Correlations of Radiographic and Endoscopic Observations in Subglottic Stenosis

Objective(s): Subglottic stenosis (SGS) represents a constellation of diverse pathologic processes that ultimately lead to narrowing of the subglottic region and can produce significant morbidity. Existing endoscopic and radiographic assessments may not be consistent in practice. Methods: Severity of stenosis was evaluated and reported using the Cotton-Myer classification system from 33 endoscopic procedures from 32 unique subjects. Radiographic imaging within the preceding 3 month period was subsequently reviewed and narrowing was measured by a blinded radiologist. Degree of stenosis was reported as a percentage in 30 out of 33 endoscopic evaluations and subsequently compared to radiographically determined percentage of stenosis. Statistical analyzes were conducted to evaluate concordance between endoscopic and radiographic assessments. Results: About 45.5% (15/33) of the evaluations were in agreement using Cotton-Myer scoring, while 27.3% (9/33) were discrepant by 1 grade and 27.3% (9/33) by 2 grades. Correlation of degree of stenosis as a percentage using Spearman (coefficient: 0.233, P-value: .214) and Pearson (coefficient: 0.138, P-value: .466) methods demonstrated very weak relationships. Radiographic scoring did not predict endoscopic classification to a significant degree using mixed effects regression. Conclusions: Radiographic and endoscopic grading of subglottic stenosis may not be reliably concordant in practice.

Expression Status and Prognostic Significance of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Family Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PurposeGamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) family genes play crucial roles in the formation and progression of several solid tumors. However, the expression patterns and the prognostic significance of GGT members in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. This study was designed to determine the expression profiles of GGT family members in HCC and validate the prognostic value of serum GGT protein in patients with HCC.MethodWe comprehensively searched public resources based on the LIHC dataset to determine the expression patterns, prognostic significance, DNA methylation status, immune infiltration, and biological pathways of GGT family genes in HCC. Subsequently, we validated the prognostic value of serum GGT protein in 85 patients with early-stage HCC subjected to curative hepatectomy from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.ResultsExcept for GGT1, other GGT family members (GGT5, GGT6, and GGT7) were found to be differentially expressed in primary HCC samples (N = 371) and normal control tissues (N = 50). Furthermore, a positive relationship was not only observed between GGT1 and GGT5 (Spearman coefficient: 0.24, P = 5.143 × 10−6) but also between GGT5 and GGT6 (Spearman coefficient: 0.38, P = 1.24 × 10−13). The expression of GGT1, GGT5, and GGT7 was correlated with overall survival (OS), and GGT7 was associated with disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC. Negative associations between DNA methylation and expression of mRNA were observed for GGT1 (Spearman coefficient: −0.38, P = 6.24e-14), GGT6 (Spearman coefficient: −0.29, P = 1.23e-8), and GGT7 (Spearman coefficient: −0.34, P=6.7e-11). GGT family genes were well correlated with the infiltration levels of immune cells in HCC, especially CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Finally, when validated with clinical data from the Renmin cohort, a high expression of serum GGT protein was identified as a strong prognostic element of unfavorable OS (HR = 3.114, P = 0.025), but not of DFS (HR = 1.198, P = 0.05) in patients with HCC subjected to curative hepatectomy.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns and clinical value of GGT family genes in patients with HCC. Our study laid the foundation for the clinical application of the GGT protein in the survival assessment of patients with HCC.

SELECTION OF FIRE POSITION OF MORTAR UNITS USING LBWA AND FUZZY MABAC MODEL

The paper presents a hybrid model based on the LBWA method and the fuzzy MABAC method, applied when selecting firing positions' locations of the Serbian Army's mortar units. Using a questionnaire, the experts determined the criteria for choosing the firing position. The LBWA method is used to determine the weighting coefficients of the criteria, while the fuzzy MABAC method is used to determine the most favorable location of the firing position by choosing between six specific options - alternatives. By changing the value of the elasticity coefficients, the sensitivity analysis of the developed model was performed, and by applying the Spearman coefficient, it was determined that there is an ideal positive correlation of ranks.

