Multifactorial Analysis Research Articles

TRP channel-related LncRNAs, AC092535.4 and LINC01637, as novel prognostic biomarkers for uveal melanoma.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels function as cellular sensors with a broad impact, and their dysregulation is linked to numerous cancers. The influence of TRP channel-related long noncoding RNAs (TCRLs) on uveal melanoma (UM) remains poorly understood. We employed bioinformatics to examine the RNA-seq data and relevant clinical information of UM in the TCGA databases. By implementing coexpression analysis, we identified differentially expressed TCRLs. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and stepwise regression, five key prognostic biomarkers were chosen. The high- and low-risk groups were divided based on the risk scores. Afterwards, the prediction performance of the signature was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis. The functional enrichment analysis of TCRLs was also investigated. Following that, we examined immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and tumor immune microenvironment between patients in high and low risk groups. TCRLs were validated using Random forests and multifactor Cox analysis. Candidate biomarkers were identified and screened. Finally, the effects of the candidate biomarkers on the proliferation, migration and invasion of UM cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, migration assay and perforation invasion assay. The risk score generated by five TCRLs demonstrated robust predictive power. The high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis, increased immune cell infiltration, and an active tumor immune microenvironment compared to the low-risk group. Furthermore, two TCRLs of risk score, AC092535.4 and LINC01637, were screened to multiplex modelling. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that UM cells were suppressed following AC092535.4 or LINC01637 knockdown. Two TCRLs, AC092535.4 and LINC01637, serve as novel prognostic biomarkers for uveal melanoma and may present potential therapeutic targets.

The influence of night shift work and associated factors on serum uric acid in aircraft maintenance workers

Background and objectiveThe prevalence of 12-hour shift work is increasing in various occupations. Shift work has been linked to circadian rhythm disruption, which may lead to hormonal changes and metabolic disorders, including alterations in glucose, lipid, and purine metabolism. Despite this, there is limited research on the potential connection between work shifts and abnormal serum uric acid (SUA) levels. Furthermore, the factors that contribute to abnormal SUA levels in shift workers are not well-understood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the SUA levels of shift workers employed in an aircraft maintenance company, investigate the potential association between shift work and SUA levels, and explore the factors that may influence abnormal SUA levels in shift workers.MethodsA total of 2263 male workers from an aircraft maintenance company were included in this study using the cluster sampling method. The workers were divided into two groups based on their working shifts: night shift (N = 1047, 46.27%) and day working (N = 1216, 53.73%). A survey was conducted between April 1st and June 30th, 2022 to gather information on work, lifestyle, physical examination results, and other relevant factors. The survey included a self-designed demographic information questionnaire to collect data on workers’ characteristics, medical history, years of employment, smoking and drinking habits, and main lifestyle behaviors. The workers’ SUA levels were measured using uricase colorimetry. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the difference in the abnormal detection rate of SUA between the two groups, and multi-factor logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influence abnormal SUA levels.ResultsThe study indicated that 48.9% of night shift workers and 43.8% in the regular day workers had abnormal SUA levels, with a significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 6.125, P = 0.013). Factors such as circadian rhythm type, shift work, age, the taste of diet, type of diet, smoking, overweight or obesity based on body mass index (BMI), concentration of urine creatinine (CREA), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found to be correlated with SUA abnormalities (P < 0.05). The risk of developing SUA abnormalities was found to be higher in individuals with an intermittent (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.83–2.12, P < 0.05) or evening circadian rhythm type (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.86–2.43, P > 0.05) compared to those with a morning type. Additionally, factors such as night shift work, a high-sodium diet, smoking, a diet high in meat and low in vegetables, being overweight or obese, and higher levels of CREA were also found to increase the risk of developing SUA abnormalities. The study also revealed a significant dose-response relationship between BMI and abnormal uric acid levels. After controlling for other factors, the risk of developing SUA abnormalities was found to be 1.18 times higher in the night shift work group than in the day work group (OR = 1.18, 95% CI:1.02–1.34, P = 0.01).ConclusionShift work has been linked to a higher risk of developing SUA abnormalities, and there are several factors that may contribute to this risk. To prevent diseases, it is recommended that enterprises implement better health monitoring and management practices for shift workers.

