Tuberculosis Prevalence Correlation to COVID-19 Mortality in Malaria Free Countries

Background: Both malaria and latent tuberculosis ( LTB) are possible factors related to decreased COVID-19 mortality. The malaria endemicity variable is a possible confounder when conducting a study on the correlation of LTB prevalence to COVID-19 mortality. Studies regarding LTB prevalence" according to different studies" did not adjust malaria endemicity as a possible confounder. Many malaria-endemic countries are high TB prevalent. Malaria-free countries could be: high, moderate, or low in TB prevalence. The main aim of this study is to look for the influence of TB prevalence on COVID-19 mortality. TB prevalence reflects LTB prevalence in the absence of malaria endemicity as a possible confounding factor in TB studies. Material and methods: The total chosen countries were 69 non-malaria endemic countries. Countries were classified according to TB prevalence groups into low, moderate, and high prevalent groups. Covid-19 deaths/Million(M) inhabitants were taken as reported on September 2, 2020. "Kendall's-τ Correlation Coefficient", "Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test were used in statistical analyses.Results: We found inverse relationships between TB prevalence and COVID-19 deaths/ (M) inhabitants and a highly positive significant correlation coefficient was reported (0.008) in Kendall's-τ correlation coefficient test. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant relationship within studied groups. Furthermore, the low TB prevalent group had significant reverse associations with both high and moderate TB prevalent groups in the Mann-Whitney test.Conclusion: In the absence of possible malaria confounding, TB prevalence in malaria-free countries is inversely related to COVID-19 mortality in a highly significant association.

Modeling the Characteristics of Unhealthy Air Pollution Events: A Copula Approach

This study proposes the concept of duration (D) and severity (S) measures, which were derived from unhealthy air pollution events. In parallel with that, the application of a copula model is proposed to evaluate unhealthy air pollution events with respect to their duration and severity characteristics. The bivariate criteria represented by duration and severity indicate their structural dependency, long-tail, and non-identically marginal distributions. A copula approach can provide a good statistical tool to deal with these issues and enable the extraction of valuable information from air pollution data. Based on the copula model, several statistical measurements are proposed for describing the characteristics of unhealthy air pollution events, including the Kendall’s τ correlation of the copula, the conditional probability of air pollution severity based on a given duration, the joint OR/AND return period, and the conditional D|S and conditional S|D return periods. A case study based on air pollution data indices was conducted in Klang, Malaysia. The results indicate that a copula approach is beneficial for deriving valuable information for planning and mitigating the risks of unhealthy air pollution events.

The CEFR-J Hierarchy and its Relationship with TOEIC Listening and Reading

Runnels (2016) investigated the CEFR-J self-assessment sublevel hierarchy and its relationship with TOEIC Listening and Reading (TOEIC L&R). Runnels (a) found learners did not distinguish between adjacent sublevels, and (b) observed mostly small-to-negligible Pearson’s r correlations between CEFR-J and TOEIC L&R, with slightly stronger correlations for listening. In the current study, participants (N = 53) completed a questionnaire (k = 36) with statements representing CEFR-J sublevels A1.1 to B2.2. Groups (i.e., A>B) and levels (i.e., A1>A2≧B1>B2) performed as predicted; however, participants mostly did not differentiate between adjacent sublevel items. Small-to-moderate Kendall’s τ correlations between CEFR-J and TOEIC L&R were observed, with stronger correlations for reading. Despite the lack of clarity regarding sublevels, learners might interpret the levels as coherent sets (Negishi, 2020). More experiences with reading likely resulted in more robust reading correlations (Ross, 1998). One contribution of this paper is its partial replication of Runnels, with potentially improved methodological tools. Runnels（2016）は、学習者が隣接するCEFR-Jサブレベルを区別しなかったことを発見し、CEFR-JとTOEIC L&Rの間のピアソンの相関係数がほとんど無視できる程度であり、リスニングではわずかに強くなることを見いだした。本論において、参加者（N = 53）はCEFR-Jサブレベル（A1.1～B2.2）を表すアンケート（k = 36）に回答した。 CEFR-Jのグループ（AとB）とレベル（A1, A2, B1, B2）は予測どおりに実行されたが、 参加者は隣接するサブレベルをほとんど区別しなかった。 CEFR-JとTOEIC L&Rの間には、小から中程度のケンドールのτ相関係数が見られ、リーディングではやや強い相関が見られた。 サブレベルに関する明確さの欠如にもかかわらず、学習者はレベルを一貫したセットとして解釈する可能性があり（Negishi,2020）、読書の経験が多いほど、相関がより強固になると考えられる（Ross,1998）。 本論の学術的な貢献は、、Runnelsの研究の一部を方法論的に改善した形で再現したところにある。

