VALUES IN THE CHOICE OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS - STUDIES OF SELECTED CONSUMER-RELATED QUALITY ATTRIBUTES
Background. Consumer acceptance and willingness to consume functional foods (FF) is a complex and slow process that depends on many factors. Therefore, understanding consumer responses to FF is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the determinants of consumers' functional food purchasing decisions and sociodemographic characteristics (gender, place of residence, income level, lifestyle). The study used a survey measurement method. A survey questionnaire (Google forms) was the research instrument. The survey was conducted among 422 young consumers, represented by members of Generation Z, in 2024 and 2025. A scale reliability analysis was performed based on Cronbach's α coefficients. The Spearman's rank correlation analysis was done to determine the strength and significance of relationships between dependent variables and independent variables. The study has certain limitations. Results and conclusions. It was observed that people who pay attention to foods with high nutritional value show a positive correlation both with FFA (0.23) and FFR (0.22). In contrast, those with high health consciousness show a positive correlation with FFA (0.17). On the basis of the analyses performed, it was shown that there is a relationship between elements describing the lifestyle of young consumers, such as concern for health and consumption of foods with high nutritional value of the product and positive atti tudes and opinions regarding functional foods. In addition, it was found that the product values related to quality, composition, health, ecological and sensory values, price, availability and diverse assortment are of greatest importance in the decision to purchase functional foods by young buyers, representatives of generation Z in Poland.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1111/cen.14921
- Jun 11, 2023
- Clinical Endocrinology
Somatostatin analogs are recommended for preoperative therapy in thyrotrophin secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas). Octreotide suppression test (OST) was designed to differentiate TSHomas with resistance to thyroid hormones, while its ability to test the sensitivity of SSA has not been fully studied. To test the sensitivity of SSA in TSHomas with OST. We collected 48 pathologically confirmed TSHoma patients with complete 72 h' data of OST into analysis. Octreotide suppression test. Sensitivity timepoint and cutoff of OST. During the entire OST, the TSH descended maximally 89.07% (73.85%, 96.77%), while the FT3 and FT4 declined slowly [43.40% (37.80%, 54.44%) and 26.59% (19.01%, 33.13%), respectively]. The 24th hour was the timepoint wherein the stability occurs for TSH, and the 48th hour for FT3 and FT4 during OST. In the patients who received both short- and long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSA), the 24-h timepoint was the most predictive timepoint for the percentage of TSH decline (Spearman's rank correlation analysis, r = .571, p < .001), while the 72-h timepoint was optimal for predicting the magnitude of TSH decline (Spearman's rank correlation analysis, r = .438, p = .005). In the 24th timepoint, a positive correlation was also observed between TSH suppression rate and the percentage decrease and absolute value decrease of FT3 and FT4. Furthermore, in patients treated with long-acting SSA, the 72-h timepoint was optimal for predicting both the percentage (Spearman's rank correlation analysis, r = .587, p = .01) and magnitude (Spearman's rank correlation analysis, r = .474, p = .047) of TSH decline. The 24th hour was the optimal timepoint with 44.54% (50% of median value of TSH in 72-hOST) decrease of TSH being the observing cutoff. The adverse effect of OST was predominantly occurred in the gastrointestinal system and no severe event occurred during OST. Paradoxical response could occur in OST and it did not influence the effect of SSA as long as sensitivity was confirmed. A high level of hormonal control was achieved in the SSA-sensitive patients. OST can be used as an efficient tool to guide the adequate use of SSA.
