Stepwise Regression Research Articles

Relationship between the sense of nursing professional pride and adversity quotient, grit levels among nurses in blood purification centers: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

This study aims to examine nursing professional pride levels in blood purification center nurses, explore its relationship with adversity quotient and grit, and identify influencing factors. Using convenience sampling, this study selected 231 nurses from blood purification centers at 11 tertiary hospitals in China during July to August 2023 as research subjects. A general data survey questionnaire, nurse professional pride scale, nurse adversity quotient self-assessment scale, and the Oviedo resilience scale were employed for the investigation. The results were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. In the blood purification center, the average scores were as follows: nursing professional pride (69.53 ± 15.21), adversity quotient (132.90 ± 41.10), and grit (30.95 ± 10.54). There was a significant positive correlation between nursing professional pride, adversity quotient, and grit (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis (n = 231) revealed that education background, professional title, average monthly income, adversity quotient, and grit significantly influenced nursing professional pride (P < 0.001). The R 2 value indicates that this study accounted for 76.2% of the total variance in nursing professional pride. The findings of this study indicate that blood purification center nurses have a moderate level of nursing professional pride. The level of nursing professional pride can be enhanced by focusing on factors such as adversity quotient and grit. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, China (2021 No. 231). All participants were informed of the relevant information and research purposes before their participation. Participants were also required to independently and anonymously complete the questionnaires.

Abstract 4137965: D-dimer as a 5-year predictor of death in females admitted with chestpain of suspected coronary origin surpasses that of males.

Background: D-dimer (DD) and fibrin monomer (FM) are endstage markers of activated coagulation and reflect prothrombotic states, and α2-antiplasmin (SERPINF2 -SF2) is the main inhibitor of fibrinolysis at the level of plasmin. Women may experience a higher rate of morbidity and mortality compared to men following a myocardial infarction (MI). We present the prognostic potential of DD, FM and SF2 in females as compared to males during 5 years follow-up in a population admitted with chest pain of suspected coronary origin. Methods: A total of 871 consecutive patients with a median age of 72.6 years (females 77.3, males 69.1) were admitted in the study. Of these, 386 were diagnosed with an acute MI based on Troponin-T (TnT) levels &gt;50 ng/L. Stepwise Cox regression models, applying normalized continuous log e /SD values, were fitted for the biomarkers with total mortality within 5 years as the dependent variable. Results: Death was recorded in 246 patients; 34.4% females vs. 27.2% males (Chi-squared test p-value = 0.02). Blood samples were available for analysis of DD, FM and SF2 in 820, 810 and 846 patients, respectively. Females had a signficantly higher mean of DD (p&lt;0.0001) and FM (p=0.0020) than males and SF2 did not differ (p=0.0825). In the univariate analysis, a highly significant association between DD and total death was observed in both sexes (p&lt;0.001). However, after adjusting for confounders in the multivariable analysis, the associations remained significant in females but not in males, with an HR of 1.62 (95%CI 1.36 – 1.93), p&lt;0.0001 vs. 1.16 (95%CI 0.98 - 1.39, p=0.094, respectively, (p for interaction &lt;0.001). Similar findings were noted in the multivariable analysis of FM with HR 1.46 (95%CI 1.19 – 1.80), p=0.0003 in females vs. 1.12 (95%CI 0.93 -1.35), p=0.22 in males (p for interaction 0.056). In the univariate analysis, SF2 was not associated with all-cause mortality; p=0.56 in females vs. p=0.83 in males, and remained essentially unchanged after adjustment; p=0.84 vs. HR 0.92 (95%CI 0.78 – 1.09). p=0.35 in males, yielding a p=0.36 for interaction. Conclusion: Activated endstage coagulation was associated with total death at 5 years FU in females admitted with chest pain of suspected coronary origin, whereas plasmin inhibition was not. A significant p-value for interaction between the two sexes indicates that the prognostic value of DD surpasses that of men.

Radiomics analysis of dual-energy CT-derived iodine maps for differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules.

