.

PubMed

Marjanović, Ksenija; Dovhanj, Jasna; Kljaić, Ksenija; Sakić, Katarina; Kondza, Goran; Tadzić, Refmir; Vcev, Aleksandar

2010-06-01

Oxidative stress occurs in inflammation of gastric mucosa. The role of zinc in modulating oxidative stress has recently been recognized. Zn deficiency results in an increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and have a higher risk of musoca damage in inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine wheather chronic inflammation affects on the concentration of Zn2+ ions in gastric mucosa of patients with chronic gastritis. Forthy-three patients with chronic gastitis were enrolled. Patients were endoscoped. Histology and scoring of gastritis was performed following the guidelines of the updated Sydney system. Endoscopic finding of mucosa were scored according to a Lanza scoring system. The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, histopathologic changes, intensity of inflammation and zinc concentration were determined from biopsies of gastric mucosa. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine tissue concentrations of zinc. Twenty of 43 patients with chronic gastritis were uninfected by H. pylori. There was no statistically significant difference in tissue concentrations of zinc between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients. From those infected patients 53.3% had chronic active gastritis. There was no statistically significant difference in tissue concentrations of zinc between patients with chronic active gastritis and patients with chronic inactive gastritis (p = 0.966). Zn in antrum showed positive correlation with density of H. pylori in antrum (Spearman' rho = 0.481, p = 0.020), negative correlation with density of H. pylori in corpus (Spearman' rho = -0.492, p = 0.017) and with zinc in corpus (Spearman' rho = 0.631, p =0.001). Tissue concentration of zinc was not affected by chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa in patients with chronic gastritis.

Building Infestation Index for Aedes aegypti and occurrence of dengue fever in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil, from 2001 to 2016.

PubMed

Rivas, Açucena Veleh; Defante, Renata; Delai, Robson Michael; Rios, Jean Avemir; Britto, André da Silva; Leandro, André de Souza; Gonçalves, Daniela Dib

2018-01-01

the Building Infestation Index (BII) uses the Rapid Assay of the Larval Index for Aedes aegypti (LIRAa) to express the relationship between positive and surveyed properties. We evaluated LIRAa and the relationship between the BII and climate variables for dengue cases in Foz do Iguaçu municipality, Paraná. Spearman's correlations for mean precipitation, mean temperature, BII, and dengue cases (time lag). positive correlations between BII and cases, and mean temperature and cases at two months. Weak correlation between precipitation and cases at three months. LIRAa and climate variables correlate with dengue cases.

Reliability and Validity of Food Frequency Questions to Assess Beverage and Food Group Intakes among Low-Income 2- to 4-Year-Old Children.

PubMed

Koleilat, Maria; Whaley, Shannon E

2016-06-01

Fruits, vegetables, sweetened foods, and beverages have been found to have positive and negative associations with obesity in early childhood, yet no rapid assessment tools are available to measure intake of these foods among preschoolers. This study examines the test-retest reliability and validity of a 10-item Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire designed to assess fruits, vegetables, and sweetened foods and beverages intake among 2- to 4-year-old children. The Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire was developed for use in periodic phone surveys conducted with low-income families with preschool-aged children. Seventy primary caregivers of 2- to 4-year-old children completed two Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaires within a 2-week period for test-retest reliability. Participants also completed three 24-hour recalls to allow assessment of validity. Intraclass correlations were used to examine test-retest reliability. Spearman rank correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, and linear regression analyses were used to examine validity of the Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire compared with three 24-hour recalls. Intraclass correlations between Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire administrations ranged from 0.48 for sweetened drinks to 0.87 for regular sodas. Intraclass correlations for fruits, vegetables, and sweetened food were 0.56, 0.49, and 0.56, respectively. Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.15 to 0.59 for beverages, with 0.46 for sugar-sweetened beverages. Spearman rank correlation coefficients for fruits, vegetables, and sweetened food were 0.30, 0.33, and 0.30, respectively. Although observation of the Bland-Altman plots and linear regression analyses showed a slight upward trend in mean differences, with increasing mean intake for five beverage groups, at least 90% of data plots fell within the limits of agreement for all food/beverage groups. The Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire exhibited fair to substantial test-retest reliability and moderate to strong validity in ranking fruits, vegetables, sweetened food, and the majority of beverages consumed by children aged 2 to 4 years old. Although the Child Food and Beverage Intake Questionnaire might not be able to assess the absolute intake of foods and beverages, given the scarcity of an easily administered, valid, and reliable questionnaire to assess nutritional intake among 2- to 4-year-old low-income children, this tool is a useful means for measuring trends in dietary intake among low-income preschoolers. Copyright © 2016 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison between multi-channel LDV and PWI for measurement of pulse wave velocity in distensible tubes: Towards a new diagnostic technique for detection of arteriosclerosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campo, Adriaan; Dudzik, Grzegorz; Apostolakis, Jason; Waz, Adam; Nauleau, Pierre; Abramski, Krzysztof; Dirckx, Joris; Konofagou, Elisa

2017-10-01

The aim of this work, was to compare pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements using Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and the more established ultrasound-based pulse wave imaging (PWI) in smooth vessels. Additionally, it was tested whether changes in phantom structure can be detected using LDV in vessels containing a local hardening of the vessel wall. Results from both methods showed good agreement illustrated by the non-parametric Spearman correlation analysis (Spearman-ρ = 1 and p< 0.05) and the Bland-Altman analysis (mean bias of -0.63 m/s and limits of agreement between -0.35 and -0.90 m/s). The PWV in soft phantoms as measured with LDV was 1.30±0.40 m/s and the PWV in stiff phantoms was 3.6±1.4 m/s. The PWV values in phantoms with inclusions were in between those of soft and stiff phantoms. However, using LDV, given the low number of measurement beams, the exact locations of inclusions could not be determined, and the PWV in the inclusions could not be measured. In conclusion, this study indicates that the PWV as measured with PWI is in good agreement with the PWV measured with LDV although the latter technique has lower spatial resolution, fewer markers and larger distances between beams. In further studies, more LDV beams will be used to allow detection of local changes in arterial wall dynamics due to e.g. small inclusions or local hardenings of the vessel wall.

Correlation between physical examination and three-dimensional gait analysis in the assessment of rotational abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Teixeira, Fernando Borge; Ramalho Júnior, Amancio; Morais Filho, Mauro César de; Speciali, Danielli Souza; Kawamura, Catia Miyuki; Lopes, José Augusto Fernandes; Blumetti, Francesco Camara

2018-01-01

Objective To evaluate the correlation between physical examination data concerning hip rotation and tibial torsion with transverse plane kinematics in children with cerebral palsy; and to determine which time points and events of the gait cycle present higher correlation with physical examination findings. Methods A total of 195 children with cerebral palsy seen at two gait laboratories from 2008 and 2016 were included in this study. Physical examination measurements included internal hip rotation, external hip rotation, mid-point hip rotation and the transmalleolar axis angle. Six kinematic parameters were selected for each segment to assess hip rotation and shank-based foot rotation. Correlations between physical examination and kinematic measures were analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficients, and a significance level of 5% was considered. Results Comparing physical examination measurements of hip rotation and hip kinematics, we found moderate to strong correlations for all variables (p<0.001). The highest coefficients were seen between the mid-point hip rotation on physical examination and hip rotation kinematics (rho range: 0.48-0.61). Moderate correlations were also found between the transmalleolar axis angle measurement on physical examination and foot rotation kinematics (rho range 0.44-0.56; p<0.001). Conclusion These findings may have clinical implications in the assessment and management of transverse plane gait deviations in children with cerebral palsy.

Comparative evaluation between cervical vertebral morphology and hand-wrist morphology for skeletal maturation assessment.

PubMed

Grippaudo, C; Garcovich, D; Volpe, G; Lajolo, C

2006-05-01

The aim of the study was to find a correlation between the evaluation of skeletal maturation performed by the study of cervical vertebrae maturation indicators and the evaluation obtained by the hand and wrist maturation indicators. Left hand wrist radiographs and the corresponding lateral cephalograms of 90 patients (48 males and 42 females; aged 6 to 14 years) were paired and a study group of 128 pair of radiographs was obtained, having some patients 2 or more radiographs at different times. Hand and wrist radiographs were evaluated according to the protocol proposed by Grave (scores 0 to 9); corresponding lateral cephalograms were evaluated according to the method reported by Baccetti (scores 1 to 5). Values obtained with the 2 methods were analyzed by Spearman's correlation test. When the values were compared globally in the 2 genders a good correlation was obtained (r=0.795; P<0.001); when the correlation was compared separately in the 2 genders a better correlation was observed in females (r=0.84; P<0.001) than in males (r=0.70; P<0.001). The results obtained clearly underline the accuracy of the skeletal maturation evaluation by the analysis of cervical vertebrae in laterolateral cephalograms which can substitute the hand and wrist radiograph for the skeletal maturation evaluation in orthodontic diagnosis.

Correlation Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Evaluation of Extramural Vascular Invasion and Prognostic Parameters of T3 Stage Rectal Cancer.

PubMed

Yu, Jing; Huang, Dong-Ya; Xu, Hui-Xin; Li, Yang; Xu, Qing

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) and the prognostic clinical and histological parameters of stage T3 rectal cancers. Eighty-six patients with T3 stage rectal cancer who received surgical resection without neoadjuvant therapy were included. Magnetic resonance imaging-based EMVI scores were determined. Correlations between the scores and pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen levels, tumor differentiation grade, nodal stage, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were analyzed using Spearman rank coefficient analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging-based EMVI scores were statistically different (P = 0.001) between histological nodal stages (N0 vs N1 vs N2). Correlations were found between magnetic resonance imaging-based EMVI scores and tumor histological grade (rs = 0.227, P = 0.035), histological nodal stage (rs = 0.524, P < 0.001), and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (rs = 0.422; P = 0.016). Magnetic resonance imaging-based EMVI score is correlated with prognostic parameters of T3 stage rectal cancers and has the potential to become an imaging biomarker of tumor aggressiveness. Magnetic resonance imaging-based EMVI may be useful in helping the multidisciplinary team to stratify T3 rectal cancer patients for neoadjuvant therapies.

Negative correlation between body mass index category and physical activity perceptions in children.

PubMed

Van Zant, R Scott; Toney, Julie

2012-10-01

Children's physical activity (PA) choices are influenced by their perceived ability (adequacy) and inclination toward (predilection) PA. The study's purpose was to determine the association of body mass index (BMI) category with PA perceptions in sixth-grade children. A total of 267 children (119 boys, 148 girls; age 11+ y; ht 1.53 SD 0.08 m; wt 49.0 SD 13.5 kg; BMI 20.7 SD 4.8) provided informed consent and completed the study. All were measured for body weight and height and completed the Children's Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) scale. Spearman rank-order correlation analysis was conducted between total CSAPPA score (and three factor scores of adequacy, predilection, and enjoyment) and BMI category relative to gender, body weight classification and for all children. A significant negative correlation was identified between BMI category (p<0.01) and CSAPPA total, adequacy, and predilection score for all children. Girls (but not boys) showed significant negative correlation between BMI category and all CSAPPA scores. A significant negative correlation in BMI category and PA perceptions exists in children, with the relationship being stronger in girls. Children with increased BMI may have adverse perceptions of PA and risks for sedentary behavior.

Spatial patterns and broad-scale weather cues of beech mast seeding in Europe.

PubMed

Vacchiano, Giorgio; Hacket-Pain, Andrew; Turco, Marco; Motta, Renzo; Maringer, Janet; Conedera, Marco; Drobyshev, Igor; Ascoli, Davide

2017-07-01

Mast seeding is a crucial population process in many tree species, but its spatio-temporal patterns and drivers at the continental scale remain unknown . Using a large dataset (8000 masting observations across Europe for years 1950-2014) we analysed the spatial pattern of masting across the entire geographical range of European beech, how it is influenced by precipitation, temperature and drought, and the temporal and spatial stability of masting-weather correlations. Beech masting exhibited a general distance-dependent synchronicity and a pattern structured in three broad geographical groups consistent with continental climate regimes. Spearman's correlations and logistic regression revealed a general pattern of beech masting correlating negatively with temperature in the summer 2 yr before masting, and positively with summer temperature 1 yr before masting (i.e. 2T model). The temperature difference between the two previous summers (DeltaT model) was also a good predictor. Moving correlation analysis applied to the longest eight chronologies (74-114 yr) revealed stable correlations between temperature and masting, confirming consistency in weather cues across space and time. These results confirm widespread dependency of masting on temperature and lend robustness to the attempts to reconstruct and predict mast years using temperature data. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Use of sentiment analysis for capturing patient experience from free-text comments posted online.

