Correlation between disease severity indices and quality of life measurement tools in atopic dermatitis patients / Correlación entre los índices de gravedad de la enfermedad y las herramientas de medición de la calidad de vida en pacientes con dermatitis atópica

Abstract Introduction. Reports regarding the correlation and effect size of change of the full spectrum of quality of life and disease severity measures applied in-person to patients with atopic dermatitis are scarce. Objectives. To assess quality-of-life with 3 different instruments and to evaluate disease severity indices and to determine their correlation and effect size of change between two measurements. Materials and methods. Patient-level data were obtained through two in-person visits. Sociodemographic information and data related to disease distribution, severity (through the BSA, EASI, SCORAD, POEM, and itching scales), and the impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life using the DLQI and Skindex-29, and EQ-5D, were assessed. The correlation between change in quality-of-life scores and disease severity scores in addition to the standardized effect size were also evaluated. Results. Only 139 out of 212 patients completed the follow-up visit. BSA highly correlated with SCORAD and EASI, and the lowest correlation was found with POEM. The best correlation of pruritus VAS was found with sleep disturbance. The SCORAD score highly correlated with EASI, and the lowest correlation was found with POEM. The magnitude of the effect at initiation of the study vs follow-up was in average moderate to important. Conclusions. Patients with atopic dermatitis experience a substantial burden on quality of life. Disease activity correlates better with quality-of-life measurements when the disease is less severe after starting therapy. POEM and Skindex-29 seem to be optimal to determine disease severity and quality of life in adults with atopic dermatitis.

Resumen Introducción. La información publicada sobre la correlación entre la magnitud del efecto de todo el espectro de la calidad de vida y la gravedad de la enfermedad en pacientes con dermatitis atópica es escasa. Objetivos. Evaluar la calidad de vida con tres instrumentos diferentes y los índices de gravedad de la enfermedad en pacientes con dermatitis atópica para determinar su correlación y el tamaño del efecto del cambio. Materiales y métodos. Los datos de los pacientes se obtuvieron a partir de dos visitas. Se evaluó la información sociodemográfica y los datos relacionados con la distribución y la gravedad de la enfermedad (mediante de las escalas BSA, EASI, SCORAD, POEM, prurito) y el impacto de la dermatitis atópica en la calidad de vida utilizando el Dermatology Life Quality Index, Skindex-29 y EQ-5D. También se evaluó la correlación entre el cambio en las puntuaciones de calidad de vida y las de gravedad de la enfermedad, además del tamaño del efecto estandarizado. Resultados. Solo 139 de los 212 pacientes completaron la visita de seguimiento. El área de superficie corporal se correlacionó fuertemente con el SCORAD y el EASI, y la correlación más débil fue con el POEM. La mejor correlación del prurito medido con la escala visual análoga se halló con la alteración del sueño. El puntaje SCORAD se correlacionó altamente con el EASI mientras que la correlación más baja se encontró con el POEM. La magnitud del efecto al inicio del estudio respecto al seguimiento fue en promedio de moderada a importante. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con dermatitis atópica experimentan una carga sustancial en la calidad de vida. La actividad de la enfermedad se correlaciona mejor con las mediciones de calidad de vida cuando esta es menos grave, después de comenzar la terapia. Los índices POEM y Skindex-29 parecen ser óptimos para determinar la gravedad de la enfermedad y la calidad de vida en adultos con dermatitis atópica.

Relación productividad académica -categoría de investigador Minciencias en el programa de psicología de una universidad colombiana / Academic productivity - Minciencias researcher category relationship in the psychology program of a Colombian university

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar si existe relación entre cantidad de publicaciones científicas y categoría de investigador Minciencias en docentes del programa de psicología de una universidad pública del Caribe colombiano. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman (rs) para estimar la correlación entre las variables publicaciones y categoría de investigador, tanto en docentes ocasionales como de planta. Se tuvo en cuenta la cantidad de publicaciones y categoría, a diciembre de 2022. Resultados: La producción media fue levemente mayor en ocasionales 17 que en planta 13. Se observó la existencia de correlación positiva, fuerte y significativa (rs > 0,8 y p < 0,05) en ambos tipos de vinculación docente, aunque ligeramente superior en ocasionales. No obstante, la productividad en ocasionales está fuertemente concentrada en 1 investigador. Conclusión: Poseer una profusa producción científica contribuye positivamente a categorizarse como investigador Minciencias. Con todo, es imprescindible poseer productos de formación de recurso humano, sobre todo a nivel de maestrías y doctorados, a fin de alcanzar las categorías Asociado y Sénior. Una perspectiva es contemplar la influencia de variables como la titulación, años de experiencia y cantidad de trabajos de grado y posgrado.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between the number of scientific publications and the category of Minciencias researcher in professors of the psychology program of a public university in the Colombian Caribbean. Materials and methods: Spearman coefficient (rs) was used to estimate the correlation between number of publications and researcher category, both in occasional and permanent teachers. The number of publications and category as of December 2022 was considered. Results: The average production was slightly higher in occasional 17 than in plant 13. The existence of a positive, strong, and significant correlation (rs > 0.8 and p < 0.05) was observed in both types of teacher involvement, although slightly higher in occasional ones. However, productivity in casuals is strongly concentrated in 1 researcher. Conclusion: To have a profuse scientific production contributes positively to being categorized as a Minciencias researcher. However, it is essential to have human resource training products, especially at the master's and doctoral level, to reach the Associate and Senior categories. One perspective is to consider the influence of variables such as degree, years of experience, and number of graduate and postgraduate work.