Many thyroid nodules are detected incidentally with the widespread use of sensitive imaging techniques; however, only a fraction of these nodules are malignant, resulting in unnecessary medical expenditures and anxiety. The major challenge is to differentiate benign thyroid nodules from malignant ones. The application of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and radiomics provides a new diagnostic approach. Studies applying radiomics from primary tumours on iodine maps to differentiate malignant from benign thyroid nodules are still lacking. To determine the ability of an iodine map-based radiomic nomogram in the venous phase for differentiating malignant thyroid nodules from benign nodules. A total of 141 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent DECT were enrolled and randomly assigned to the training and test cohorts between January 2018 and January 2019. The radiomic score (Rad-score) was derived from nine quantitative features of the iodine maps. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to develop radiomic, clinical and combined models. Age, normalized iodine concentration (NIC), and cyst changes were used to construct the clinical model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity and specificity were performed to analyse the ability of the models to predict malignant thyroid nodules. Calibration analysis was used to test the fitness of the models. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and nomogram construction were also performed. According to the clinical model, age (0.989 [0.984, 0.995]; p<0.001), NIC (0.778 [0.640, 0.995]; p=0.01), and cyst changes (0.617 [0.507, 0.751]; p<0.001) were independently associated with malignant thyroid nodules. According to the combined model, age (0.994 [0.989, 0.999]; p=0.01), NIC (0.797 [0.674, 0.941]; p=0.008), cyst changes (0.786 [0.653, 0.947]; p=0.01), and the rad-score (1.106 [1.070, 1.143]; p<0.001) were independently associated with malignant thyroid nodules. The combined model achieved satisfactory discrimination in predicting malignant thyroid nodules and had greater predictive value in the training (AUC [areas under the curve], 0.96vs. 0.87; p=0.01) and test (AUC, 0.90vs. 0.79; p=0.04) cohorts than did the clinical model. The radiomics nomogram based on iodine maps is useful to distinguish malignant thyroid nodules from benign thyroid nodules.

Abstract 4129945: Risk of stroke for AMI treated with temporary mechanical circulatory support: ten-year data from National Inpatient Sample

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of stroke for temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) device treated acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Background: Data are limited regarding risk of stroke for temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) device treated acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: The national inpatient sample database was analyzed to identify adults who were hospitalized for AMI between 2012 and 2021, hospitalizations were grouped based on the temporary mechanical circulatory support device. Study design: In the final cohort, there are 8,272,163 (96.0%) weighted hospitalizations treated without tMCS, 265,870 (3.1%) with Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) alone, 59,240 (0.7%) with Impella alone, and 16,225 (0.2%) with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) used during the hospitalization. Results: The overall stroke rates for patients who treated without tMCS, IABP alone, Impella alone, and ECMO group were 3.41%, 3.46%, 4.51%, and 13.34% respectively. Specifically, the rates of ischemic stroke for these groups were 2.95%, 3.12%, 3.96% and 10.11% respectively. The rates for hemorrhagic stroke were 0.68%, 0.55%, 0.81%, and 4.90% for the same groups. In the stepwise forward Cox regression analysis, the adjusted OR (aOR) of ECMO use for overall stroke was 3.04 (95%CI [2.66-3.48]), followed by Impella only use with an aOR of 1.79 (95%CI [1.61-2.00]), and atrial fibrillation (aOR 1.34, 95%CI [1.31-1.38]). The subgroup analysis revealed that hospitalization with age younger than 50 years old, those without hypertension, and those presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction are at particularly high risk of stroke for ECMO treated AMI. Conclusion: This ten years AMI hospitalizations analysis revealed that ECMO and Impella treatment associated with increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Particularly for those younger than 50, those without hypertension, and those presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. However, treatment with IABP alone does not increase the risk of stroke.

Factors influencing seogeulpeum among middle-aged Korean women

Objective This study aimed to examine factors associated with seogeulpeum (a feeling of loneliness and solitude) – including aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms, social support and self-efficacy – in middle-aged women to provide fundamental data for future research endeavors. Methods One hundred and fifty-nine women aged 40–60 years were recruited from two cities in Gyeongnam Province and Busan City. Gu and Eun’s Seogeulpeum Scale was employed to evaluate seogeulpeum, alongside questionnaires to assess menopause status and symptoms, self-efficacy, social support and aging anxiety. To determine factors influencing seogeulpeum, a multiple stepwise regression analysis was conducted. Results The average seogeulpeum score was 2.4 ± 0.44, indicating a moderate level of seogeulpeum experienced by the participants. Seogeulpeum was positively correlated with aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms, and negatively with self-efficacy and social support, among which aging anxiety most significantly influenced seogeulpeum. Aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms and social support combined accounted for 60.9% of the variation observed in seogeulpeum. Conclusions The findings indicate the importance of health interventions aimed at reducing aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms and enhancing social support for promoting well-being and facilitating a healthy menopausal transition among middle-aged women. Additionally, seogeulpeum can serve as a valuable process indicator during this stage of multiple transitions for women.