PubMed

Greaves, Felix; Ramirez-Cano, Daniel; Millett, Christopher; Darzi, Ara; Donaldson, Liam

2013-11-01

There are large amounts of unstructured, free-text information about quality of health care available on the Internet in blogs, social networks, and on physician rating websites that are not captured in a systematic way. New analytical techniques, such as sentiment analysis, may allow us to understand and use this information more effectively to improve the quality of health care. We attempted to use machine learning to understand patients' unstructured comments about their care. We used sentiment analysis techniques to categorize online free-text comments by patients as either positive or negative descriptions of their health care. We tried to automatically predict whether a patient would recommend a hospital, whether the hospital was clean, and whether they were treated with dignity from their free-text description, compared to the patient's own quantitative rating of their care. We applied machine learning techniques to all 6412 online comments about hospitals on the English National Health Service website in 2010 using Weka data-mining software. We also compared the results obtained from sentiment analysis with the paper-based national inpatient survey results at the hospital level using Spearman rank correlation for all 161 acute adult hospital trusts in England. There was 81%, 84%, and 89% agreement between quantitative ratings of care and those derived from free-text comments using sentiment analysis for cleanliness, being treated with dignity, and overall recommendation of hospital respectively (kappa scores: .40-.74, P<.001 for all). We observed mild to moderate associations between our machine learning predictions and responses to the large patient survey for the three categories examined (Spearman rho 0.37-0.51, P<.001 for all). The prediction accuracy that we have achieved using this machine learning process suggests that we are able to predict, from free-text, a reasonably accurate assessment of patients' opinion about different performance aspects of a hospital and that these machine learning predictions are associated with results of more conventional surveys.

Non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) estimated by two different dietary assessment methods and its relationship with NEAC plasma levels.

PubMed

Carrión-García, Cayetano Javier; Guerra-Hernández, Eduardo J; García-Villanova, Belén; Molina-Montes, Esther

2017-06-01

We aimed to quantify and compare dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), estimated using two dietary assessment methods, and to explore its relationship with plasma NEAC. Fifty healthy subjects volunteer to participate in this study. Two dietary assessment methods [a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-hour recall (24-HR)] were used to collect dietary information. Dietary NEAC, including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total polyphenols, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, was estimated using several data sources of NEAC content in food. NEAC status was measured in fasting blood samples using the same assays. We performed nonparametric Spearman's correlation analysis between pairs of dietary NEAC (FFQ and 24-HR) and diet-plasma NEAC, with and without the contribution of coffee's NEAC. Partial correlation analysis was used to estimate correlations regardless of variables potentially influencing these relationships. FFQ-based NEAC and 24-HR-based NEAC were moderately correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.54 to 0.71, after controlling for energy intake, age and sex. Statistically significant positive correlations were found for dietary FRAP, either derived from the FFQ or the 24-HR, with plasma FRAP (r ~ 0.30). This weak, albeit statistically significant, correlation for FRAP was mostly present in the fruits and vegetables food groups. Plasma ORAC without proteins and 24-HR-based total ORAC were also positively correlated (r = 0.35). The relationship between dietary NEAC and plasma FRAP and ORAC suggests the dietary NEAC may reflect antioxidant status despite its weak in vivo potential, supporting further its use in oxidative stress-related disease epidemiology.

Hope, Symptoms, and Palliative Care.

PubMed

Davis, Mellar P; Lagman, Ruth; Parala, Armida; Patel, Chirag; Sanford, Tanya; Fielding, Flannery; Brumbaugh, Anita; Gross, James; Rao, Archana; Majeed, Sumreen; Shinde, Shivani; Rybicki, Lisa A

2017-04-01

Hope is important to patients with cancer. Identifying factors that influence hope is important. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain are reported to impair hope. The objective of this study was to determine whether age, gender, marital status, duration of cancer, symptoms, or symptom burden measured by the sum of severity scores on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) correlated with hope measured by the Herth Hope Index (HHI). Patients with advanced cancer in a palliative care unit participated. Demographics including age, gender, marital status, cancer site, and duration of cancer were collected. Individuals completed the ESAS and HHI. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to assess associations adjusting for gender (male vs female), age (< 65 vs ≥ 65 years), marital status (married or living with a partner vs other), and duration of cancer (≤ 12 vs > 12 months). One hundred and ninety-seven were participated in the study, of which 55% were female with a mean age of 61 years (standard deviation 11). Hope was not associated with gender, age, marital status, or duration of cancer. In univariable analysis, hope inversely correlated with ESAS score (-0.28), lack of appetite (-0.22), shortness of breath (-0.17), depression (-0.39), anxiety (-0.32), and lack of well-being (-0.33); only depression was clinically relevant. In multivariable analysis, total symptom burden weakly correlated with hope; only depression remained clinically significant. This study found correlation between symptom burden and hope was not clinically relevant but was so for depression. Among 9 ESAS symptoms, only depression had a clinically relevant correlation with hope.

[Significance and mechanism of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC].

PubMed

Liu, Jin-Kang; Hu, Cheng-Ping; Zhou, Mo-Ling; Zhou, Hui; Xiong, Zeng; Xia, Yu; Chen, Wei

2009-06-01

To determine the significance of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC and to investigate its possible mechanisms. Forty four NSCLC patients underwent CT perfusion scan by MSCT. Among them, 22 cases were selected to detected the two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP), the relationships between CT perfusion parameters (BF, BV, PEI, TIP), and the differentiation of NSCLC were analysed by using the correlation analysis and trend test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationships between CT perfusion parameters, differentiation, and 2D-TMAP. The total BF, BV and PEI decreased with decreasing differentiation of NSCLC (P<0.05). The total PEI showed a positive correlation with the total MVD (P<0.05). There were negative correlations between the surrounding area BF, the total BF, BV, and PEI, the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD, and expression of PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between degree of differentiation and the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD (P<0.05). It was the same as degree of differentiation and expression of PCNA, VEGF, respectively. There were positive correlations between the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD and expression of VEGF, ephrinB2, EphB4, and PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). Perfusion parameters reflect the difference of density of vassels with mature functional lumen. Careful evaluation of the differences of blood flow pattern in pulmonary space-occupying lesions by MSCT perfusion scan can be used to identify the degree of NSCLC differentiation.

The relationship between hemoglobin level and the type 1 diabetic nephropathy in Anhui Han's patients.

PubMed

Jiang, Jun; Lei, Lan; Zhou, Xiaowan; Li, Peng; Wei, Ren

2018-02-20

Recent studies have shown that low hemoglobin (Hb) level promote the progression of chronic kidney disease. This study assessed the relationship between Hb level and type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Anhui Han's patients. There were a total of 236 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus and (T1DM) seen between January 2014 and December 2016 in our centre. Hemoglobin levels in patients with DN were compared with those without DN. The relationship between Hb level and the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was examined by Spearman's correlational analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis. The binary logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlated factors for type 1 DN, calculate the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95%confidence interval (CI). The predicting value of Hb level for DN was evaluated by area under receiver operation characteristic curve (AUROC) for discrimination and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test for calibration. The average Hb levels in the DN group (116.1 ± 20.8 g/L) were significantly lower than the non-DN group (131.9 ± 14.4 g/L) , P < 0.001. Hb levels were independently correlated with the urinary ACR in multiple stepwise regression analysis. The logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the Hb level (OR: 0.936, 95% CI: 0.910 to 0.963, P < 0.001) was inversely correlated with DN in patients with T1DM. In sub-analysis, low Hb level (Hb < 120g/L in female, Hb < 130g/L in male) was still negatively associated with DN in patients with T1DM. The AUROC was 0.721 (95% CI: 0.655 to 0.787) in assessing the discrimination of the Hb level for DN. The value of P was 0.593 in Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. In Anhui Han's patients with T1DM, the Hb level is inversely correlated with urinary ACR and DN. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sulfites and the wine metabolome.

PubMed

Roullier-Gall, Chloé; Hemmler, Daniel; Gonsior, Michael; Li, Yan; Nikolantonaki, Maria; Aron, Alissa; Coelho, Christian; Gougeon, Régis D; Schmitt-Kopplin, Philippe

2017-12-15

In a context of societal concern about food preservation, the reduction of sulfite input plays a major role in the wine industry. To improve the understanding of the chemistry involved in the SO 2 protection, a series of bottle aged Chardonnay wines made from the same must, but with different concentrations of SO 2 added at pressing were analyzed by ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and excitation emission matrix fluorescence (EEMF). Metabolic fingerprints from FT-ICR-MS data could discriminate wines according to the added concentration to the must but they also revealed chemistry-related differences according to the type of stopper, providing a wine metabolomics picture of the impact of distinct stopping strategies. Spearman rank correlation was applied to link the statistically modeled EEMF components (parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)) and the exact mass information from FT-ICR-MS, and thus revealing the extent of sulfur-containing compounds which could show some correlation with fluorescence fingerprints. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rice Varietal Differences in Bioactive Bran Components for Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth

PubMed Central

Forster, Genevieve M.; Raina, Komal; Kumar, Ajay; Kumar, Sushil; Agarwal, Rajesh; Chen, Ming-Hsuan; Bauer, John E.; McClung, Anna M.; Ryan, Elizabeth P.

2013-01-01

Rice bran chemical profiles differ across rice varieties and have not yet been analyzed for differential chemopreventive bioactivity. A diverse panel of 7 rice bran varieties was analyzed for growth inhibition of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Inhibition varied from 0–99%, depending on the variety of bran used. Across varieties, total lipid content ranged 5–16%, individual fatty acids had 1.4 to 1.9 fold differences, vitamin E isoforms (α-, γ-, δ- tocotrienols and tocopherols) showed 1.3 to 15.2 fold differences, and differences in γ- oryzanol and total phenolics ranged between 100–275 ng/mg and 57–146 ng GAE/mg, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify bioactive compounds implicated in CRC cell growth inhibitory activity. Total phenolics and γ- tocotrienol were positively correlated with reduced CRC cell growth (p < 0.05). Stoichiometric variation in rice bran components and differential effects on CRC viability merit further evaluation elucidate their role in dietary CRC chemoprevention. PMID:23790950

Rice varietal differences in bioactive bran components for inhibition of colorectal cancer cell growth.

PubMed

Forster, Genevieve M; Raina, Komal; Kumar, Ajay; Kumar, Sushil; Agarwal, Rajesh; Chen, Ming-Hsuan; Bauer, John E; McClung, Anna M; Ryan, Elizabeth P

2013-11-15

Rice bran chemical profiles differ across rice varieties and have not yet been analysed for differential chemopreventive bioactivity. A diverse panel of seven rice bran varieties was analysed for growth inhibition of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Inhibition varied from 0% to 99%, depending on the variety of bran used. Across varieties, total lipid content ranged 5-16%, individual fatty acids had 1.4- to 1.9-fold differences, vitamin E isoforms (α-, γ-, δ-tocotrienols, and tocopherols) showed 1.3- to 15.2-fold differences, and differences in γ-oryzanol and total phenolics ranged between 100-275ng/mg and 57-146ngGAE/mg, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify bioactive compounds implicated in CRC cell growth inhibitory activity. Total phenolics and γ-tocotrienol were positively correlated with reduced CRC cell growth (p<0.05). Stoichiometric variation in rice bran components and differential effects on CRC viability merit further evaluation elucidate their role in dietary CRC chemoprevention. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cervical vertebral and dental maturity in Turkish subjects.

PubMed

Başaran, Güvenç; Ozer, Törün; Hamamci, Nihal

2007-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the stages of calcification of teeth and the cervical vertebral maturity stages in Turkish subjects. A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed. The final study population consisted of 590 Turkish subjects. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with computer software. Spearman rank order correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between cervical vertebral and dental maturation. For a better understanding of the relationship between cervical vertebral maturation indexes and dental age, percentage distributions of the studied teeth were also calculated. Strict correlations were found between dental and cervical vertebral maturation of Turkish subjects. For males, the sequence from lowest to the highest was third molar, central incisor, canine, first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar. For females, the sequence from lowest to the highest was third molar, canine, second premolar, first premolar, central incisor, first molar, and second molar. Dental maturation stages can be used as a reliable indicator of facial growth.

