scholarly journals The Relationship between Serum Oxalic Acid, Central Hemodynamic Parameters and Colonization by Oxalobacter formigenes in Hemodialysis Patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baris Gulhan ◽  
Kultigin Turkmen ◽  
Merve Aydin ◽  
Murat Gunay ◽  
Aytekin Cıkman ◽  
...  

Background/Objective: Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central aortic blood pressures are independent predictors of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Oxalic acid is a uremic retention molecule that is extensively studied in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate stones. Oxalobacter formigenes, a member of the colon microbiota, has important roles in oxalate homeostasis. Data regarding the colonization by and the exact role of O. formigenes in the pathogenesis of oxalic acid metabolism in HD patients are scant. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between fecal O. formigenes colonization, serum oxalic acid and hemodynamic parameters in HD patients with regard to the colo-reno-cardiac axis. Methods: Fifty HD patients were enrolled in this study. PWV and central aortic systolic (cASBP) and diastolic blood pressures (cADBP) were measured with a Mobil-O-Graph (I.E.M. GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). Serum oxalic acid levels were assessed by ELISA, and fecal O. formigenes DNA levels were isolated and measured by real-time PCR. Results: Isolation of fecal O. formigenes was found in only 2 HD patients. One of them had 113,609 copies/ml, the other one had 1,056 copies/ml. Serum oxalic acid levels were found to be positively correlated with PWV (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), cASBP (r = 0.33, p = 0.001) and cADBP (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) and negatively correlated with LDL (r = -0.30, p = 0.03). In multivariate linear regression analysis, PWV was independently predicted by oxalic acid, glucose and triglyceride. Conclusions: This is the first study that demonstrates the absence of O. formigenes as well as a relation between serum oxalic acid and cASBP, cADBP and PWV in HD patients. Replacement of O. formigenes with pre- and probiotics might decrease serum oxalic acid levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients.

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402199351
Author(s):  
Emmanouil K Symvoulakis ◽  
Manolis Linardakis ◽  
Apostolos Kamekis ◽  
Myfanwy Morgan ◽  
Spyridon Klinis

Purpose: An individual’s lack of social connections and social isolation is often associated with feelings of loneliness which is regarded as having a negative effect on health. This paper describes the development and assessment of a 10 item ‘Personal Sociability and Connections Scale’ (PeSCS) to measure individual’s disposition and accompanying skills to seek out companionship and engage in interpersonal relations. Methods: The study was conducted at a rural primary care unit in Northern Greece. A total of 199 attenders were recruited over a 6-week period in 2020 and questionnaires completed. This informed the 10-items PeSCS that comprises Social, Behavioral, and Emotional components focusing on the expression of social comfort, willingness to share experiences, stories and concepts, and feelings of similarity at first contact. Reliability of the PeSC scale was assessed and the relationship with scale scores examined as an indicator of convergent validity. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of PeSC scale score with the characteristics of participants. Results: Assessment of reliability of PeSC scale produced a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.809. The relationship between components and the total PeSCS scores identified significant correlations ( p < .001). At a multivariate level, male gender was the sample characteristic with a significant association with scale levels ( p < .05) and higher annual income with Social component ( p < .05). Otherwise the distribution of sociability dispositions was similar across population groups. Conclusion: The 10-item PeSC scale forms a simple and quick to complete measure whose overall reliability was rated as ‘meritorious’. The PeSC instrument may be a useful tool for assessing the causes and appropriate responses to the negative health effects of loneliness and social isolation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-231
Author(s):  
Alexandra M. Mihailescu

Background: Selfies are a rising phenomenon associated with the widespread use of smartphones and social media. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different personality traits and selfie behaviors. Methods: Undergraduate psychology students were asked to complete a questionnaire about their frequency of selfie taking, selfie posting to social media, and selfie sharing through private messaging. They were also asked to complete the Rosenberg 10-item self-esteem scale and the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP)-50 item scale to evaluate the Big Five personality traits. Results: A total of 96 participants were included in this study (mean age ± standard deviation of 26.4 ± 9.0 years, 81.3% women). On univariate analysis there was a significant negative correlation between the frequency of selfie taking (Spearman r = -0.228, p = 0.025) or posting (Spearman r = -0.238, p = 0.025) and emotional stability. However, on multivariate linear regression analysis adjusting for age among other factors, only self-esteem was independently and negatively correlated with the frequency of selfie taking (beta = -0.206, p = 0.020) or posting (beta = -0.233, p = 0.020), with the effect most notable in young (<25 years) individuals for selfie taking. Extraversion was independently and positively correlated with the frequency of selfie sharing (beta = 0.264, p = 0.005), with the effect most notable in young (<25 years) women. Conclusion: Findings from this study further expand our knowledge of the relationship between different personality traits and rising digital media phenomena.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-358
Author(s):  
Rafael Morais Pereira ◽  
Humberto Rodrigues Marques ◽  
Rodrigo Gava