Evaluation of Erythema Severity in Dermatoscopic Images of Canine Skin: Erythema Index Assessment and Image Sampling Reliability

The regular monitoring of erythema, one of the most important skin lesions in atopic (allergic) dogs, is essential for successful anti-allergic therapy. The smartphone-based dermatoscopy enables a convenient way to acquire quality images of erythematous skin. However, the image sampling to evaluate erythema severity is still done manually, introducing result variability. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the most popular erythema indices (EIs) and dermatologists’ erythema perception, and we measured intra- and inter-rater variability of the currently-used manual image-sampling methods (ISMs). We showed that the EIBRG, based on all three RGB (red, green, and blue) channels, performed the best with an average Spearman coefficient of 0.75 and a typical absolute disagreement of less than 14% with the erythema assessed by clinicians. On the other hand, two image-sampling methods, based on either selecting specific pixels or small skin areas, performed similarly well. They achieved high intra- and inter-rater reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Krippendorff’s alpha well above 0.90. These results indicated that smartphone-based dermatoscopy could be a convenient and precise way to evaluate skin erythema severity. However, better outlined, or even automated ISMs, are likely to improve the intra- and inter-rater reliability in severe erythematous cases.

La innovación y su incidencia en emprendimientos de los graduados de marketing de la ULEAM

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar de qué manera la innovación incide en los emprendimientos de los graduados de la carrera de Marketing de la ULEAM periodo 2015-2019(1). Se desarrolló un estudio cuali-cuantitativo, con un diseño exploratorio, descriptivo, explicativo, correlacional, transversal, no experimental, bibliográfico; una encuesta estructurada con escala comparativa de Likert, validada bajo el coeficiente de Cronbach, que obtuvo un valor de 0,991 lo que sustenta su aplicabilidad y a través del procesamiento de los datos se evidencio una correlación alta de las variables estudiadas de acuerdo al coeficiente de Spearman. En conclusión, la innovación incide en los emprendimientos de los graduados de la carrera de Marketing, quienes evidencian que para fomentar el espíritu emprendedor y la cultura innovadora en los futuros emprendimientos del estudiantado se necesita de un óptimo uso de las TIC, relación entre la triple hélice y un sistema educativo fortalecido. Palabras clave: Emprendimiento; graduados; TIC; triple hélice; sistema educativo. ABSTRACT The main objective of this research is to determine how innovation affects the entrepreneurship graduates of the Marketing career of ULEAM period 2015-2019 (1). It was developed a quali-quantitative study, with an exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, correlational, transversal, non-experimental, and bibliographic design; a structured survey with a comparative Likert scale, validated under Cronbach coefficient, which obtained a value of 0.991 which supports its applicability and through the data processing a high correlation of the studied variables was evidenced according to Spearman coefficient. In conclusion, innovation affects the enterprises of Marketing graduates, who show that to promote entrepreneurship and innovative culture in the future enterprises of the student body requires an optimal use of ICT, the relationship between the triple helix and a strengthened educational system. Keywords: Entrepreneurship; graduates; ICT; triple helix; educational system.

HUBUNGAN JENJANG KARIR PERAWAT TERHADAP TURNOVER INTENTION DI RSK BEDAH BIMC SILOAM NUSA DUA

Turnover intention is a desire of a person to resign from their job. Career path is one of the factors causing turnover intention. Career path is low and does not clearly influence nurses to make turnover intension. This study aimed to determine the correlation between nurses' career path and turnover intention. The study used a cross-sectional correlation design with a total sampling technique of 45 respondents. Data processing used Spearman Coefficient of Correlation method. The career path of nurses at BIMC Siloam Nusa Dua was PK I = 22 people, PK II = 16 people, and PK III = 7 people. The number of nurses who wanted to make a turnover intention was 60%. Statistical test results p- value = 0,000 which shows there was a correlation between nurses' career levels with turnover intention and the value of r = -0.606 indicates the higher the career path of nurses, the nurse's turnover intention is low. RSK Bedah BIMC Siloam Nusa Dua should provide a clearer career path to prevent turnover intention.

