scholarly journals Neurological improvement is associated with neck pain attenuation after surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masao Koda ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Satoru Egawa ◽  
Kenichiro Sakai ◽  
Kazuo Kusano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Recovery ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Univariate Analyses

AbstractAlthough favourable surgical outcomes for myelopathy caused by cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have been reported, factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation still remain unclear. The primary aim of the present study was to determine factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical OPLL using a prospective multi-centre registry of surgically treated cervical OPLL. Significant postoperative neck pain reduction (50% reduction of neck pain) was achieved in 31.3% of patients. There was no significant difference in neck pain attenuation between surgical procedures. Statistical analyses with univariate analyses followed by stepwise logistic regression revealed neurological recovery as a factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation (p = 0.04, odds ratio 5.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.27–22.2)). In conclusion, neurological recovery was an independent factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL who underwent cervical spine surgery.

scholarly journals Post-operative neurological improvement is associated with significant neck pain attenuation after surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a prospective multicenter registry study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masao Koda ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Satoru Egawa ◽  
Kenichiro Sakai ◽  
Kazuo Kusano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Neurological Recovery ◽  
Registry Study ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cervical Spine Surgery ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Multicenter Registry

Abstract Although favourable surgical outcomes for myelopathy caused by cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have been reported, factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation still remain unclear. The primary aim of the present study was to determine factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical OPLL using a prospective multi-centre registry of surgically treated cervical OPLL. Significant postoperative neck pain reduction (50% reduction of neck pain) was achieved in 84 patients (30.9%). There was no significant difference in neck pain attenuation between surgical procedures. Statistical analyses revealed neurological recovery as a factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation (p = 0.04). Neurological recovery was an independent factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL who underwent cervical spine surgery.

Entering the Mental Backstage: Mindfulness and Mind-Wandering among Performing Artists

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 2068-2071
Author(s):  
Avneet Kaur ◽  
Shwetha T.S
Keyword(s):  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Mind Wandering ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Performing Artists ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship ◽  
Significant Difference

Existing literature has explored the role of mindfulness and mind-wandering on creative processes. However, it has overlooked the diversity in the creative domains as well as the experience of the artist while accounting for their relationship. In the present study, mindfulness and mind wandering- deliberate and spontaneous were explored among performing artists, i.e. musicians, theatre artists, and dancers. The study also looked at the artists’ experience in their field. After an initial screening using a creativity tool, 66 performing artists were recruited, following which two self-report indices that assessed mind wandering and mindfulness were administered. The data collected was subjected to quantitative data analysis in SPSS. A Oneway ANOVA showed significant effect of the creative domain on mindfulness for the three groups, with a significant difference between musicians and dancers. Among the musicians, a significant negative relationship between mind wandering spontaneous and years of experience was seen. Among the dancers, there was a significant positive association between mind wandering spontaneous, mind wandering deliberate and years of experience. The current study highlighted the need to approach the study of creativity using a contextual perspective. Keywords: Creativity, Dance, Music, Theatre.

scholarly journals Frequency and histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix in women of different ages

Praxis medica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Dejan Mihajlović ◽  
Zoran Bukumirić ◽  
Nenad Šulović ◽  
Goran Relić ◽  
Slaviša Stanišić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Cervical Biopsy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Cervical Disease ◽  
Malignant Changes

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common and accounts for about 6.6% of all cancers in women. Aim: The aim was to determine the frequency of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix, to examine the histological-cytological correlation of premalignant and malignant changes in the cervix and the correlation of the women's age with the stage of cervical disease. Material and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 186 cervical biopsy specimens and cervical smears (Papanicolau test) at the Institute of Pathology of the Faculty of Medicine in Pristina, based in Kosovska Mitrovica, over a three-year period from 2016 to 2018. Results: Of the 186 subjects, 62 had mild premalignant changes of type LSIL, 22 HSIL, and as many as 20 (10.75%) cervical cancer. There was a statistically significant positive association between histological and cytological findings (r = 0.854; p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the subjects with regard to histological findings (F = 11,327; p <0.001). Subjects with HSIL were significantly older than those diagnosed with cervicitis chronica (p = 0.029). Subjects diagnosed with planocellular carcinoma were significantly older than women with cervicitis chronica (p <0.001) and LSIL (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of cervical cancer in Northern Kosovo and in the Serbian enclaves in central Kosovo and Metohija. Subjects with cervical cancer were significantly older than subjects with mild premalignant cervical changes. There is a significant histologic-cytological correlation of cervical findings, so we believe that more massive cervical screening, especially in younger women, could reduce the incidence of premalignant and malignant diseases of the cervix.