Correlation between geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse events in elderly hemodialysis patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between geriatric nutritional risk index(GNRI)and adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods A prospective cohort trial was conducted on 337 MHD patients aged ≥60 years in hemodialysis centers of 11 hospitals in Beijing from April to June 2017.Their baseline data were collected,and they were divided into non-malnutrition(GNRI≥98,226 cases),mild malnutrition(92≤GNRI＜98,81 cases),and major malnutrition groups(GNRI＜92,30 cases).All of them were followed up until June 2018.The endpoint events were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease(CVD)mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the cumulative survival rate among the 3 groups.Multivariate Cox regression model was employed to analyze the relationship of GNRI with all-cause and CVD mortality.Results The mild and major malnutrition groups had significantly lower BMI,serum albumin level and GNRI(P＜0.01).During the median follow-up of 52(4.4-52.0)weeks,56(16.6％)patients died of all-cause death and 25(44.6％)of CVD death.Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed significant differences in all-cause mortality(x2=30.484,P＜0.01)and CVD mortality(x2=22.398,P＜0.01)in the 3 groups.Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that,as a continuous variable,elevated GNRI was a protective factor for all-cause mortality(HR=0.910,95％CI:0.870-0.952,P=0.000)and CVD mortality(HR=0.895,95％CI:0.852-0.940,P=0.000),and as a categorical variable,mild and major malnutri-tion were independently correlated with all-cause and CVD mortality(P＜0.05).Conclusion GNRI is an independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD mortality in elderly MHD patients.Mo-nitoring the nutritional status using GNRI can predict the risk of adverse prognosis.

Expression of miR-182-5p in patients with chronic heart failure and its correlation with left ventricular remodeling and prognosis / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the serum expression level of miR-182-5p in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF),and analyze its correlation with left ventricular remodeling and prog-nosis.Methods A total of 138 CHF patients admitted to Liaocheng People's Hospital from Janu-ary 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled as CHF group,and another 120 healthy volunteers who took physical examinations at the same time served as the healthy group.The expression level of miR-182-5p in serum was detected in the two groups.Pearson analysis was used to analyze the correlation between its expression level and left ventricular remodeling.ROC curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-182-5p expression level.During 1 year of follow-up,their sur-vival status was collected and analyzed in the CHF patients.The prognostic value of miR-182-5p expression level was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve.Results The CHF patients had significantly lower LVEF value,but higher left ventricular remodeling index(LVRI)and miR-182-5p expression level than the healthy group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The expression level of miR-182-5p was negatively correlated with LVEF(r=-0.496,P=0.000)and positively with LVRI(r=0.460,P=0.000).The AUC value of miR-182-5p expression level in diagnosing CHF was 0.964,the cutoff value was 0.905,the sensitivity was 91.3％,and the specificity was 86.7％.Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the high expression level of miR-182-5p could predict the overall survival of CHF patients(P=0.039).Conclusion The expression level of miR-182-5p is higher in CHF patients than healthy people,and the patients with higher level indi-cate more serious left ventricular remodeling.Detecting the expression level of miR-182-5p is help-ful for the diagnosis and poorgnosis prediction of CHF patients.

Correlation between plasma Pannexin-1 and no reflow in STEMI patients after PCI / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To analyze the correlation between plasma Pannexin-1(Panx-1)level and no-reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with ST-segment elevation my-ocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods A prospective trial was performed on 218 STEMI patients who underwent PCI in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021.According to the blood flow classification of myocardial infarction thrombolysis(TIMI)after PCI,they were divided into normal reflow group(110 cases),slow reflow group(69 cases)and no reflow group(39 cases).The plasma Panx-1 level was determined by ELISA,and the levels of P-selectin,activated glyco-protein Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a(aGP Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a)and platelet-leukocyte aggregates(PLA)were determined by flow cytometry.Results Older age,larger ratio of diabetes mellitus,longer time from symptom onset to PCI,higher platelet count and levels of LDL-C,D-dimer,P-selectin,GP Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a,PNA,PM A,PLyA and plasma Panx-1 were observed in the no-reflow group than the normal and slow reflow groups(P＜0.05).The plasma Panx-1 level in STEMI patients was positively correlated with P-selectin,GP Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a,PNA,PM A and PLyA(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).LDL-C ≥3.20 mmol/L and plasma Panx-1＞0.88 μg/mL were independent risk factors for no-reflow after PCI in STEMI pa-tients(OR=2.198,95％CI:1.252-3.858,P=0.006;OR=16.849,95％CI:4.481-63.357,P=0.000).The AUC value of Panx-1 was 0.826(95％CI:0.744-0.907,P＜0.01)in predicting no re-flux in STEMI patients after PCI.Conclusion The increase of plasma Panx-1 level is closely asso-ciated with the occurrence of no reflow in STEMI patients after PCI,and the protein can be used as a predictive biomarker for the phenomenon.