Understanding delays to parathyroidectomy: A mixed-methods approach

BackgroundPatients from ethnic and racial minority groups with primary hyperparathyroidism may have greater time delays to curative parathyroidectomy. Contributing factors are unclear. MethodsThis was a sequential mixed-methods study. The quantitative phase was a retrospective chart review of adults with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2015 and 2020, collecting demographic and clinical data. Social vulnerability of the patients' residential area, measured with the Social Vulnerability Index, and relevant clinical time intervals were calculated. A multivariable analysis of factors associated with greater time intervals was performed. The qualitative phase involved semistructured interviews with endocrinologists, analyzed inductively for themes. ResultsOn chart review of 1,083 patients, the median age was determined to be 61 years and 856 (79%) were female. Six hundred twenty-eight (57.9%) were non-Hispanic White and 456 (42.1%) were Hispanic ethnicity or Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, Native American, Other or Unknown race. Patients of Hispanic ethnicity, or Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, Native American, Other or Unknown race were more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to live in the most socially vulnerable areas (19.3% vs 5.9%, P < .01) and had greater time intervals than non-Hispanic White patients between index hypercalcemia and first parathyroid hormone level, surgical referral, or parathyroidectomy (all P < .05). On multivariable analysis, age (coefficient 7.9, 95% CI 2.8–13.0) and living in the most socially vulnerable areas (coefficient 297.9, 95% CI 87–508.7) were associated with greater days between index hypercalcemia and parathyroidectomy. In the study's qualitative phase, identified themes for reasons for care delays included socioeconomic, nonsocioeconomic patient, and nonsocioeconomic nonpatient factors. ConclusionCare delays are driven by a combination of socioeconomic and nonsocioeconomic factors.

Assessing red blood cell distribution width in Vietnamese heart failure patients: A cross-sectional study.

Heart failure (HF) is becoming a growing public health concern. Diagnostic tests for determining the severity of HF often come with high costs and require specialized expertise, which makes it difficult to assess HF severity, especially in low-income countries or at primary healthcare facilities. Recently, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has emerged as a promising, easily accessible marker associated with HF severity. The study aimed to assess changes in RDW levels in HF patients and the diagnostic value of RDW in detecting acute heart failure (AHF) among HF patients. We conducted a cross-sectional examination involving 351 participants divided into HF and non-HF cohorts. HF was defined and categorized according to the diagnostic and treatment guidelines for AHF and chronic heart failure (CHF) set forth by the European Society of Cardiology (2021). Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with AHF was performed. The study revealed that HF patients displayed higher median RDW levels (14.90% [13.70-17.00]) compared to non-HF individuals (13.00% [12.23-13.78]). RDW was notably elevated in HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% compared to those with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%. ROC curve analysis of RDW for AHF detection identified a cutoff value of 13.85%, with a sensitivity of 86.05% and specificity of 47.18%, statistically significant at p < 0.001. RDW > 13.85% was identified as an independent risk factor for AHF in patients with HF, with odds ratios of 2.644 (95% CI, 1.190-5.875; p = 0.017). The study revealed significant RDW variations in patients with CHF and AHF compared to the control group. These findings suggest that RDW could be a biomarker for detecting HF severity.

A multifactorial approach to war and corruption metaphors in South Asian Englishes

AbstractThe present paper provides a corpus‐based study of war and corruption metaphors in South Asian Englishes (specifically Indian English, Bangladeshi English, Nepali English and Pakistani English). Considering the highly news‐relevant nature of these concepts, the South Asian Varieties of English corpus (SAVE2020) serves as the database. In an initial step, we outline the source domains at different levels of schematicity used to construe war and corruption, revealing the salient domains at location and person. By pursuing a multifactorial approach, this study aims at answering the question whether the choice of source domain is governed by the sociolinguistic factors gender and variety, and intra‐linguistic factors, for example, length and semantic prosody of the metaphor‐related words. It furthermore investigates whether multifactorial analyses, which are still a novelty within research on metaphor variation, constitute a suitable methodological approach. By doing so, our research demonstrates the need to complement this quantitative approach with a qualitative one that offers a more fine‐grained description of the source domains used to structure metaphorical concepts like war and corruption.