Tongue thickness relates to nutritional status in the elderly.

PubMed

Tamura, Fumiyo; Kikutani, Takeshi; Tohara, Takashi; Yoshida, Mitsuyoshi; Yaegaki, Ken

2012-12-01

Many elderly people under long-term care suffer from malnutrition caused by dysphagia, frequently leading to sarcopenia. Our hypothesis is that sarcopenia may compromise oral function, resulting in dysphagia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sarcopenia of the lingual muscles by measuring the tongue thickness, and elucidate its relationship with nutritional status. We examined 104 elderly subjects (mean age = 80.3 ± 7.9 years). Anthropometric data, such as triceps skinfold thickness and midarm muscle area (AMA), were obtained. The tongue thickness of the central part was determined using ultrasonography. Measurement was performed twice and the mean value was obtained. The relationship between tongue thickness and nutritional status was analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. AMA and age were identified by multiple-regression analysis as factors influencing tongue thickness. The results of this study suggest that malnutrition may induce sarcopenia not only in the skeletal muscles but also in the tongue.

Comparability of a short food frequency questionnaire to assess diet quality: the DISCOVER study.

PubMed

Dehghan, Mahshid; Ge, Yipeng; El Sheikh, Wala; Bawor, Monica; Rangarajan, Sumathy; Dennis, Brittany; Vair, Judith; Sholer, Heather; Hutchinson, Nichole; Iordan, Elizabeth; Mackie, Pam; Samaan, Zainab

2017-09-01

This study aims to assess comparability of a short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) used in the Determinants of Suicide: Conventional and Emergent Risk Study (DISCOVER Study) with a validated comprehensive FFQ (CFFQ). A total of 127 individuals completed SFFQ and CFFQ. Healthy eating was measured using Healthy Eating Score (HES). Estimated food intake and healthy eating assessed by SFFQ was compared with the CFFQ. For most food groups and HES, the highest Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between the two FFQs were r > .60. For macro-nutrients, the correlations exceeded 0.4. Cross-classification of quantile analysis showed that participants were classified between 46% and 81% into the exact same quantiles, while 10% or less were misclassified into opposite quantiles. The Bland-Altman plots showed an acceptable level of agreement between the two dietary measurement methods. The SFFQ can be used for Canadian with psychiatric disorders to rank them based on their dietary intake.

An investigation of the role of job satisfaction in employees' organizational citizenship behavior.

PubMed

Talachi, Rahil Kazemi; Gorji, Mohammad Bagher; Boerhannoeddin, Ali Bin

2014-06-01

Job satisfaction, as an integral part of organizational environment, can affect organizational citizenship behavior. Therefore, the present paper aimed at determination of the relationship between these two factors among the employees to provide an appropriate model. The population of this study consisted of all employees of Golestan Province industry, mine and trade organization (Iran), the number of whom is 154, out of which, 120 employees were selected as a sample by the simple random sampling method. For collecting the data, two questionnaires of job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior were applied, and the obtained data was analyzed using the statistical methods of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman's correlation, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Regression analysis, F-test and T-test. From the results, it was found that the variable of job satisfaction had a significant positive relationship with organizational citizenship behavior and one unit increase in organizational citizenship behavior is resulted from 0.622 unit increase in job satisfaction.

Profiling of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of 12 Cruciferous Vegetables.

PubMed

Li, Zhifeng; Lee, Hui Wen; Liang, Xu; Liang, Dong; Wang, Qi; Huang, Dejian; Ong, Choon Nam

2018-05-10

The phenolic profiles of 12 cruciferous vegetables (pakchoi, choysum, Chinese cabbage, kailan, Brussels sprout, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, rocket salad, red cherry radish, daikon radish, and watercress) were studied with UHPLC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were also evaluated. A total of 74 phenolic compounds were identified, including 16 hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives, and 58 flavonoids and derivatives. The main flavonoids identified were glycosylated quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin, and the main hydroxycinnamic acids were ferulic, sinapic, caffeic and p -coumaric acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the distribution of phenolic compounds in different genera of cruciferous vegetables was in accordance with their conventional taxonomy. The DPPH, ORAC and TPC values ranged from 1.11 to 9.54 µmoles Trolox equivalent/g FW, 5.34 to 32.92 µmoles Trolox equivalent/g FW, and 0.16 to 1.93 mg gallic acid equivalent/g FW respectively. Spearman’s correlation showed significant ( p < 0.05) positive correlations between TPC, flavonoids and antioxidant activity.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Development of Xerostomia during Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Randall, Ken; Stevens, Jason; Yepes, Juan Fernando; Randall, Marcus E.; Kudrimoti, Mahesh; Feddock, Jonathan; Xi, Jing; Kryscio, Richard J.; Miller, Craig S.

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVES Factors influencing xerostomia during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were assessed. METHODS A 6-week study of 32 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients was performed. Subjects completed the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and provided stimulated saliva (SS) at baseline, week two and at end of IMRT. Influence of SS flow rate (SSFR), calcium and mucin 5b (MUC5b) concentrations and radiation dose on xerostomia was determined. RESULTS HNC subjects experienced mean SSFR decline of 36% by visit two (N=27; p=0.012) and 57% by visit three (N=20; p=0.0004), Concentrations of calcium and MUC5b increased, but not significantly during IMRT (p>0.05). Xerostomia correlated most with decreasing salivary flow rate as determined by Spearman correlations (p<0.04) and linear mixed models (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Although IMRT is sparing to the parotid glands, it has an early effect on SSFR and the constituents in saliva in a manner that is associated with the perception of xerostomia. PMID:23523462

Medical Evidence Influence on Inpatients and Nurses Pain Ratings Agreement

PubMed Central

Samolsky Dekel, Boaz Gedaliahu; Gori, Alberto; Vasarri, Alessio; Sorella, Maria Cristina; Di Nino, Gianfranco; Melotti, Rita Maria

2016-01-01

Biased pain evaluation due to automated heuristics driven by symptom uncertainty may undermine pain treatment; medical evidence moderators are thought to play a role in such circumstances. We explored, in this cross-sectional survey, the effect of such moderators (e.g., nurse awareness of patients' pain experience and treatment) on the agreement between n = 862 inpatients' self-reported pain and n = 115 nurses' pain ratings using a numerical rating scale. We assessed the mean of absolute difference, agreement (κ-statistics), and correlation (Spearman rank) of inpatients and nurses' pain ratings and analyzed congruence categories' (CCs: underestimation, congruence, and overestimation) proportions and dependence upon pain categories for each medical evidence moderator (χ 2 analysis). Pain ratings agreement and correlation were limited; the CCs proportions were further modulated by the studied moderators. Medical evidence promoted in nurses overestimation of low and underestimation of high inpatients' self-reported pain. Knowledge of the negative influence of automated heuristics driven by symptoms uncertainty and medical-evidence moderators on pain evaluation may render pain assessment more accurate. PMID:27445633

[Relationship between body fat and creatinine clearence in adults with and without diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Romero-Campos, Sandra; Viveros-Cortés, Ángel; Medina-Escobedo, Martha; Sansores-España, Delia; Villanueva-Jorge, Salha

2015-01-01

Obesity is a risk factor for renal damage. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body fat percent and creatinine clearance in adult patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An observational prospective cross-correlation study was carried out among adults with and without T2DM between 18 and 60 years of age. It was determined the time of evolution with T2DM, as well as fat percentage (FP), body mass index (BMI), creatinine clearance (Cockroft-Gault [CrCCG]), glycemia and micro/macroalbuminuria. The correlation between CrCCG and FP was determined by Spearman's test. 174 subjects were included in this study. Obesity by BMI and FP in subjects with and without T2DM was similar. Of the studied subjects, 12.6 % didn't have kidney damage and 50.7 % had increased risk of renal disease; the frequencies for stages 1-4 of kidney damage were 12.0, 20.1, 4.0 and 0.6 %, respectively. Spearman's test showed a direct relationship between FP and CrCCG, higher in diabetics (r = 0.418, p < 0.0001) than in non-diabetics (p = 0.327, p < 0.0001). The FP was correlated directly with the CrCCG in subjects with and without T2DM; therefore, we can conclude that the greater the kidney damage, the smaller the fat porcentage in the study sample.

Thromboelastometry

PubMed Central

Dumitrescu, Gabriel; Januszkiewicz, Anna; Ågren, Anna; Magnusson, Maria; Wahlin, Staffan; Wernerman, Jan

2017-01-01

Abstract The severity of liver disease is assessed by scoring systems, which include the conventional coagulation test prothrombin time-the international normalized ratio (PT-INR). However, PT-INR is not predictive of bleeding in liver disease and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) has been suggested to give a better overview of the coagulation system in these patients. It has now been suggested that coagulation as reflected by tromboelastomety may also be used for prognostic purposes. The objective of our study was to investigate whether thrombelastometry may discriminate the degree of liver insufficiency according to the scoring systems Child Pugh and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD). Forty patients with chronic liver disease of different etiologies and stages were included in this observational cross-sectional study. The severity of liver disease was evaluated using the Child-Pugh score and the MELD score, and blood samples for biochemistry, conventional coagulation tests, and ROTEM were collected at the time of the final assessment for liver transplantation. Statistical comparisons for the studied parameters with scores of severity were made using Spearman correlation test and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Spearman correlation coefficients indicated that the thromboelastometric parameters did not correlate with Child-Pugh or MELD scores. The ROC curves of the thromboelastometric parameters could not differentiate advanced stages from early stages of liver cirrhosis. Standard ROTEM cannot discriminate the stage of chronic liver disease in patients with severe chronic liver disease. PMID:28591054

Association between serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and chronic periodontitis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primasari, A.; Sihombing, K. P.

2018-03-01

Serum concentration of [25(OH)D] in Indonesia is at low level although Indonesia is one of Asia country which has a tropical climate. Vitamin D as an immunomodulatory agent invitro and in animal studies. However, data from clinical studies involvement vitamin D to chronic periodontitis are still controversy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum concentration of [25(OH)D] and chronic periodontitis. Totally 45 chronic periodontitis patients were analyzed. Spearman correlation models adjusted for subject and parameter included periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) are analyzed. Totally 51.11% person have serum concentration of [25(OH)D] 21-50ng/mL were called insufficiency, and 15.56% is deficiency. Mean values of PPD >3mm indicating moderate criteria, CAL >4mm meaning severe criteria, and mean grade of BOP >2 degrees means the interdental papilla appears to be filled with little or much blood. Spearman correlation test results showed an inverse correlation between serum concentration of [25(OH)D] to the value of PPD, CAL, and BOP, however, was not statistically significant (r PPD -0.09; r CAL -0.118; r BOP 0.001, p>0.05). Insufficiency serum concentration of 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was not associated significantly with PPD, CAL, and BOP of chronic periodontitis.

Clinical utility of colour flow Doppler ultrasonography in planning anterolateral thigh flap harvest.

PubMed

Patel, Rajan S; Higgins, Kevin M; Enepekides, Danny J; Hamilton, Paul A

2010-10-01

The anatomic variability of cutaneous perforators contributes to the technical challenges of anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap harvest. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and clinical utility of preoperative colour flow Doppler (CFD) ultrasonography in evaluating planned ALT flap donor sites. A prospective study of the infrainguinal vasculature (profunda femoris and lateral circumflex femoral arteries) in 16 consecutive patients scheduled for ALT free flap transfer for reconstruction of head and neck surgical defects was undertaken. All patients underwent CFD ultrasonography. The location of perforators and the thigh thickness determined by CFD ultrasonography were correlated with the actual intraoperative findings using a scatter plot and paired t-test. Two patients were diagnosed with bilateral silent infrainguinal claudication, which precluded safe use of the ALT donor site. In two other patients, the planned ALT donor site ipsilateral to the defect was not used because of silent infrainguinal claudication diagnosed by CFD ultrasonography. In the 14 patients who underwent ALT flap harvest, CFD ultrasonography identified 48 perforators, which coincided with 43 actual perforators found intraoperatively. CFD ultrasonography demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the actual perforator locations (Spearman coefficient .76; p = .55). Although CFD ultrasonography tended to underestimate flap thickness, there was a statistically significant correlation (Spearman coefficient .94; p ≤ .0001) with the actual flap thickness. CFD ultrasonography has clinical utility in facilitating decision making and planning ALT flap harvest.

