Covid-19 Case Statistics in Europe Show Moderate Negative Correlation with Vaccination Level

Based on the statistics of Covid-19 cases and vaccination level in the last quarter of 2021, a moderate negative correlation was detected between the level of vaccination and current and peak case numbers in a number of European health jurisdictions. Statistically significant correlation was detected after taking into account differences in the local phase of the cases curve, by comparing statistics at the similar phase such as near the top of a local wave rather than current. These results may indicate a certain level of effectiveness of vaccines in preventing Covid-19 spread in the population, though analysis of other factors is still needed for a confident conclusion.

EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF SECONDARY OBJECT AND SPATIAL IMAGERY ON A LITERARY TEXT TRANSLATION

Статья посвящена исследованию влияния вторичных образов различного типа на перевод художественного текста. Результаты эксперимента подтверждают ведущую роль предметных образов для нахождения адекватных решений. Также показано наличие умеренной обратной корреляции между уровнем образного мышления в целом и количеством неадекватных трансформаций в переводе. Выявлено негативное влияние на результаты перевода низкого пространственного воображения. The article aims to investigate the influence of different types of secondary mental images on literary text translation. Our experimental data confirm a stone role of object imagery for finding adequate translation solutions, as well as suggest a moderate negative correlation between individual imagery scores and the number of inadequate translation solutions. A low level of spatial imagery may negatively affect the translator’s choices.

Renal function in β-thalassemia major patients treated with two different iron-chelation regimes

Background Renal injury in transfusion dependent β thalassemia patients (TDT) has been attributed to iron overload, chronic anemia and iron-chelation therapy (ICT) toxicity. We studied renal function in TDT patients treated with two different ICT regimes. Patients and methods We studied 36 TDT patients: 26 received deferasirox (DFX) and 10 were treated with deferoxamine (DFO) +/− deferiprone (DFP). Results Increased uNAG was found in 30% of the DFX group vs. 10% of the DFO+/−DFP group, the mean uNAG level in the DFX group was significantly higher than in the DFO+/−DFP group, (P < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between uNAG levels and mean serum ferritin for the prior 10 years (P = 0.03), more pronounced for the DFO+/−DFP group. Twenty nine patients had had their renal function evaluated 10 years earlier; eGFR significantly declined in patients switched to DFX (P = 0.0093) but not in patients who continued DFO+/−DFP. Conclusions A high prevalence of renal tubular damage was observed in our TDT patients, particularly those treated with DFX; uNAG was negatively associated with mean 10-year serum ferritin, suggesting ICT’s involvement in tubular injury. A significant decline in eGFR compared to a decade earlier was observed only in patients currently treated with DFX. Strict follow-up of renal function in TDT patients is warranted.

Assessments of Muscle Thickness and Tonicity of the Masseter and Sternocleidomastoid Muscles and Maximum Mouth Opening in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle thickness and tone of the masseter and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles and maximum mouth opening (MMO) in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and perform a correlation comparison on the results of the TMD group. Sixty patients were allocated to the TMD group (n = 30) or the non-TMD group (n = 30). Ultrasound imaging, myotonometer, and vernier calipers were used to determine the related changes in muscle thickness and muscle tone in masseter and SCM, and MMO, respectively. The TMD group revealed a significant decrease than the non-TMD group in the muscle thickness of masseter and SCM, respectively (p < 0.001), with a significant increase in frequency (p < 0.001) and stiffness (p < 0.001) in the masseter muscle tone, with a significant increase in frequency (p < 0.001) and stiffness (p = 0.005) in the SCM muscle tone, a significant decrease in the MMO (p < 0.001). There was a moderate negative correlation between the relaxed state of masseter muscle thickness and stiffness of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.40, p = 0.002), and a moderate negative correlation between the relaxed state of SCM muscle thickness and frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.42, p = 0.001). There was a moderate negative correlation between the clenching state of SCM muscle thickness and the frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.47, p < 0.001). In addition, a moderate negative correlation between MMO and frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.44, p < 0.001). The muscle thickness was decreased, and the muscle tone was increased in the masseter and SCM muscle, respectively. Additionally, MMO was decreased in patients with TMD compared with non-TMD.