Association between serum Klotho and major depression: Results from the NHANES 2007–2016 and Mendelian randomization studies

BackgroundMajor depression is a public health problem facing the world. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for major depression and clarify their causal effects. MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the effect of each variable on major depression. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to observe the stability of the association between them. Nonlinear correlations were explored using restricted cubic spline plots. The causal effects of serum Klotho on major depression were assessed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. ResultsA total of 8359 participated in the study. After adjusting for all covariates, the risk of having major depression was 1.47 times higher for each unit rise in serum Klotho (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.07–2.02; P = 0.0183). MR analysis showed no causal relationship between serum Klotho levels and risk of major depression (OR = 1.09, 95 % CI = 0.91–1.30; P = 0.4120). Sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results. ConclusionsSerum Klotho is positively associated with an increased risk of major depression in the U.S. population, but MR analyses did not show genetic causality between Klotho and major depression in individuals of European ancestry. Based on the results of the current study, no indication maintaining high levels of Klotho may increase the risk of major depression. LimitationsThe main limitation of this study is the inconsistency of the cross-sectional study and the MR population.

Comparing efficacy and safety of in-house gemcitabine to mitomycin for bladder instillation in intermediate-risk NMIBC

IntroductionIntermediate-risk (IR) Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) is associated with a high rate of tumor recurrence. To improve patient outcomes, it is recommended to use adjuvant intravesical therapy, by mitomycin C (MMC) or Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG). Gemcitabine (GMC) is a known molecule used in urothelial cancer. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety profile of a gemcitabine solution, compared to mitomycin C, in the treatment of IR NMIBC. MaterialIn this retrospective study, patients with IR NMIBC treated between 2016 and 2020 were selected from two participating centers using either gemcitabine (center A) as the intravesical chemotherapy regimen or mitomycin C (center B). The primary endpoint was recurrence rate and secondary end points were treatment interruption and its causes. ResultsIn our cohort of 102 IR NMIBC patients, 49 patients received GMC and 53 MMC with a median follow-up of 30 months. Overall recurrence rate was 42.1% with 22.4% in the GMC group and 60.3% in the MMC group (P<0.01). This difference was also found in the multifactorial analysis. Course interruption was observed in 14.7% of all patients, primarily attributed to adverse events (46.6%), without difference between groups. ConclusionAdjuvant intravesical gemcitabine in patients with IR NMIBC seems to be an interesting option associated with a lower tumor recurrence rate and a favorable tolerance profile when compared to MMC. Larger scale prospective randomized trials are needed to validate our findings. Level of evidenceIII.

Relationship Between the Expression of Human Matricellular Protein 3 and the Pathological Features, Drug Resistance, and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Based on Immunohistochemical Method

To observe the relationship between the expression of human matricellular protein 3 (MATN3) and the pathological features, drug resistance, and prognosis of gastric cancer based on immunohistochemical method. A total of 100 gastric cancer patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2022 to December 2022 were included. MATN3 expression in gastric cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of MATN3 was compared across pathological features. Patients were divided into sensitive and resistant groups based on chemotherapy resistance, and MATN3 expression was compared between these groups. The relationship between MATN3 and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of gastric cancer patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Human gastric cancer cells MGC803 were transfected with MATN3. The cells were divided into a high expression group (LV-MATN3 group) and its control group (LV-NC group) and a low expression group (sh-MATN3 group) and its control group (sh-NC group). Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK8 assay, cell migration and invasion were assessed using the Transwell assay, and MATN3 mRNA expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR. A nude mouse xenograft model was constructed by hypodermic injection of MGC-803 cells transfected with MATN3, and MATN3 mRNA expression levels in tumor tissues were measured using RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical results showed a significantly higher rate of high MATN3 expression in gastric cancer tissues (64.00%, 64/100) compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues (31.00%, 31/100) (P<0.05). High MATN3 expression was associated with age ≥60 years old, tumor location in the gastric body, tumor size ≥5 cm, lymph node metastasis (N1-N3), histological differentiation (moderate to high), tumor invasion depth (T3-T4), TNM stage (Ⅲ-Ⅳ), distant organ metastasis, recurrence, and mortality (P<0.05). Among patients with chemotherapy resistance, the high MATN3 expression rate was 79.49% (31/39) in the resistant group compared to 54.10% (33/61) in the sensitive group (P<0.05). Follow-up duration ranged from 11 to 22 months, with a 97.00% follow-up rate and 3 cases lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with high MATN3 expression had significantly lower RFS and OS compared to those with low MATN3 expression (RFS: log-rank=17.291, P<0.001; OS: log-rank=21.719, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis identified high MATN3 expression (hazard ratio [HR]=2.291, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.268-5.392), tumor location in the gastric body (HR=2.057, 95% CI: 1.441-5.666), lymph node metastasis (N1-N3) (HR=2.011, 95% CI: 1.010-2.274), tumor invasion depth (T3-T4) (H=2.977, 95% CI: 1.032-7.853), TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (HR=2.008, 95% CI: 1.049-3.902), and distant organ metastasis (HR=2.505, 95% CI: 1.529-5.000) as independent risk factors affecting RFS and OS (P<0.05). Cell and animal experiments demonstrated that compared to the LV-NC group, the LV-MATN3 group exhibited significantly higher cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (P<0.05), as well as increased tumor volume and MATN3 mRNA expression in tumor tissues (P<0.05). Conversely, the sh-MATN3 group showed significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, along with decreased tumor volume and MATN3 mRNA levels compared to the sh-NC group (P<0.05). MATN3 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and is associated with various pathological features, drug resistance and poor prognosis. MATN3 holds potential as a diagnostic marker for poor prognosis and may play a role in the malignant behaviors of gastric cancer cells, including proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Application of Big Data in College Student Education Management Based on Data Warehouse Technology and Integrated Learning