Level of coagulation factor Xin patients with venous thrombosis of lower limbs and its correlation with recurrence risk / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the level of coagulation factor Ⅺ(FⅪ)in patients with venous thrombosis of lower limbs and its correlation with recurrence risk.Methods A total of 220 pa-tients with deep vein thrombosis(DVT)admitted in our hospital from February 2018 to February 2019 were enrolled as the study group,and another 50 healthy individuals taking physical exami-nation during same period served as the control group.After a 3 years followed,the study group ultimately included 197 cases,according to the results of restricted cubic spline(RCS),the study group was divided into low(FⅪ＜10.3 U/L,94 cases),medium-(10.3-12.1 U/L,52 cases)and high-level groups(＞12.1 U/L,51 cases).The plasma level of FⅪ was detected in the study group 1 month after the end of anticoagulant therapy,and the results were compared with those of the control group during physical examination.Cox model was used to analyze the influence of FⅪ on the recurrence of DVT,and RCS was employed to analyze the relationship between DVT recur-rence and FⅪ level.Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted to analyze the recurrence risk of DVT with different FⅪ levels.The patients from the study group were followed up for 3 years.Results The FⅪ level was significantly higher in the study group than the control group(P＜0.05).During fol-low-up period,33 patients(16.75％)had DVT recurrence.The Cox model analysis after adjust-ment of sex and age showed that FⅪ level was a risk factor for DVT recurrence(P＜0.05).When the FⅪ level was set into tertile and the risk ratio was calculated after adjustment,FⅪ＜10.3 U/L,and the average FⅪ level at this stage was 9.2 U/L,the risk ratio was 0.82(95％CI:0.673-0.984);Patients with FⅪ between 10.3 and 12.1 U/L,and the average FⅪ at this stage was 11.4 U/L,the risk ratio of 1.04(95％CI:0.813-1.432).The those with FⅪ＞12.1 U/L,and the average FⅪ at this stage was 13.8 U/L,hazard ratio of 1.38(95％CI:0.921-1.563).Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the recurrence risk was 28.62％(95％CI:25.633-31.609),30.10％(95％CI:27.594-32.606)and 38.06％(95％CI:34.306-41.371),respectively for the low-,medium-,and high-level groups,with significant correlation among the three groups(x2=6.631,P=0.036).Conclusion Compared with healthy individuals,plasma FⅪ level is at a high level in the DVT patients.With the increment of FⅪ level,the risk of DVT recurrence increases.Two FⅪ levels,10.3 U/L and 12.1 U/L,can be used as reference points for the obvious increase of DVT recur-rence rate.

Correlation between characteristics of left atrial strain and exercise endurance in patients with chronic heart failure / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the correlation between the characteristics of left atrial(LA)strain and exercise endurance in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods A total of 212 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from November 2021 to January 2023 were prospec-tively subjected in this study.According to their maximal oxygen uptake(VO2max),they were di-vided into high endurance group[≥16 ml/(kg·min),125 cases]and low endurance group[＜16 ml/(kg·min),125 cases].The general data and results of laboratory test were analyzed and com-pared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related factors affecting the exercise endurance.Results Significant differences were observed between the two groups in level of NT-proBNP,ratio of early diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve(E)to early di-astolic peak velocity of mitral annulus(e'),E,LVEDVI,LVESVI,LVSVI,LVEF,LVGLS,LA maximum volume index(LAVImax),LA minimum volume index(LAVImin),LA reservoir strain(LASr),LA conduit strain duct strain(LAScd),and LA contractile strain(LASct)(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LASr(OR=0.987,95％CI:1.003-1.029),LAScd(OR=1.177,95％CI:0.688-0.955),LASct(OR=1.341,95％CI:0.507-0.884).NT-proBNP(OR=1.002,95％CI:0.995-1.000),E/e'(OR=1.086,95％CI:1.000-1.183),LVEDVI(OR=1.127,95％CI:0.805-0.936)and LVEF(OR=0.909,95％CI:0.824-1.000)were related factors influencing exercise endurance in CHF patients(P＜0.05).Restricted cube chart revealed that there was a significant nonlinear relationship between LASr,LAScd and LASct and exercise endurance in the patients(x2=9.830,16.820,9.080,P＜0.05).Conclusion The char-acteristic indicators of LA strain are related to exercise endurance of CHF patients.

Relationship between serum miR-665 and miR-144 levels and cardiac function in elderly patients with chronic heart failure / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the serum levels of miR-665 and miR-144 in the elderly pa-tients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and their relationship with cardiac function.Methods A total of 120 elderly CHF patients who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were collected and then divided into NYHA grade Ⅱ(n=39),Ⅲ(n=51)and Ⅳ(n=30)subgroups according to the results of NYHA classification.Another 120 elderly healthy volunteers during the same period were recruited as the control group.Clinical data and cardiac function indicators were collected,and the expression levels of miR-665 and miR-144 in se-rum were detected.Pearson correlation analysis was applied to analyze the relationship of miR-665 and miR-144 levels with cardiac function indicators.Results The CHF group had significantly de-creased LVEF,increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),and elevated serum levels of miR-665 and miR-144 than the control group(P＜0.01).Sequentially reduced LVEF and raised LVEDD and LVESD values and serum miR-665 and miR-144 levels were observed in the patients with NYHA grades Ⅱ,Ⅲ,and Ⅳ in turn(P＜0.01).Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation of the serum level of miR-665 with that of miR-144 in CHF patients(r=0.693,P=0.000),of the miR-665 and miR-144 levels with LVEDD(r=0.485,r=0.507,P＜0.01)and LVESD(r=0.539,r=0.494,P＜0.01),and a negative correlation of the serum levels with LVEF(r=-0.577,r=-0.591,P＜0.01).Conclusion The serum levels of miR-665 and miR-144 are elevated in elderly CHF patients,and are closely associated with their cardiac function.

