A novel 5-ring multifocal electroretinography stimulus for detecting hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity

Abstract Purpose Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) shows great utility as a screening tool to detect early hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy, but its widespread use is limited by the lack of accessibility and long test duration. In this study, we evaluated a novel concentric 5-ring mfERG stimulus to provide a simplified and rapid protocol for screening HCQ toxicity. Methods Patients referred for HCQ retinopathy screening were consented to this observational cross-sectional study. Patients with amblyopia, high refractive error (more than 8 diopters), other retinal diseases precluding appropriate evaluation or history of retinal surgery were excluded. The data were collected from patients undergoing HCQ screening at a single center from July 2019 to March 2020. Patients were tested with the new concentric 5-ring mfERG stimulus, standard 61-hexagon mfERG stimulus, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and automated 10-2 visual fields. For the main outcome, the 5-ring mfERG was compared to 61-hexagon stimulus to determine the time-to-test completion and assess the association between ring (R1–R5) amplitude and ring ratio compared against cumulative dose, dose by real body weight and duration of therapy using Pearson correlation. Results In total, 52 patients (104 eyes; 5 males and 47 females) were recruited with a mean age of 59 years (range 23–85 years). The 5-ring protocol was markedly quicker to perform (1.3 ± 0.2 min; mean (SD)) compared to the 61-hexagon protocol (5.2 ± 0.6 min), p < 0.0001; n = 10 patients. The new R2/R5 ring ratio showed a moderate correlation with daily dose (r = − 0.640), cumulative dose (r = − 0.581) and duration of therapy (r = − 0.417). Similar correlations were observed with the new R2/R4 ring ratio which were not significantly different from the new R2/R5 correlation coefficients. The new R2/R5 ring ratio demonstrated a stronger correlation with daily (p = 0.002) and cumulative dose (p = 0.0001) compared to the 61-hexagon stimulus. Conclusions In this exploratory study, our novel 5-ring mfERG protocol significantly shortened data acquisition time while providing comparable results to the standard 61-hexagon stimulus for detecting HCQ-induced electrophysiological changes that are correlated with HCQ dosages and treatment duration. Our protocol has the potential to be more clinically practical by simplifying routine screening.

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Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Impact on Work-Home Interference in a South African Commuter Transport Engineering Company

African Journal of Employee Relations (Formerly South African Journal of Labour Relations) ◽

10.25159/2520-3223/4553 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

Author(s):

Jan Christoff Visagie ◽

Michael M. Jones ◽

Herman L. Linde

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Leader Member Exchange ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Dyadic Relationship ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Engineering Company ◽

Member Exchange

The South African workplace is confronted with many leadership challenges, specifically those relating to the employment relationship between subordinates and their supervisors. A high-quality relationship is essential, considering the work-family spillovers employees experience. Limited research has been conducted on the potential positive and negative consequences of the leader-member exchange (LMX) dyadic relationship. In this study, we used a cross-sectional research design, and drew an employee sample (N = 120) from a commuter transport engineering company. A five-point Likert scale was employed and statistical analyses were carried out using the SAS statistical program. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients and used structural equation modelling to test the proposed conceptual model to indicate possible correlations between the different variables. The main finding of the study was that the nature of the LMX relationship quality in the relevant company appeared to be high and positively related to work-home enrichment but negatively related to work-home conflict and role overload. The article concludes by making a number of suggestions to respond to challenges.