- Research Article
- 10.29119/1641-3466.2025.218.31
- Jan 1, 2025
- Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization and Management Series
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify variables influencing consumer interest in natural foods among a selected group of Pomeranian consumers. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the CAWI method using Google forms. The survey was conducted in a group of 403 respondents in Pomerania, northern Poland. The research tool used covered the following topics: attitudes towards natural food, attitudes towards health and nutrition, and lifestyle elements. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was applied, and a multinomial ordered logit model was constructed, in which the dependent variable was the variable exploring attitudes towards health and nutrition. Findings: An extended statistical analysis of the empirical data, with the construction of a multivariate logit model, showed that only a change in the attitudes of Pomeranian consumers towards health from negative and ambivalent to positive, would lead to a change in their eating behaviour by increasing the purchase and consumption of natural foods. It is interesting to note that Pomeranian consumers who value the convenience and speed of meal preparation want to make conscious, rational (beneficial to their health) food choices. Research limitations/implications: The research has certain limitations. Despite the large size of the study group, the results obtained are not representative and cannot be generalised to the population of adult consumers in Poland. Practical implications: An analysis of respondents' attitudes towards health issues and consumption of natural foods showed that gender and lifestyle have a differential impact on consumers' attitudes towards health and willingness to purchase natural foods (in Northern Poland). Social implications: Extended statistical analysis of empirical data by building a multivariate logit model showed that only a change in the attitudes of Pomeranian consumers towards health from negative and ambivalent to positive would lead to a change in their eating behaviour by increasing the purchase and consumption of natural foods. Originality/value: The presented modelling approach extends the knowledge of the determinants of natural food consumption. Keywords: natural food, health concern, sustainable behaviour, consumers, Northern Poland. Category of the paper: Research paper.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1111/tmi.12969
- Sep 20, 2017
- Tropical Medicine & International Health
The underlying problem in lymphatic filariasis is irreversible swelling of the limbs (lymphoedema), which is a unique feature of lymphatic insufficiency. It is still unclear whether the natural ability of lymphatics to form functional lymphatic vasculature is achieved or attenuated in the lymphoedemal pathology. Clinical studies have clearly shown that circulating lymphatic progenitors (CLPs), a subset of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (PBMCs), contribute to post-natal lymph vasculogenesis. CLP-based revascularisation could be a promising strategy to bypass the endothelial disruption and damage incurred by the filarial parasites. Thus our aim was to compare and characterise the functional prowess of PBMCs in physiological and lymphoedemal pathology. PBMCs were isolated from venous blood sample from drug-naive endemic normals (EN) and drug-deprived filarial lymphoedema (FL) individuals using density gradient centrifugation. Adhesion, transwell migration and in vitro matrigel assays were employed to characterise the lymphvasculogenic potential of PBMCs. CLPs were phenotypically characterised using flow cytometry; expression levels of lymphatic markers and inflammatory cytokines were quantified using qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. PBMCs from FL group display poor adherence to fibronectin (P = 0.040), reduced migration towards SDF-1α (P = 0.035), impaired tubular network (P = 0.004) and branching point (P = 0.048) formation. The PBMC mRNA expression of VEGFR3 (P = 0.039) and podoplanin (P = 0.050) was elevated, whereas integrin α9 (P = 0.046) was inhibited in FL individuals; additionally, the surface expression of CD34 (P = 0.048) was significantly reduced in the FL group compared to the EN group. PBMCs from filarial lymphoedema show defective and dysregulated lymphvasculogenic function compared to endemic normals.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1186/s12872-025-05110-y
- Aug 28, 2025
- BMC cardiovascular disorders
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with high recurrence rates following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Identifying predictors of atrial tachyarrhythmia (Ata) recurrence is crucial for risk stratification and personalized management. The HARMS2-AF score, a novel lifestyle-based risk score comprising hypertension, age, BMI ≥ 30kg/m², male sex, sleep apnea, smoking, and alcohol consumption, has emerged as a potential predictor for Ata recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the HARMS2-AF score and Ata recurrence after RFCA. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 152 patients who underwent RFCA at Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2021 and December 2022. Ata recurrence was defined as documented episodes of atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, or AF lasting more than 30s on ECG or 24-hour Holter monitorin during follow-up. Based on Ata recurrence, patients were classified into recurrence (n = 44) and non-recurrence (n = 108) groups. Clinical characteristics, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and HARMS2-AF score were compared between the two groups. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationships between the HARMS2-AF score, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left atrial diameter (LAD), and Ata recurrence. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of Ata recurrence. Patients in the recurrence group exhibited a higher prevalence of persistent AF (P = 0.002), larger LAD (P < 0.001), and higher CHA2DS2-VASc (P < 0.001) and HARMS2-AF scores (P < 0.001) compared to the non-recurrence group. Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the HARMS2-AF score (r = 0.626, P < 0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc score (r = 0.452, P < 0.001), and LAD (r = 0.405, P < 0.001) with Ata recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that LAD (OR = 1.280, 95% CI = 1.118-1.464), CHA2DS2-VASc (OR = 3.773, 95% CI = 1.897-7.503), and HARMS2-AF (OR = 3.106, 95% CI = 1.866-5.168) were independent predictors for Ata recurrence after RFCA. The HARMS2-AF score demonstrated high sensitivity (93.2%) and specificity (79.6%) for predicting Ata recurrence. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.895 for HARMS2-AF, 0.777 for CHA2DS2-VASc, and 0.757 for LAD, with HARMS2-AF showing superior predictive accuracy (P = 0.008 vs. CHA2DS2-VASc, P = 0.007 vs. LAD). The HARMS2-AF score is significantly associated with Ata recurrence after RFCA and provides a valuable tool for risk prediction. A cut-off value of 7.5 for the HARMS2-AF score demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for predicting Ata recurrence, offering superior prognostic value compared to traditional risk factors. Additionally, Spearman's rank correlation analysis confirms the strong relationship between lifestyle-related factors (as captured by the HARMS2-AF score) and Ata recurrence, further supporting the clinical relevance of this score.
- Research Article
8
- 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2023.107038
- Sep 25, 2023
- International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer
Empirical modelling of supercritical Nusselt number correlations with possible combinations of indicative dimensionless variables
- Research Article
21
- 10.1111/jopr.12759
- Feb 27, 2018
- Journal of Prosthodontics
To evaluate the effects of three fresh detox juices, including an orange, green, and red beverage, on the color stability and surface roughness of three anterior esthetic resin-based composites (RBCs). Disk-shaped specimens were prepared with three different esthetic RBCs (Amaris, G-aenial Anterior, Clearfil Majesty ES-2) according to the manufacturers' instructions. Forty specimens were prepared for each RBC, and all specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for 24hours. The initial color values and surface roughness measurements of the specimens were taken using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer. The specimens were then divided into 4 subgroups (n=10). All specimens except the control specimens were immersed in their designated fresh detox juices (green, red, or orange) for 10minutes twice a day. Color and surface roughness measurements were taken on day15 and day30, and the results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. The association between color change and surface roughness was evaluated by Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis. Color changes and surface roughness increased upon exposure to fresh detox juices for 15 and 30days for all of the RBCs. All of the G-aenial and Amaris groups displayed color changes above the threshold of acceptability, whereas Clearfil Majesty ES-2 displayed a color change above the threshold of acceptability only after exposure to the red beverage for 30days (ΔE>3.7). With regard to surface roughness, Clearfil Majesty ES-2 outperformed the other RBCs (p<0.001). According to Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis, there was no correlation between color change and surface roughness (p>0.001). Exposure to the fresh detox juices used in this study led to similar color changes in the RBCs used in this study.
- Research Article
13
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0069611
- Aug 27, 2013
- PLoS ONE
BackgroundMultidrug resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1/P-glycoprotein/ABCB1) are both membrane-bound drug transporters. In contrast to MDR1, MRP1 also transports glutathione (GSH) and drugs conjugated to GSH. Due to its extraordinary transport properties, MRP1/ABCC1 contributes to several physiological functions and pathophysiological incidents. We previously found that nuclear translocation of MRP1 contributes to multidrug-resistance (MDR) of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The present study investigated how MRP1 contributes to MDR in the nuclei of MEC cells.MethodsWestern blot and RT-PCR was carried out to investigate the change of multidrug-resistance protein 1 (MDR1) in MC3/5FU cells after MRP1 was downregulated through RNA interference (RNAi). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of 127 cases of MEC tissues was scored with the expression index (EI). The EI of MDR1 and MRP1 (or nuclear MRP1) was analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Using multiple tumor tissue assays, the location of MRP1 in other tissues was checked by HIC. Luciferase reporter assays of MDR1 promoter was carried out to check the connection between MRP1 and MDR1 promoter.ResultsMRP1 downregulation led to a decreased MDR1 expression in MC3/5FU cells which was caused by decreased activity of MDR1 promoter. IHC study of 127 cases of MEC tissues demonstrated a strong positive correlation between nuclear MRP1 expression and MDR1 expression. Furthermore, IHC study of multiple tumor tissue array sections showed that although nuclear MRP1 widely existed in MEC tissues, it was not found in normal tissues or other tumor tissues.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that nuclear MRP1 contributes to MDR mainly through regulating MDR1 expression in MEC. And the unique location of MRP1 made it an available target in identifying MEC from other tumors.
- Research Article
21
- 10.1007/s00198-002-1361-4
- May 24, 2003
- Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
Biological interactions between the bone and the blood vessels are gradually being clarified. To investigate the relationship between bone mineral density and atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients, we examined the bone mineral density and the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in 83 dialysis patients with non-diabetic nephropathy (44 men and 39 women) aged from 23 to 83 years. The duration of hemodialysis ranged from 2 to 344 months. The bone mineral density of the radius was measured by dual-energy X-ray adsorptiometry, and the ratio of this value to the standard value for the same age and gender was calculated ( Z-score). As an index of atherosclerosis, the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery was measured by high resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Then the relationship between the Z-score and various factors was examined using Spearman's rank correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The Z-score showed a negative correlation with the duration of hemodialysis, the carotid intima-media thickness, and the levels of alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. In addition, the Z-score showed a positive correlation with the lipoprotein (a) level and a negative correlation with the duration of hemodialysis, intima-media thickness, intact parathyroid hormone, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by multiple regression analysis. These findings suggest that the decrease of bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients is correlated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and hyperlipidemia, which are factors known to promote atherosclerosis, and thus bone density changes might be related to the progression of atherosclerosis, or vice versa.
- Research Article
10
- 10.5846/stxb201103140315
- Jan 1, 2012
- Acta Ecologica Sinica
流域内的景观格局改变是人类活动的宏观表现,会对河流水质产生显著影响,因此明确影响水质变化的关键景观因子,对于深入了解景观对水质的影响机制具有重要的研究价值。选择广东省淡水河流域为研究对象,以2007年ALOS卫星影像以及水质监测数据为基础,运用空间分析和多变量分析方法,分析淡水河流域景观格局与河流水质的相关关系。用包括流域和河岸带尺度的景观组成和空间结构信息的景观指数表征景观格局,用Spearman秩相关分析、多元线性逐步回归模型和典型相关分析(CCA)研究景观指数和水质指标的相关关系。研究结果表明:林地、城镇用地和农业用地占淡水河流域总面积超过90%,其中城镇用地超过20%。多元线性逐步回归分析和CCA结果说明水质指标受到多个景观指数的综合影响,反映了景观格局对水质的复杂影响机制。流域景观格局对河流水质有显著影响,流域尺度的景观指数比河岸带尺度的景观指数对水质影响更大。城镇用地比例是影响耗氧污染物和营养盐等污染物浓度最重要的景观指数,林地和农业用地对水质的影响较小。另外,景观破碎化对pH值、溶解氧和重金属等水质指标有显著影响。CCA的第一排序轴解释了景观指数与水质指标相关性的54.0%,前两排序轴累积能解释景观指数与水质指标相关性的87.6%,前两轴分别主要表达了城市化水平和景观破碎化水平的变化梯度。淡水河流域的景观格局特征从上游到下游呈现出城市-城乡交错-农村的景观梯度,水质变化也对应了这个梯度的变化,说明人类活动引起的流域土地覆盖及土地管理措施变化会对水质变化产生显著影响。;Water quality variation is generally linked to the change of landscape pattern in watershed, which represents the main impact of human activities in macroscopic view. Therefore, identifying the crucial landscape factors that affect water quality variation is valuable for understanding the mechanism that landscape may affect water quality. Multivariate analysis tools are effective methods to deal with complex correlations between landscape pattern and water quality. Besides, advances of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies have made regional and watershed scale studies much more feasible. This study was conducted along Danshui River watershed, a branch of Dongjiang River in Guangdong Province. The correlation between landscape pattern and water quality of Danshui River was represented by using spatial analysis and multivariate analysis methods base on ALOS satellite image and water quality monitoring data in 2007. Landscape metrics, including information of landscape composition and spatial configuration, were used to represent landscape pattern. In order to cover overall landscape information, landscape metrics on both watershed scale and riparian scale were used. Spearman's rank correlation analysis, multiple linear regression models with step-wise and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were used to reveal the linkage between landscape metrics and water quality. The results show that forest, urban and agriculture land use are accounted for more than 90% of the total area in Danshui River watershed, while the area proportion of urban land exceeds 20%. Results of multiple linear regression models with step-wise and CCA showed that water quality indicators were affected by more than one landscape metric. The variation of water quality was influenced by landscape pattern significantly. The landscape metrics in watershed scale revealed more information of water quality variation than landscape metrics in riparian scale. The proportion of urban land use proportion had the greatest impact on water quality. Spearman's rank correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models showed the proportion of urban land use was the most important contributing factor to cause variation of oxygen consuming pollutants and nutrients. However, forest and agriculture land use had less influence on water quality. On the other hand, landscape metrics about landscape fragmentation were crucial factors to affect indicators of water quality, such as pH, DO and heavy metals. The result of CCA indicated that the first ordination axis could explain 54.0% of the correlations between landscape metrics and water quality indicators, and the first two ordination axes could cumulatively explain 87.6% of the correlations between landscape metrics and water quality. The result of CCA revealed that water quality had an obvious trend with the varying landscape gradient. The first two ordination axes mainly represented urbanization gradient and landscape fragmentation gradient respectively. Landscape characteristics in the study area showed a gradient of urban, urban-rural fringe, rural from upstream to downstream of Danshui River watershed. The distribution of pollutants concentration was corresponded with the gradient of landscape pattern in the watershed. Land use and cover change is an integrated result due to human activities, and change the state of eco-system of river and watershed significantly. It's highly reasonable that the water quality must correspond to the change of watershed landscape.
- Research Article
1
- 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-3418.2012.10.008
- Oct 1, 2012
- Chinese Journal of Hepatology
To investigate whether the level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) represents the status of inflammation and stages of fibrosis in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during the immune clearance phase (IC). Liver biopsy samples and sera were collected from 165 consecutive patients (136 males; 29 females) with CHB in IC who were treated in our hospital between March 2009 and June 2011. Routine biochemical tests were carried out to measure indicators of liver function. The relation between HBsAg level and liver pathological stages were determined by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of HBsAg level for liver pathological stages. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze potentially relevant indicators, and liver pathology-predicting models were built and analyzed by the ROC method. The mean values of HBsAg (IU/mL) were significantly different at the different liver inflammation stages: G1, 27 716.07+/-32 870.69; G2, 34 478.75+/-40 899.55; G3, 19 408.09+/-24 881.07; G4, 14 286.31+/-28 610.14. Likewise, the mean values of HBsAg (IU/mL) were significantly different at the different liver fibrosis stages: S1, 41 337.23+/-43 236.39; S2, 27 264.32+/-32 517.29; S3, 111 541.77+/-11 538.93; S4, 11 447.37+/-22215.44. Spearman's rank correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between HBsAg level and liver inflammation stage (rs = -0.244) and fibrosis stage (rs = -0.365). ROC curve analysis of the diagnostic value of HBsAg for inflammation stages S more than or equal to 4 revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.70. The specificity of diagnosing S more than or equal to 4 was > 95.16% when HBsAg was less than or equal to 32995 IU/mL. Binary logistic regression analysis identified age, serum albumin, cholinesterase, and HBsAg as independent predictors of liver fibrosis. HBsAg level is negatively correlated with liver inflammation and fibrosis stages for patients with CHB in the IC phase, and might represent a useful noninvasive marker of the degree of hepatic fibrosis.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1155/2024/6623848
- Jan 1, 2024
- Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
To use hepatic uptake index (HUI) of liver lobes on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to discriminate between patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in compensated and decompensated statuses. Forty-four consecutive patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were divided into compensated and decompensated statuses based on clinical evaluation. Volume and signal intensity of individual lobes were retrospectively measured to calculate HUI of the right liver lobe (RHUI), medial (MHUI) and lateral (LHUI) left liver lobes, and caudate lobe (CHUI). Spearman's rank correlation analyses were performed to evaluate relationships of lobe-based HUI with Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system scores in compensated and decompensated statuses. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the lobe-based HUI between compensated and decompensated statuses. The performance of lobe-based HUI in distinguishing cirrhosis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated as a measure of accuracy. Delong's method was used for statistical analysis to elucidate which HUI is optimal. Compensated and decompensated liver cirrhosis were confirmed in 25 (56.82%) and 19 (43.18%) patients, respectively. According to Spearman's rank correlation analysis, RHUI, MHUI, LHUI, and CHUI were all significantly associated with Child-Pugh and MELD scores (all P values <0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that among all lobe-based HUI parameters, RHUI could best perform the previous discrimination with a cut-off of 485.73 and obtain an AUC of 0.867. The AUC of RHUI improved and was significantly different from that of MHUI, LHUI, and CHUI (P = 0.03, P = 0.007, and P < 0.001, respectively, Delong's test). The RHUI could help quantitatively discriminate hepatitis B-related cirrhosis between compensated and decompensated statuses.
- Research Article
41
- 10.1016/j.aott.2019.04.006
- Apr 28, 2019
- Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica
Magnetic resonance imaging of patients with lateral epicondylitis: Relationship between pain and severity of imaging features in elbow joints
- Research Article
54
- 10.3748/wjg.v18.i22.2784
- Jan 1, 2012
- World Journal of Gastroenterology
To establish a simple model consisting of the routine laboratory variables to predict both minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. We retrospectively investigated 114 chronic HBV-infected patients who underwent liver biopsy in two different hospitals. Thirteen parameters were analyzed by step-wise regression analysis and correlation analysis. A new fibrosis index [globulin/platelet (GP) model] was developed, including globulin (GLOB) and platelet count (PLT). GP model = GLOB (g/mL) × 100/PLT (× 10(9)/L). We evaluated the receiver operating characteristics analysis used to predict minimal fibrosis and compared six other available models. Thirteen clinical biochemical and hematological variables [sex, age, PLT, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, GLOB, total bilirubin (T.bil), direct bilirubin (D.bil), glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, HBV DNA and prothrombin time (PT)] were analyzed according to three stages of liver fibrosis (F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4). Bivariate Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that six variables, including age, PLT, T.bil, D.bil, GLOB and PT, were correlated with the three fibrosis stages (FS). Correlation coefficients were 0.23, -0.412, 0.208, 0.220, 0.314 and 0.212; and P value was 0.014, < 0.001, 0.026, 0.018, 0.001 and 0.024, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that only PLT and GLOB were significantly different in the three FS (PLT: F = 11.772, P < 0.001; GLOB: F = 6.612, P = 0.002). Step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that PLT and GLOB were also independently correlated with FS (R(2) = 0.237). By Spearman's rank correlation analysis, GP model was significantly correlated with the three FS (r = 0.466, P < 0.001). The median values in F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4 were 1.461, 1.720 and 2.634. Compared with the six available models (fibrosis index, AST-platelet ratio, FIB-4, fibrosis-cirrhosis index and age-AST model and age-PLT ratio), GP model showed a highest correlation coefficient. The sensitivity and positive predictive value at a cutoff value < 1.68 for predicting minimal fibrosis F0-F1 were 72.4% and 71.2%, respectively. The specificity and negative predictive value at a cutoff value < 2.53 for the prediction of cirrhosis were 84.5% and 96.7%. The area under the curve (AUC) of GP model for predicting minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.762 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.676-0.848] and 0.781 (95% CI: 0.638-0.924). Although the differences were not statistically significant between GP model and the other models (P all > 0.05), the AUC of GP model was the largest among the seven models. By establishing a simple model using available laboratory variables, chronic HBV-infected patients with minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis can be diagnosed accurately, and the clinical application of this model may reduce the need for liver biopsy in HBV-infected patients.
- Research Article
39
- 10.1016/j.jds.2021.06.013
- Jul 7, 2021
- Journal of Dental Sciences
Salivary cytokine profile in patients with oral lichen planus
- Research Article
3
- 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1419314
- Jan 20, 2025
- Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
BackgroundSystemic inflammation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CAD). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been developed as a cost-effective and practical predictor for CAD outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between the SII and the risk of ISR among ACS patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1,652 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from February 2015 to December 2020 and were finally enrolled after follow-up with coronary angiography. The SII was calculated based on neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations between SII and ISR prevalence. Additionally, the interaction test and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines analysis was applied to visualize the relationship between the SII and the risk of ISR. Employing Spearman's rank correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between SII levels and the time to ISR occurrence.ResultsIn the whole cohort enrolled in this study, 128 (7.7%) participants developed angiographic evidence of ISR. The results demonstrated that the SII level significantly increased in patients with ISR compared to those with non-ISR, and these findings were similar in patients with and without DM. After adjusting for confounders, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with higher SII levels had a significantly increased risk of ISR for diabetics (all P < 0.05), and this significant association was observed in patients with more severe ISR (triple-coronary artery lesions). Additionally, RCS analysis reveals that there is a J-shaped nonlinear correlation between SII and ISR in the entire study cohort with (P for overall <0.001, and P for nonlinearity = 0.0058, respectively). Moreover, a threshold effect can be observed in the entire cohort, with an inflection point at the log2-SII value of 9.276 (SII = 620). Specifically, increased SII was linearly associated with ISR in diabetics (P for overall = 0.0007 and P for nonlinearity = 0.4316, respectively), indicating that the correlation between SII and ISR is stronger in diabetic patients than in those without diabetes. Spearman's rank correlation analysis demonstrated that elevated SII levels are related to earlier ISR onset in diabetics (r = −0.272, P = 0.049).ConclusionOur study suggests that SII may be an affordable and convenient marker that could be applied to predict the risk of ISR among ACS patients. Moreover, the study emphasized that high SII is an independent predictor of more severe and earlier ISR and may be helpful for patients' risk stratification, especially those with comorbid DM.