Prevalence of Sleep Bruxism in IBD Patients and Its Correlation to Other Dental Disorders and Quality of Life

PubMed Central

Caggiano, M.

2018-01-01

Background Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases could experience mouth and teeth disorders and alterations in psychological mood. Vice versa, the psychological status may influence the presence of oral diseases. Aim To evaluate in inflammatory bowel disease patients the prevalence of sleep bruxism and its correlation with the presence of oral diseases, quality of sleep, and psychological disturbances. Methods Patients were consecutively recruited in our clinic and examined for temporomandibular disorders, dental enamel disorders, sleep bruxism, and recurrent aphthous stomatitis by two dentists. Patients also underwent Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Beck Depression Inventory Scale questionnaires. Results 47 patients and 46 controls were included. Sleep bruxism and enamel wear disorders were more frequent in Crohn's disease patients when compared with ulcerative colitis patients and controls (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, resp.). Among groups, no differences were noted for enamel hypoplasia, temporomandibular disorders, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, depression, and quality of sleep. We found a positive correlation between bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (Spearman 0.6, p < 0.001) and between bruxism and pathological sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5) (Spearman 0.3, p < 0.005). Conclusion Bruxism and enamel wear disorders should be routinely searched in Crohn's disease patients. Moreover, the attention of healthcare givers to sleep disturbances should be addressed to all inflammatory bowel disease patients. PMID:29721012

Multilevel Assessment of the Predictive Validity of Teacher Made Tests in the Zimbabwean Primary Education Sector

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machingambi, Zadzisai

2017-01-01

The principal focus of this study was to undertake a multilevel assessment of the predictive validity of teacher made tests in the Zimbabwean primary education sector. A correlational research design was adopted for the study, mainly to allow for statistical treatment of data and subsequent classical hypotheses testing using the spearman's rho.…

Trees grow on money: Urban tree canopy cover and environmental justice

Treesearch

Kirsten Schwarz; Michail Fragkias; Christopher G. Boone; Weiqi Zhou; Melissa McHale; J. Morgan Grove; Jarlath O' Neil-Dunne; Joseph P. McFadden; Geoffrey L. Buckley; Dan Childers; Laura Ogden; Stephanie Pincetl; Diane Pataki; Ali Whitmer; Mary L. Cadenasso; Steven Arthur Loiselle

2015-01-01

This study examines the distributional equity of urban tree canopy (UTC) cover for Baltimore, MD, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh, NC, Sacramento, CA, and Washington, D.C. using high spatial resolution land cover data and census data. Data are analyzed at the Census Block Group levels using Spearman’s correlation, ordinary least squares...

Detecting swift fox: Smoked-plate scent stations versus spotlighting

Treesearch

Daniel W. Uresk; Kieth E. Severson; Jody Javersak

2003-01-01

We compared two methods of detecting presence of swift fox: smoked-plate scent stations and spotlight counts. Tracks were counted on ten 1-mile (1.6-km) transects with bait/tracking plate stations every 0.1 mile (0.16 km). Vehicle spotlight counts were conducted on the same transects. Methods were compared with Spearman's rank order correlation. Repeated measures...

VALIDITY OF THE REARRANGEMENT EXERCISE AS A PREDICTOR OF ESSAY WRITING ABILITY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CONRY, JULIANNE JOYCE

DATA FROM THE PARAGRAPH ORGANIZATION PORTION OF THE CEEB ENGLISH COMPOSITION TEST (ECT) WERE CONVERTED TO THE ORIGINAL RANK-ORDER AND WERE THEN RESCORED BY THREE SYSTEMS USING SPEARMAN'S RHO TO DETERMINE WHICH METHOD YIELDED SCORES THAT CORRELATED BEST WITH TOTAL ESSAY SCORES. TWO OF THE METHODS INVESTIGATED, ONE IN WHICH THE NUMBER OF SCORES WAS…

Optimal affinity ranking for automated virtual screening validated in prospective D3R grand challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wingert, Bentley M.; Oerlemans, Rick; Camacho, Carlos J.

2018-01-01

The goal of virtual screening is to generate a substantially reduced and enriched subset of compounds from a large virtual chemistry space. Critical in these efforts are methods to properly rank the binding affinity of compounds. Prospective evaluations of ranking strategies in the D3R grand challenges show that for targets with deep pockets the best correlations (Spearman ρ 0.5) were obtained by our submissions that docked compounds to the holo-receptors with the most chemically similar ligand. On the other hand, for targets with open pockets using multiple receptor structures is not a good strategy. Instead, docking to a single optimal receptor led to the best correlations (Spearman ρ 0.5), and overall performs better than any other method. Yet, choosing a suboptimal receptor for crossdocking can significantly undermine the affinity rankings. Our submissions that evaluated the free energy of congeneric compounds were also among the best in the community experiment. Error bars of around 1 kcal/mol are still too large to significantly improve the overall rankings. Collectively, our top of the line predictions show that automated virtual screening with rigid receptors perform better than flexible docking and other more complex methods.

Toxic trace elements in maternal and cord blood and social determinants in a Bolivian mining city

PubMed Central

Barbieri, Flavia L.; Gardon, Jacques; Ruiz-Castell, María; Paco V., Pamela; Muckelbauer, Rebecca; Casiot, Corinne; Freydier, Rémi; Duprey, Jean-Louis; Chen, Chih-Mei; Müller-Nordhorn, Jacqueline; Keil, Thomas

2016-01-01

This study assessed lead, arsenic, and antimony in maternal and cord blood, and associations between maternal concentrations and social determinants in the Bolivian mining city of Oruro using the baseline assessment of the ToxBol/Mine-Niño birth cohort. We recruited 467 pregnant women, collecting venous blood and sociodemographic information as well as placental cord blood at birth. Metallic/semimetallic trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Lead medians in maternal and cord blood were significantly correlated (Spearman coefficient = 0.59; p < 0.001; 19.35 and 13.50 μg/L, respectively). Arsenic concentrations were above detection limit (3.30 μg/L) in 17.9 % of maternal and 34.6 % of cord blood samples. They were not associated (Fischer’s p = 0.72). Antimony medians in maternal and cord blood were weakly correlated (Spearman coefficient = 0.15; p < 0.03; 9.00 and 8.62 μg/L, respectively). Higher concentrations of toxic elements in maternal blood were associated with maternal smoking, low educational level, and partner involved in mining. PMID:26179629

Efficacy of guided spiral drawing in the classification of Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Zham, Poonam; Arjunan, Sridhar; Raghav, Sanjay; Kumar, Dinesh Kant

2017-10-11

Change of handwriting can be an early marker for severity of Parkinson's disease but suffers from poor sensitivity and specificity due to inter-subject variations. This study has investigated the group-difference in the dynamic features during sketching of spiral between PD and control subjects with the aim of developing an accurate method for diagnosing PD patients. Dynamic handwriting features were computed for 206 specimens collected from 62 Subjects (31 Parkinson's and 31 Controls). These were analyzed based on the severity of the disease to determine group-difference. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was computed to evaluate the strength of association for the different features. Maximum area under ROC curve (AUC) using the dynamic features during different writing and spiral sketching tasks were in the range of 67 to 79 %. However, when angular features ( and ) and count of direction inversion during sketching of the spiral were used, AUC improved to 93.3%. Spearman correlation coefficient was highest for and . The angular features and count of direction inversion which can be obtained in real-time while sketching the Archimedean guided spiral on a digital tablet can be used for differentiating between Parkinson's and healthy cohort.

Three-dimensional high-speed optical coherence tomography imaging of lamina cribrosa in glaucoma.

PubMed

Inoue, Ryo; Hangai, Masanori; Kotera, Yuriko; Nakanishi, Hideo; Mori, Satoshi; Morishita, Shiho; Yoshimura, Nagahisa

2009-02-01

To evaluate the appearance of the optic nerve head and lamina cribrosa in patients with glaucoma using spectral/Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to test for a correlation between lamina cribrosa thickness measured on SD-OCT images and visual field loss. Observational case series. We evaluated 52 eyes of 30 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The high-speed SD-OCT equipment used was a prototype system developed for 3-dimensional (3D) imaging. It had a sensitivity of 98 decibels (dB), a tissue axial resolution of 4.3 mum, and an acquisition rate of approximately 18,700 axial scans per second. For 3D analyses, a raster scan protocol of 256 x 256 axial scans covering a 2.8 x 2.8 mm disc area was used. Lamina cribrosa thickness was measured on 3D images using 3D image processing software. Correlation between lamina cribrosa thickness and mean deviation (MD) values obtained using static automatic perimetry were tested for statistical significance. Clarity of lamina cribrosa features, lamina cribrosa thickness, and MD values on static automatic perimetry. On 3D images, the lamina cribrosa appeared clearly as a highly reflective plate that was bowed posteriorly and contained many circular areas of low reflectivity. The dots of low reflectivity visible just beneath the anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa in en face cross-sections corresponded with dots representing lamina pores in color fundus photographs. The mean (+/-1 standard deviation) thickness of the lamina cribrosa was 190.5+/-52.7 mum (range, 80.5-329.0). Spearman rank testing and linear regression analysis showed that lamina cribrosa thickness correlated significantly with MD (Spearman sigma = 0.744; P<0.001; r(2) = 0.493; P<0.001). Different observers performed measurements of the lamina cribrosa thickness in SD-OCT cross-sectional images with high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.784). These 3D SD-OCT imaging clearly demonstrated the 3D structure of the lamina cribrosa and allowed measurement of its thickness, which correlated significantly with visual field loss, in living patients with glaucoma. This noninvasive imaging technique should facilitate investigations of structural changes in the optic nerve head lamina cribrosa in eyes with optic nerve damage due to glaucoma. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Correlation between electrical conductivity and apparent diffusion coefficient in breast cancer: effect of necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Kim, Soo-Yeon; Shin, Jaewook; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Moon, Hee Jung; Yoon, Jung Hyun; You, Jai Kyung; Kim, Min Jung

2018-03-06

To investigate the correlation between conductivity and ADC in invasive ductal carcinoma according to the presence of necrosis on MRI. Eighty-one women with invasive ductal carcinoma ≥1 cm on T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence of preoperative MRI were included. Phase-based MR electric properties tomography was used to reconstruct conductivity. Mean ADC was measured. Necrosis was defined as an area with very high T2 signal intensity. The relationship between conductivity and ADC was examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with conductivity or ADC. In the total group, conductivity showed negative correlation with ADC (r = -0.357, p = 0.001). This correlation was maintained in the subgroup without necrosis (n = 53, r = -0.455, p = 0.001), but not in the subgroup with necrosis (n = 28, r = -0.080, p = 0.687). The correlation between the two parameters was different according to necrosis (r = -0.455 vs -0.080, p = 0.047). HER2 enriched subtype was independently associated with conductivity (p = 0.029). Necrosis on MRI was independently associated with ADC (p = 0.027). Conductivity shows negative correlation with ADC that is abolished by the presence of necrosis on MRI. • Electric conductivity showed negative correlation with ADC • However, the correlation was abolished by the presence of necrosis on MRI • HER2-enriched subtype was independently associated with conductivity • Necrosis on MRI was independently associated with ADC.

Texture analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient maps for treatment response assessment in prostate cancer bone metastases-A pilot study.

PubMed

Reischauer, Carolin; Patzwahl, René; Koh, Dow-Mu; Froehlich, Johannes M; Gutzeit, Andreas

2018-04-01

To evaluate whole-lesion volumetric texture analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for assessing treatment response in prostate cancer bone metastases. Texture analysis is performed in 12 treatment-naïve patients with 34 metastases before treatment and at one, two, and three months after the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy. Four first-order and 19 second-order statistical texture features are computed on the ADC maps in each lesion at every time point. Repeatability, inter-patient variability, and changes in the feature values under therapy are investigated. Spearman rank's correlation coefficients are calculated across time to demonstrate the relationship between the texture features and the serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. With few exceptions, the texture features exhibited moderate to high precision. At the same time, Friedman's tests revealed that all first-order and second-order statistical texture features changed significantly in response to therapy. Thereby, the majority of texture features showed significant changes in their values at all post-treatment time points relative to baseline. Bivariate analysis detected significant correlations between the great majority of texture features and the serum PSA levels. Thereby, three first-order and six second-order statistical features showed strong correlations with the serum PSA levels across time. The findings in the present work indicate that whole-tumor volumetric texture analysis may be utilized for response assessment in prostate cancer bone metastases. The approach may be used as a complementary measure for treatment monitoring in conjunction with averaged ADC values. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bayesian and Phylogenic Approaches for Studying Relationships among Table Olive Cultivars.