Integrated learning has attracted much attention from industry and academia. In the new era, colleges and universities need to discuss information management in light of actual conditions, integrate different data in each information system into the same database, so as to form a data warehouse based on the integrated database which can truly reflect the historical changes of data and provides support for managers' decision-making. This paper analyzes the clustering effect of standard differential evolution algorithm, improved differential evolution algorithm and K-means algorithm. The algorithm is tested using Iris and Wine database marts, the results show that the K-means algorithm is a relatively poor algorithm and its accuracy is significantly lower than the other two. Based on big data, multi-factor interactive variance analysis technology is used to analyze different data indicators and influencing factors. Therefore, colleges and universities can use the database to better understand the problems and advantages in management, thus to improve management efficiency and teaching level.

Study on the psychological health status and influencing factors of operating room nursing staff.

To comprehensively analyze the psychological health status of operating room nurses and identify influencing factors. The research compares psychological health differences based on nurses' years of experience, specifically examining depression and anxiety scores. A detailed assessment was conducted, focusing on nurses with varying experience levels. Findings revealed higher depression scores among mid to senior-level nurses, while junior-level nurses exhibited elevated anxiety scores. Additionally, overall dissatisfaction with physical health and various subhealth symptoms were reported. Multifactorial analysis identified working hours, disaster relief experience, and perceived occupational benefits as primary influencers. Through comparative analysis, it was found that the average score of self-rating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale was 53.8 ± 12.2 points and 47.6 ± 10.5 points respectively. The depression score of middle and senior nurses was significantly higher than that of junior nurses (P < .05). The anxiety score of primary nurses was significantly higher than that of middle and senior nurses (P < .05). The results indicate that the duration of work, previous experience in disaster relief, and nurses' perception of occupational benefits were the main factors influencing the psychological health status of operating room nurses (P < .05). Healthcare institutions are recommended to implement targeted interventions based on nurses' experience levels, addressing specific psychological health needs. Future research should delve into specific subgroups, conduct long-term tracking, expand the scope of influencing factors, assess the effectiveness of intervention measures, and explore cross-cultural aspects.

Optimizing mechanical performance and flow characteristics of alkaline fly ash/rice husk ash composite backfill: Insights from multi-factor analysis and engineering optimization