Prediction model of male reproductive function damage caused by CHOP chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

ObjectiveThe CHOP combined chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is commonly used to treat non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). While these drugs are effective for cancer treatment, they may have side effects on the reproductive system that are poorly studied. This study used a mouse model to investigate the mechanisms of reproductive function impairment induced by the CHOP regimen and developed a predictive model for assessing reproductive damage with a non-invasive procedure.MethodsFrom 2022 to 2023, we statistically analyzed the changes of reproductive function of NHL patients before and after receiving CHOP regimen in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. The NHL mouse model was established and divided into CHOP treatment group and control group. The weight of testis and epididymis, sperm quality and motility were compared between the two groups. Histopathological examination of testicular tissue was performed to determine pathological changes. ELISA was used to measure the expression of cytokines and cytokine pathways in serum, protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and protein and mRNA levels of cytokines and pathways were evaluated by Western blotting and qPCR. Using stepwise regression method to select important factors, a prediction model of reproductive system damage was constructed.ResultsFifty-two NHL patients included in the questionnaire showed significant reproductive system damage after CHOP regimen treatment. The weight of testis and epididymis, as well as the number and vitality of sperm in the mouse model treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Serum LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels decreased significantly, while inhibin B levels increased significantly. There was no significant change in testosterone or prolactin levels. Inflammatory markers such as CSF-1, IL-1, IL-6, TGF-β1 and GDNF increased significantly, while the level of SOD1 decreased significantly. Immunohistochemical staining analysis showed that CAMP, Caspase3, CSF-1, GDNF, IL-1, IL-6, PRKACB, TGF-β1 and TXNDC5 were all expressed in spermatocytes, and the expression of therapeutic histones was significantly higher than that of the control group. Western blot analysis further detected the protein expression, and QPCR detected the mRNA content. The results showed that the expression of histone and mRNA in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Stepwise regression method determined that estradiol (E2) was the most important variable in the prediction model, and the AUC for predicting reproductive damage was 1.ConclusionsThe CHOP regimen induces male reproductive toxicity, potentially mediated through alterations in hormone levels and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Using E2 as the sole predictor in the model accurately predicts the extent of reproductive damage, offering a non-invasive method for detecting reproductive system damage.

EFFECTS OF CONSUMERS’ SENSORY ATTRIBUTES ON THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PAY AND THE OPTIMUM PRICE FOR ICED COFFEE DRINKS

The growing competition among coffee shops demands effective strategies, including the development of optimal pricing. An optimal pricing strategy must account for both changes in coffee ingredients and consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). This study investigated the factors influencing consumers' WTP and determined optimal prices through sensory evaluations of iced coffee. This study explored how demographic factors and sensory characteristics affect consumer WTP. This study involved direct consumer tastings, where participants provided subjective ratings of iced coffee and indicated their WTP. The coffee samples included variations in milk (white and black coffee) and sugar content (granulated sugar, palm sugar, and no sugar). To measure WTP, the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism was employed, while a demand function was used to determine the optimal price. Stepwise backward logistic regression further analyzed the factors affecting WTP. The factors influencing willingness to pay were further analyzed using stepwise backward logistic regression. The findings reveal that optimal pricing varies, with iced coffee that includes both granulated sugar and milk commanding the highest WTP. Consumer WTP is significantly influenced by factors such as gender, frequency of coffee consumption, and individual taste preferences. There was a marked difference in WTP based on the amount of milk and sugar added, with coffee variations containing both granulated sugar and milk achieving the highest WTP. These results can serve as a valuable reference for coffee shops, helping them to determine the ideal product composition and pricing strategies to maximize revenue.

