Hessenberg matrices and the Pell and Perrin numbers

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the Pell sequence and the Perrin sequence and we derive some relationships between these sequences and permanents and determinants of one type of Hessenberg matrices

Cutoff values of NT-proBNP for the prediction of low functional capacity, decreased ejection fraction and cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure

Background: It has been demonstrated in numerous studies that N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is strongly associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), functional capacity (FC), and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the predictive cutoff values of NT-proBNP for predicting these parameters. Methods: One hundred HF patients (88 male, 12 female, mean age 53.6 &#177; 8.9 years) with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and impaired exercise capacity were enrolled into the study. Echocardiographic examination was performed. The NT-proBNP concentration was measured after resting for 20 min in the supine position. The modified Bruce protocol was utilized for exercise testing. The patients were followed for between 690 and 840 days (mean 750 &#177; 30 days) for the occurrence of CV events. Results: There was a strong negative correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and LVEF (p < 0.004). It was found that NT-proBNP is a strong predictor of LVEF < 30% (p < 0.001). When 940 pg/mL was accepted as a cutoff value for NT-proBNP for the prediction of an LVEF < 30%, the sensitivity and the specificity were 89.8% and 71.4%, respectively. NT-proBNP and left atrial diastolic dimension were the most significant parameters for predicting FC (p < 0.001, each one). An NT-proBNP cutoff value of 940 pg/mL responded to 78.8% sensitivity and 81% specificity for the prediction of FC < 5 METs. The observed independent predictors for the CV events were NT-proBNP, LV mass index, and resting heart rate (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 and p = 0.006, respectively). Every 1000 pg/mL elevation in NT-proBNP level resulted in a 27% increase in the occurrence of CV events (p < 0.006). Moreover, 940 pg/mL NT-proBNP cutoff value revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 64.7% respectively for the prediction of incident CV events. Conclusions: Use of NT-proBNP cutoff values is easy and reliable method for the prediction of low FC and decreased LVEF, and may aid identification of patients at the highest risk for future CV events. We suggest to use NT-proBNP cutoff value of 940 pg/mL for predicting these parameters

Burden and Depressive Symptoms Associated with Adult-Child Caregiving for Individuals with Heart Failure

Background. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate adult-child caregiver burden in heart failure (HF) patients. Secondary purpose of the study was to identify the possible influencing factors for caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in a young adult-child caregiver group. Methods. A total of 138 adult-child caregivers and 138 patients with HF participated in this study. Caregivers&apos; burden, depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels were assessed by using Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS), Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Results. The mean ZCBS scores of the female caregivers were significantly higher than male caregivers. Approximately one-third of the adult-child caregivers had at least mild depressive symptoms. Caregivers with higher depressive symptoms had higher levels of caregiver burden. There were positive correlations between caregiving time, severity of depressive symptoms, and perceived caregiver burden. There was a negative correlation between education level of caregivers and perceived caregiver burden. Age, socioeconomic level, and marital status of patients were affecting factors for depressive symptoms in caregivers. Among caregiver characteristics, gender, marital status, and ZCBS scores seem to influence the depression in caregivers. Conclusions. The study findings suggest significant levels of burden and depressive symptoms even in adult-child caregivers of HF patients

On the energy and Estrada index of strongly quotient graphs

In this paper, we consider the strongly quotient graphs and obtain some better results for the energy and Estrada index of these graphs, as well as some relations between Estrada index and the graph energy

A Proof of an Identity for a Generalization of Well-Known Number Sequences

International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics (ICNAAM) -- SEP 22-28, 2014 -- Rhodes, GREECEWOS: 000355339705079In this study, we give an identity for known special number sequences then prove it using Laplace expansion formula

Ultrastructure of the tongue and histochemical features of the lingual salivary glands in buzzards

WOS: 000435033300003The macroscopic characteristics of the tongues of 8 long-legged buzzards are described and scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the epithelial tissue of the tongue's surface. Crossman's modified triple staining method and hematoxylin and eosin dye were used to determine the locations and general histological features of the lingual salivary glands. The nature of the glandular secretions was examined by staining with PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5, and PAS-AB pH 1.0 and pH 2.5, and diastase enzyme digestion. PAS staining and weak, moderate, and strong methylation procedures as well as sialidase and hyaluronidase applications were performed. We report the finding of focal accumulations of the anterior lingual salivary glands at the tongue's base with numerous duct openings in this area. This finding, in conjunction with the absence of taste papillae in the tongue epithelium, suggests that the role of the tongue in buzzards is to mix food with saliva and to move the food bolus rapidly to the back of the oral cavity. The acidic secretions of the lingual salivary glands not only have antimicrobial effects but also facilitate the swallowing process and may influence the digestive process in the distal parts of the alimentary tract.Kirikkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Center, Kirikkale, Turkey [2011/36]This study was supported by the Kirikkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Center with the project number of 2011/36, Kirikkale, Turkey