UJI KARAKTERISTIK 4 JENIS RAMBUTAN LOKAL (Nephelium sp.)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the Morphological, Physical, Storage, and Chemical Characteristics of 4 types of Local Rambutan (Nephelium Sp.). Fruit characteristic test is carried out on Morphology, Physical Properties, Storing Power, and Chemical Content of Rambutan fruit which refers to Descriptor of Rambutan (IPGRI, 2003). This study uses one-way Anova Analysis which is then tested further by BNJ at a 5% level for the Chemical Content Test of fruit. Followed by Klastering Test using MVSP 32 Program with Spearman Coefficient analysis. Morphological observations of fruit quantitatively and qualitatively that is Pulasan has the character of weight, length, diameter, skin weight, aryl weight, and weight of fruit seeds is greater than other types. Lulu has a uniform fruit skin color that is dark red, Sipadeh (N2) also has a uniform color that is yellow / cream. Sipadeh (N1) and Pulasan have a sweeter taste and easier idleness (chipped). This is different from Lulu and Sipadeh (N2), where both types have a sour taste and are difficult to crack (peel) from the seeds. In the chemical test, Sipadeh (N2) and Lulu have a high content of Vitamin C and total titrated acid. Whereas Pulasan and Sipadeh (N1) which have high Dissolved Solid Total Value. The results of the morphological cluster analysis of the fruit produced a dendrogram with a phenolic similarity of -50% to 100%. The results of the cluster chemical analysis result in a dendrogram with Kf -80% to 70%. Keyword: Characteristics, Local Rambutan (Nephelium Sp.)

The Study of Biochemical Factors of Calcification of Stable and Unstable Plaques in the Coronary Arteries of Man

Objective. The aim of the study was to study biochemical factors of calcification in stable and unstable plaques of coronary arteries and in the blood of patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis, to find associations of biochemical factors of calcification with the development of unstable atherosclerotic plaque.Materials and Methods. The study included 25 men aged 60,4±6,8 years who received coronary bypass surgery. In the course of the operation intraoperative indications in men were from coronary endarteriectomy (s) artery (a – d) and histological and biochemical analyses of the samples of the intima / media. Out of 85 fragments of intima / media of coronary arteries, 15 fragments of unchanged intima / media, 39 fragments of stable atheromatous plaque and 31 fragments of unstable plaque were determined. In homogenates of samples of intima / media (after measurement of protein by the method of Lowry) and in blood by ELISA were determined by biochemical factors of calcification: osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, an osteopontin, osteonectin, as well as inflammatory factors (cytokines, chemokines).Results. A significant direct correlation (Spearman coefficient =0.607, p<0.01) between the stages of atherosclerotic focus development to unstable plaque and the degree of calcification of atherosclerotic focus development samples was found. There was an increased content of osteocalcin in stable and unstable plaques by 3.3 times in comparison with the unchanged tissue of intima / media of coronary arteries, as well as in samples with small and dust-like, with coarse-grained calcifications in comparison with samples without calcifications by 2.8 and 2.1 times, respectively. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, the relative risk of unstable atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary artery is associated with a reduced content of osteocalcin (OR=0.988, 95 % CI 0.978–0.999, p=0.028). Also, the relative risk of calcifications in the atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary artery is associated with an increased content of osteocalcin (OR=1,008, 95 % CI 1,001–1,015, p=0,035). In men with severe coronary atherosclerosis, a significant inverse correlation was found (Spearman coefficient –0.386, p=0.022) between the content of osteoprotegerin in the vascular wall and in the blood.

Measuring Stress – Methods and Tools

To validate PSS-14 Romanian version and identify reliable and simple tools which can be used for measuring stress level in current practice. Materials and methods: PSS-14 Romanian version, a five-level qualitative scale and a decimal scale were applied to 928 Romanian subjects, selected through the “snowball method”, for measuring perceived stress level. Intraclass correlations and Alpha Cronbach coefficient were used for assessing internal consistency of PSS-14 and Spearman coefficient for testing correlations.Results: Cronbach’s Alpha values for PSS-14 items were ≥0.700 (0.746 and 0.878 for standardized coefficient), showing internal consistency. Spearman correlation (0.375, p<0.05) revealed positive, medium and significant correlations between simple scales scores and PSS-14 scores.Conclusions: PSS-14 RO is an adequate tool for measuring the perceived stress level in Romanian patients. When appropriate, a simple Likert qualitative scale or a decimal self-assessment scale can quickly provide to health professionals results with indicative value.