Expression of serological indicators and correlation with severity of coronary artery disease in elderly patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the levels of soluble tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1)and chemokine C-C ligand 3(CCL3)in serum of patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and their correlation with the severity of the disease.Methods A total of 230 elderly CHD patients admitted to the De-partment of Cardiovascular Medicine of Xinxiang Central Hospital from November 2020 to No-vember 2022 were collected as the study subjects(CHD group),and according to their Gensini score,they were divided into mild(n=89),moderate(n=95),and severe(n=46)CHD sub-groups.Another 230 healthy individuals who taking physical examination during the same period served as the control group.ELISA was applied to measure serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3.ROC curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic values of serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 levels for CHD.Pear-son correlation analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 levels and the CHD severity.Results The serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were obviously higher in the CHD group than the control group(121.71±29.80 ng/L vs 98.70±17.57 ng/L,18.22± 5.41 ng/L vs 13.68±3.89 ng/L,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of the two indicators combined together was significantly greater than that of them alone in diagnosis of CHD(0.886 vs 0.791,0.775,P＜0.01).The serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were increased along with the severity of the disease and Gensini score when the levels and the score were compared among the mild,moderate and severe subgroups(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were positively correlated with the Gensini score(r=0.420,r=0.479,P＜0.01).Conclusion The levels of serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 are obviously ele-vated in CHD patients,and closely associated with the severity of coronary lesions.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 in cerebral infarction rats and its involvement in Smad signaling pathway / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the role of Smad signaling pathway in rat model of cerebral in-farction and explore the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3(IGFBP-3)in brain tissue and its relationship with neural function.Methods Sixty healthy adult male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into model group,sham-operation group,and normal control group.The model of cerebral infarction was established by using intraluminal thread occlusion,and the rats of the sham-operation group were only given exposure of the internal carotid artery and direct suture of the incision.In 1 week after successful modeling,Modified Neurological Seve-rity Score(mNSS)was used to evaluate the neurological function.HE staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the brain tissues.Western blotting and RT-PCR were adopted to detect the brain expression of IGFBP-3,Smad2 and Smad4 at protein and mRNA le-vels.Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation among the expression levels of IGFBP-3,Smad2,Smad4 and P21.Results HE staining displayed that obvious brain ede-ma,characterized by disordered arrangement of brain cells,increased microglia,and blurred nucleo-lus of brain cells were observed in the rats of the model group,with the area of cerebral infarct of 20.55％.The mNSS score and the protein and mRNA levels of IGFBP-3,Smad2 and Smad4 were significantly higher,but the P21 protein and mRNA levels were obviously reduced in the model group than the sham-operation group and normal control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the mRNA level of IGFBP-3 in cerebral infarction rats was posi-tively correlated with the mNSS score and mRNA expression levels of Smad2 and Smad4(r=0.568,r=0.623,r=0.597;P＜0.01),and negatively with P21 mRNA level in the brain tissue(r=-0.573;P＜0.01).Conclusion The level of IGFBP-3 is significantly increased in brain tissue of rats with cerebral infarction,and it is closely associated with neural function of these rats,which may be related to Smad signaling pathway.

Correlation between serum sclerostin and sarcopenia-related indicators in chronic kidney disease patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum sclerostin and sarcopenia-related indicators in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and to find biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets that can take into account both osteoporosis and sarcopenia.Methods:It was a single-centre cross-sectional study. The clinical data of CKD stage 5 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis regularly and CKD stage 1-5 non-dialysis inpatients in the Hemodialysis Centre of Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were collected retrospectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of serum sclerostin. The anthropometric data such as height, weight, upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle circumference, skinfold thickness, pinch strength and handgrip strength were measured. Body composition analyzer was used to measure the body composition. The patients were divided into CKD stage 1-3 group, CKD stage 4-5 group, and stage 5 hemodialysis group. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and chi-square test were used to compare the differences of demographics and clinical characteristics in different stages of CKD. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were utilized to analyze the correlation between serum sclerostin and sarcopenia-related indicators in CKD patients. Results:The study included 104 patients with CKD stage 5 hemodialysis and 104 patients with CKD stage 1-5 non-dialysis patients, with age of (61.8±13.7) years old and 114 males (54.8%). There were 89 patients (42.8%) with diabetic nephropathy and 67 patients (32.2%) with sarcopenia. As renal injury progressed, serum sclerostin levels were 0.4 (0.3, 0.9) ng/L, 0.5 (0.3, 1.1) ng/L, and 1.1 (0.6, 2.3) ng/L in patients with CKD stage 1-3, stage 4-5, and stage 5 undergoing hemodialysis ( χ2=8.934, P<0.001), and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 16.4% (10/61), 34.9% (15/43), and 40.4% (42/104) ( χ2=10.312, P=0.006), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum sclerostin was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r=-0.314, P<0.001), pinch strength ( r=-0.229, P=0.007), skinfold thickness ( r=-0.254, P<0.001), appendicular skeletal muscle index ( r=-0.169, P=0.010), body cell mass ( r=-0.174, P=0.020), and phase angle ( r=-0.264, P<0.001), and positively correlated with serum phosphorus ( r=0.227, P=0.002) and intact parathyroid hormone ( r=0.297, P<0.001). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that lg[appendicular skeletal muscle index] was negatively correlated with male ( β=0.330, t=5.675, P<0.001) and serum sclerostin ( β=-0.125, t=-2.143, P=0.033), and positively correlated with body mass index ( β=0.474, t=8.090, P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sclerostin can be used as a good index and a potential therapeutic target for sarcopenia in CKD patients.