Wealth Rheology

We study wealth rank correlations in a simple model of macroeconomy. To quantify rank correlations between wealth rankings at different times, we use Kendall’s τ and Spearman’s ρ, Goodman–Kruskal’s γ, and the lists’ overlap ratio. We show that the dynamics of wealth flow and the speed of reshuffling in the ranking list depend on parameters of the model controlling the wealth exchange rate and the wealth growth volatility. As an example of the rheology of wealth in real data, we analyze the lists of the richest people in Poland, Germany, the USA and the world.

Disease-free survival as a predictor of overall survival in localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following first nephrectomy.

4581 Background: Intermediate endpoints (e.g., disease free survival [DFS]) have gained traction lately as potential surrogates for OS in oncology as they require shorter follow up to show clinical benefit. Given the high post-nephrectomy survival in patients (pts) with localized RCC, evidence on if DFS can be used as a predictor of OS in the disease is warranted. We assessed the association between DFS and OS in pts with newly diagnosed, completely resected, intermediate-high (pT2N0 high grade, pT3N0) or high-risk (pT4N0, pTanyN1) RCC post-nephrectomy. Methods: This retrospective observational study used the SEER-Medicare database (2007–2016). DFS was defined as time from initial nephrectomy date to first recurrence (diagnosis of metastatic disease, additional surgery, starting systemic treatment for advanced RCC) or death, whichever occurred first. OS from time of recurrence in pts with recurrence were compared with OS from comparable time point in pts without, using Kaplan-Meier analyses and adjusted Cox models. OS was also compared between pts with and without recurrence by landmark time points at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years (yrs) post-nephrectomy; hazard ratios (HRs) between the two cohorts were estimated using adjusted Cox models. Correlation between DFS and OS was assessed using the Kendall’s τ rank correlation. Monthly healthcare costs were compared between the two cohorts using generalized linear model. Results: 643 post-nephrectomy RCC pts (269 with recurrence vs 374 without) met the inclusion criteria (Median follow-up: 23 months). The mean age was 75.5 yrs, 61% male, and 86% white. The median post-nephrectomy OS and DFS was 8.61 and 4.44 yrs, respectively. Pts with and without recurrence had comparable baseline characteristics. Pts with recurrence had significantly shorter OS than those without [median: 2.53 yrs vs not reached; adjusted HR (95% confidence interval [CI]): 6.00 (4.24–8.48)]. Pts with recurrence by each landmark time point had significantly shorter OS than those without [1 yr post-nephrectomy median OS: 2.35 vs 9.66 yrs, and the OS 1, 3, and 5 after the 1 yr landmark was 69.9 vs 96.5%, 41.8 vs 83.8%, and 37.0 vs 70.1%, respectively; all Ps (log-rank test) < 0.001]. Cox models indicated that pts with recurrence by each landmark time point had 2.6–3.5 times increased risk of death compared with those without. Kendall’s τ rank correlation model demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between DFS and OS (Kendall’s τ = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.65–0.74; P < 0.001). Pts with recurrence had $4,924 and $1,387 higher adjusted all-cause medical costs and pharmacy costs per month (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Post-nephrectomy recurrence is associated with significantly shorter OS among pts with intermediate-high or high-risk RCC, resulting in a strong positive association between DFS and OS in the population. Higher healthcare cost was also seen among pts with recurrence.