EFFECT OF NICOTINE ABUSE ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND PERCEIVED STRESS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH COPING SELF EFFICACY AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 849-858
Author(s):  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
◽  
Astha Dwivedi ◽  
Anuja Mishra ◽  
Sharmistha Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Nicotine Abuse ◽  
Significant Difference

An interdisciplinary review of the literature portrayed stress as an important cause for nicotine abuse among university students. Independent studies have shown nicotine to contribute perceived stress (PS) and oxidative stress (OS) but its mediation relation with PS and OS remains unclear and inspires active exploration. A prominent study on the relationship of smoking with perceived stress and coping styles in adolescents motivates to study the effect of nicotine abuse (NA) on PS, CSE, and OS indices among young adult university graduates. The study sample included 45 university graduates with 1-3 years of tobacco abuse history and 50 age-matched controls. The respondents were compared for perceived stress scale (PSS) score, coping self-efficacy (CSE) score, erythrocyte malondialdehyde (E_MDA), plasma MDA (P_MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E_SOD), and plasma catalase (P_CAT). The study found NA increased the PS but not the CSE. Linear regression analysis showed a strong inverse relation between the PSS Score and CSE Score in the controls. Among the biochemical indices of OS, only P_MDA showed a significant difference between the groups. Multiple regressions showed a significant positive association of E_MDA with PSS Score and a significant negative association of E_SOD with PSS Score across the groups. Further, the mediation model is used to show a significant relationship between NA and PSS Score by Combined MDA (C_MDA). The result of study suggested that nicotine increases PS and reduces CSE. P_MDA is an important biochemical marker of nicotine abuse. E_MDA and E_SOD are important predictors of PS. These findings are important for psychobiochemical interventions in the management of NA. Therefore, this study encourages an interdisciplinary discourse on nicotine abuse with psychological and biochemical measures.

scholarly journals Tophi reduction: ultrasound imaging and correlation with plasma levels of uric acid in patients undergoing treatment for tophaceous gout

Reumatismo ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
A.J.L. Ferrari ◽  
A.R. Corrêa Fernandes ◽  
R. De Almeida Agustinelli ◽  
H. Seike ◽  
E. De Ávila Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Tophaceous Gout ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients

The objective was to determine the reduction of tophi in patients undergoing drug therapy in correlation with urate serum levels through ultrasound examination. A total of 31 male patients, between the ages of 33 to 77 years, with tophaceous gout were evaluated between 2005 and 2009, 11 of which were selected. Ultrasound examinations of visible tophi and evaluations of serum uric acids levels were performed annually on each patient. There was a statistically significant difference between measurements 1, 2, 3 and measurement 4 and between measurements 4 and 5. A strong significant positive association was seen between variation of tophus size and the reduction of serum uric acid levels.

scholarly journals Associations between Clinical Findings and Severity of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Patients with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 4137
Author(s):  
Takashi Hirai ◽  
Soraya Nishimura ◽  
Toshitaka Yoshii ◽  
Narihito Nagoshi ◽  
Jun Hashimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Computed Tomography Images ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Whole Spine

Background: This study investigated how diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) influences clinical characteristics in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Although DISH is considered unlikely to promote neurologic dysfunction, this relationship remains unclear. Methods: Patient data were prospectively collected from 16 Japanese institutions. In total, 239 patients with cervical OPLL were enrolled who had whole-spine computed tomography images available. The primary outcomes were visual analog scale pain scores and the results of other self-reported clinical questionnaires. Correlations were sought between clinical symptoms and DISH using the following grading system: 1, DISH at T3-T10; 2, DISH at both T3–10 and C6–T2 and/or T11–L2; and 3, DISH beyond the C5 and/or L3 levels. Results: DISH was absent in 132 cases, grade 1 in 23, grade 2 in 65, and grade 3 in 19. There were no significant correlations between DISH grade and clinical scores. However, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of neck pain (but not in back pain or low back pain) among the three grades. Interestingly, DISH localized in the thoracic spine (grade 1) may create overload at the cervical spine and lead to neck pain in patients with cervical OPLL. Conclusion: This study is the first prospective multicenter cross-sectional comparison of subjective outcomes in patients with cervical OPLL according to the presence or absence of DISH. The severity of DISH was partially associated with the prevalence of neck pain.

scholarly journals Beliefs on Learning and Teaching Language Components: The Case of Iranian EAP and EFL Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Gholamreza Parsi
Keyword(s):  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Teaching Language ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Face ◽  
Basic English

The present study intended to investigate the possible difference between EAP and EFL learners’ beliefs concerning learning and teaching of language components, namely, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar. Furthermore, this study examined the association between EAP and EFL learners’ beliefs and their language components’ development. To this end, 231 undergraduate EAP (117) and EFL (114) learners at Ferdowsi University took part in the study by completing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire adapted from Simon and Taverniers (2011). The face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the experts’ judgment and factor analysis. Moreover using Cronbach alpha coefficient the questionnaire was found acceptably reliable (α=0.88). Furthermore, for language components’ development, the EAP learners’ scores in English course and EFL learners’ average scores in their Basic English courses were taken into account. The results of an Independent Samples t-test revealed that there existed a statistically significant difference between EAP and EFL learners’ beliefs on learning and teaching language components. Furthermore, the results of Pearson correlation coefficients indicated a statistically significant positive association between EFL learners’ beliefs and their language components’ development, however no statistically significant correlation was found between EAP learners’ beliefs and their language components’ development. 