Body Composition, Anemia, and Kidney Function among Guatemalan Sugarcane Workers

Rates of anemia among agricultural workers, who are also at risk for kidney injury and chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu), are unknown. We evaluated body composition through the sum of three skinfolds among 203 male sugarcane cutters and assessed the relationship of variables related to nutrition, anemia (hemoglobin < 13 g/dL), and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ≥ 5.7%) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using linear regression. Eleven percent of workers were at the level of essential body fat (2–5%). Anemia was present among 13% of workers, 70% of which were normochromic normocytic, a type of anemia suggesting potential underlying chronic disease. Anemia was more common among those with lower BMI and fat free mass. The prevalence of elevated HbA1c was 21%. A moderate negative correlation was found between hemoglobin and HbA1c (Pearson’s r = −0.32, p < 0.01) which suggests that HbA1c values should be interpreted with caution in populations that have high rates of anemia. Twelve percent of workers had reduced kidney function with an eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. On average, the eGFR was 18 mL/min per 1.73 m2 lower [(95% CI:−24, −12), p < 0.01)] for those with anemia than those without, and 8 mL/min per 1.73 m2 lower among those with elevated HbA1c [(95% CI: −13, −2), p < 0.01]. Results will inform future studies examining the role of anemia in the evaluation of CKDu and interventions to improve nutrition for workers in low-resource settings.

Prevalence of Depression among Patients with Chronic Painful Physical Condition and Its Association with Quality of Life

Background & Purpose: Some studies have reported associations between depression and pain syndrome. An epidemiological study in the UK reported that 16.9% of participants with chronic widespread pain also had a psychiatric diagnosis. Purpose of the present study is to know the prevalence of depression among Patients with Chronic Painful Physical condition & to find out association between depression & quality of life among patients with chronic painful physical condition. Methodology: 120 patients with chronic painful physical condition who met inclusion criteria were recruited from SPB Physiotherapy OPD. Written informed consent was taken. All the participants were asked to fill up the Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) to determine the prevalence of Depression and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) for quality of life assessment. Results: Among 120 participants 63 (52.5%) participants were reported mild to moderate depression. Result of spearman’s test suggested moderate negative correlation (r = -0.41, P = 0.00943) between depression and quality of life among participants with Chronic Painful Physical Condition. Conclusion: The present study concluded that 52.5% patients with chronic painful physical condition have mild to moderate symptoms of depression and there is moderate negative co-relation exist between depression and quality of life among them. Key words: Depression, Painful Physical Condition, SF36, BDI, Quality of Life.

Correlation between cholesterol levels and the severity of Parkinson disease

Background: Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after dementia Alzheimer. In neurodegenerative disease such as PD, there is a disturbance of cholesterol metabolism in the brain that could affect plasma cholesterol level. Laboratory test of cholesterol level could be used as an alternative parameter in assessing the severity degree of PD. Our objectives in this study are to analyze the correlation between cholesterol level and the severity of PD. Methods: This study is a cross sectional study. The sample is collected from patients with PD that came too neurology clinic in Prof Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado Hospital. Patients will then be assessed whether they meet the inclusion criteria which is examined using unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS) questionnaire and Hoehn and Yahr (H and Y). If the inclusion criteria are met, subject will be tested for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in plasma.Results: There are 60 subjects of PD patients with mean age 64.37±8.26 years old. Male subjects were more dominant (53.3%) than female. Total cholesterol level and LDL have moderate negative correlation with UPDRS I, UPDRS II, UPDRS III, and UPDRS total score. Total cholesterol and LDL level also has moderate negative correlation with H and Y severity.Conclusions: There is a moderate negative correlation between total cholesterol level and LDL with PD severity degree based on H&Y degree and UPDRS I, II, III, and UPDRS total score.