PubMed

Ben Ayed, Rayda; Ennouri, Karim; Ben Amar, Fathi; Moreau, Fabienne; Triki, Mohamed Ali; Rebai, Ahmed

2017-08-01

To enhance table olive tree authentication, relationship, and productivity, we consider the analysis of 18 worldwide table olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) based on morphological, biological, and physicochemical markers analyzed by bioinformatic and biostatistic tools. Accordingly, we assess the relationships between the studied varieties, on the one hand, and the potential productivity-quantitative parameter links on the other hand. The bioinformatic analysis based on the graphical representation of the matrix of Euclidean distances, the principal components analysis, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed three major clusters which were not correlated with the geographic origin. The statistical analysis based on Kendall's and Spearman correlation coefficients suggests two highly significant associations with both fruit color and pollinization and the productivity character. These results are confirmed by the multiple linear regression prediction models. In fact, based on the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) value, the best model demonstrated the power of the pollinization on the tree productivity (R 2  = 0.846). Moreover, the derived directed acyclic graph showed that only two direct influences are detected: effect of tolerance on fruit and stone symmetry on side and effect of tolerance on stone form and oil content on the other side. This work provides better understanding of the diversity available in worldwide table olive cultivars and supplies an important contribution for olive breeding and authenticity.

Tumour heterogeneity in glioblastoma assessed by MRI texture analysis: a potential marker of survival

PubMed Central

Pérez-Beteta, Julián; Luque, Belén; Arregui, Elena; Calvo, Manuel; Borrás, José M; López, Carlos; Martino, Juan; Velasquez, Carlos; Asenjo, Beatriz; Benavides, Manuel; Herruzo, Ismael; Martínez-González, Alicia; Pérez-Romasanta, Luis; Arana, Estanislao; Pérez-García, Víctor M

2016-01-01

Objective: The main objective of this retrospective work was the study of three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneity measures of post-contrast pre-operative MR images acquired with T1 weighted sequences of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) as predictors of clinical outcome. Methods: 79 patients from 3 hospitals were included in the study. 16 3D textural heterogeneity measures were computed including run-length matrix (RLM) features (regional heterogeneity) and co-occurrence matrix (CM) features (local heterogeneity). The significance of the results was studied using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Correlation between the variables of the study was assessed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Kaplan–Meyer survival analysis showed that 4 of the 11 RLM features and 4 of the 5 CM features considered were robust predictors of survival. The median survival differences in the most significant cases were of over 6 months. Conclusion: Heterogeneity measures computed on the post-contrast pre-operative T1 weighted MR images of patients with GBM are predictors of survival. Advances in knowledge: Texture analysis to assess tumour heterogeneity has been widely studied. However, most works develop a two-dimensional analysis, focusing only on one MRI slice to state tumour heterogeneity. The study of fully 3D heterogeneity textural features as predictors of clinical outcome is more robust and is not dependent on the selected slice of the tumour. PMID:27319577

Tumour heterogeneity in glioblastoma assessed by MRI texture analysis: a potential marker of survival.

PubMed

Molina, David; Pérez-Beteta, Julián; Luque, Belén; Arregui, Elena; Calvo, Manuel; Borrás, José M; López, Carlos; Martino, Juan; Velasquez, Carlos; Asenjo, Beatriz; Benavides, Manuel; Herruzo, Ismael; Martínez-González, Alicia; Pérez-Romasanta, Luis; Arana, Estanislao; Pérez-García, Víctor M

2016-07-04

The main objective of this retrospective work was the study of three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneity measures of post-contrast pre-operative MR images acquired with T 1 weighted sequences of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) as predictors of clinical outcome. 79 patients from 3 hospitals were included in the study. 16 3D textural heterogeneity measures were computed including run-length matrix (RLM) features (regional heterogeneity) and co-occurrence matrix (CM) features (local heterogeneity). The significance of the results was studied using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Correlation between the variables of the study was assessed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis showed that 4 of the 11 RLM features and 4 of the 5 CM features considered were robust predictors of survival. The median survival differences in the most significant cases were of over 6 months. Heterogeneity measures computed on the post-contrast pre-operative T 1 weighted MR images of patients with GBM are predictors of survival. Texture analysis to assess tumour heterogeneity has been widely studied. However, most works develop a two-dimensional analysis, focusing only on one MRI slice to state tumour heterogeneity. The study of fully 3D heterogeneity textural features as predictors of clinical outcome is more robust and is not dependent on the selected slice of the tumour.

Correlation among chronologic age, skeletal maturity, and dental age.

PubMed

Sukhia, Rashna H; Fida, Mubassar

2010-01-01

To determine the correlation among chronologic age, skeletal maturity, and dental age in reference to both sexes. In 380 subjects (147 males and 233 females) between 7 and 17 years of age, skeletal maturity was assessed using the cervical vertebral maturation stages described by Baccetti et al. Dental age was determined using the Demirjian method. The correlation between skeletal maturity and chronologic age on one side and between skeletal maturity and dental age on the other was assessed with Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation between chronologic and dental age. For both sexes, significant correlations among chronologic age, skeletal maturity, and dental age were found. The mandibular first premolar had the highest correlation with skeletal maturation in both sexes. As skeletal maturity and dental age are significantly correlated, tooth development may be used to assess a patient's skeletal maturity at an early age. © 2011 BY QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING CO, INC.

[Correlation analysis between residual displacement and hip function after reconstruction of acetabular fractures].

PubMed

Ma, Kunlong; Fang, Yue; Luan, Fujun; Tu, Chongqi; Yang, Tianfu

2012-03-01

To investigate the relationships between residual displacement of weight-bearing and non weight-bearing zones (gap displacement and step displacement) and hip function by analyzing the CT images after reconstruction of acetabular fractures. The CT measures and clinical outcome were retrospectively analyzed from 48 patients with displaced acetabular fracture between June 2004 and June 2009. All patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, and were followed up 24 to 72 months (mean, 36 months); all fractures healed after operation. The residual displacement involved the weight-bearing zone in 30 cases (weight-bearing group), and involved the non weight-bearing zone in 18 cases (non weight-bearing group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated by Merle d'Aubigné-Postel criteria, and the reduction of articular surface by CT images, including the maximums of two indexes (gap displacement and step displacement). All the data were analyzed in accordance with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient analysis. There was strong negative correlation between the hip function and the residual displacement values in weight-bearing group (r(s) = -0.722, P = 0.001). But there was no correlation between the hip function and the residual displacement values in non weight-bearing group (r(s) = 0.481, P = 0.059). The results of clinical follow-up were similar to the correlation analysis results. In weight-bearing group, the hip function had strong negative correlation with step displacement (r(s) = 0.825, P = 0.002), but it had no correlation with gap displacement (r(s) = 0.577, P = 0.134). In patients with acetabular fracture, the hip function has correlation not only with the extent of the residual displacement but also with the location of the residual displacement, so the residual displacement of weight-bearing zone is a key factor to affect the hip function. In patients with residual displacement in weight-bearing zone, the bigger the step displacement is, the worse the hip function is.

Correlation of contrast-detail analysis and clinical image quality assessment in chest radiography with a human cadaver study.

PubMed

De Crop, An; Bacher, Klaus; Van Hoof, Tom; Smeets, Peter V; Smet, Barbara S; Vergauwen, Merel; Kiendys, Urszula; Duyck, Philippe; Verstraete, Koenraad; D'Herde, Katharina; Thierens, Hubert

2012-01-01

To determine the correlation between the clinical and physical image quality of chest images by using cadavers embalmed with the Thiel technique and a contrast-detail phantom. The use of human cadavers fulfilled the requirements of the institutional ethics committee. Clinical image quality was assessed by using three human cadavers embalmed with the Thiel technique, which results in excellent preservation of the flexibility and plasticity of organs and tissues. As a result, lungs can be inflated during image acquisition to simulate the pulmonary anatomy seen on a chest radiograph. Both contrast-detail phantom images and chest images of the Thiel-embalmed bodies were acquired with an amorphous silicon flat-panel detector. Tube voltage (70, 81, 90, 100, 113, 125 kVp), copper filtration (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm Cu), and exposure settings (200, 280, 400, 560, 800 speed class) were altered to simulate different quality levels. Four experienced radiologists assessed the image quality by using a visual grading analysis (VGA) technique based on European Quality Criteria for Chest Radiology. The phantom images were scored manually and automatically with use of dedicated software, both resulting in an inverse image quality figure (IQF). Spearman rank correlations between inverse IQFs and VGA scores were calculated. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.80, P < .01) was observed between the VGA scores and the manually obtained inverse IQFs. Comparison of the VGA scores and the automated evaluated phantom images showed an even better correlation (r = 0.92, P < .001). The results support the value of contrast-detail phantom analysis for evaluating clinical image quality in chest radiography. © RSNA, 2011.

Modulation by EEG features of BOLD responses to interictal epileptiform discharges

PubMed Central

LeVan, Pierre; Tyvaert, Louise; Gotman, Jean

2013-01-01

Introduction EEG-fMRI of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) usually assumes a fixed hemodynamic response function (HRF). This study investigates HRF variability with respect to IED amplitude fluctuations using independent component analysis (ICA), with the goal of improving the specificity of EEG-fMRI analyses. Methods We selected EEG-fMRI data from 10 focal epilepsy patients with a good quality EEG. IED amplitudes were calculated in an average reference montage. The fMRI data were decomposed by ICA and a deconvolution method identified IED-related components by detecting time courses with a significant HRF time-locked to the IEDs (F-test, p<0.05). Individual HRF amplitudes were then calculated for each IED. Components with a significant HRF/IED amplitude correlation (Spearman test, p< 0.05) were compared to the presumed epileptogenic focus and to results of a general linear model (GLM) analysis. Results In 7 patients, at least one IED-related component was concordant with the focus, but many IED-related components were at distant locations. When considering only components with a significant HRF/IED amplitude correlation, distant components could be discarded, significantly increasing the relative proportion of activated voxels in the focus (p=0.02). In the 3 patients without concordant IED-related components, no HRF/IED amplitude correlations were detected inside the brain. Integrating IED-related amplitudes in the GLM significantly improved fMRI signal modeling in the epileptogenic focus in 4 patients (p< 0.05). Conclusion Activations in the epileptogenic focus appear to show significant correlations between HRF and IED amplitudes, unlike distant responses. These correlations could be integrated in the analysis to increase the specificity of EEG-fMRI studies in epilepsy. PMID:20026222

Translation and Validation of a Korean Version of the Xerostomia Inventory in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

PubMed

Lee, Jennifer; Koh, Jung Hee; Kwok, Seung-Ki; Park, Sung-Hwan

2016-05-01

This study was conducted to generate and validate a cross-culturally adapted Korean version of the xerostomia inventory (XI), an 11-item questionnaire designed to measure the severity of xerostomia. The original English version of the XI was translated into Korean according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality-of-life measures. Among a prospective cohort of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in Korea, 194 patients were analyzed. Internal consistency was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was obtained by using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Construct validity was investigated by performing a correlation analysis between XI total score and salivary flow rate (SFR). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.868, and the ICC for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.48 to 0.827, with a median value of 0.72. Moderate negative correlations between XI score and stimulated SFR, unstimulated SFR, and differential (stimulated minus unstimulated) SFR were observed (Spearman's rho, ρ = -0.515, -0.447, and -0.482, respectively; P < 0.001). The correlation analysis between the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of overall dryness and SFR indicated a smaller ρ value (-0.235 [P = 0.006], -0.243 [P = 0.002], and -0.252 [P = 0.003], respectively), which supports that XI more accurately reflects the degree of xerostomia in the pSS patients. In conclusion, the Korean version of the XI is a reliable tool to estimate the severity of xerostomia in patients with pSS.

Quantification of Abdominal Fat in Obese and Healthy Adolescents Using 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Free Software for Image Analysis.

PubMed

Eloi, Juliana Cristina; Epifanio, Matias; de Gonçalves, Marília Maia; Pellicioli, Augusto; Vieira, Patricia Froelich Giora; Dias, Henrique Bregolin; Bruscato, Neide; Soder, Ricardo Bernardi; Santana, João Carlos Batista; Mouzaki, Marialena; Baldisserotto, Matteo

2017-01-01

Computed tomography, which uses ionizing radiation and expensive software packages for analysis of scans, can be used to quantify abdominal fat. The objective of this study is to measure abdominal fat with 3T MRI using free software for image analysis and to correlate these findings with anthropometric and laboratory parameters in adolescents. This prospective observational study included 24 overweight/obese and 33 healthy adolescents (mean age 16.55 years). All participants underwent abdominal MRI exams. Visceral and subcutaneous fat area and percentage were correlated with anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance. Student's t test and Mann-Whitney's test was applied. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare proportions. To determine associations Pearson's linear correlation or Spearman's correlation were used. In both groups, waist circumference (WC) was associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01 respectively), and triglycerides were associated with fat percentage (P = 0.046 and P = 0.071 respectively). In obese individuals, total cholesterol/HDL ratio was associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.03) and percentage (P = 0.09), and insulin and HOMA-IR were associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.001) and percentage (P = 0.005). 3T MRI can provide reliable and good quality images for quantification of visceral and subcutaneous fat by using a free software package. The results demonstrate that WC is a good predictor of visceral fat in obese adolescents and visceral fat area is associated with total cholesterol/HDL ratio, insulin and HOMA-IR.

Evaluation of facial attractiveness in black people according to the subjective facial analysis criteria.

PubMed

Melo, Andréa Reis de; Conti, Ana Cláudia de Castro Ferreira; Almeida-Pedrin, Renata Rodrigues; Didier, Victor; Valarelli, Danilo Pinelli; Capelozza Filho, Leopoldino

2017-02-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the facial attractiveness in 30 black individuals, according to the Subjective Facial Analysis criteria. Frontal and profile view photographs of 30 black individuals were evaluated for facial attractiveness and classified as esthetically unpleasant, acceptable, or pleasant by 50 evaluators: the 30 individuals from the sample, 10 orthodontists, and 10 laymen. Besides assessing the facial attractiveness, the evaluators had to identify the structures responsible for the classification as unpleasant and pleasant. Intraexaminer agreement was assessed by using Spearman's correlation, correlation within each category using Kendall concordance coefficient, and correlation between the 3 categories using chi-square test and proportions. Most of the frontal (53. 5%) and profile view (54. 9%) photographs were classified as esthetically acceptable. The structures most identified as esthetically unpleasant were the mouth, lips, and face, in the frontal view; and nose and chin in the profile view. The structures most identified as esthetically pleasant were harmony, face, and mouth, in the frontal view; and harmony and nose in the profile view. The ratings by the examiners in the sample and laymen groups showed statistically significant correlation in both views. The orthodontists agreed with the laymen on the evaluation of the frontal view and disagreed on profile view, especially regarding whether the images were esthetically unpleasant or acceptable. Based on these results, the evaluation of facial attractiveness according to the Subjective Facial Analysis criteria proved to be applicable and to have a subjective influence; therefore, it is suggested that the patient's opinion regarding the facial esthetics should be considered in orthodontic treatmentplanning.

Environmental Influences on the Fish Assemblage of the Humber Estuary, U.K.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, S.; Elliott, M.

1998-02-01

Salinity, temperature, turbidity and dissolved oxygen were measured in conjunction with a series of fish samples taken by a 2 m beam trawl from 14 sites throughout the Humber estuary, U.K., over the period April 1992 to November 1994. Sediment type was not measured as the literature indicates that the area is homogeneous. The influences of environmental factors and the characteristics of the fish assemblage were analysed using a range of multivariate techniques, including two-way indicator species analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, principal components analysis and Spearman rank correlation. The analyses indicate that salinity is the dominant factor influencing the distribution of the species, with temperature also having a major influence. Of the species examined, whiting (Merlangius merlangus), sole (Solea solea), flounder (Pleuronectes flesus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and herring (Clupea harengus) showed a correlation in distribution to temperature, sole, plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), pogge (Agonus cataphractus) and stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to salinity, and whiting, flounder, pogge and stickleback to dissolved oxygen. Only cod (Gadus morhua) showed a correlation with tidal state, while whiting, pogge and stickleback were correlated to depth. Unlike in some other estuaries, turbidity did not influence the composition of the fish assemblage. Temperature and salinity fluctuations appear to influence different aspects of the community, with temperature proving to be the best predictor of total abundance, while salinity influenced the species richness and total biomass. The analyses demonstrate the most important variables with regard to environmental-biotic interactions, although they also indicate that the variables measured do not account for all of the observed variation in fish biomass and abundance.

Decision-Making by Handball Referees: Design of an ad hoc Observation Instrument and Polar Coordinate Analysis.

PubMed

Morillo, Juan P; Reigal, Rafael E; Hernández-Mendo, Antonio; Montaña, Alejandro; Morales-Sánchez, Verónica

2017-01-01

Referees are essential for sports such as handball. However, there are few tools available to analyze the activity of handball referees. The aim of this study was to design an instrument for observing the behavior of referees in handball competitions and to analyze the resulting data by polar coordinate analysis. The instrument contained 6 criteria and 18 categories and can be used to monitor and describe the actions of handball referees according to their role/position on the playing court. For the data quality control analysis, we calculated Pearson's (0.99), Spearman's (0.99), and Tau Kendall's (1.00) correlation coefficients and Cohen's kappa (entre 0.72 y 0.75) and Phi (entre 0.83 y 0.87) coefficients. In the generalizability analysis, the absolute and relative generalizability coefficients were 0.99 in both cases. Polar coordinate analysis of referee decisions showed that correct calls were more common for central court and 7-meter throw calls. Likewise, calls were more likely to be incorrect (in terms of both errors of omission and commission) when taken from the goal-line position.

Decision-Making by Handball Referees: Design of an ad hoc Observation Instrument and Polar Coordinate Analysis

PubMed Central

Morillo, Juan P.; Reigal, Rafael E.; Hernández-Mendo, Antonio; Montaña, Alejandro; Morales-Sánchez, Verónica

2017-01-01

Referees are essential for sports such as handball. However, there are few tools available to analyze the activity of handball referees. The aim of this study was to design an instrument for observing the behavior of referees in handball competitions and to analyze the resulting data by polar coordinate analysis. The instrument contained 6 criteria and 18 categories and can be used to monitor and describe the actions of handball referees according to their role/position on the playing court. For the data quality control analysis, we calculated Pearson's (0.99), Spearman's (0.99), and Tau Kendall's (1.00) correlation coefficients and Cohen's kappa (entre 0.72 y 0.75) and Phi (entre 0.83 y 0.87) coefficients. In the generalizability analysis, the absolute and relative generalizability coefficients were 0.99 in both cases. Polar coordinate analysis of referee decisions showed that correct calls were more common for central court and 7-meter throw calls. Likewise, calls were more likely to be incorrect (in terms of both errors of omission and commission) when taken from the goal-line position. PMID:29104553

T-cell immunity and cytokine production in cosmonauts after long-duration space flights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morukov, B.; Rykova, M.; Antropova, E.; Berendeeva, T.; Ponomaryov, S.; Larina, I.

2011-04-01

Long-duration spaceflight effects on T-cell immunity and cytokine production were studied in 12 Russian cosmonauts flown onto the International Space Station. Specific assays were performed before launch and after landing and included analysis of peripheral leukocyte distribution, analysis of T-cell phenotype, expression of activation markers, apoptosis, proliferation of T cells in response to a mitogen, concentrations of cytokines in supernatants of cell cultures. Statistically significant increase was observed in leukocytes', lymphocytes', monocytes' and granulocytes' total number, increase in percentage and absolutely number of CD3 +CD4 +-cells, CD4 +CD45RA +-cells and CD4 +CD45RA +/CD4 +CD45RО + ratio, CD4 +CD25 +Bright regulatory cells ( p<0,05) in peripheral blood after landing. T-lymphocytes' capacity to present CD69 and CD25 on its own surfaces was increased for the majority of crewmembers. Analysis of T-cell response to PHA-stimulation in vitro revealed there were some trends toward reduced proliferation of stimulated T-lymphocytes. There was an apparent post flight decrease in secreted IFN-g for the majority of crewmembers and in most instances there was elevation in secreted IL-10. It revealed depression of IFN-g/IL-10 ratio after flight. Correlation analysis according to Spearman's rank correlation test established significant positive correlations ( p<0.05) between cytokine production and T-cell activation (CD25+, CD38+) and negative correlation ( p<0.05) between cytokine production and number of bulk memory CD4+T-cells (CD45RO+). Thus, these results suggest that T-cell dysfunction can be conditioned by cytokine dysbalance and could lead to development of disease after long-duration space flights.

Heart Rate Variability Reflects the Natural History of Physiological Development in Healthy Children and Is Not Associated with Quality of Life

PubMed Central

Seifert, Georg; Calaminus, Gabriele; Wiener, Andreas; Cysarz, Dirk

2014-01-01

Background Quality of life (QoL), being the sum expression of diverse influencing factors, is not easy to determine. A clinically relevant option would be to identify and measure quality of life on the basis of physiological parameters which correlate plausibly and statistically with psychometrically measured QoL. Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) offers readily measurable physiological parameters which could be of use here. A correlation of HRV with both course of disease and QoL has been reported in patients with chronic illness. Various psychometric instruments have been developed for use in paediatric oncology. The aim of this study was to obtain data on HRV and QoL and their correlations, initially in healthy children. Methods Holter ECG and quality of life were examined in 160 children and adolescents (72 male) aged between 8 and 18 years. QoL was determined with the established questionnaire PEDQoL. Standard parameters of HRV from the frequency domain were calculated and correlated with QoL domains using Spearman (nonparametric) correlation analysis. Results Minor but significant associations were revealed only with regard to the PEDQoL domain “autonomy” on the one hand and heart rate and HRV (e.g. MRR, MRRn, MRRd, HRV_ULF, SDNN) parameters which evidently reflect distinct physiological functions on the other. Conclusions In healthy children and adolescents we have a first indication that there is a correlation between parameters of HRV and QoL. However, to a greater extent, HRV reflects associated physiological processes of the autonomic nervous system. A higher correlation is more likely to be found in chronically ill children. PMID:24625571

The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation.

PubMed

Ferlic, Peter Wilhelm; Runer, Armin; Dirisamer, Florian; Balcarek, Peter; Giesinger, Johannes; Biedermann, Rainer; Liebensteiner, Michael Christian

2018-05-01

The correlation between tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and joint size, taking into account several different parameters of knee joint size as well as lower limb dimensions, is evaluated in order to assess whether TT-TG indices should be used in instead of absolute TT-TG values. This study comprised a retrospective analysis of knee CT scans, including 36 cases with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and 30 controls. Besides TT-TG, five measures of knee joint size were evaluated in axial CT slices: medio-lateral femur width, antero-posterior lateral condylar height, medio-lateral width of the tibia, width of the patella and the proximal-distal joint size (TT-TE). Furthermore, the length of the femur, the tibia and the total leg length were measured in the CT scanogram. Correlation analysis of TT-TG and the other parameters was done by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the PFI group lateral condylar height (r = 0.370), tibia width (r = 0.406) and patella width (r = 0.366) showed significant moderate correlations (p < 0.03) with TT-TG. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between TT-TG and tibia length (r = 0.371) and total leg length (r = 381). The control group showed no significant correlation between TT-TG and knee joint size or between TT-TG and measures of lower limb length. Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance correlates with several parameters of knee joint size and leg length in patients with patellofemoral instability. Application of indices determining TT-TG as a ratio of joint size could be helpful in establishing the indication for medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity in patients with PFI. Level III.

Quantized correlation coefficient for measuring reproducibility of ChIP-chip data.

PubMed

Peng, Shouyong; Kuroda, Mitzi I; Park, Peter J

2010-07-27

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray hybridization (ChIP-chip) is used to study protein-DNA interactions and histone modifications on a genome-scale. To ensure data quality, these experiments are usually performed in replicates, and a correlation coefficient between replicates is used often to assess reproducibility. However, the correlation coefficient can be misleading because it is affected not only by the reproducibility of the signal but also by the amount of binding signal present in the data. We develop the Quantized correlation coefficient (QCC) that is much less dependent on the amount of signal. This involves discretization of data into set of quantiles (quantization), a merging procedure to group the background probes, and recalculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient. This procedure reduces the influence of the background noise on the statistic, which then properly focuses more on the reproducibility of the signal. The performance of this procedure is tested in both simulated and real ChIP-chip data. For replicates with different levels of enrichment over background and coverage, we find that QCC reflects reproducibility more accurately and is more robust than the standard Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients. The quantization and the merging procedure can also suggest a proper quantile threshold for separating signal from background for further analysis. To measure reproducibility of ChIP-chip data correctly, a correlation coefficient that is robust to the amount of signal present should be used. QCC is one such measure. The QCC statistic can also be applied in a variety of other contexts for measuring reproducibility, including analysis of array CGH data for DNA copy number and gene expression data.