In order to effectively dispose of agricultural waste rice husk ash and improve the mechanical properties of backfill, the properties of fly ash/rice husk ash composite backfill material were studied in the laboratory. The effects of fly ash, rice husk ash, straw fiber and NaOH content on the properties of composite backfilling materials were studied, and the ratio parameters of composite backfilling materials were optimized based on engineering examples. Our findings reveal that fly ash content significantly impacts slump, with its addition enhancing the flow performance of composite backfilling materials. Conversely, straw fiber, rice husk ash, and NaOH content were found to have non-significant effects on slump. We observed that with the increase of fly ash content from 5 % to 20 %, the compressive strength of the backfill firstly increases and then decreases, and the optimal content range is about 10 %. Moreover, increased rice husk ash and NaOH content effectively enhance the UCS. However, higher fly ash and straw fiber content were found to impede the strengthening effect of NaOH on UCS. Nevertheless, higher NaOH content was observed to augment the strengthening effect of rice husk ash content. Furthermore, when the content of fly ash and rice husk ash is 5∼10 % and 3–12 % respectively, rice husk ash and fly ash effectively reduce the size range of internal void structures, enhancing the microstructure density and mechanical properties of the composite backfilling material. Based on engineering example, we determined the optimal ratio parameters of the composite backfilling material to be: 20 % fly ash content, 9 % rice husk ash content, 0.4 % straw fiber content, and 2.5 % NaOH content. This study is helpful to promote the application of waste rice husk ash and straw fiber in mine filling, and provides theoretical guidance for the parameter design of backfilling materials.

The association between visceral adiposity index and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Relationships between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been underexplored. The purpose of this study is to explore association between VAI and T2DM in adults in the US. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018, 11,214 participants aged 20 years or older were included in a cross-sectional study. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting analysis were performed to investigate links between VAI and the prevalence of T2DM, as well as the stability and incidence between subgroups. In a fully adjusted continuous model, the aggregate population risk of T2DM increased 0.43-fold with each 1-unit increase in VAI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35–1.50]. In the fully adjusted categorical model with VAI scores stratified by quartiles, results showed a higher T2DM advantage among participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (Q2: OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.71; Q3: OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.95–3.11; Q4: OR 4.42, 95% CI 3.55–05.50). Compared with Q1, the prevalence of T2DM in the total population increased 3.42-fold in Q4. The above results indicated that VAI was positively associated with the prevalence of T2DM, which was consistent and nonlinear with the smoothed curve-fitting analysis (P for non-linear = 0). Subgroup analyses after adjusting for covariates showed that keeping with the overall population results, it also was found that there was an interaction between sex and hypertension in the subgroups. VAI was positively associated with the prevalence of T2DM and was more prevalent in women, non-hypertensive than in men, hypertensive populations.

Multi-factor analysis and optimization on seismic behavior of precast pier-footing socket connection considering different connection parameters

Accelerated bridge construction technology, with its various connection methods, has experienced extensive global usage. Common methods include post-tensioned, cast-in-place joint, sleeve, and socket connections. Each method has its advantages and limitations, such as the energy dissipation issue in post-tensioned connections and the on-site challenges of cast-in-place joints. Precast pier-footing socket connections have emerged as a promising solution due to their rapid construction and durability. However, previous research has predominantly focused on the minimum embedded length, overlooking critical factors such as grouting material strength, shear key configuration, and axial compression ratio during service. Furthermore, existing studies often isolated individual factors, neglecting their interconnected effects. This study addressed these gaps by testing two specimens and analyzing thirty-eight models through experimental and numerical methods. The results indicated that an embedment depth of at least 1.0 times the diameter (bc) of the precast pier was recommended. Furthermore, to ensure optimal seismic performance, it was essential to enhance the stiffness of the footing sidewalls beyond this depth. Additionally, while shear keys improve bending resistance, their effectiveness decreases with greater embedment depth (>1.5 times the diameter). This study highlights the importance of considering the interplay of multiple factors to ensure project safety and cost-effectiveness.

Predictors of the Difficulty of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy After Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage for Grade II Acute Cholecystitis.

The predictors of difficulty performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) for grade II acute cholecystitis have not been clearly understood. This retrospective study was performed between January 2019 and February 2023 and involved 102 eligible patients with grade II acute cholecystitis. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: difficult LC group (n=14) and nondifficult LC group (n=88). Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analyses of the significant factors identified in the univariate analyses. Logistic multivariable regression analysis revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (odds ratio [OR]: 1.028, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.013-1.044; P <0.05), and time intervals between PTGBD and LC (OR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.003-1.092; P =0.034) were independent predictors of difficult LC. When preoperative CRP was >154mg/L, LC difficulty, blood loss, and operative time increased ( P <0.05, P =0.01, P =0.01, respectively) compared with CRP <154mg/L. Difficult LC, increased blood loss, and longer operative time occurred more frequently when the interval between PTGBD and LC was >35 days compared with <35 days ( P <0.05, P =0.003, P =0.002, respectively). CRP levels >154mg/L and intervals between PTGBD and LC exceeding 35 days are associated with greater LC difficulty.