The Use of Corrective Feedback to Improve English Speaking and Writing Achievements of The Eleventh Graders of Man 3 Palembang

This study aimed at investigating (1) whether or not there was significant differences in writing and speaking achievements between the students who were given the corrective feedback and those who were not, (2) how much speaking and writing aspects contributed to the students’ English writing and English speaking achievements, (3) the students’ perception on the use of corrective feedback in learning writing and speaking. Quasi-experimental design was used in this study. There were two groups in this study, experimental and control groups. Both groups consisted of thirty four students. English writing and English speaking pretest and posttest were given to both groups, but only experimental group was given the treatment. The data obtained were analyzed by using pair sample t-test, independent t-test, stepwise regression analyses, and percentage analysis to analyze the questionnaires. The result of independent sample t-test showed that there was significance difference in writing posttest (p&lt;0.05) but the writing aspects such as grammar and mechanics had no significant difference (p&gt;0.05). Meanwhile, the result of independent sample t-test of speaking posttest showed that there was significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Based on the result of stepwise regression, grammar contributed 59.1% for student writing achievement. In speaking, corrective feedback contributed 739% to the students’ fluency. Based on the result of questionnaire, the students’ had positive perception towards the corrective feedback.

CNSC-16. ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RESTING-STATE-NETWORK FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND SURVIVAL IN RECURRENT GLIOMAS DIAGNOSED USING FET PET

Abstract BACKGROUND Functional connectivity between glioma-infiltrated brain tissue and remote cortical regions has been linked to overall survival (OS) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. We studied the association of functional connectivity between tumor and resting-state networks and OS in patients with recurrent gliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 82 patients (26-81 years; median ECOG performance score, 0) with recurrent gliomas (grade 4 glioblastoma, n=57; grade 3 and 4 astrocytoma, n=12; grade 2 and 3 oligodendroglioma, n=13) who had undergone first-line therapy. Diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by amino acid PET using the tracer O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET). FET PET and resting-state functional MRI were simultaneously acquired on a 3T hybrid PET/MR scanner. We performed a seed-based dual regression analysis to determine the functional connectivity between metabolically active tumors and seven canonical resting state networks. RESULTS Average functional connectivity was highest in oligodendrogliomas (z-score, 6.9±1.9) and was inversely related to the tumor grade (p=0.031). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed a significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) positive association between OS and tumor connectivity with the visual, somatomotor, and dorsal attention networks. Subsequent stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis refined this association to the dorsal attention network alone (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.97; p=0.007). Patients with the highest functional connectivity (z-score&amp;gt;8.3, n=21) had a median OS of 31.4 months, while those with the lowest functional connectivity (z-score&amp;lt;4.3, n=21) had 10.6 months. Functional connectivity between tumors and the dorsal attention network showed an independent association with OS (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99; p=0.033) in a multivariate model, including various prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Recurrent gliomas exhibit significant functional connectivity to most of the major known resting-state networks, highest in oligodendrogliomas. The data suggest that high functional connectivity between the tumor and the dorsal attention network is an independent prognostic factor for improved OS.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Turnover of the Catering Industry-Taking Catering Industry in Guangzhou as an Example

This paper mainly analyzes the key factors affecting the turnover of catering industry enterprises, and conducts empirical research by establishing a regression model. In this paper, taking the turnover of catering enterprises in Guangzhou from 2018 to 2023 as the dependent variable, the regression model was established, and the total number of stores of chain catering enterprises, the number of employees of catering enterprises, the consumption level of residents and the number of urban populations was selected as the independent variables. By building a linear model and collecting data, linear regression analysis using SPSS software, yielded high goodness of fit, but the model with four independent variables had an insignificant effect on the dependent variable. Further stepwise regression analysis showed that only the consumption level of residents and the number of employees in the catering enterprises had a significant impact on the turnover. The final regression model indicated that these two factors had a positive influence on the turnover.