Antioxidant responses and bioaccumulation in green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis) under acute tributyltin chloride exposure.

PubMed

Chen, Hai-Gang; Jia, Xiao-Ping; Cai, Wen-Gui; Lin, Qin; Ma, Sheng-Wei

2011-11-01

Green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis) were exposed to waterborne tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 μg L(-1)) for up to 72 h. Accumulated TBTCl in Perna viridis correlated linearly with the exposure concentrations of 0.2 μg L(-1)(R(2) = 0.772), 0.4 μg L(-1)(R(2) = 0.952), and 0.8 μg L(-1)(R(2) = 0.909). The results of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) all decreased in gill tissues after 24 h of exposure, but the hepatic SOD and the hepatic GPx showed either little or no effect on exposure of TBTCl solutions. Analysis using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient showed the hepatic GPx activity appeared to have a significant negative correlativity (R(s) = -0.42) with the exposed TBTCl concentrations, and the hepatic MDA was significantly negatively correlated (R(s) = -0.33) with the tissue TBTCl concentrations. Conversely, a significant positive correlation (R(s) = 0.60) was shown between the gill MDA contents and exposure time. This study illustrates oxyradical scavenger GPx best correlated with stress level of pollutants among the various antioxidant parameters.

Correlation between malaria incidence and prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in Colombia: an ecologic evaluation.

PubMed

Valencia, Carlos Andrés; Fernández, Julián Alfredo; Cucunubá, Zulma Milena; Reyes, Patricia; López, Myriam Consuelo; Duque, Sofía

2010-01-01

Recent studies have suggested an association between the soil-transmitted helminth infections and malaria incidence. However, published evidence is still insufficient and diverging. Since 1977, new ecologic studies have not been carried out to explore this association. Ecologic studies could explore this correlation on a population level, assessing its potential importance on public health. The aim of this evaluation is to explore the association between soil-transmitted helminths prevalence and malaria incidence, at an ecologic level in Colombia. Using data from the National Health Survey, which was carried out in 1980 in Colombia, we calculated Spearman correlation coefficients between the prevalence of: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm, with the 1980 malaria incidence data of the same year provided from the Colombian Malaria National Eradication Service. A robust regression analysis with least trimmed squares was performed. Falciparum malaria incidence and Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence had a low correlation (R²= 0.086) but this correlation was stronger into the clusters of towns with prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection above 30% were only included (R²= 0.916). This work showed an ecologic correlation in Colombia between malaria incidence and soil-transmitted helminths prevalence. This could suggest that either there is an association between these two groups of parasites, or could be explained by the presence of common structural determinants for both diseases.

Poor correlation between handgrip strength and isokinetic performance of knee flexor and extensor muscles in community-dwelling elderly women.

PubMed

Felicio, Diogo Carvalho; Pereira, Daniele Sirineu; Assumpção, Alexandra Miranda; de Jesus-Moraleida, Fabianna Resende; de Queiroz, Barbara Zille; da Silva, Juscelio Pereira; de Brito Rosa, Naysa Maciel; Dias, João Marcos Domingues; Pereira, Leani Souza Máximo

2014-01-01

To investigate the correlation between handgrip strength and performance of knee flexor and extensor muscles determined using an isokinetic dynamometer in community-dwelling elderly women. This was a cross-sectional study. Sample selection for the study was made by convenience, and 221 (71.07 ± 4.93 years) community-dwelling elderly women were included. Knee flexor and extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 Pro. The isokinetic variables chosen for analysis were peak torque, peak torque/bodyweight, total work/bodyweight, total work, average power, and agonist/antagonist ratio at the angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s. Assessment of handgrip strength was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to identify intervariable correlations. Only knee flexor peak torque (60°/s) and average power (60°/s), and knee extensor peak torque (180°/s) and total work (180°/s) were significantly (P < 0.05), yet poorly, correlated with handgrip strength (r < 0.30). The majority of analyses did not show any correlation between variables assessed by isokinetic dynamometer and handgrip dynamometer. Caution is required when generalizing handgrip strength as a predictor of global muscle strength in community-dwelling elderly women. © 2013 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Metabolic Effects of FecB Gene on Follicular Fluid and Ovarian Vein Serum in Sheep (Ovis aries)

PubMed Central

Guo, Xiaofei; Wang, Xiangyu; Di, Ran; Liu, Qiuyue; Hu, Wenping; He, Xiaoyun; Yu, Jiarui; Zhang, Xiaosheng; Zhang, Jinlong; Broniowska, Katarzyna; Chen, Wei; Wu, Changxin; Chu, Mingxing

2018-01-01

The FecB gene has been discovered as an important gene in sheep for its high relationship with the ovulation rate, but its regulatory mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were adopted to detect the metabolic effects of FecB gene in follicular fluid (FF) and ovarian vein serum (OVS) in Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. ANOVA and random forest statistical methods were employed for the identification of important metabolic pathways and biomarkers. Changes in amino acid metabolism, redox environment, and energy metabolism were observed in FF from the three FecB genotype STH ewes. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) showed that metabolic effects of FecB gene are more pronounced in FF than in OVS. Therefore, the difference of the metabolic profile in FF is also affected by the FecB genotypes. In Spearman correlation analysis, key metabolites (e.g., glucose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate, aspartate, asparagine, glutathione oxidized (GSSG), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, γ-glutamylglutamine, and 2-hydrosybutyrate) in ovine FF samples showed a significant correlation with the ovulation rate. Our findings will help to explain the metabolic mechanism of high prolificacy ewes and benefit fertility identification. PMID:29439449

A comparative analysis of Patient-Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale tools.

PubMed

Collins, Christian DE; Ivry, Ben; Bowen, James D; Cheng, Eric M; Dobson, Ruth; Goodin, Douglas S; Lechner-Scott, Jeannette; Kappos, Ludwig; Galea, Ian

2016-09-01

Patient-Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale (PREDSS) tools are an attractive alternative to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during long term or geographically challenging studies, or in pressured clinical service environments. Because the studies reporting these tools have used different metrics to compare the PREDSS and EDSS, we undertook an individual patient data level analysis of all available tools. Spearman's rho and the Bland-Altman method were used to assess correlation and agreement respectively. A systematic search for validated PREDSS tools covering the full EDSS range identified eight such tools. Individual patient data were available for five PREDSS tools. Excellent correlation was observed between EDSS and PREDSS with all tools. A higher level of agreement was observed with increasing levels of disability. In all tools, the 95% limits of agreement were greater than the minimum EDSS difference considered to be clinically significant. However, the intra-class coefficient was greater than that reported for EDSS raters of mixed seniority. The visual functional system was identified as the most significant predictor of the PREDSS-EDSS difference. This analysis will (1) enable researchers and service providers to make an informed choice of PREDSS tool, depending on their individual requirements, and (2) facilitate improvement of current PREDSS tools. © The Author(s), 2015.

Reliability and validity analysis of the open-source Chinese Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).

PubMed

Ling, Samuel K K; Chan, Vincent; Ho, Karen; Ling, Fona; Lui, T H

2017-12-21

Develop the first reliable and validated open-source outcome scoring system in the Chinese language for foot and ankle problems. Translation of the English FAOS into Chinese following regular protocols. First, two forward-translations were created separately, these were then combined into a preliminary version by an expert committee, and was subsequently back-translated into English. The process was repeated until the original and back translations were congruent. This version was then field tested on actual patients who provided feedback for modification. The final Chinese FAOS version was then tested for reliability and validity. Reliability analysis was performed on 20 subjects while validity analysis was performed on 50 subjects. Tools used to validate the Chinese FAOS were the SF36 and Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Internal consistency between the FAOS subgroups was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Spearman's correlation was calculated between each subgroup in the FAOS, SF36 and NRS. The Chinese FAOS passed both reliability and validity testing; meaning it is reliable, internally consistent and correlates positively with the SF36 and the NRS. The Chinese FAOS is a free, open-source scoring system that can be used to provide a relatively standardised outcome measure for foot and ankle studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vine Water Deficit Impacts Aging Bouquet in Fine Red Bordeaux Wine

PubMed Central

Picard, Magali; van Leeuwen, Cornelis; Guyon, François; Gaillard, Laetitia; de Revel, Gilles; Marchand, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vine water status on bouquet typicality, revealed after aging, and the perception of three aromatic notes (mint, truffle, and undergrowth) in bottled fine red Bordeaux wines. To address the issue of the role of vine water deficit in the overall quality of fine aged wines, a large set of wines from four Bordeaux appellations were subjected to sensory analysis. As vine water status can be characterized by carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C), this ratio was quantified for each wine studied. Statistical analyses combining δ13C and sensory data highlighted that δ13C-values discriminated effectively between the most- and least-typical wines. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed correlations between δ13C-values and truffle, undergrowth, and mint aromatic notes, three characteristics of the red Bordeaux wine aging bouquet. These correlations were confirmed to be significant using a Spearman statistical test. This study highlighted for the first time that vine water deficit positively relates to the perception of aging bouquet typicality, as well as the expression of its key aromatic nuances. PMID:28824904

[Criterion and Construct Validity in Nursing Diagnosis "Sedentary Lifestyle" in People over 50 Years Old].

PubMed

Guirao-Goris, Silamani J; Ferrer Ferrandis, Esperanza; Montejano Lozoya, Raimunda

2016-02-18

The aim of the study is to identify the construct and criterion validity of the nursing diagnosis label Sedentary Lifestyle. A cross-sectional study in a nursing consultation in primary health care was conducted. Participants were all people that was attended for one year over 50 who voluntarily wish to participate (n=85) in the study. Objective weekly physical activity was measured in METs with an Accelerometer, objective measure of performance was measured by gait speed EPESE Battery (both measures that were used as the gold standard), and physical activity questionnaires (RAPA), the COOP-WONCA physical fitness chart. Spearman correlation coefficients, mean comparison tests and analysis of sensitivity and specificity were used as statistical analysis. The diagnosis "Sedentary Lifestyle" showed a positive correlation between its manifestations and physical activity measured in METs (r=0.39) and EPESE gait speed (r=0.35). The diagnosis showed a sensitivity of 85.1% and a specificity of 65.2% and showed ability to discriminate active people from those that are not using METs as a measure of physical activity (t=-4.4). The diagnosis "Sedentary Lifestyle" shows criterion and construct validity.

PREDICTING CLINICALLY DIAGNOSED DYSENTERY INCIDENCE OBTAINED FROM MONTHLY CASE REPORTING BASED ON METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES IN DALIAN, LIAONING PROVINCE, CHINA, 2005-2011 USING A DEVELOPED MODEL.

PubMed

An, Qingyu; Yao, Wei; Wu, Jun

2015-03-01

This study describes our development of a model to predict the incidence of clinically diagnosed dysentery in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, using time series analysis. The model was developed using the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA). Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between meteorological variables and the incidence of clinically diagnosed dysentery. The meteorological variables which significantly correlated with the incidence of clinically diagnosed dysentery were then used as covariables in the model, which incorporated the monthly incidence of clinically diagnosed dysentery from 2005 to 2010 in Dalian. After model development, a simulation was conducted for the year 2011 and the results of this prediction were compared with the real observed values. The model performed best when the temperature data for the preceding month was used to predict clinically diagnosed dysentery during the following month. The developed model was effective and reliable in predicting the incidence of clinically diagnosed dysentery for most but not all months, and may be a useful tool for dysentery disease control and prevention, but further studies are needed to fine tune the model.

Extent of palatal lengthening after cleft palate repair as a contributing factor to the speech outcome.