Technological innovation as an engine for development requires a structural apparatus to its consolidation, reinforcing the approach of innovation systems, with emphasis on the role of universities. Therefore, considering that associated with this potential are present several innovative elements, such as the Technological Innovation Centers (NITs), the incubators of technology-based companies (IEBTs) and Technology Parks (ParqTecs), and given the lack of systematization National these instruments, the ultimate goal of this study was to analyze the environment for innovation in Brazilian federal universities, through the mapping of NITs, the IEBTs and ParqTecs associated with these institutions, further outlining the relationship of these instruments with technological variables (technological scholarships and patents). We used a qualitative and quantitative approach, descriptive nature, with collection of secondary data on institutional sites of universities and the adoption of simple linear regression analysis. The results realized all 63 Brazilian federal universities and revealed that the most widespread instrument between universities are the NITs, since its presence in 86% of the analyzed institutions. Have business incubators, idealized to strengthen interaction in innovation systems, are associated with 68% of universities, enabling regional development contexts. In relation to technology parks, it was found that, depending on the expenditure required for its implementation, only 26 universities are integrated into ParqTecs. The contributions of this study are concentrated in addition to the mapping done in highlighting the distinctions between the Brazilian regions in terms of scientific and technological structure and the importance of innovation ecosystems.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
pp. 2922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yao ◽  
Sungtae Shin ◽  
Azin Mousavi ◽  
Chang-Sei Kim ◽  
Lisheng Xu ◽  
...  

This study investigates the potential of the limb ballistocardiogram (BCG) for unobtrusive estimation of cardiovascular (CV) parameters. In conjunction with the reference CV parameters (including diastolic, pulse, and systolic pressures, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance), an upper-limb BCG based on an accelerometer embedded in a wearable armband and a lower-limb BCG based on a strain gauge embedded in a weighing scale were instrumented simultaneously with a finger photoplethysmogram (PPG). To standardize the analysis, the more convenient yet unconventional armband BCG was transformed into the more conventional weighing scale BCG (called the synthetic weighing scale BCG) using a signal processing procedure. The characteristic features were extracted from these BCG and PPG waveforms in the form of wave-to-wave time intervals, wave amplitudes, and wave-to-wave amplitudes. Then, the relationship between the characteristic features associated with (i) the weighing scale BCG-PPG pair and (ii) the synthetic weighing scale BCG-PPG pair versus the CV parameters, was analyzed using the multivariate linear regression analysis. The results indicated that each of the CV parameters of interest may be accurately estimated by a combination of as few as two characteristic features in the upper-limb or lower-limb BCG, and also that the characteristic features recruited for the CV parameters were to a large extent relevant according to the physiological mechanism underlying the BCG.


2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hea Min Yu ◽  
Kang Seo Park ◽  
Jae Min Lee

Objective : Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the subclinical hypothyroidism and red cell distribution width (RDW) levels in a healthy population. Subjects and methods : The medical records of 23,343 consecutive health subjects were reviewed. Subjects were classified into four thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) groups to determine the correlation between TSH and other variables in detail (0.3 to < 2.5 mU/L, 2.5 to < 5 mU/L, 5 to < 7.5 mU/L, and ≥ 7.5 mU/L). Results : In the multivariate linear regression analysis, RDW was associated with TSH levels, and e-GFR was inversely associated with TSH levels, respectively (standardized beta coefficient = 0.102, -0.019; p < 0.001, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, in the four groups, TSH levels were significantly correlated with RDW, estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), and free thyroxine (fT4) levels in all groups. Furthermore in the 4 th group, RDW levels were more strongly associated with TSH levels than in the other groups (p = 0.006). Conclusions : RDW levels are correlated with euthyroid and subclinical thyroid status. Notably, RDW is more correlated with subclinical hypothyroidism than the euthyroid status. This study presents the relationship between the RDW levels and thyroid function using TSH level in a large healthy population.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanru Guo ◽  
Xianyang Zhu