Parentheticals in spoken Indian and Sri Lankan English

AbstractWhile an increasing number of studies into the pragmatics of world Englishes indicate that sociobiographic factors—such as the speakers’ age or gender—influence pragmatic choices, most empirical investigations do not include sociobiographic information beyond said speaker characteristics. This study investigates parenthetical I assume/believe/feel/ guess/suppose/think in the spoken parts of the Indian and Sri Lankan English components of the International Corpus of English to answer the question of to what extent parenthetical function, that is, expressing either the speaker's opinion or insufficient knowledge, is influenced by structural, contextual and sociobiographic factors. Based on 1265 parentheticals, the results of multifactorial statistical analyses indicate that the speakers’ educational background and additional languages spoken at home are important predictors for the choice of parenthetical function. Therefore, the study calls for the inclusion of wide‐ranging sociobiographic factors (and combinations thereof) in the description of pragmatic speaker choices in world Englishes.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury or mortality and long-term follow-up in coronavirus disease 2019 infected patients in the era before vaccination.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with a higher risk of mortality. Understanding the risk factors contributing to COVID-19-related AKI and mortality before vaccination is important for the initiation of preventative measures and early treatment strategies. This study included patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 through polymerase chain reaction from May 2020 to July 2021, admitted in three local hospitals in Taiwan, with an extended follow-up until June 30, 2022. A median follow-up period of 250 days was used to assess AKI development and mortality. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Multivarible Cox regression analysis of AKI and mortality-related risk factors were performed. Of the 720 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 90 (22%) developed AKI. Moreover, 80%, 10.1%, and 8.9% of the patients had stage 1, 2, and 3 AKI, respectively. Patients with stage 1 to 3 AKI had significantly lower survival rates than those without AKI ( p = 0.001). The mean duration of post-admission AKI occurrence was 9.50 ± 11.32 days. Older age, hypoalbuminemia, and higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were associated with COVID-19 mortality. In COVID-19 AKI, in addition to older age and high D-dimer and ferritin levels, chronic kidney disease emerged as an independent risk factor. COVID-19-related AKI develops early, exhibits a temporal association with respiratory failure, and is linked to an unfavorable prognosis. The mortality rate increased according to the AKI stage ( p = 0.001). Age, albumin, D-dimer, and ferritin levels, and the underlying chronic kidney disease status upon admission are crucial factors for predicting AKI development, which increases the mortality risk. Monitoring the renal function not only within 10 days of COVID-19 onset, but also within 1 month after the disease onset.

Correlation analysis of human papillomavirus E6/E7 mRNA detection with diagnosis, prognosis and recurrence risk in patients with cervical epithelioma.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is an important precursor of cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. To investigate the detection rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in cervical tissue of patients with different types of epithelial cell neoplasia (CIN) and its relationship with CIN progression and diagnosis. One hundred women with HPV infection detected by cervical exfoliation cytology between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively selected. These patients were graded CIN based on colposcopy and cervical pathology. The positive expression rates of HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HPV [polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse dot crossing] were compared among all groups. Patients with HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression in the grade 1 CIN group were followed up for 1 yr. The relationship between atypical squamous epithelium and high malignant epithelial neoplasia was investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and sensitivity of PCR-reverse point hybridization technology for secondary CIN were 70.41%, 70.66%, and 0.714, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for secondary CIN were 752% and 7853%, respectively, the area under the curve value was 0.789. Logistic Multifactorial model analysis revealed that the HPV positive rates and the HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive rates were independent risk factors of CIN grade I (P < 0.05). In CIN grade I patients with positive for HPV E6/E7 mRNA, in its orientation to grade CIN patients, in its orientation to grade CIN patients, at 69.2%, compared with patients negative for HPV E6/E7 mRNA (30.8%), significant difference (P < 0.05). HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HPV (PCR-reverse dot hybrid) positive expression have a close relationship with CIN-grade disease progression and is an independent risk factor for high-grade CIN lesions.