scholarly journals Segmental motion at the peak of the ossification foci is independent risk factor except for mal-alignment and thick ossification foci for poor outcome after laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: analyses in patients with positive K-line, lordotic alignment, and lower canal occupying ratio

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junya Saito ◽  
Masao Koda ◽  
Takeo Furuya ◽  
Satoshi Maki ◽  
Yasushi Ijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Surgical Outcome ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Segmental Motion ◽  
Independent Factor ◽  
Japanese Orthopedic Association ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Abstract Purpose To elucidate the independent preoperative factors that have a significant impact on poor surgical outcome after laminoplasty for K-line (+) ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Analyses in K-line (+) patient population can exclude the influence by mal-alignment and thick OPLL, both of which are well known two major factors that have significant impact on clinical outcome. Methods The present study included 72 patients (50 male and 22 female) who underwent laminoplasty for K-line (+) cervical OPLL and were followed-up for at least 1 year. Recovery of Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA score) for cervical myelopathy was used as the measure of clinical outcome. For radiographic assessment, the type of OPLL, the maximum OPLL occupation ratio, the C2-C7 angle, and the segmental range of motion at the peak of OPLL (segmental ROM) were assessed. To elucidate the factors that are significantly associated with a poor clinical outcome after laminoplasty for K-line (+) OPLL, statistical analyses were conducted. Results The mean preoperative JOA score was 8.9 points and improved to 12.8 points after surgery. The recovery of JOA score was 47 ± 35%. Stepwise logistic regression following univariate analyses revealed that preoperative segmental ROM at the peak of OPLL is an independent factor associated with a poor outcome (p = 0.04, odds ratio = 1.15). Conclusions Large preoperative segmental ROM at the peak of the OPLL is an independent factor that has significant impact on poor surgical outcome after laminoplasty for K-line (+) OPLL.

scholarly journals Serum concentrations of free fatty acids are associated with 3-month mortality in acute heart failure patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1799-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Degoricija ◽  
Matias Trbušić ◽  
Ines Potočnjak ◽  
Bojana Radulović ◽  
Gudrun Pregartner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Free Fatty Acids ◽  
Acute Heart Failure ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Prognostic Indicator ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Univariate Analyses

Abstract Background Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) are higher in heart failure (HF) patients compared to healthy controls. Considering that the extent of FFA elevation in HF might mirror the severity of HF, we hypothesized that the serum levels of FFA may be a useful prognostic indicator for 3-month mortality in acute heart failure (AHF). Methods We analyzed the serum samples of AHF patients obtained at admission to the emergency department. Serum levels of FFA were analyzed using an enzymatic reagent on an automatic analyzer. Results Out of 152 included AHF patients that were originally included, serum samples of 132 patients were available for the quantification of FFA. Of these, 35 (26.5%) died within 3 months of onset of AHF. These patients had significantly higher serum levels of FFA compared to AHF patients who were alive 3 months after onset of AHF. Univariable logistic regression analyses showed a significant positive association of FFA levels with 3-month mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.76 [95% confidence interval 1.32–6.27], p = 0.010). Importantly, this association remained significant after adjusting for age and sex, as well as for further clinical and laboratory parameters that showed a significant association with 3-month mortality in the univariate analyses. Conclusions We conclude that the admission serum levels of FFA are associated with 3-month mortality in AHF patients. Therefore, measurements of circulating FFA levels may help identifying high-risk AHF patients.

Association of P1635 and P1655 polymorphisms in dysbindin (DTNBP1) gene with schizophrenia

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Alizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Amin Tabatabaiefar ◽  
Mohammad Ghadiri ◽  
Mir Saeed Yekaninejad ◽  
Nazanin Jalilian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Population Studies ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Multiple Comparisons ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
And Control ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Objectives: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1% in most of the populations studied. SCZ is multifactorial with the contribution of multiple susceptibility genes that could act in conjunction with epigenetic processes and environmental factors. There is some evidence supporting the association between genetic variants in dysbindin (DTNBP1) gene and SCZ in populations. In this study, we investigated the association between polymorphisms P1635 and P1655 in dysbindin gene with SCZ.Methods: Totally, 115 unrelated patients with SCZ and 117 unrelated healthy volunteers were studied. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood. Genotyping was done with the PCR-RFLP method. The allele and genotype associations were analysed with X2 test. The Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was used to correct p values for multiple comparisons.Results: The results showed no significant difference between patients and controls in allelic frequencies or genotypic distributions of SNP P1635 (p = 0.809), but a significant difference between the case and control groups for SNP P1655 (p = 0.009) was found. We could also find a significant positive association between A-C haplotype and SCZ (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.18–2.42; p = 0.004, pc = 0.02) and a protective effect for A-G haplotype (p = 0.003, OR = 0.57, 95% CI 1.18–2.42; p = 0.003, pc = 0.02).Conclusion: This study may provide further support for the association between SNP polymorphisms in DTNBP1 and SCZ in the Iranian population. Studies with more markers and subjects for various populations will be necessary to understand the genetic contribution of the gene to the development of SCZ.

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