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The patellofemoral morphology and the normal predicted value of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance in the Chinese population

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04454-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhe Li ◽

Guanzhi Liu ◽

Run Tian ◽

Ning Kong ◽

Yue Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Tibial Tuberosity ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Lasso Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Anterior Posterior

Abstract Background Our objective was to obtain normal patellofemoral measurements to analyse sex and individual differences. In addition, the absolute values and indices of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances are still controversial in clinical application. A better method to enable precise prediction is still needed. Methods Seventy-eight knees of 78 participants without knee pathologies were included in this cross-sectional study. A CT scan was conducted for all participants and three-dimensional knee models were constructed using Mimics and SolidWorks software. We measured and analysed 19 parameters including the TT-TG distance and dimensions and shapes of the patella, femur, tibia, and trochlea. LASSO regression was used to predict the normal TT-TG distances. Results The dimensional parameters, TT-TG distance, and femoral aspect ratio of the men were significantly larger than those of women (all p values < 0.05). However, after controlling for the bias from age, height, and weight, there were no significant differences in TT-TG distances and anterior-posterior dimensions between the sexes (all p values > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients between the anterior femoral offset and other indexes were consistently below 0.3, indicating no relationship or a weak relationship. Similar results were observed for the sulcus angle and the Wiberg index. Using LASSO regression, we obtained four parameters to predict the TT-TG distance (R2 = 0.5612, p < 0.01) to achieve the optimal accuracy and convenience. Conclusions Normative data of patellofemoral morphology were provided for the Chinese population. The anterior-posterior dimensions of the women were thicker than those of men for the same medial-lateral dimensions. More attention should be paid to not only sex differences but also individual differences, especially the anterior condyle and trochlea. In addition, this study provided a new method to predict TT-TG distances accurately.

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A Quantitative Comparison of Multispectral Refraction Topography and Autorefractometer in Young Adults

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.715640 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Yunru Liao ◽

Zhenlan Yang ◽

Zijing Li ◽

Rui Zeng ◽

Jing Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Agreement ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽

The Mean

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the measuring consistency of central refraction between multispectral refraction topography (MRT) and autorefractometry.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including subjects in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from September 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, ages 20 to 35 years with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. All patients underwent cycloplegia, and the refractive status was estimated with autorefractometer, experienced optometrist and MRT. We analyzed the central refraction of the autorefractometer and MRT. The repeatability and reproducibility of values measured using both devices were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).Results: A total of 145 subjects ages 20 to 35 (290 eyes) were enrolled. The mean central refraction of the autorefractometer was −4.69 ± 2.64 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75 D), while the mean central refraction of MRT was −4.49 ± 2.61 diopters (D) (range −8.79 to +5.02 D). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a high correlation between the two devices. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) also showed high agreement. The intrarater and interrater ICC values of central refraction were more than 0.90 in both devices and conditions. At the same time, the mean central refraction of experienced optometrist was −4.74 ± 2.66 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75D). The intra-class correlation coefficient of central refraction measured by MRT and subjective refraction was 0.939.Conclusions: Results revealed that autorefractometry, experienced optometrist and MRT show high agreement in measuring central refraction. MRT could provide a potential objective method to assess peripheral refraction.

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Validation of the Three-Item Skindex-Mini Among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients With Diverse Racial Backgrounds

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1203475420930222 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 457-460

Author(s):

Lauren A.V. Orenstein ◽

Adaugo Amah ◽

Fiona M. Shaw ◽

Chao Zhang ◽

Robert A. Swerlick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Life Quality ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Function

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that severely impairs patients’ quality of life (QoL). Instruments such as the 10-item Dermatology Life Quality Index and 16-item Skindex-16 have been used to assess QoL in HS; however, it is unknown whether the shorter 3-item Skindex-mini can also provide an accurate assessment of skin-related QoL in patients with HS. Objectives The aim was to assess how well the Skindex-16 correlates with its shorter adaptation, the Skindex-mini, in capturing QoL among patients with HS. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included all HS patients seen in the HS Clinic at The Emory Clinic between January 1, 2019, and August 16, 2019. We compared the correlation between the symptom, emotion, and function domains of the Skindex-16 and Skindex-mini using Pearson correlation coefficients (CC). Secondary outcome measures included individual survey item analysis, ItchyQuant scores, and numeric rating scale of pain. Results We identified 108 encounters among 75 unique hidradenitis suppurativa patients (43 black/African American, 18 white, 5 Asian/Pacific Islander, 3 Latino, 4 Other, 2 unknown). Pearson CC between the Skindex-16 and Skindex-mini domain scores for all encounters were 0.770 ( P < .001), 0.787 ( P < .001), and 0.801 ( P < .001) for the symptom, emotion, and function domains, respectively. The mean pain and ItchyQuant scores were 4.14 (SD 3.31) and 3.55 (SD 3.34), respectively. Conclusions The Skindex-mini correlated highly with the Skindex-16 in a racially diverse group of patients with HS. The Skindex-mini is a streamlined QoL instrument that could be practically implemented into routine clinical care among diverse patients presenting to dermatology.

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Validation of protein and potassium intakes assessed from 24 h recalls against levels estimated from 24 h urine samples in children and adolescents of Turkish descent living in Germany: results from the EVET! Study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011002734 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 640-647 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Beate Bokhof ◽

Anette E Buyken ◽

Canan Doğan ◽

Arzu Karaboğa ◽

Josa Kaiser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Urine Sample ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Nutritional Intake ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Study Participants

AbstractObjectiveNutrition-related health problems such as obesity are frequent among children and adolescents of Turkish descent living in Germany, yet data on their dietary habits are scarce. One reason might be the lack of validated assessment tools for this target group. We therefore aimed to validate protein and K intakes from one 24 h recall against levels estimated from one 24 h urine sample in children and adolescents of Turkish descent living in Germany.DesignCross-sectional analyses comprised estimation of mean differences, Pearson correlation coefficients, cross-classifications and Bland–Altman plots to assess the agreement between the nutritional intake estimated from a single 24 h recall and a single 24 h urine sample collected on the previous day.SettingDortmund, Germany.SubjectsData from forty-three study participants (aged 5–18 years; 26 % overweight) with a traditional Turkish background were included.ResultsThe 24 h recall significantly overestimated mean protein and K intake by 10·7 g/d (95 % CI of mean difference: 0·6, 20·7 g/d) and 344 mg/d (95 % CI 8, 680 mg/d), respectively. Correlations between intake estimates were r = 0·25 (P = 0·1) and 0·31 (P = 0·05). Both methods classified 70 % and 69 % of the participants into the same/adjacent quartile of protein and K intake and misclassified 7 % and 7 %, respectively, into the opposite quartile. Bland–Altman plots indicated a wide scattering of differences in both protein and K intake.ConclusionsAmong children and adolescents of traditional Turkish descent living in Germany, one 24 h recall may only be valid for categorizing subjects into high, medium or low consumers.

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Role of Alexithymia, Anxiety, and Depression in Predicting Self-Efficacy in Academic Students

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2017/5798372 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mahbobeh Faramarzi ◽

Soraya Khafri

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional

Objective. Little research is available on the predictive factors of self-efficacy in college students. The aim of the present study is to examine the role of alexithymia, anxiety, and depression in predicting self-efficacy in academic students. Design. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 133 students at Babol University of Medical Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Paramedicine) participated in the study between 2014 and 2015. All participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), and 14 items on anxiety and depression derived from the 28 items of the General Health Questionnaire (28-GHQ). Results. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed negative significant relationships between alexithymia and the three subscales with student self-efficacy. There was no significant correlation between anxiety/depression symptoms and student self-efficacy. A backward multiple regression analysis revealed that alexithymia was a negative significant predictor of self-efficacy in academic students (B=-0.512, P<0.001). The prevalence of alexithymia was 21.8% in students. Multiple backward logistic analysis regression revealed that number of passed semesters, gender, mother’s education, father’s education, and doctoral level did not accurately predict alexithymia in college students. Conclusion. As alexithymia is prevalent in college students and affects self-efficacy and academic functioning, we suggest it should be routinely evaluated by mental physicians at universities.