Engineering and microstructural properties of environmentally friendly alkali-activated composites containing clinker aggregate: heat-curing regime and elevated-temperature effect

The common wisdom in the literature about clinker aggregate (CA) is that it improves the performance properties of mortar or concrete to some extent. The current study, in this context, investigated the physical characteristics and mechanical performances of alkali-activated composites (AACs) made entirely with CA. The CA was used in three particle sizes of 0–2 mm (named No.10), 2–4 mm (named No.5), and 4–8 mm (named medium). To examine the impact of the fine CA-size fraction on the characteristics of AAC, No.10 CA was partially replaced by No.5 CA up to 50%, while the content of the medium CA was kept constant in all AAC mixtures. Moreover, to evaluate the influence of the 8-h curing temperature on the performance of the AACs, different temperature-based curing strategies (ambient, 45, and 75 °C) were applied to the AACs. In the production of AACs, granulated blast furnace slag was employed as an aluminosilicate-rich raw material, and a sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide combination was used as an alkaline activator. Physical properties (flowability, water absorption, capillary water absorption, and dry unit weight), and 8-h strength performances (flexural and compressive) were determined. Furthermore, to monitor the influence of high temperatures on the characteristics of the AAC, the mixtures were exposed to elevated temperatures (200, 500, and 800 °C). In SEM image analysis, it was determined that spherical CSH gels were formed in the heat-cured AACs. It has been observed that the geopolymerization products decompose in AACs exposed to 800 °C. To evaluate statistically the experimental results, a multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also applied. The results revealed that increasing the coarser fine aggregate fraction led to higher water absorption and apparent porosity capacities and lower unit weight. Besides, strength performance was improved by applying a heat-curing strategy to the AAC, whereas a decrease was observed by increasing the No.5 CA fraction. There was a remarkable reduction in compressive strength and considerable loss of mass when the AAC mixes were exposed to high temperatures.

Metabolomics and network pharmacology exploration of the effects of bile acids on carotid atherosclerosis and potential underlying mechanisms.

Bile acids (BAs), products of gut microbiota metabolism, have long been implicated in atherosclerotic disease pathogenesis. Characterizing the serum bile acid profile and exploring its potential role in carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) development are crucial tasks. In this study, we recruited 73 patients with CAS as the disease group and 77 healthy individuals as the control group. We systematically measured the serum concentrations of 15 bile acids using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Multivariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were applied to analyze the impact of bile acids on the disease and select the key BAs. The possible molecular mechanism was elucidated by network pharmacology. (1) The BA profile of patients with CAS significantly differed. (2) Multifactorial logistic regression analysis identified elevated levels of GCDCA (OR: 1.01, P < 0.001), DCA (OR: 1.01, P = 0.005), and TDCA (OR: 1.05, P = 0.002) as independent risk factors for CAS development. Conversely, GCA (OR: 0.99, P = 0.020), LCA (OR: 0.83, P = 0.002), and GUDCA (OR: 0.99, P = 0.003) were associated with protective effects against the disease. GCA, DCA, LCA, and TDCA were identified as the four key BAs. (3) TNF, FXR, GPBAR1, ESR1 and ACE were predicted to be targets of BAs against AS. These four BAs potentially impact AS progression by triggering signaling pathways, including cAMP, PPAR, and PI3K-AKT pathways, via their targets. This study offers valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis that target bile acids.

An Innovative Method for Deterministic Multifactor Analysis Based on Chain Substitution Averaging

The aims of this paper are to present the methodology, derived mathematical expressions for determining the individual factor influences and the adaptation for the conditions of dynamic deterministic factor analysis and the results of the application of the developed new method for deterministic factor analysis, called the averaged chain substitution method. After formulating the concept of the considered approach, all mathematical expressions used to create models containing up to four factor variables are presented and summarized. The scientific novelty of the study is in the obtained new equations for determining the individual factor influences by the method of averaged chain substitution and the method of analogy for five-factor additive or difference-multiplicative and for five-factor additive or difference-multifactor models with an additive or different part in the numerator of the factor model. The presented mathematical expressions accurately and unambiguously quantify the impact of individual factor influences for all types of factor models and thus significantly expand the applicability of the averaged chain substitution method in the theory and practice of financial-economic analysis. The proposed formalization and algorithmization of the evaluation process makes the method easy to apply by all economic and financial analysts for the purposes of deterministic factor analysis. The methodology was applied to perform a dynamic deterministic factor analysis of the total liquidity of Monbat AD and ELHIM-ISKRA AD for the period 2017–2021, based on the consolidated annual financial statements of the companies, available on the website of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange.