Multivariate Correlation Analysis Research Articles

Senescent Immune Signature in Frail and Vulnerable Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Patients: A Cohort Analysis from the UK-MRA Myeloma XIV Fitness Study

Introduction Physical frailty is a key factor driving treatment tolerability and outcome in multiple myeloma (MM). There is a close interplay between physiological aging, frailty and immune dysfunction, with the presence of a malignant disease overlay adding an additional dimension to the host response biology. The UKMRA Myeloma XIV FiTNEss study is the first phase 3 randomised clinical trial to explore the utilisation of frailty assessment as a tool to guide and optimise treatment decision making and deliverability. Here we report on the relationship between physical frailty and T cell dysfunction in a cohort of patients within this landmark study. Methods Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to assess the baseline T cell phenotype in the peripheral blood of 49 participants with NDMM receiving treatment within FiTNEss. Patients were assessed for frailty using the IMWG frailty score and additionally assessed for clinical vulnerability using the UKMRA MRP score (Cook et al, Lancet Haematol. 2019). The IMWG frailty score combines activities of daily living assessment and co-morbidity burden with age to generate a validated, prognostic frailty score. The UKMRA MRP is a risk profile which uses routinely collected clinical data including age, WHO performance status, ISS stage and CRP to define prognostic risk categories with the high-risk category encompassing frailer individuals. Normal T cell subsets were assessed based on CD45RA and CD28 phenotype while dysfunctional subsets (exhausted and senescent) were defined using CD28 and KLRG1. Results The median age of participants was 79 (range 68-90) and 55% were male. The distribution by IMWG was fit 18%, unfit 33%, frail 49% and by MRP was low risk 31%, intermediate risk 28%, high risk 38%. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) decreased with increasing frailty (p=0.02), with no patients classified as fit by IMWG or low risk by MRP criteria having a lymphocyte count below the lower limit of normal. No relationship was seen between ALC and age. The ratio remained stable across the IMWG cohorts, suggesting a global reduction in lymphocyte subsets. An accumulation of CD8 TEMRA cells was seen in the MRP high risk cohort (p=0.0085). No differences were seen between cohorts based on the IMWG frailty score. The accumulation of CD8 TEMRA cells indicates a loss of T cell differentiation plasticity and is associated with a cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory immune response. CD4 dysfunctional subsets were comparable across the cohorts. CD8 dysfunctional subsets were most marked in the frail and high-risk cohorts. The MRP high-risk cohort had a skewed ratio of exhausted to senescent cells (p=0.02), with a reduction in CD8 exhausted populations compared to the fit and unfit cohorts (p=0.0477) and a trend towards increased senescent cell burden (p=0.07). This was echoed within the IMWG frail cohort where elevated numbers of senescent CD8 cells were identified (p=0.02). No relationship was seen between CD8 senescent burden and age, CRP, ISS or WHO PS when each variable was assessed independently, suggesting that the presence of this immune population is not directly related to disease burden or physiological aging alone, but reflects a more complex interplay between host response biology and disease characteristics. Principal component analysis demonstrated a high degree of immunological heterogeneity within the MRP low and intermediate risks cohorts, while the high-risk cohort had a more uniform immunological profile (Figure 1A). Significant overlap between a proportion of the non-high-risk cohorts and high-risk cohorts was seen and requires further exploration. A multi-variable correlation analysis identified correlations between the CD4:8 ratio and CD8 cell senescent burden, MRP and ISS, highlighting the important interplay between immunological dysfunction, clinical vulnerability and disease burden (Figure 1B). Conclusion The T cell immunological landscape of the most vulnerable patient populations with newly diagnosed MM is characterised by an accumulation of senescent CD8 T cells which cannot be attributed to age or disease burden alone. Immune senescence is known to be associated with a chronic inflammatory state which may drive the acquisition of the physiological changes, such as sarcopenia, which characterise a frailty phenotype. This provides an opportunity for targeted intervention to address the biological drivers of disease related frailty.

Enhanced Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato Industry Waste Using Menthol/Fatty Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent

This study aimed to explore the efficiency of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) composed of menthol and fatty acids for extracting carotenoids from tomato by-products. A selection of nine different HDESs and fatty acid mixtures were prepared and evaluated for their carotenoid extraction potential. The highest extraction yield was obtained with menthol/hexanoic acid 2:1 (94.5 ± 3.3 μg CtE/g dm), demonstrating the influence of the specific composition of DES components on extraction efficiency. An optimization process employing a Box–Behnken design was conducted to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The solvent-to-solid ratio, extraction time, and temperature were studied, resulting in an extraction yield increase of up to 48.5% under optimized conditions (solvent-to-solid ratio of 25:1, extraction time of 90 min, and temperature of 50 °C). Furthermore, potent antioxidant properties, including antiradical activity (63.7 ± 4 μmol AAE/g dm) and reducing power (26.7 ± 1.8 μmol AAE/g dm), were recorded. Comparative analyses with conventional organic solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone) highlighted the superiority of HDES in both carotenoid extraction and antioxidant capacity. A color analysis of the extracts showed distinctive color profiles, with the HDES extract displaying higher redness and reduced yellowness compared to organic solvent extracts. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate correlation analysis (MCA) revealed strong correlations between total carotenoid content and antioxidant parameters, underscoring the relationship between carotenoid extraction and antioxidant potential. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of HDESs, particularly Men/Hex 2:1, as efficient and sustainable solvents for carotenoid extraction. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of innovative and environmentally friendly methods for extracting carotenoids with potential applications in various industries.

Analysing uric acid levels to assess the effectiveness of dapagliflozin

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are an innovative diabetes treatment that lowers blood sugar levels without insulin. A growing body of evidence suggests that blood sugar levels are tightly correlated with uric acid levels in their blood and urine. To alleviate type 2 diabetes (T2DM) suffering, we tested dapagliflozin on serum and urinary uric acid levels of patients with T2DM and measured its efficacy in reducing uric acid levels. A study was conducted on 60 people with T2DM. Patients were treated with Dapagliflozin doses of 10mg daily for 3 months. Three months later, we measured body weight, fasting, and postprandial blood glucose levels, Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), serum lipids, renal function tests, routine urine, and serum uric acid. A number of clinical parameters of T2DM patients were compared to those of healthy subjects of the same age group. A comprehensive analysis of all parameters was conducted to evaluate dapagliflozin's impact. After 90 days of dapagliflozin treatment, serum uric acid levels dropped significantly from 9.0 to 8mg/dL in the dapagliflozin group, as well as uric acid percentage in urine changed from 16.1 to 23.6%. After three months of treatment, HbA1C levels decreased from 9.8% to 8.5%. Following treatment with dapagliflozin, the patients' Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance decreased to 4.0. Further, multivariate correlation analysis showed a correlation of serum uric acid with glycemic profile positively. In conclusion, dapagliflozin lowers uric acid levels and increases insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients to improve their glycemic control.

Design and optimization methodology for different 3D processed materials (PLA, ABS and carbon fiber reinforced nylon PA12) subjected to static and dynamic loads

This research presents a methodology for the design and optimization of 3D printed parts with material extrusion (MEX) technology with three different commercial materials: PLA, ABS and N + CF (PA12) subjected to tensile and fatigue stresses, which included three stages: pretreatment, design of experiments and sequential optimization by statistical modeling. In the pretreatment stage, mainly the printing control factors (inner layer and contour height, printing speed, extrusion temperature, nozzle, infill arrangement and printing orientation) were determined; then, factors to optimize tensile strength as a function of printing pattern (linear, 3D, hexagonal), infill percentage (33%, 66%, 100°) and printing orientation (+45°/-45°, 0°/90°) were evaluated. Fatigue analysis was performed as a function of impression orientation using 100% infill, linear impression pattern, 5 Hz and a load range between 90 and 50% UTS. Optimization of tensile strength resulted in parts that exceeded the UTS of their corresponding filament, leading to infinite life relative to fatigue tests. Results were presented for fatigue life prediction based on Weibull analysis, Basquińs model and a multivariate response surface correlation analysis. The best fatigue behavior was related to the optimized tensile strength, the infill pattern applied to the printing orientation and the intrinsic properties of ABS (1 × 107cycles, stress up to 20 MPa). With respect to the other materials, a good fatigue behavior was highlighted at the number of cycles achieved 1 × 106 (stress up to 18 MPa) and 1 × 105 (stress up to 24 MPa) for N + CF and PLA, respectively. This study contributes to a better understanding of how printing parameters correlate with tensile and fatigue properties.

Decoding Spontaneous Informal Spaces in Old Residential Communities: A Drone and Space Syntax Perspective

Old residential communities are integral parts of urban areas, with their environmental quality affecting residents’ well-being. Spontaneous informal spaces (SIS) often emerge within these communities. These are predominantly crafted by the elderly using discarded materials and negatively impact the environmental quality of communities. Understanding SIS emergence patterns is vital for enhancing the environmental quality of old communities; however, methodologies fall short in terms of the quantification of these emergence patterns. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach, merging drone oblique photography technology with space syntax theory, to thoroughly analyze SIS types, functions, and determinants in five Tianjin communities. Utilizing drones and the Depthmap space syntax tool, we captured SIS characteristics and constructed topological models of residences and traffic patterns. We further explored the intrinsic relationships between architectural layout, road traffic, and SIS characteristics via clustering algorithms and multivariate correlation analysis. Our results reveal that architectural layout and road traffic play decisive roles in shaping SIS. Highly accessible regions predominantly feature social-type SIS, while secluded or less trafficked zones lean towards private-type SIS. Highlighting the elderly’s essential needs for greenery, interaction, and basic amenities, our findings offer valuable insights into the revitalization of outdoor spaces in aging communities, into the fostering of urban sustainability and into the nurturing of a balanced relationship between humans and their surroundings.

The Influence of Intellectual Stimulation as an Aspect of Transformational Leadership in Enhancing Employee’s Performance towards Successful Management of Water Supply Services at Iringa Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority

This research aimed to examine the influence of transformational leadership in enhancing successful management of water supply services at IRUWASA. The study applied the transformational leadership theory developed by Bass in 1985. The specific objective of the research was to assess how intellectual stimulation influence employee performance in enhancing successful management of water supply services at IRUWASA. The study adopted a quantitative research approach where data were collected through structured questionnaires. The study involved 109 IRUWASA employees selected using a proportionate simple random sampling method. Multivariate Correlation analysis was employed to analyze the quantitative data. The research findings demonstrated that there were significant positive correlations between intellectual stimulation and employee performance in the context of successfully managing water supply services at IRUWASA. Furthermore, the study revealed a positive relationship between employee performance and the successful management of water supply services. Therefore, it can be concluded that fostering qualities of intellectual stimulation should be prioritized and actively encouraged. By doing so, employee performance can be enhanced, ultimately leading to the successful management of water supply services at IRUWASA. This underscores the importance of implementing transformational leadership practices to achieve desired outcomes of management of water supply services at IRUWASA.

Relationship of the nursing practice environment with the quality of care and patients’ safety in primary health care

BackgroundNursing practice environment has impact on the quality of nursing care and on patients’ and nurses’ outcomes, namely better performances of these healthcare workers. Improving the nursing practice environment is a low-cost organizational strategy to achieve better patients’ outcomes and retain qualified nurses, thus improving nursing care of units, healthcare organizations and healthcare system. This study aims to analyse the relationship between nursing practice environment and the nurses` perception of quality of care, patient safety, and safety culture in Primary Health Care in Portugal.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study using data from RN4CAST Portugal. The sample was composed of 1059 nurses from 55 Health Center Groups of the mainland Portugal, 15 Health Centers of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and 6 Health Centers of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Multivariate analysis and correlation analysis methods were used for data processing.ResultsNurses consider that, in the Portuguese Primary Health Care, there is a mixed and unfavourable nursing practice environment, with a perception of a good quality of care, and both acceptable patients’ safety and safety culture. The Collegial Nurse-Physician Relations and Nursing Foundations for Quality of Care dimensions to have the best ratings. The perception of Primary Health Care nurses on the dimension Nurse Participation in Organization Affairs was the one that showed the lowest score, followed by Staffing and Resource Adequacy and Nurse Manager Ability, Leadership, and Support of Nurses. Based on perception of nurses, the relationship between the nursing practice environment and the safety culture is higher, followed by the quality of care and patients’ safety.ConclusionsThe perception of Primary Health Care nurses is that there is an unfavourable and mixed nursing practice environment, with good quality of care, and acceptable patient safety and safety culture. The quality of the nursing practice environments is associated to better quality and safety of care. Thus, improving the nursing practice environments in healthcare organizations is a low-cost organizational strategy to achieve greater patients and nurses’ outcomes, improving the quality of nursing care to patients in the Primary Health Care units.

58 Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Sleep Disruption and Depressive Symptoms During Acute and Chronic Stages of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

Objective:mTBI is trauma to the brain due to a blow or other mechanical force affecting the head. Prior research has established that common symptoms of mTBI include decreased sleep quality and onset/worsening of emotional dysregulation. However, there is little published research investigating how sleep disruption and depressive symptoms are experienced at varying stages of mTBI. We hypothesized that sleep disruption would change with differing time since injury, and that depressive symptoms should accordingly. Additionally, since females tend to have higher rates of depression, we predicted that there would be a significant difference between the sexes at different stages post-mTBI.Participants and Methods:This study included 145 healthy adults, split into six groups, comparing healthy controls consisting of 15 males (Mage=23.67, SD=5.066) and 17 females (Mage=25.35, SD=7.035) to individuals who had mTBI, 41 males (Mage=26.88, SD=8.509) and 72 females (Mage=23.79, SD=6.898) at five points post-mTBI: 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score was used to assess individual sleep quality and disturbances; higher scores indicated poorer sleep quality. The Beck Depression Index (BDI-II) was used to assess characteristics and symptoms of depression. We adjusted the score to exclude item 16, which measures changes in sleep. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms. We conducted a multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlation to examine whether there were significant differences in sleep and depression at different stages of mTBI for each sex.Results:We discovered that sleep quality was worse at chronic stages of mTBI (i.e, 12M, p=<.001), than at acute stages (2W, p=.049), and compared to healthy controls. There were also significant differences in depression scores compared to healthy controls at 2W, p=.008, 3M, p=<.001, and 6M, p=.012, but not 12M, p=.313, suggesting that depressive symptoms resolved by 12M in those with mTBI. To explain this, we investigated sex differences, as males tend to experience fewer depressive disorders than females. However, females reported fewer depressive symptoms than males at chronic stages of mTBI. This finding was not statistically significant as females had a Mbdi_total=6.84, SD=7.98 and males had a Mbdi_total=5.38, SD=6.078; still, this could be due to the low statistical power of the study, and with a larger sample size, could produce statistically significant differences between the sexes. Despite this, there is a statistically significant difference in the depression score for females between 2W and 12M post-mTBI (p=.046; effect size of d=.99). Comparatively, males showed no significant divergence between depression and sleep scores.Conclusions:Sleep disruption and depressive symptoms were correlated in individuals with mTBI in both acute and chronic stages; however, at 12M, there was a decrease in this correlation due to females exhibiting fewer depressive symptoms in combination with greater sleep disruption in the chronic phase of mTBI. Further research investigating the relationship between depression and sleep quality by looking at females with a much larger sample size would be helpful in clarifying these associations.

Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function abnormalities and related risk factors in Thai overweight and obese children.

Childhood obesity has become a global concern, with its prevalence steadily increasing over the past decade. This condition negatively impacts the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in adulthood. This study aimed to identify cardiac function abnormalities and related risk factors among overweight and obese Thai children. A cross-sectional observational study of 70 children with body mass index (BMI) >1 standard deviation above the mean for Thai children was conducted at Naresuan University Hospital. Body fat percentage (%Fat) was measured, and standard transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Metabolic profiles were collected from medical records. The thickness and diameter of the Left ventricle (LV) wall, including the LV posterior wall, LV internal diameter, and interventricular septum (IVS), were significantly increased in both systolic and diastolic phases in obese children. LV concentric hypertrophy and an abnormal E/E' ratio were found in 27% and 34.3% of participants, respectively. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction indicated by abnormal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values was found in 55.7% of all participants. In addition, 27.1% of all obese children had pulmonary hypertension. Significant differences in BMI and %Fat were detected between children with abnormal and normal IVS diastolic (IVSd) (P = 0.016). Our univariate and multivariate correlation analyses revealed a significant positive association between abnormal IVSd and %Fat, with an odd ratio (OR) of 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.27; P = 0.047) and an adjusted OR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.01-1.36; P = 0.04). Cardiac function abnormalities in childhood obesity exhibit a significant positive correlation with BMI and various cardiac dimensions, including ventricular wall thickness. One important related risk factor for increased IVS thickness is %Fat. Therefore, multidisciplinary management of obesity should be initiated as early as possible to prevent future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Seasonal enhancement of phytoplankton biomass in the southern tropical Indian Ocean: Significance of meteorological and oceanography parameters

The present study focused on understanding the seasonality of the phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a) distribution in the oligotrophic, Equatorial, and Southern Tropical Indian Ocean (ESTIO; 0–30°S and 60–90°E). The long-term satellite data analyses (2003–2020) showed a strong seasonality in sea surface temperature (SST), wind, currents, mean sea level anomaly (MSLA), photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), euphotic depth (ZEU) and mixed layer depth (MLD). As a response to the hydrographical changes, the phytoplankton biomass showed noticeable seasonal variation with the highest biomass during the Austral Winter (AW; June–September; avg. 0.11 ± 0.03 mg/m³) and lowest during the Austral Summer (AS; November–February; avg. 0.07 ± 0.03 mg/m). High chlorophyll patches (>0.1 mg/m³) were found between 0°–8°S during the AS and expanded over 0°–18°S during the AW. As multi-year mean chlorophyll a was higher (>0.1 mg/m³) in the northern part of the ESTIO (north of ∼13°S; HCD: high chlorophyll a domain) than the southern side (LCD: low chlorophyll a domain), the study area was divided into two domains and all the variables were analysed. In the HCD, enhancement of chlorophyll a was positively correlated with variables such as wind speed, wind stress, Ekman pumping, stronger northward and westward winds, as well as the presence of cyclonic eddies. These features are likely to stimulate primary production by uplifting the thermocline and enhancing nutrient supply. In the LCD, mixed layer depth also showed a strong positive correlation with elevated chlorophyll a, apparently because it is deep throughout the year (thereby keeping lower biomass) and deepens more strongly in winter than in the HCD. Another contrast with the HCD is that the cyclonic eddies appear to be insufficiently abundant to influence its chlorophyll a. Pearson's multivariable correlation analysis and principle component analysis confirmed the statistical significance of the above parameters on the enhancement of chlorophyll a in the ESTIO.

Self-Esteem dan Social Comparison Perannya Terhadap Body Image Mahasiswi Sekretaris Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi dan Sekretari X

The purpose of this research is to determine the role of self-esteem and social comparisonin relation to body image among female students of the School of Communication Science andSecretary X. This study is a quantitative research with a sample size of 152 female students.The sampling technique used a purposive non-probability sampling method. Data collectionwas done using Likert scale models, including a body image scale, self-esteem scale, andsocial comparison scale. Data analysis techniques involved Bivariate Correlation Analysisand Multivariate Correlation Analysis. The research results indicate that there is a significantrole of self-esteem on body image with a correlation coefficient (R)= 0.657, (R2)= 0.431,Bx1y=0.934, and p= 0.000<0.05, demonstrating a positive relationship between self-esteemand body image among female students of the School of Communication Science andSecretary X. Additionally, there is a significant role of social comparison on body image witha correlation coefficient (R)=0.625, (R2)=0.390, Bx2y= 0.431, and p= 0.000<0.05, indicatinga negative relationship between social comparison and body image among these students.Furthermore, there is a significant combined role of self-esteem and social comparison onbody image with a correlation coefficient (R)= 0.724, (R2)= 0.524, and p= 0.000<0.05,showing a significant relationship between self-esteem, social comparison, and body image among female students of the School of Communication Science and Secretary X. Thecontribution of self-esteem to body image is 65.7%, while the contribution of socialcomparison to body image is 6.7%.

Estimating soil health in urban allotments: Integrated two-way soil quality index and free-living amoebae in nitrogen recycling

Nitrogen deficiency and contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) adversely impact soil health and ecosystem services. Existing tools for assessing contaminated soils, necessary for sustainable management, remain limited. In this study, we introduce an integrated approach using geochemical constituents and biological factors to construct a comprehensive index to evaluate contaminant impacts on soil health. We collected samples in triplicate from six plots within an urban allotment with a history of PTE contamination. Selected biological and chemical characteristics of the samples were quantified to derive impact scores, with a single numerical index representing overall soil quality for each plot. Multivariate, T-statistics and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to identify relationships and differences between selected soil parameters between plots. The role of the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba in nitrogen recycling was assessed with feeding experiments, enzymatic assays and bioinformatics analysis. The plot with the highest index value, indicative of good health, exhibited higher pH, significantly high microbial load, and a high nitrate to ammonium (NO3−:NH4+) ratio of 5.3. This turnover was associated with Acanthamoeba uptake of exogenous nitrates and secretion of ammonium, through the assimilatory/dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathway. In contrast, the lower index plot with the low nitrogen turnover of 0.69, showed elevated aluminium, low pH activity and a significantly reduced microbial load, dominated by aluminium resistant microorganisms. Our findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive soil quality index by integrating multiple characteristics to assess soil health and contamination. The approach addresses the need for improved tools to identify the direct impact of contaminants on soil biological activity, supporting more sustainable land management.

Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy versus offspring inflammatory markers: a canonical correlation analysis of the MEFAB cohort.

The development of inflammatory lung disorders in children may be related to maternal fatty acid intake during pregnancy. We therefore examined maternal fatty acid (FA) status during pregnancy and its associations with inflammatory markers and lung conditions in the child by analyzing data from the MEFAB cohort using multivariate canonical correlation analysis (CCA). In the MEFAB cohort, 39 different phospholipid FAs were measured in maternal plasma at 16, 22 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, and at day of birth. Child inflammatory markers and self-reported doctor diagnosis of inflammatory lung disorders were assessed at 7 years of age. Using CCA, we found that maternal FA levels during pregnancy were significantly associated with child inflammatory markers at 7 years of age and that Mead acid (20:3n-9) was the most important FA for this correlation. To further verify the importance of Mead acid, we examined the relation between maternal Mead acid levels at the day of birth with the development of inflammatory lung disorders in children at age 7. After stratification for the child's sex, maternal Mead acid levels at day of birth were significantly related with self-reported doctor diagnosis of asthma and lung infections in boys, and bronchitis and total number of lung disorders in girls. Future studies should investigate whether the importance of Mead acid in the relation between maternal FA status and inflammation and lung disorders in the child is due to its role as biomarker for essential fatty acid deficiency or due to its own biological function as pro-inflammatory mediator.

An Investigation into Crithmum maritimum L. Leaves as a Source of Antioxidant Polyphenols

Crithmum maritimum, commonly known as rock samphire, is a plant species with a long history of use in traditional medicine and cuisine, especially in the Mediterranean region. Despite its potential therapeutic and commercial applications, the number of studies on this plant species are scanty and sparse. The aim of this study was to optimize the solid–liquid extraction of bioactive compounds from C. maritimum leaves through response surface methodology (RSM) and to comprehensively analyze the resulting extracts. Experimental parameters including liquid-to-solid ratio, solvent composition, extraction time, and temperature were investigated. The results of the RSM revealed a notable variation in the values of the extracted bioactive compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls), indicating the selection of optimum extraction conditions. Partial least squares analysis showed that solvent composition and extraction temperature had a significant impact on the extraction of the bioactive compounds. Consequently, these conditions required a 145-min extraction at 80 °C, using a solvent consisting of 45% v/v ethanol, and a 40:1 liquid-to-solid ratio. The optimum extract was analyzed using a range of assays to determine their polyphenol content, their content in chlorophylls and carotenoids, and their antioxidant potential via FRAP and DPPH assays. The total polyphenol content was measured at 15.11 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. High-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid was the most prevalent polyphenol (9.35 mg/g) in C. maritimum leaves. Kaempferol 3-glycoside (1.81 mg/g), naringin (1.24 mg/g), and hesperidin (0.79 mg/g) were some polyphenolic compounds that had also been quantified. Total carotenoids (0.32 μg/g) and total chlorophylls (0.62 μg/g) were also measured. Multivariate correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed that total carotenoids and chlorophylls had a strong negative correlation with total polyphenol content. The reducing power (FRAP assay) of the optimized extract had a value of 85.52 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g, whereas the antiradical activity (DPPH assay) was measured at 25.57 μmol AAE/g. Given the high quantity of polyphenols, these results highlight the potential use of C. maritimum as a source of bioactive compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Large-scale functional network connectivity mediates the associations between lipids metabolism and cognition in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with dyslipidemia and mild cognitive impairment. This study investigated the relationships between serum lipids metabolism, cognition, and functional connectivity (FC) within and between brain networks in T2D patients. The study included 102 T2D patients and 45 healthy controls who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging, lipid profile tests, and cognitive assessments. Thirteen functional networks were identified using independent component analysis. The statistical analyses included multivariate analysis of covariance, partial correlation, canonical correlation, and mediation analyses. We found widely reduced between-network FCs in T2D, especially between the ventral sensorimotor network (SMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN) (p = 0.001) and between the ventral SMN and lateral visual network (VN) (p < 0.001). Moreover, lower between-network FCs were correlated with worse serum lipids metabolism and poorer cognitive performance (all p < 0.05). Importantly, between-network FCs mediated the relationship between lipid metabolism and cognition (β = −0.3136, 95% CI: −0.7660, −0.0186). Within-network analyses revealed altered FCs within the anterior default mode network, DAN, and lateral VN, each positively correlated with global cognition (all p < 0.01). Our results suggest the potential of improving cognitive function by regulating serum lipids in individuals with T2D.

Leading medical laboratory professionals toward change readiness: a correlational study.

To remain effective in the dynamic health care landscape, the laboratory must embrace the continuous improvement mindset to support a culture of change, and leadership must facilitate the change process, mitigating perceived barriers of change readiness in followers. This quantitative study was designed to determine whether there is an association between leadership style (Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire [MLQ]) and change readiness (3-component model [TCM] commitment to change/Employee Commitment Survey, and whether leadership style predicts change readiness. Laboratory professionals (n = 718) were recruited through national societies to complete a combined MLQ-TCM survey instrument. Multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analyses were performed. A significant correlation between leadership style and change readiness (transformational leadership [TL] and affective commitment to change, r(716) = .12, P = .002; passive-avoidant behavior and continuance commitment to change, r(716) = .25, P < .001) and between leadership style and leadership outcomes (TL and effectiveness, r(716) = .90, P < .001) was identified. Transformational leadership was a significant predictor of change readiness (β = .17, P < .05). It is recommended that laboratory leaders use transformational leadership or situational leadership to improve followers' affective commitment to change and reduce followers' continuance commitment to change, thus improving commitment to continuous improvement. Leaders should also limit passive-avoidant behavior.

Method of Choice for Pancreatic Enteroanastomosis Formation in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis and Malignant Neoplasms of Pancreas

Introduction. Pancreatic enteroanastomosis formation is a decisive stage of the entire operation, as the frequency of complications leading to death remains high.The aim of the study was to improve the clinical outcomes of surgical interventions on pancreas by choosing the proper technique for pancreatic enteroanastomosis formation.Materials and methods. A retrospective-prospective study was performed in the Center for Surgery of the Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Tracts, Ryazan State Medical University. The retrospective stage included the analysis of 270 operation protocols and case histories of patients undergone pancreatic resection. Based on the analysis, the academic staff of the Department of Hospital Surgery, Ryazan State Medical University, developed a technique for pancreatic jejunoanastomosis via through U-shaped sutures (the modified Blumgart-style pancreaticojejunostomy).The prospective stage included analysis of 98 case histories and operation protocols of patients undergone pancreatic resection. There were 73 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 25 patients with the head of the pancreas cancer. Groups were formed uniformly depending on the etiology.Statistical analysis methods included: multivariate correlation analysis using the contingency coefficient (); Shapiro-Wilk test; Pearson's chi-squared test; one-way ANOVA test and multiple comparison method with Bonferroni correction for Student's t-test.Results. Correlation between the infiltrated pancreas and the frequency of complications - was 0.517.The frequency of anastomosis failure with the PD diameter 3 - was 0.167, with PG3mm - = 0.358.The infiltrated parenchyma of the pancreas and the PD diameter 3 mm affected the incidence of postoperative complications - = 0.387 (PG 3 mm, the incidence of postoperative complications - = 0.254).At the reconstructive stage, patients of group 1 were exposed to pouch-invagination pancreatic enteroanastomosis end-to-side, patients of group 2 were exposed to pancreatic enteroanastomosis using nodular sutures, patients of group 3 were exposed to pancreatic jejunoanastomosis using through U-shaped sutures, the modified Blumgart-style pancreaticojejunostomy. In patients from group 1 complications were observed in 58% of cases, in patients from group 2 complications were observed in 45.4% of cases, in patients from group 3 complications were observed in 20.5% of cases (p=0.010). Pancreatic enteroanastomosis failed in 29% of patients from group 1, and in 21.2% of patients from group 2; in patients from group 3 no pancreatic enteroanastamosis failure was observed (p = 0.003). There were 9.7% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 1, 9.1% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 2, 8.8% of gastrostasis cases in patients from group 3 (p = 0.1). Postoperative pancreatitis was observed in 12.9% of patients from group 1, in 9.1% of patients from group 2, in 5.9% of patients from group 3 (p=0.015). Twenty-nine percent of patients from group 1, 18.1% of patients from group 2, 2.9% of patients from group 3 required repeated surgical interventions.Conclusions. In case of through U-shaped sutures application, repeated surgical interventions for pancreatic jejunoanastomosis were performed in 2.9% of cases, the rate of postoperative complications was 20.5%, no anastomosis failure was observed.Pancreatic jejunoanastomosis using through U-shaped sutures has proven to be more effective compared to other pancreatic enteroanastomosis techniques applied in clinical practice. It can be used in educational and pedagogical and research activities in medical universities.