Nutritional status and vitamin D intake in children with severe AD

Relevance of topic. Atopic dermatitis is a wide-spread skin disease that can significantly reduce patient’s quality of life. Many authors around the globe conduct research to find correlation between atopic detmatitis in children, their growth, development of allergic comorbidities (food allergy in particular) and elimination diet prescription.Aim of the study. To estimate growth indices and nutritional status in children with severe atopic dermatitis and allergic comorbidities on the elimination diet.Methods. This study included children of age 0-17 years 11 months, hospitalized in Dermatology with the Laser Surgery department in the National Medical Research Centre of Children’s Health from September 2020 to May 2021. Anthropometric indices, levels of serum vitamin D, albumin, hemoglobin and total IgE were estimated in all children.Results. This study included 80 children. There was a moderate negative correlation between the number of excluded food groups, the disease longitude (p = 0.003; r = -0.333) and HAZ (p = 0.010; r = -0.351). There was a moderate negative correlation between the age of children and serum vitamin D (p = 0.040; r = -0.317) and a moderate positive - between BAZ and serum vitamin D (p = 0.030; r = 0.332). There was a weak negative correlation between serum vitamin D and total serum IgE (p = 0.033; r = -0.239) and between BAZ and serum hemoglobin (p = 0.028; r = 0.246).Conclusions. The results of this study demonstrate a low intake of vitamin D in children with severe atopic dermatitis, worsening with age. Vitamin D level correlated with BAZ, also the results showed lower vitamin D intake in children with high levels of total Ig E.

Correlation between Adiponectin and Triglyceride Levels in Pregnancy with and without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Adiponectin causes a decrease in glucose transporter 4 translocation, which reduces glucose uptake due to downstream insulin signal delivery and decreases non-esterified fatty acids so that triglyceride synthesis decreases in pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between adiponectin and triglyceride levels in pregnancy, especially in a pregnant female with and without gestational diabetes mellitus. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted by measuring the levels of adiponectin and triglycerides in pregnancy, with and without gestational diabetes mellitus. Researchers proved by analyzing 75 subjects, 24-28 weeks pregnant females who were examined at the primary health center and Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta. Adiponectin levels have a moderate negative correlation with triglycerides in pregnant females (r= -0.420 and p=0.002), a strong negative correlation with GDM (r = -0.680 and p=0.001), and moderate negative correlation (r= -0.455, and p=0.022) with those without GDM. Based on this research can be concluded that adiponectin has a moderate negative correlation with triglycerides in pregnancy, a strong negative correlation in pregnant females with gestational diabetes mellitus, and a moderate negative correlation in those without gestational diabetes.

Characterization of Macro- and Microalgae Extracts Bioactive Compounds and Micro- and Macroelements Transition from Algae to Extract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of macroalgae (Cladophora rupestris, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Ulva intestinalis) and microalgae (Arthrospira platensis (Sp1, Sp2), Chlorella vulgaris) extracts, including micro- and macroelement transition to extract, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, the concentrations of chlorophyll (-a, -b), and the total carotenoid concentration (TCC). In macroalgae, the highest TCC and chlorophyll content were found in C. rupestris. In microalgae, the TCC was 10.1-times higher in C. vulgaris than in Sp1, Sp2; however, the chlorophyll contents in C. vulgaris samples were lower. A moderate negative correlation was found between the chlorophyll-a and TCC contents (r = −0.4644). In macroalgae extract samples, C. rupestris and F. lumbricalis showed the highest total phenolic compound content (TPCC). DPPH antioxidant activity and TPCC in microalgae was related to the TCC (r = 0.6191, r = 0.6439, respectively). Sp2 extracts inhibited Staphylococcus haemolyticus; C. rupestris, F. lumbricalis, U. intestinalis, and Sp2 extracts inhibited Bacillus subtilis; and U. intestinalis extracts inhibited Streptococcus mutans strains. This study showed that extraction is a suitable technology for toxic metal decontamination in algae; however, some of the desirable microelements are reduced during the extraction, and only the final products, could be applied in food, feed, and others.