Association between urinary thallium and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between urinary thallium （TL） and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. MethodsRelated data were collected from the registered participants aged ≥18 years in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to 2020， with th exclusion of the individuals with a lack of liver transient elastography data and urinary TL indicators and those with hepatitis B， hepatitis C or significant alcohol consumption. A total of individuals were divided into NAFLD group and non-NAFLD group. Urinary TL level was quantitatively measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and online solid-phase extraction combined with isotope dilution. The two groups were compared in terms of age， sex， race， marital status， education， family income poverty impact ratio （FMPIR）， body mass index （BMI）， smoking， alcohol consumption， diabetes mellitus （DM）， hypertension （HTN）， hyperlipidemia （HL）， and urinary TL level. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Descriptive analysis， multivariable Logistic regression， restricted cubic spline regression analysis， subgroup analysis， and interaction analysis were conducted to investigate the risk association between urinary TL and NAFLD. ResultsA total of 2 511 individuals were included， with 1 612 （64.20%） in the NAFLD group and 899 （35.80%） in the non-NAFLD group， and the NAFLD group had a significantly higher urinary TL level than the non-NAFLD group ［0.18 （0.11‍ ‍— ‍0.26）μg/L vs 0.16 （0.09 — ‍0.25）μg/L， Z=-2.76， P=0.01］. After adjustment for the covariates of age， sex， race， education， marital status， FMPIR， BMI， smoking， alcohol consumption， DM， HTN， and HL， the urinary TL Q4 group had a significant increase in the risk of NAFLD （odds ratio ［OR］=1.90， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.48‍ — ‍2.44， P<0.01）. There was a positive dose-response relationship （P<0.01） and a non-linear relationship （P<0.01） between urinary TL and the risk of NAFLD. A significant interaction was observed between urinary TL and smoking/BMI （P<0.05）. For individuals taking ≥100 cigarettes in their lifetime， the risk of NAFLD was increased by 50% for every quartile increase in urinary TL （OR=1.50， 95%CI： 1.24‍ — ‍1.80）， and for individuals taking<100 cigarettes in their lifetime， the risk of NAFLD was increased by 20% for every quartile increase in urinary TL （OR=1.20， 95%CI： 1.03‍ — ‍1.40）； for individuals with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2， the risk of NAFLD was increased by 30% for every quartile increase in urinary TL （OR=1.30， 95%CI： 1.05‍ — ‍1.70）， with a statistical significance （P<0.05）. ConclusionUrinary TL level is significantly associated with the risk of NAFLD.

The intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of bone level measurements at strategic mini-implants using dental panoramic radiography

Abstract Objectives: This experimental study focused on the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of vertical bone level (VBL) measurements at strategic mini-implants (MI) using digital panoramic radiographs (PR). Study design: VBLs of 152 MIs for removable partial denture stabilization at 50 randomly chosen PRs from a clinical trial were digitally evaluated by three ratters. Rater deviations exceeding 0.5 mm were re-examined. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied to estimate reliability. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was interrelated to the minimal clinically important change of 0.2 mm. Results: The first measurement round revealed intra- and inter-rater ICCs of > 0.8. However, 28 sites (9 %) were unreadable, and 97 sites (32 %) revealed differences between observers of ≥ 0.5 mm. Following a consensus session and re-training, an additional 8 sites were excluded and all remaining VBL differences were ≤ 0.5 mm. Thus, the SDCs with 95 % credibility were improved from 0.73 to 0.31 mm in the intra-rater and from 1.52 to 0.34 mm in the interrater statistics. Given a 50 % credibility for this special setting, both the intra- and inter-rater SDCs were 0.11 mm. Conclusions: Digital PR can be reliably utilized to determine VBLs around MIs under conditions of at least two trained observers, mutual calibration sessions, and exclusion of unquantifiable radiographs. German Clinical Trials Register ID:DRKS00007589, www.germanctr.de

La empatía de los enfermeros con los pacientes en los hospitales públicos / Working nurses' empathy with patients in public hospitals / A empatia dos enfermeiros com os pacientes em hospitais públicos

Objetivo: determinar los niveles de empatía en profesionales de enfermería de un hospital de alta complejidad, relacionar la edad con la empatía (y cada una de sus dimensiones), y establecer si existen diferencias entre estos niveles según el tipo de jornada laboral. Método: diseño comparativo, correlacional y transversal. La muestra utilizada (n=271) constituyó el 40,9% del total de profesionales de enfermería. Se estudiaron las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Empatía de Jefferson para Profesionales de la Salud. Se calcularon estadísticos descriptivos: media y desviación estándar. La asociación entre empatía y edad se estimó mediante ecuaciones de regresión y significancia estadística de los coeficientes de regresión, luego de evaluar el tipo de curva mediante análisis de varianza. Resultados: se identificó el modelo subyacente de las tres dimensiones de la empatía. Los valores de los estadísticos descriptivos observados fueron relativamente bajos en empatía y sus dimensiones. Los niveles de empatía no se asociaron con el rango de edad. No se encontraron diferencias en la empatía entre los tipos de horarios de trabajo. Se encontró variabilidad en las dimensiones: "cuidado compasivo" y "ponerse en los zapatos del paciente". Conclusión: estos resultados muestran que los niveles de empatía observados pueden implicar un desempeño deficiente en el cuidado empático de los pacientes.

Objective: to determine the levels of empathy in professional nurses of a high-complexity hospital, to relate age to empathy (and each one of its dimensions), and to establish if there are differences between these levels according to the type of working schedules. Method: comparative, correlational and cross-sectional design. The sample used (n=271) constituted 40.9% of the total number of nursing professionals. Psychometric properties of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Health Professionals were studied. Descriptive statistics were calculated: mean and standard deviation. The association between empathy and age was estimated using regression equations and statistical significance of the regression coefficients, after evaluating the type of curve using variance analysis. Results: the underlying model of three dimensions of empathy was identified. The values of the descriptive statistics observed were relatively low in empathy and its dimensions. Empathy levels were not associated with the age range. No differences in empathy were found between the types of work schedules. Variability was found in the dimensions: "compassionate care" and "Walking on the patient's shoes". Conclusion: these results show that the levels of empathy observed may imply a deficient performance in empathetic care for patients.

Objetivo: determinar os níveis de empatia em enfermeiros profissionais de um hospital de alta complexidade, relacionar a idade com a empatia (e cada uma das suas dimensões) e verificar se existem diferenças entre esses níveis, de acordo com o tipo de horário de trabalho. Método: delineamento comparativo, correlacional e transversal. A amostra utilizada (n=271) constituiu 40,9% do total de profissionais de enfermagem. Foram estudadas as propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Empatia de Jefferson para Profissionais da Saúde. Foram calculadas estatísticas descritivas: média e desvio padrão. A associação entre empatia e idade foi estimada por meio de equações de regressão e significância estatística dos coeficientes de regressão, após avaliação do tipo de curva por meio de análise de variância. Resultados: o modelo subjacente de três dimensões de empatia foi identificado. Os valores das estatísticas descritivas observados foram relativamente baixos em empatia e suas dimensões. Níveis de empatia não foram associados com a faixa etária. Não foram encontradas diferenças de empatia entre os tipos de horários de trabalho. Foi encontrada variabilidade nas dimensões: "cuidado compassivo" e "colocar-se no lugar do paciente". Conclusão: esses resultados mostram que os níveis de empatia observados podem implicar em um desempenho deficiente no atendimento empático aos pacientes.

Relationship between handgrip strength and inspiratory muscles with the success of the spontaneous breathing trial

Introduction: In critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, the loss of inspiratory and peripheral muscle strength is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and failed weaning. Objective: To determine the relationship between handgrip strength and inspiratory muscle strength with the success of the Spontaneous Breathing Trial in adults with ventilatory support greater than 48 hours. Methodology: Prospective observational cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary hospital in Colombia. Handgrip strength and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure were measured once a day before Spontaneous Breathing Trial testing. Pearson's test and Cohen's D test were used to analyze correlations. Results: A total of 51 patients were included, 57% male, with a mean age of 51.9±20 years. A positive correlation was identified between Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and grip strength; and a negative correlation between grip strength and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure with the days of stay in the intensive care unit, (r -0.40; p<0.05) and (r -0.45; p<0.05). Conclusions: Handgrip strength and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure were positively correlated with Spontaneous Breathing Trial success. The importance of these measures to guide ventilator disconnection processes is highlighted.

Introducción: En el paciente críticamente enfermo con ventilación mecánica, la pérdida de la fuerza de los músculos inspiratorios y periféricos se asocia con ventilación mecánica prolongada y destete fallido. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la fuerza de prensión manual y la fuerza de músculos inspiratorios con el éxito de la prueba de respiración espontánea en adultos con soporte ventilatorio mayor a 48 horas. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo observacional de corte transversal realizado en un hospital de tercer nivel en Colombia. La fuerza de prensión manual y la presión inspiratoria máxima se midieron una vez al día antes de la prueba de prueba de respiración espontánea. Se utilizaron la prueba de Pearson y la prueba D de Cohen para analizar las correlaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron 51 pacientes, 57 % de sexo masculino, con una edad promedio de 51,9 ± 20 años. Se identificó una correlación positiva entre Presión Inspiratoria Máxima y fuerza de la mano; y una correlación negativa entre la fuerza de la mano y la Presión Inspiratoria Máxima con los días de estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, (r -0,40; p < 0,05) y (r -0,45;p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La fuerza de prensión manual y la Presión Inspiratoria Máxima se correlacionaron positivamente con el éxito de la Prueba de Respiración Espontánea. Se destaca la importancia de estas mediciones para guiar procesos de desconexión del ventilador.

Fuerza prensil y composición corporal en escolares colombianos. Estudio piloto

Introducción: Algunos estudios han encontrado relación entre exceso de peso y baja fuerza de prensión relativa. En países de ingresos socioeconómicos medianos y bajos hay pocas evidencias que evalúen la fuerza prensil y su relación con la composición corporal en población pediátrica. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre la fuerza prensil y la composición corporal de escolares de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio piloto de corte transversal, analítico, correlacional. Participaron niños en edad escolar de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Las principales variables dependientes fueron masa muscular, agua corporal total, proteínas (kg) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal. La variable independiente correspondió a la fuerza prensil. Se usó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman para explorar la relación entre variables. Resultados: El promedio de la fuerza prensil en el total de la muestra fue de 13,8 ± 3,2 Newton. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas y estadísticamente significativas entre la fuerza prensil y la masa musculoesquelética (r = 0,73), agua corporal total (r = 0,73) y proteínas (r = 0,74). Discusión: Nuestros resultados son consistentes con evidencias previas que identifican a la fuerza prensil como un indicador de la composición corporal, específicamente en las variables de masa musculoesquelética y proteínas. Conclusión: Los niños en el tercil más alto de fuerza prensil presentan los terciles más altos de masa musculoesquelética, agua corporal total y proteínas.