The neonatal assessment manual score (NAME) for improving the clinical management of infants: a perspective validity study

Background and objectives The Neonatal Assessment Manual scorE (NAME) was developed to assist in the clinical management of infants in the neonatal ward by assessing their body’s compliance and homogeneity. The present study begins its validation process. Methods An expert panel of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) professionals investigated the NAME face and content validity. Content validity was assessed through the content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was assessed using data collected from 50 newborns hospitalized in the NICU of “Vittore Buzzi” Children Hospital of Milan, Italy. Kendall’s τ and ordinal logistic regressions were used to evaluate the correlation between the NAME scores and infants’ gestational age, birth weight, post-menstrual age, weight at the time of assessment, and a complexity index related to organic complications. Results The CVIs for compliance, homogeneity, and the whole scale were respectively 1, 0.9, and 0.95. Construct validity analysis showed significant positive correlations between the NAME and infants’ weight and age, and a negative correlation between the NAME and the complexity index (τ = − 0.31 [95% IC: − 0.47, − 0.12], p = 0.016 and OR = 0.56 [95% IC: 0.32, 0.94], p = 0.034 for categorical NAME; τ = − 0.32 [95% IC: − 0.48, − 0.14], p = 0.005 for numerical NAME). Conclusions The NAME was well accepted by NICU professionals in this study and it demonstrates good construct validity in discriminating the infant’s general condition. Future studies are needed to test the NAME reliability and predictive capacity.

Low Vitamin D Status in a Cancer Patient Population from Franconia, Germany

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Vitamin D has been shown to be associated with reduced risk and severity of COVID-19 and exerts regulating effects on all hallmarks of cancer. The goal of this study was to analyze the vitamin D status of a cancer patient cohort from our clinic in the Franconian region, Germany. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were available for 116 patients included in prospective trials in our clinic. Associations of vitamin D with anthropometric and blood parameters were investigated using Kendall’s τ correlation coefficients and linear regression. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 57 patients (49.1%) were vitamin D deficient (&#x3c;20 ng/mL), and 92.2% did not meet the recommended vitamin D level of 40 ng/mL. There was a strong negative association between vitamin D and leukocyte count (τ = –0.173, <i>p</i> = 0.007) and C-reactive protein concentration (τ = –0.172, <i>p</i> = 0.007). In linear regression, the most important variables for predicting vitamin D levels were (in order of decreasing importance) season, fat mass index, platelet, and leukocyte count. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Despite appeals towards medical societies to target widespread vitamin D deficiency in Germany more than 10 years ago, our data indicate that these have been without avail. Low vitamin D levels in cancer patients should be corrected using reasonable sun exposure and supplements.

Cell adhesion molecules’ altered profile in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. The paradigm of beta4-integrin, desmoglein-2, ICAM-1 and CD44s

Background Alterations in intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix connections contribute to tumour development. This study investigates the expression of specific cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in salivary gland tumors (SGTs). Methods Formalin–fixed, paraffin– embedded tissue specimens of different types of 34 benign and 31 malignant SGTs and normal salivary glands were studied using Envision/HRP immunohistochemical technique for Desmoglein-2 (Dsg-2), beta4-integrin, CD44s and ICAM-1. Intensity of staining was evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner. Results were analyzed using Kendall’s τ and Spearman’s ρ as correlation criteria. Results Dsg-2 in intercellular space, beta4-integrin in cell-basal membrane, and CD44s in both types of contacts were strongly expressed in normal acinar and ductal cells, whereas ICAM-1 was expressed only at the endothelium and sparse stromal cells and monocytes. Strong correlation was found between Dsg-2 expression in adenomas and controls and between adenocarcinomas and controls. In adenomas, a distinct cytoplasmic presence of Dsg-2 was observed in addition to the usual membranous expression, with decreased expression in comparison with normal tissue. In malignant SGTs, Dsg-2 expression was absent. In most SGTs, beta4-integrin was expressed also with a distinct pattern, involving the cytoplasm and the unpolarised membrane, while CD44 was found only on the membrane. Strong correlation between beta4-integrin expression in adenomas and controls was noted, while CD44 expression was found to be correlated significantly between adenocarcinomas and controls (p < 0.001). Regarding ICAM-1, its expression was found increased in adenomas, with non-specific distribution in malignant SGTs and strong correlation between the histological subtypes and controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion The different expression profile of CAMs in SGTs could possibly suggest a role on their pathogenesis, representing a model of how neoplastic cells can take advantage of normal tissue architecture and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.