Abstract Purpose: To research the relationship between serum creatinine and lumbar bone mineral density in people aged <46 years. Methods: A total of 10,968 subjects from the American Nhanes database were included in this cross-sectional study, including 5,744 males (mean age 26.2 years) and 5224 females (mean age 26.7 years). The exposure factor is the serum creatinine value, and the outcome indicator is the lumbar bone mineral density. This study mainly used multivariate linear regression analysis to test the relationship between lumbar bone mineral density and serum creatinine. Results: In the multivariate linear regression analysis, serum creatinine was positively correlated with lumbar bone mineral density (β = 0.122, 95%CI: 0.047-0.198), but in the subgroup analysis stratified by sex, this positive correlation only exists in the female population (Β = 0.186, 95%CI: 0.070-0.301).Conclusions: Our study found that in women aged <46 years with normal renal function, there is a positive correlation between serum creatinine and lumbar BMD. And in those people, the determination of serum creatinine can provide a sensitive biomarker for the early identification and treatment of Osteopenia or osteoporosis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 271-279
Author(s):  
Khaizran Zahra ◽  
Rubina Hanif .

This study was conducted to examine the relationship of personality traits (i.e., dominance, self-acceptance, self-control, flexibility, sociability, capacity for status and communality) and Gender Role attitudes among professionals of traditional and non-traditional occupations using selected scales from Urdu Version of California Personality Inventory (CPI) and Gender Role Attitudes Scale. A sample of 152 professionals from traditional and non-traditional occupations (criteria of defining traditional and nontraditional professions were based on literature). The findings suggested positive relationship among personality traits and gender role attitudes. The linear Regression analysis showed predicting role of personality traits for gender role attitudes. The significant differences were found on personality traits, gender role attitudes among traditional and non-traditional professionals, and gender as well. In addition, implications and limitations, as well as directions for future research are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 457-457
Author(s):  
María del Sequeros Chaparro ◽  
Isabel Cabrera ◽  
Carlos Vara-García ◽  
José Adrián Fernandes-Pires ◽  
Samara Barrera-Caballero ◽  
...  

Abstract Loneliness is a prevalent problem associated with negative health consequences for older adults, such as greater cognitive decline. Limitations to perform physical activities have been associated with greater loneliness in older adults. This association could be moderated by maladaptive social cognition or feelings, such as guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden. The objective of this study was to analyze the moderating effect of guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden in the relationship between limitations in physical activities and loneliness. Participants were 195 community-dwelling people 60 years or older not showing explicit cognitive or functional limitations that prevent activities of daily life, but who may present limitations in some physical activities (e.g., walking a kilometer or more). A linear regression analysis was conducted for testing the interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden in loneliness, controlling for gender and age. The interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden was the only significant predictor of loneliness and the model explained 18.30% of the variance. Limitations in physical activities influenced loneliness when people have high levels of guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden. This study suggests that guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden may play an important role in the association between limitations in some physical activities and loneliness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-249
Author(s):  
Abbas Ghafouri ◽  
◽  
Fariba Mohammadi ◽  
Behnaz Ganji ◽  
◽  
...  

Purpose: Several tests have been proposed as injury predictor inventories in various sports; however, it is important to recognize which test is more appropriate to predict the injuries of a particular sport. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between selected functional tests and lower limb injuries in elite male wushu athletes. Methods: In total, 40 wushu player were recruited from the national league (Mean±SD age: 25.1±4.9 y, weight: 67.3±7.7 kg, height: 175.3±4.7 cm). Functional Movement Screening (FMS), Tuck jump, single and double leg squats, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Stork balance tests were performed in this research. All of the study variables were measured before the national competition, and after the competition, the rate of the injuries were assessed. The correlation between them was evaluated, subsequently. Descriptive data were used to describe the collected results. Besides, multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the study variables. Results: Multivariate linear regression analysis data suggested that LESS, stroke balance test, single-leg squat, and SEBT failed to predict lower extremities injuries; however, Tuck jump, FMS, and double leg squat could predict lower extremities injuries. Conclusion: Based on the collected results, among the studied tests, trainers and researchers are suggested to employ the Tuck jump, FMS, and double leg squat tests to predict injuries in wushu male players; this test can also be used to prevent injuries in players.


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