Introduction: Some studies have found a relationship between excess weight and low relative grip strength. In countries with medium and low socioeconomic income, there is little evidence evaluating grip strength and its relationship with body composition in the pediatric population. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between grip strength and body composition of schoolchildren from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical, correlational pilot study was conducted. Schoolchildren from Bucaramanga, Colombia participated. The main dependent variables were muscle mass, total body water, protein (kg), and percentage of body fat. The independent variable corresponded to the prehensile force. Spearman's Correlation Coefficient was used to explore the relationship between variables. Results: The average prehensile force in the total sample was 13.8±3.2 Newton. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between grip strength and musculoskeletal mass (r=0.73), total body water (r=0.73), and protein (r=0.74). Discussion: Our results are consistent with previous evidence that identifies grip strength as an indicator of body composition, specifically in the variables of musculoskeletal mass and protein. Conclusion: Children in the highest tertile of prehensile strength present the highest tertiles of skeletal muscle mass, total body water, and protein.

lipoproteínas y colesterol total en adultos con colesterolemia normal y elevada en un policlínico de Lima-Perú 2022: Un estudio correlacional / Lipoproteins and total cholesterol in adults with normal and elevated cholesterolemia in a clinic in Lima-Peru 2022: A correlational study

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de correlación entre las lipoproteínas de alta densidad, baja densidad, muy baja densidad y el colesterol total en pacientes con colesterolemia normal y alta. Metodología: Estudio observacional, analítico y transversal realizado desde enero a setiembre de 2022 con 207 pacientes mayores de 18 años, divididos en un grupo de colesterol normal y otro con hipercolesterolemia. Se realizó la prueba de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: En normocolesterolémicos, hubo una correlación baja y negativa entre lipoproteínas de alta densidad y las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (-0.263) así como entre lipoproteínas de alta densidad y las de muy baja densidad (-0.220). En hipercolesterolémicos, hubo una correlación baja y positiva entre lipoproteínas de alta densidad con colesterol total (0.344). En ambos grupos, hubo una correlación alta entre colesterol y lipoproteínas de baja densidad y baja y positiva entre colesterol y lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad. Conclusiones: Las lipoproteínas se correlacionan en normocolesterolémicos y las lipoproteínas de alta densidad se correlacionan en hipercolesterolémicos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the degree of correlation between high-density, low-density, and very low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol in patients with normal and high cholesterolemia. Methodology: Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study carried out from January to September 2022 with 207 patients over 18 years of age divided into a group with normal cholesterol and another with hypercholesterolemia. The Spearman correlation test was performed. Results: In normocholesterolemic subjects there was a low and negative correlation between high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins (-0.263) as well as between high-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins (-0.220). In hypercholesterolemic patients there was a low and positive correlation between high-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol (0.344). In both groups there was a high correlation between cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins and a low and positive correlation between cholesterol and very low-density lipoproteins. Conclusions: Lipoproteins are correlated in normocholesterolemics and high-density lipoproteins are correlated in hypercholesterolemics.

Correlación entre los Estilos de Aprendizaje Según el Modelo de Felder-Silverman y el Rendimiento Académico de la Asignatura de Morfología y Función en Estudiantes Universitarios / Correlation Between Learning Styles According to the Felder-Silverman Model and the Academic Performance of the Morphology and Function Subject in University Students

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la relación existente entre la tendencia predominante del estilo de aprendizaje, según el modelo de Felder-Silverman, evaluando el rendimiento académico parcial y final de los estudiantes que cursan la asignatura Morfología y Función I. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 231 estudiantes universitarios que ingresaron a las Facultades de Salud y Educación en el primer semestre del año 2019. Para poder evaluar el rendimiento, a los estudiantes se les aplicó el cuestionario de Índice de Estilos de Aprendizaje y se correlacionó con la nota de la prueba teórica 1, la evaluación práctica 1 y el promedio final de la asignatura. Los resultados muestran que el 53,4 % del total de estudiantes evaluados son visuales, para estos estudiantes el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman fue de -0,378 para prueba teórica (p<0,001), -0.467 para evaluación práctica (p<0,001) y -0.500 para el promedio final (p<0,001). Los estudiantes visuales tienen promedio de notas más altos en la prueba teórica y el promedio final comparado con los activos (p<0,05). Se concluyó que la tendencia predominante es el visual, para estos estudiantes existe una correlación inversa y estadísticamente significativa con el rendimiento académico. Además, presentan un promedio de notas significativamente más alto que las otras tendencias.

SUMMARY: The objective if this study was to determine the relation that exists between the predominant tendency of the learning style, according to the Felder-Silverman model, and partial and final academic performance of the students attending the subject Morphology and Function I. A transversal study was carried out among 231 college students who joined the Faculties of Health and Education during the first term of 2019. They received the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire and it was correlated with the mark of the theoretical test n°1, the practical evaluation n° 1 and the final average of the course. Results showed that 53.4 % of the total numbers of students assessed are visual, for these pupils the Spearman correlation coefficient was -0.378 for the theoretical test (p<0.001),-0.467 for the practical evaluation (p<0.001) and -0.500 for the final average (p<0.001). Visual students have higher average marks in the theoretical test and the final average contrasted with the active ones (p<0.05). We concluded that the predominant tendency is the visual style. For these students there is an inverted and statistically significant correlation with the academic performance. Besides, they show significantly higher average marks than the other tendencies.