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Relationships between Hip Flexibility and Pitching Biomechanics in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-0103.21 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maxwell L. Albiero ◽

Wesley Kokott ◽

Cody Dziuk ◽

Janelle A. Cross

Keyword(s):

External Rotation ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Kinematic Chain ◽

Abduction Angle ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

Hip Abduction ◽

Baseball Pitchers

Abstract Context: Inadequate hip active range of motion (AROM) may stifle the energy flow through the kinematic chain and decrease pitching performance while increasing the risk for pitcher injury. Objective: To examine the relationship of hip AROM and pitching biomechanics during a fastball pitch in adolescent baseball pitchers. Design: Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: A voluntary sample of 21 adolescent baseball pitchers (16.1 ± 0.8 yrs.; 183.9 ± 5.2 cm; 77.9 ± 8.3 kg). Main Outcome Measure (s): Bilateral hip internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), flexion, extension, and abduction AROM were measured. Three-dimensional biomechanics were assessed as participants threw from an indoor pitching mound to a strike zone net at regulation distance. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between hip AROM and biomechanical metrics. Results: Statistically significant negative correlations were found at foot contact between back hip ER AROM and back hip abduction angle (p=0.030, r=−0.474), back hip ER AROM and torso rotation angle (p=0.032, r=−0.468),and back hip abduction AROM and lead hip abduction angle (p=0.037, r=−0.458). Back hip extension AROM was positively correlated with increased stride length (p=0.043, r=0.446). Lead hip abduction AROM was also positively correlated with normalized elbow varus torque (p=0.034, r=0.464). Conclusions: There were several relationships between hip AROM and biomechanical variables during the pitching motion. The findings support the influence hip AROM can have on pitching biomechanics. Overall, greater movement at the hips allows for the kinematic chain to work at its maximal efficiency, increasing pitch velocity potential.

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Impact of COVID-19 on psychology of nurses working in the emergency and fever outpatient:A cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-20777/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shasha Cui ◽

Yujun Jiang ◽

Qianyu Shi ◽

Lei Zhang ◽

Dehua Kong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Response ◽

Rest Time ◽

And Coping ◽

Night Shifts

Abstract Background COVID-19 poses a great challenge to the global health system. The nurses of emergency and fever outpatient (EFO) act as gatekeepers to the health care system in the public health response to COVID-19 epidemic. This study examined the psychological impact of COVID-19 upon EFO nurses in Chinese hospitals. Methods In midmonth of February, 2020, convenience sampling was used to recruit EFO nurses from hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Data were obtained by self-administered online questionnaires, which consisted of a general questionnaire, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Perceived Stress Scale-14 and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. A total of 481 questionnaires were returned and 453 valid questionnaires were recovered. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the influence of socio-psychological and working condition factors on anxiety, stress and stress coping tendency. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the associations among anxiety, stress and coping tendency. Results Among the participants, 281(62.03%) had no anxiety symptoms, 154(34.00%) had mild anxiety, 16(3.53%) had moderate anxiety, and 2(0.44%) had severe anxiety. There were 146(32.23%) participants with scores greater than 25 in the PSS, indicating excessive stress. We found that 229(50.55%) participants were more likely to respond positively to stress, while 224(49.45%) were more likely to respond negatively. The models we used included gender, fear of infecting family members, regretting being a nurse, having children, confidence in fighting outbreak, rest time, professional attitudes, having attended infection prevention training, and number of night shifts; and they were all predictors of the mental health of EFO nurses. Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation of the anxiety with stress score (r=0.443, P<0.001), while the coping tendency score was found negatively correlated with anxiety (r=-0.268, P< 0.001) and stress (r=-0.503, P< 0.001). Conclusion COVID-19 has a certain psychosocial impact upon EFO nurses. Effective measures, such as strengthening protection training, adequate nurses for emergency and fever clinics, reducing night shifts, and timely updates of latest epidemic situation, should be taken. Moreover, greater attention should be paid to female EFO nurses and nurses with children.