Magnetic Macro Drivers of Trade Openness: A Study of BRICS Economies

The major goal of this study endeavour is to thoroughly evaluate the impact of macro factors on trade openness (TOP). The study was conducted through the examination of numerous trade conceptions, with a specifically emphasis on examining these patterns within the economies of the BRICS nations (Russia, India, China and South Africa) from 1995 to 2020. Stepwise regression for selecting models, Pedroni, Johnson, Granger causality and advance panel regression are some of the techniques used including FMOLS, Panel OLS and FEM. The study’s outcomes reveal the presence of both long-term and short-term associations between TOP and (a) total investment, (b) human capital, (c) trade reserves, (d) trade balance and (e) exchange rate. The study authors found both one-way and two-way causal association between TOP and these five factors. Additionally, trade balance emerges as the most significant factor impacting TOP. Notably, the exchange rate does not exhibit significant economic importance. JEL Classification: F14, F15, F17

Current investigation of neurocognitive functioning in preschool children with cancer: A cross-sectional study from western China.

Cancer and its treatments may cause neurocognitive impairments in preschool children, but there is limited research on the neurocognitive outcomes of this population. This study, which assessed the neurocognitive function of preschool children with cancer and analyzed various influencing factors of neurocognitive functioning, is of significant importance. We aimed to investigate neurocognitive function and related risk factors in preschool children with cancer to inform preventive and intervention strategies. From September 2023 to May 2024, we recruited 100 preschool children with cancer. The Chinese version of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale Chinese Version, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children were used to collected data. Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of neurocognitive function in preschool children with cancer. 49% of the preschool children with cancer had abnormalities in at least one neurocognitive dimension. The majority of children had abnormalities in gross motor dimension, accounting for 30%, which was related to age and frequency of participation in neurocognitive activities. Communication dimension was related to father's education level, dietary habit, and frequency of participation in activities. Fine motor dimension was associated with age, sex, and father's education level. Problem-solving dimension was associated with age and dietary habit. Personal-social dimension was related to age and radiotherapy. Nearly half of preschool children with cancer experienced neurocognitive impairment. The Chinese version of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires is a simple and effective tool for screening children with possible neurocognitive impairment. It was found that children's neurocognitive function was significantly influenced by family environment, dietary habit, cognitive activities, and cancer treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen family and social support, and to formulate personalized intervention such as cognitive therapy and dietary adjustment based on children's age and family background, which are important for promoting neurocognitive recovery.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of simple central serous chorioretinopathy according to age

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate whether genetic and clinical characteristics differ depending on generations using 326 patients (male/female, 259/67; mean age, 55.4 ± 12.5 years) with simple CSC. Methods All patients were diagnosed with simple CSC, defined as a retinal pigment epithelium alteration area equal to or smaller than 2-disc areas based on multimodal imaging at the initial presentation. We cross-sectionally evaluated clinical characteristics at the initial visit and genotyped CFH rs800292 and rs1329428 for all patients using TaqMan technology. Results As generations decreased, the proportion of males, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and prevalence of fibrin significantly increased (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, respectively), and the best-corrected visual acuity improved (p < 0.001); in contrast, the prevalence of pachydrusen significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The younger presentation was significantly associated with male and risk variants (T allele) of CFH rs1329428 (p = 9.1 × 10−7 and p = 0.042, respectively), and patients were estimated to present 2 years younger per one T allele of CFH rs1329428 (p = 0.042, β = −1.95, stepwise regression analysis). Conclusion Clinical and genetic characteristics differed significantly among patients with simple CSC, depending on their generation.

Impact of ascites grading and non-selective β-blockers on 1-year prognosis of Acute-on-chronic liver failure

Objective: To investigate the influence of ascites grading and non-selective β- blockers (NSBBs) on the 1-year prognosis of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods: A total of 1 386 patients with ACLF were graded for ascites and followed up for one year. Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test and Cox regression were used for multivariate regression to analyze the effects of ascites grading and NSBBs on the 1-year prognosis of ACLF. Results: The incidence of ascites in 1 836 patients with ACLF was 77.56% on admission. Ascites grade was related to the 1-year prognosis of ACLF [log rank (Mantel-Cox) χ2=21.384, p=0.000]. Cox stepwise regression analysis showed that ascites grade, age, gastrointestinal bleeding, pulmonary infection, acute kidney injury, prothrombin time activity(PTA), urea, MELD-Na score, and application of NSBBs were closely related to the 1-year prognosis of ACLF. The result of Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test for patients treated with NSBBs in the grade 2/3 ascites group suggest that NSBBs can improve the 1-year survival rate of ACLF patients with grade 2 and grade 3 ascites ( log rank (Mantel-Cox) χ2=6.113, p=0.013). Conclusions: Ascites grading and application of NSBBs can affect the 1-year prognosis of ACLF. NSBBs may be beneficial to the long-term prognosis of ACLF. Patients treated with NSBBs before the onset of ACLF should continue NSBBs treatment.