Correlation between physical activity practice and mortality from COVID-19: an ecological study / Correlação entre prática de atividade física e mortalidade por COVID-19: um estudo ecológico / Correlación entre la práctica de actividad física y la mortalidad por COVID-19: un estudio ecológico

Background and objective: new population-level studies are needed to better assess the relationship between physical inactivity and mortality from COVID-19. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between population prevalence of physical activity and standardized mortality rates by COVID-19 in Brazilian capital cities and the Federal District. Methods: this is an ecological study, whose analysis is secondary. The prevalence of physical inactivity, insufficient physical activity, and physical activity during free time was obtained from the Surveillance of Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey 2019 (VIGITEL), according to minutes spent on leisure, commuting, and household activities. The COVID-19 mortality data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe), adding the accumulated deaths until December 31, 2020. The resident population was estimated from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) for the year 2020. Pearson Correlation evaluated the correlation between the prevalence of different physical activity practices and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19, in total, and according to age groups. Results: there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.420; p = 0.029) between the overall prevalence of insufficient physical activity and the standardized COVID-19 mortality rate. No correlation was observed between the other prevalence of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19. Conclusion: there was a correlation between insufficient levels of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19 in people living in Brazilian capital cities.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivo: novos estudos em nível populacional são necessários para avaliar a relação entre inatividade física e mortalidade por COVID-19. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a correlação entre as prevalências populacionais de prática de atividade física e as taxas padronizadas de mortalidade por COVID-19 nas cidades capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo ecológico, cuja análise é secundária. As prevalências de inatividade física, atividade física insuficiente e atividade física no tempo livre foram obtidas do inquérito Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico 2019 (VIGITEL). Os dados de mortalidade por COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), somando os óbitos acumulados até 31 de dezembro de 2020. A população residente foi estimada a partir do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) para o ano de 2020. A Correlação de Pearson avaliou a correlação entre a prevalência de diferentes práticas de atividade física e a taxa padronizada de mortalidade por COVID-19, no total e segundo faixas etárias. Resultados: houve correlação significativa positiva (r = 0,420; p = 0,029) entre a prevalência geral de atividade física insuficiente e a taxa padronizada de mortalidade por COVID-19. Não foi observada correlação entre as demais prevalências de prática de atividade física e taxa padronizada de mortalidade por COVID-19. Conclusão: houve correlação entre os níveis insuficientes de atividade física e a taxa padronizada de mortalidade por COVID-19 em pessoas que vivem nas cidades capitais brasileiras.(AU)

Justificación y objetivo: nuevos estudios a nivel poblacional son necesarios para evaluar la relación entre la inactividad física y la mortalidad por COVID-19. Evaluar la correlación entre la prevalencia poblacional de actividad física y las tasas estandarizadas de mortalidad por COVID-19 en las capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal. Métodos: se trata de un estudio ecológico, cuyo análisis es secundario. Las prevalencias de sedentarismo, actividad física insuficiente y actividad física en el tiempo libre se obtuvieron de la Encuesta Telefónica de Vigilancia de Factores de Riesgo y Protección de Enfermedades Crónicas 2019 (VIGITEL). Los datos de mortalidad por COVID-19 se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Influenza (SIVEP-Gripe), sumando las muertes acumuladas hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020. La población residente se estimó del Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) para el año. 2020. Pearson Correlation evaluó la correlación entre la prevalencia de diferentes prácticas de actividad física y la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada por COVID-19, en total y según grupos de edad. Resultados: hubo una correlación positiva significativa (r = 0,420; p = 0,029) entre la prevalencia general de actividad física insuficiente y la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada por COVID-19. No se observó correlación entre la otra prevalencia de actividad física y la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada por COVID-19. Conclusión: hubo una correlación entre los niveles insuficientes de actividad física y la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada por COVID-19 en personas que viven en las capitales brasileñas.(AU)

Correlation of serum growth differentiation factor-15 with coronary slow flow phenomenon and atherosclerosis / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation of serum growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)with coronary slow flow phenomenon(CSFP)and coronary atherosclerosis(AS).Meth-ods A total of 190 patients undergoing first-time coronary angiography in our hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were recruited,and then according to definite diagnosis,divided into CSFP group(n=60),AS group(n=70)and NC group(normal coronary flow,n=60).Their gen-eral data,risk factors for coronary heart disease,clinical biochemical indexes and electrocardio-gram were collected.The serum GDF15 level was measured by ELISA.Results Age(OR=1.065,95％CI:1.014-1.119,P=0.021),smoking history(OR=0.330,95％CI:0.132-0.823,P=0.001)and GDF-15(OR=1.006,95％CI:1.003-1.009,P=0.018)were independent influencing factors of AS.Age(OR=0.956,95％CI:0.926-0.988,P=0.024)and GDF-15(OR=1.003,95％CI:1.000-1.006,P=0.031)were independent influencing factors of CSFP.The GDF-15 level was significantly higher in the moderate or severe AS group than the CSFP group and the mild AS group(867.02±222.82 ng/L vs 568.21±163.03 ng/L and 635.41±214.95 ng/L,P＜0.01).Serum GDF-15 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP level(r=0.228,P=0.014).Conclusion GDF-15 is highly expressed in the patients with CSFP and with AS.With the increase of GDF-15 level,the severe the degree of AS gradually.GDF-15 is highly correlated with hs-CRP.