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A publicly well-accepted measure versus an academically desirable measure of health inequality: cross-sectional comparison of the difference between income quintiles with the slope index of inequality

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028687 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e028687 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Young-Ho Khang ◽

Dohee Lim ◽

Jinwook Bahk ◽

Ikhan Kim ◽

Hee-Yeon Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Expectancy ◽

Health Inequality ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Income Quintile ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Index Of Inequality ◽

The Difference

ObjectivesThe difference between income quintiles in health is relatively well accepted by the general public as a measure of health inequality. However, the slope index of inequality (SII) in health reflects the patterns of all social groups, including the middle 60%, and it could therefore be considered more academically desirable. If these two measures are closely correlated, the widespread use of the difference between income quintiles in health would be better supported. This study was conducted to compare differences between income quintiles in life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) with the SII.DesignCross-sectional comparison using correlational analysis of district level income differences in LE and HLE with associated SII.SettingAll 252 subnational districts of Korea.ParticipantsA total of 342 439 895 subjects (171 287 729 men, 171 152 166 women) and 1 753 476 deaths (970 928 men, 782 548 women) between 2008 and 2014 were analysed.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDifference in LE and HLE by income quintile and associated SII.ResultsThe Pearson correlation coefficients between differences between income quintiles and the SII were generally high: 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.98) for LE in men and women combined and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.97) for HLE in men and women combined. In most districts, the SII was greater than the difference between income quintiles.ConclusionDifferences between income quintiles were closely correlated with the SII. The widespread use of differences between income quintiles in health as a measure of health inequality may be preferable for communicating results of health inequality measurements to the public.

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Driving Reaction Time Versus Computerized Reaction Time Deficits Following Concussion: Implications for Return to Driving Recommendations

Neurology ◽

10.1212/01.wnl.0000719904.59469.7c ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 95 (20 Supplement 1) ◽

pp. S5.1-S5

Author(s):

Landon Bryce Lempke ◽

Robert Lynall ◽

Nicole Hoffman ◽

Hannes Devos ◽

Julianne Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Direct Methods ◽

Driving Safety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Driving Experience ◽

Simulated Driving ◽

And Control

ObjectiveTo compare simulated driving reaction time (RT) between concussed and control individuals and examine Driving-RTs relationship with computerized neurocognitive testing RT (CNT-RT).BackgroundConcussed patients have impaired RT and neurocognition following injury that may linger and impair driving performance. Limited research has used direct methods to assess driving-RT post-concussion.Design/MethodsWe employed a cross-sectional laboratory study among 14 concussed and 14 healthy age, sex, and driving experience-matched controls (female: 60%; Age: 20.3 ± 1.1 years). Participants completed driving-RT and CNT-RT (CNS Vital Signs) within 48 hours of asymptomatic (15.9 ± 9.8 days post-concussion). Driving-RT consisted of two simulated driving scenarios: Stoplight (green to yellow stoplight change) and Pedestrian (child running in front of vehicle). CNT-RT outcomes included: simple-, complex-, Stroop-, and composite-RT. Independent t-tests and Hedges' g effect sizes assessed between-group RT differences (seconds), and Pearson correlation coefficients examined relationships between driving-RT and CNT-RT (a = 0.05) outcomes.ResultsConcussed participants demonstrated slower complex-RT than controls (mean difference: 0.06 s; 95% CI: 0.11–0.01; p = 0.03; g = 0.86). No other driving- or CNT-RT outcomes were statistically significant (p = 0.06), but Stoplight- (p = 0.13; g = 0.61) and Pedestrian-RT (p = 0.40; g = 0.36) demonstrated low-to high-magnitude effects for concussed deficits. Complex-, Stroop-, and composite-RT moderately correlated with Stoplight-RT (p 0.05; r range: −0.19 to 0.05).ConclusionsPost-concussion driving- and CNT-RT outcomes overall normalized once asymptomatic, but complex-RT and large magnitude effects may indicate lingering deficits. Driving- and CNT-RT measures moderately correlated with each other, but a lack of strong correlation likely indicates driving responsiveness is not thoroughly assessed using traditional CNT post-concussion, which may have vital driving safety implications.

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