Association between iron and vitamin intake and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents of both sexes

Abstract Cardiovascular parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents may be influenced by eating habits. The aim was to evaluate the association between the levels of some nutrients and micronutrients with blood pressure and VO2max in adolescents. A total of 60 adolescents (15.77 ± 0.96 years old) participated in the study, of whom 35 were girls and 25 were boys. Eating habits were assessed frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Before and after a cardiorespiratory fitness test (YOYO TEST), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were collected. A backward elimination method of multiple regression was performed to analyse the data. A positive association was found between VO2max and the intake of iron (), vitamin D (), vitamin B6 () and vitamin B12 () for girls. Additionally, no significant associations were found between sugar, fibre and fat intake and VO2max. There was a positive association between SBP and sugar intake () for girls and negative association between DBP after exertion and fibre intake () and body mass index () for boys. There is a positive association between the intake of iron, vitamins and VO2max in girls and intake of sugar with SBP for girls and negative association between fibres and DBP after exertion for boys.

Factors Associated With Motivation to Reduce Alcohol Use Among Patients With Chronic Liver Disease.

Alcohol use is prevalent among hepatology clinic patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We explored factors associated with the importance and confidence dimensions of motivation to reduce drinking. Participants (N = 121) with unhealthy alcohol use (i.e., over NIH guidelines) receiving care in hepatology clinics from a safety-net hospital (SN, N = 54) and two Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems (VA, N = 67) were enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial from March 2022 through October 2023. Baseline assessments included Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), COVID-19 stress; and measures of importance and confidence to decrease alcohol use (readiness rulers, scales of 1-10). Liver disease aetiology and severity were extracted from electronic health records. We performed multivariable linear regression models with forward selection to assess pre-specified variables' associations with importance and confidence. The sample was 84% male, 40% Latino, 31% White, 18% Black and 11% other races; median age was 61 years. Median (Q1-Q3) AUDIT score was 16 (12-24), importance was 9 (6-10) and confidence was 8 (5-9). On multivariable analysis, VA site (vs. SN) participants had a 0.97-point lower importance score (p = 0.02); higher symptoms of depression (PHQ-8 score ≥ 10 vs. < 10) and AUDIT scores (for each point increase) were associated with higher importance score (estimates 1.2 and 0.08, p < 0.05, respectively). Liver disease aetiology and severity were not significantly associated with outcomes. Depression, alcohol problem severity and treatment site may influence motivation to reduce alcohol use and could inform future hepatology-based interventions.

Targeted and Untargeted Amine Metabolite Quantitation in Single Cells with Isobaric Multiplexing.

We developed a single cell amine analysis approach utilizing isobarically multiplexed samples of 6 individual cells along with analyte abundant carrier. This methodology was applied for absolute quantitation of amino acids and untargeted relative quantitation of amines in a total of 108 individual cells using nanoflow LC with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Together with individually determined cell sizes, this provides accessible quantification of intracellular amino acid concentrations within individual cells. The targeted method was partially validated for 10 amino acids with limits of detection in low attomoles, linear calibration range covering analyte amounts typically from 30 amol to 120 fmol, and correlation coefficients (R) above 0.99. This was applied with cell sizes recorded during dispensing to determine millimolar intracellular amino acid concentrations. The untargeted approach yielded 249 features that were detected in at least 25 % of the single cells, providing modest cell type separation on principal component analysis. Using Greedy forward selection with regularized least squares, a sub-selection of 100 features explaining most of the difference was determined. These features were annotated using MS2 from analyte standards and accurate mass with library search. The approach provides accessible, sensitive, and high-throughput method with the potential to be expanded also to other forms of ultrasensitive analysis.

Predictors of anxiety among women of reproductive age in Nepal: a comprehensive nationwide analysis.