PubMed

Bae, Yong-Chan; Choi, Soo-Jong; Lee, Jae-Woo; Seo, Hyoung-Joon

2015-03-01

Operative techniques in performing cleft palate repair have gradually evolved to achieve better speech ability with its main focus on palatal lengthening and accurate approximation of the velar musculature. The authors doubted whether the extent of palatal lengthening would be directly proportional to the speech outcome. Patients with incomplete cleft palates who went into surgery before 18 months of age were intended for this study. Cases with associated syndromes, mental retardation, hearing loss, or presence of postoperative complications were excluded from the analysis. Palatal length was measured by the authors' devised method before and immediately after the cleft palate repair. Postoperative speech outcome was evaluated around 4 years by a definite pronunciation scoring system. Statistical analysis was carried out between the extent of palatal lengthening and the postoperative pronunciation score by Spearman correlation coefficient method. However, the authors could not find any significant correlation. Although the need for additional research on other variables affecting speech outcome is unequivocal, we carefully conclude that other intraoperative constituents such as accurate reapproximation of the velar musculature should be emphasized more in cleft palate repair rather than palatal lengthening itself.

Assessment of subjective intraocular forward scattering and quality of vision after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with a central hole (Hole ICL) implantation.

PubMed

Iijima, Ayaka; Shimizu, Kimiya; Yamagishi, Mayumi; Kobashi, Hidenaga; Igarashi, Akihito; Kamiya, Kazutaka

2016-12-01

To evaluate the subjective intraocular forward scattering and quality of vision after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with a central hole (Hole ICL, STAAR Surgical) implantation. We prospectively examined 29 eyes of 29 consecutive patients (15 men and 14 women; ages, 37.2 ± 8.8 years) undergoing Hole ICL implantation. We assessed the values of the logarithmic straylight value [log (s)] using a straylight meter (C-Quant ™ , Oculus) preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The patients completed a questionnaire detailing symptoms on a quantitative grading scale (National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Instrument-42; NEI RQL-42) 3 months postoperatively. We compared the preoperative and postoperative values of the log(s) and evaluated the correlation of these values with patient subjective symptoms. The mean log(s) was not significantly changed, from 1.07 ± 0.20 preoperatively, to 1.06 ± 0.17 postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.641). There was a significant correlation between the preoperative and postoperative log(s) (Spearman's correlation coefficient r = 0.695, p < 0.001). The postoperative log(s) was significantly associated with the scores of glare in the questionnaire (Spearman's correlation coefficient r = -0.575, p = 0.017). According to our experience, Hole ICL implantation does not induce a significant additional change in the subjective intraocular forward scattering. The symptom of glare after Hole ICL implantation was significantly correlated with the postoperative intraocular forward scattering in relation to the preoperative one. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Adenosine Triphosphate Quantification Correlates Poorly with Microbial Contamination of Duodenoscopes.

PubMed

Olafsdottir, Lovisa B; Wright, Sharon B; Smithey, Anne; Heroux, Riley; Hirsch, Elizabeth B; Chen, Alice; Lane, Benjamin; Sawhney, Mandeep S; Snyder, Graham M

2017-06-01

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to quantify the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and bacterial cultures from duodenoscopes for evaluation of contamination following high-level disinfection. DESIGN Duodenoscopes used for any intended endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure were included. Microbiologic and ATP data were collected concomitantly and in the same manner from ERCP duodenoscopes. SETTING A high-volume endoscopy unit at a tertiary referral acute-care facility. METHODS Duodenoscopes were sampled for ATP and bacterial contamination in a contemporaneous and highly standardized fashion using a "flush-brush-flush" method for the working channel (WC) and a dry flocked swab for the elevator mechanism (EM). Specimens were processed for any aerobic bacterial growth (colony-forming units, CFU). Growth of CFU>0 and ATP relative light unit (RLU)>0 was considered a contaminated result. Frequency of discord between among WC and EM measurements were calculated using 2×2 contingency tables. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to calculate the relatedness of bacterial contamination and ATP as continuous measurements. RESULTS The Spearman correlation coefficient did not demonstrate significant relatedness between ATP and CFU for either a WC or EM site. Among 390 duodenoscope sampling events, ATP and CFU assessments of contamination were discordant in 82 of 390 WC measurements (21%) and 331 of 390 of EM measurements (84.9%). The EM was frequently and markedly positive by ATP measurement. CONCLUSION ATP measurements correlate poorly with a microbiologic standard assessing duodenoscope contamination, particularly for EM sampling. ATP may reflect biological material other than nonviable aerobic bacteria and may not serve as an adequate marker of bacterial contamination. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:678-684.

Radiographic assessment of skeletal maturation stages for orthodontic patients: hand-wrist bones or cervical vertebrae?

PubMed

Lai, Eddie Hsiang-Hua; Liu, Jen-Pei; Chang, Jenny Zwei-Chieng; Tsai, Shih-Jaw; Yao, Chung-Chen Jane; Chen, Mu-Hsiung; Chen, Yi-Jane; Lin, Chun-Pin

2008-04-01

The skeletal maturation status of a growing patient can influence the selection of orthodontic treatment procedures. Either lateral cephalometric or hand-wrist radiography can be used to assess skeletal development. In this study, we examined the correlation between the maturation stages of cervical vertebrae and hand-wrist bones in Taiwanese individuals. The study group consisted of 330 male and 379 female subjects ranging in age from 8 to 18 years. A total of 709 hand-wrist and 709 lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed. Hand-wrist maturation stages were assessed using National Taiwan University Hospital Skeletal Maturation Index (NTUH-SMI). Cervical vertebral maturation stages were determined by the latest Cervical Vertebral Maturation Stage (CVMS) Index. Spearman's rank correlation was used to correlate the respective maturation stages assessed from the hand-wrist bones and the cervical vertebrae. The values of Spearman's rank correlation were 0.910 for males and 0.937 for females, respectively. These data confirmed a strong and significant correlation between CVMS and NTUH-SMI systems (p less than 0.001). After comparison of the mean ages of subjects in different stages of CVMS and NTU-SMI systems, we found that CVMS I corresponded to NTUH-SMI stages 1 and 2, CVMS II to NTUH-SMI stage 3, CVMS III to NTUHSMI stage 4, CVMS IV to NTUH-SMI stage 5, CVMS V to NTUH-SMI stages 6, 7 and 8, and CVMS VI to NTUH-SMI stage 9. Our results indicate that cervical vertebral maturation stages can be used to replace hand-wrist bone maturation stages for evaluation of skeletal maturity in Taiwanese individuals.

Comparing the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients across distributions and sample sizes: A tutorial using simulations and empirical data.

PubMed

de Winter, Joost C F; Gosling, Samuel D; Potter, Jeff

2016-09-01

The Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient ( r p ) and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient ( r s ) are widely used in psychological research. We compare r p and r s on 3 criteria: variability, bias with respect to the population value, and robustness to an outlier. Using simulations across low (N = 5) to high (N = 1,000) sample sizes we show that, for normally distributed variables, r p and r s have similar expected values but r s is more variable, especially when the correlation is strong. However, when the variables have high kurtosis, r p is more variable than r s . Next, we conducted a sampling study of a psychometric dataset featuring symmetrically distributed data with light tails, and of 2 Likert-type survey datasets, 1 with light-tailed and the other with heavy-tailed distributions. Consistent with the simulations, r p had lower variability than r s in the psychometric dataset. In the survey datasets with heavy-tailed variables in particular, r s had lower variability than r p , and often corresponded more accurately to the population Pearson correlation coefficient ( R p ) than r p did. The simulations and the sampling studies showed that variability in terms of standard deviations can be reduced by about 20% by choosing r s instead of r p . In comparison, increasing the sample size by a factor of 2 results in a 41% reduction of the standard deviations of r s and r p . In conclusion, r p is suitable for light-tailed distributions, whereas r s is preferable when variables feature heavy-tailed distributions or when outliers are present, as is often the case in psychological research. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved

Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Assessed Lupus Damage Index Questionnaire (LDIQ)

PubMed Central

Costenbader, Karen H.; Khamashta, Munther; Ruiz-Garcia, Silvia; Perez-Rodriguez, Maria Teresa; Petri, Michelle; Elliott, Jennifer; Manzi, Susan; Karlson, Elizabeth W.; Turner-Stokes, Tabitha; Bermas, Bonnie; Coblyn, Jonathan; Massarotti, Elena; Schur, Peter; Fraser, Patricia; Navarro, Iris; Hanly, John G.; Shaver, Timothy S.; Katz, Robert S.; Chakravarty, Eliza; Fortin, Paul R.; Sanchez, Martha L.; Liu, Jigna; Michaud, Kaleb; Alarcón, Graciela S.; Wolfe, Frederick

2010-01-01

Purpose The SLICC Damage Index (SDI) is a validated instrument for assessing organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Trained physicians must complete it, limiting utility where this is impossible. Methods We developed and pilot-tested a self-assessed organ damage instrument, the Lupus Damage Index Questionnaire (LDIQ), in 37 SLE subjects and 7 physicians. After refinement, 569 English-speaking SLE subjects and 14 rheumatologists from 11 international SLE clinics participated in validation. Subjects and physicians completed instruments separately. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, Spearman correlations and agreement, using the SDI as gold standard. 605 SLE participants in the community-based National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (NDB) study completed the LDIQ and we assessed correlations with outcome and disability measures. Results Mean LDIQ score was 3.3 (0-16) and mean SDI score was 1.5 (0-9). LDIQ had a moderately high correlation with SDI (Spearman r=0.50, p<0.001). Specificities of individual LDIQ items were >80%, except for neuropathy. Sensitivities were variable and lowest for damage with <1% prevalence. Agreement between SDI and LDIQ was > 85% for all but neuropathy, reduced renal function, deforming arthritis and alopecia. In the NDB, LDIQ correlated well with comorbidity index (r=0.45), SF-36 physical component scale (0.43), Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (0.40), disability (0.37) and SLE Activity Questionnaire score (0.37). Conclusions The LDIQ’s metric properties are good compared to the SDI. It has construct validity and correlations with health assessments similar to the SDI. The LDIQ should allow expansion of SLE research. Its ultimate value will be determined in longitudinal studies. PMID:20391512

Mathematical Word Problem Solving Ability of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Typically Developing Peers.

PubMed

Bae, Young Seh; Chiang, Hsu-Min; Hickson, Linda

2015-07-01

This study examined the difference between children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with typical development (TD) in mathematical word problem solving ability and the factors associated with these children's word problem-solving ability. A total of 20 children with ASD and 20 children with TD participated in this study. Independent sample t tests and Spearman's rho correlations were used for data analysis. This study found: (a) Children with TD had higher word problem solving ability than did children with ASD; (b) Sentence comprehension, math vocabulary, computation, and everyday mathematical knowledge were associated with word problem solving ability of children with ASD and children with TD; and (c) Children with TD had higher everyday mathematical knowledge than did children with ASD.

Analysis of quality of life and influencing factors in 197 Chinese patients with port-wine stains

PubMed Central

Wang, Juan; Zhu, Yu-you; Wang, Zhong-ying; Yao, Xiu-hua; Zhang, Lan-fang; Lv, Hong; Zhang, Si-ping; Hu, Bai

2017-01-01

Abstract Port-wine stains (PWS) are congenital capillary malformations, usually occurring on the face, neck, and other exposed parts of the skin, that have serious psychological and social impact on the patient. Most researchers focus on the treatment of PWS, but the quality of life (QoL) of PWS patients is seldom researched. The objective of this study is to evaluate the QoL of patients with PWS on exposed parts and explore the factors influencing the QoL of PWS patients. The QoL of 197 cases with PWS on exposed parts were prospectively studied using the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire (DLQI), and the factors influencing the patients’ QoL were analyzed by single-factor analysis and multiple-factor logistic regression analysis. The reliability and validity of the QoL of PWS patients were then assessed by DLQI. A total of 197 valid questionnaires were collected. The DLQI scores in PWS cases ranged from 2 to 16, with 2 to 5 in 52.29% (103/197), 6 to 10 in 42.13% (83/197), and 11 to 20 in 5.58% (11/197). The main score elements of the DLQI focused on symptoms and feelings, daily activities, and social entertainment. Single-factor analysis and multiple-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the main influencing factors were female sex, skin hypertrophy, and lesion area >30 cm2. The inter-item correlation averaged 47.46% and the Cronbach α was 0.740, indicating high internal consistency. Correlation of the 6 dimensions of the DLQI questionnaires with the total scores showed that the Spearman correlation coefficient r ranged from 0.550 to 0.782 (P < .001), with symptoms and feelings having a correlation coefficient of 0.782 and a high correlation with total scores. This study shows that PWS has mild to moderate influence on the QoL of most patients, mainly on daily activities, social entertainment, and feelings. PMID:29390578