Consistency of Intra-Centennial Oscillations in Length of Day and Oceanic Characteristics

The paper presents analysis of intra-centennial (inter-decadal and multidecadal) variations of the length of day (LOD) and some oceanic parameters such as sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level (SL). Methods of multivariate regression analysis and correlation analysis are used. Results of the regression analysis show a spatially coherent response of SST to LOD variations on the multidecadal time scale. The earlier response is peculiar to the north and tropical Atlantic where the multidecadal SST variations are approximately opposite to the LOD variations. In the most remaining parts of the oceans, except especially in the Nino 3.4 region of the equatorial east Pacific, the multidecadal SST variations are generally lagged relative to the antiphase variations of the LOD. Smoothing of SST averaged over different areas and of the global mean SL shows that the intra-annual variations include inter-decadal, 20–30-year, multidecadal, 60–70-year, components that correspond to similar oscillation components in the LOD. The most striking correspondence of the two components is observed between the LOD and SST averaged over the Nino 3.4 region. Generally, there are significant correlations of the intra-centennial variations on the averaged and smoothed SST series and global mean SL with the LOD variations. We propose that angular momentum exchange processes involving oceanic circulation and interactions between the Earth’s core and the mantle play probably a part in the observed relationships of intra-centennial variations in oceanic parameters with variations in the LOD.

Associations among computed tomographic measures of bone and muscle quality and biomechanical measures of tibiotarsal bone quality in laying hens.

The objectives of the current study were to quantify laying hen sternal carina (keel) and tibiotarsal bone and muscle quality using clinical CT, tissue level, and biomechanical measures; test associations among muscle transverse sectional area, bone mineral density, and biomechanical measures of bone quality; and determine whether CT measures of bone and muscle quality would be predictive of biomechanical measures of tibiotarsal bone quality. 60 40-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were used. Associations among CT imaging, tissue level, and biomechanical measures of tibiotarsal and keel bone and muscle quality were tested using multivariate correlational analyses. Bivariate and generalized regressions were performed to determine whether CT measures were predictive of biomechanical measures of tibiotarsal bone quality. Low positive correlations were identified between tibiotarsal muscle transverse-sectional area (cross-sectional area [CSA]) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal location of the bone (r = -0.11 to 0.31). Tibiotarsal muscle CSA was also low to moderately correlated with biomechanical measures of bone quality (r = 0.20 to 0.41). Keel muscle CSA values were not correlated with keel BMD values, but they were correlated with biomechanical measures of tibiotarsal bone quality (r = 0.18 to 0.40). Keel CT measures of bone quality were not correlated with tibiotarsal CT measures of bone quality. At the proximal location, muscle CSA and tibiotarsal BMD were predictive of biomechanical failure load (F = 9.68, P = .0003muscle CSA; F = 9.13, P = .004tibiotarsal BMD). Findings supported using noninvasive CT measures of muscle and bone quality in longitudinal research studies evaluating the effects of interventions on laying hen welfare.

Multivariate Statistical and Correlation Analysis between Acoustic and Geotechnical Variables in Soil Compression Tests Monitored by the Acoustic Emission Technique

In this research, a series of compression tests were carried out, under oedometric conditions, on sand samples prepared with different moisture contents. In these tests, in addition to the usual measurements of the stress and deformation of the sample, a series of acoustic emission sensors were used to monitor the parameters of the acoustic signals coming from inside the sample. This is a rather novel technique with great potential, but sometimes difficult to approach due to the large amount of acoustic emission data generated. In this paper, a correlation and regression analysis has been performed to quantify the correlations between the geotechnical variables and the parameters characterizing the acoustic emissions. The results presented open an interesting horizon of possibilities since, as it has been shown, it is possible to determine the values of the geotechnical properties from the acoustic variables, by means of the regression functions obtained for each type of soil or for each practical case. At the very least, this is a complementary tool in the determination of the mechanical properties of soils subjected to compression, although it could also be useful in those situations in which the monitoring of geotechnical variables describing the tenso-deformational behavior of the soil may be difficult or impossible.