Anxiety poses a significant challenge for women of reproductive age globally, often leading to other mental health issues. However, research on anxiety prevalence among this demographic, particularly in Nepal, remains scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying demographic, biological, and behavioral predictors of anxiety among reproductive-aged women in Nepal. Using data from the nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022, this study employed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale to assess anxiety prevalence. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression, were utilized for identifying the potential predictors of anxiety. This study found that 22.2% of reproductive-aged women in Nepal experience moderate to severe anxiety. The stepwise multiple regression revealed seven most influential factors, with depression (mild, moderate, severe) being the most influential predictor of anxiety, explaining 51.8% of the variance (R square change = 0.518; Sig. =<0.001). Self-reported health status (R square change = 0.010; Sig.=<0.001), experienced emotional violence (R square change = 0.007; Sig.=<0.001), and pregnancy termination (R square change = 0.002; Sig.=0.001) accounted for 1.0%, 0.7%, and 0.2% of the variance in anxiety, respectively. Other significant predictors of anxiety included husband's alcohol consumption, genital discharge, and household wealth status. Anxiety is substantially prevalent among reproductive-aged women in Nepal, with sociodemographic factors playing a crucial role. Further research is needed to develop targeted socioeconomic, and behavioral interventions aimed at addressing anxiety and its broader impact on daily life, thereby ensuring the mental well-being of women of reproductive age.

Determinant analysis of oil agglomeration of coal fines using multiple regression and neural network models

ABSTRACT Oil agglomeration has gained importance owing to its simplicity and efficiency in beneficiating coal fines. In this study, high ash coal samples taken from six mines in India were put through an oil agglomeration process to investigate the usage of castor oil or blend of castor and turpentine for recovery of coal fines from coal-water slurry. The performance of the process has been evaluated based on ash rejection [AR (%)] and yield (%). Various Statistical analyses were carried out to investigate the role of various process parameters, such as PD, OD, AT, and oil-type on AR (%) and yield (%). Step-wise regression was performed for development of prediction model for AR (%) and yield (%). Determinant analysis was performed using general linear model (GLM). Our findings indicate that pulp density was the strongest determinant for AR (%), followed by oil dosage and agitation time. Similarly, oil dosage was the primary determinant for yield (%), followed by pulp density and agitation time. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out using artificial neural network (ANN) and the results in respect AR (%) revealed that agitation time was the most important predictor followed by pulp density and oil dosage.

Surface vs. skeleton: the relationship between surface topographic and radiographic measurements of shoulder symmetry in patients with scoliosis.

This study evaluates the relationship between existing radiographic measurements of shoulder asymmetry with novel surface topographic (ST) measurements, hypothesizing that these relationships will be weak. Data were gathered from a prospectively collected registry of patients who underwent ST scanning at a single tertiary care institution. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, age 11-21, same-day ST and EOS radiographic evaluation. Twelve radiographic variables that evaluate shoulder height were measured, as well as curve magnitudes and vertebral axial rotation. ST data were collected using the 3dMDbody scanning system. Three ST measurements of shoulder symmetry were evaluated: ST-based AC angle (the angle between a line made between the surface of the AC joints and a line parallel to the ground), Shoulder Normal Asymmetry angle (the angle between the mirrored normals to the planes defined by the jugular notch, vertebral prominence, and AC joint), and Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index (difference in volumes between the right and left shoulder). Univariate, followed by a stepwise multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the correlations of the radiographic measurements to the ST-based measurements. Correlation categories: weak (x < 0.4), moderate (0.4 ≤ x < 0.6), strong (0.6 ≤ x < 0.8), and very strong (x ≥ 0.8). 141 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were evaluated (65.2% female, mean age 15.1years, mean BMI 20.5kg/m2, with mean maximum curve 44.7 degrees). ST-based AC angle had moderate-to-strong correlations with several radiographic measurements, while ST-based Shoulder Normal Asymmetry angle and Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index had weak or no correlation with individual radiographic measures. Multivariate models created using a combination of radiographic variables demonstrated a strongly positive correlation between radiographic variables and ST-based AC angle (R = 0.678) and moderately positive correlations with ST-based Shoulder Normal Asymmetry Angle (R = 0.488), and ST-based Shoulder Volume Asymmetry Index (R = 0.514). Radiographic measurements may be acceptable stand-ins for two-dimensional ST measurements such as AC angle, but not for more complex shoulder measurements based on three dimensions. This study demonstrates the inadequacy with which radiographic assessments evaluate shoulder height asymmetry and highlights the use of ST measurements.