Multivariate Multiple Regression Analysis Research Articles

Environmental factors determining weed species distribution in organic manure and inorganic fertiliser smallholder maize (Zea mays L.) production

AbstractWeeds are a major concern in crop production, and their environmental plasticity hinders successful control. A phytosociological study assessed weed distribution patterns in smallholder maize (Zea mays L.) production under different climatic and soil factors in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cropping seasons. Thirty‐six maize fields from the Highveld (Mankayane) and the Middleveld (Luve) of Eswatini, were investigated with three fertiliser regimes applied (cattle manure only, cattle manure plus inorganic fertiliser and inorganic fertiliser only). Phytosociological attributes of weed species including density were collected using a 25 m transect placed horizontally at the centre of each field. Climatic factors and soil physiochemical properties considered included altitude, rainfall, temperature, soil texture, soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and manganese. Fifty‐six weed species belonging to 16 families were recorded. Distance‐based multivariate multiple regression (DistLM) analysis was used to determine the relationship between weed species composition as the dependent variable from the fertiliser regimes and the environmental factors as the independent variable. Eight environmental variables explained 25% variation in species distribution namely; altitude, temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, magnesium and percentage silt. At Luve, temperature, copper and magnesium significantly explained weed distribution in all three fertiliser regimes, while phosphorus influenced weed distribution in the manure only regime. At Mankayane, nitrogen affected weed distribution in the manure plus inorganic fertiliser and inorganic fertiliser regimes whereas altitude, phosphorus, potassium, and %silt influenced weed distribution in the manure only and manure plus inorganic fertiliser regimes. The observations suggest that some weed species coexist between fertiliser regimes and study areas while others occur in specific environments only.

Environmental factors determining weed species distribution in organic manure and inorganic fertiliser smallholder maize (Zea mays L.) production

AbstractWeeds are a major concern in crop production, and their environmental plasticity hinders successful control. A phytosociological study assessed weed distribution patterns in smallholder maize (Zea mays L.) production under different climatic and soil factors in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cropping seasons. Thirty‐six maize fields from the Highveld (Mankayane) and the Middleveld (Luve) of Eswatini, were investigated with three fertiliser regimes applied (cattle manure only, cattle manure plus inorganic fertiliser and inorganic fertiliser only). Phytosociological attributes of weed species including density were collected using a 25 m transect placed horizontally at the centre of each field. Climatic factors and soil physiochemical properties considered included altitude, rainfall, temperature, soil texture, soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and manganese. Fifty‐six weed species belonging to 16 families were recorded. Distance‐based multivariate multiple regression (DistLM) analysis was used to determine the relationship between weed species composition as the dependent variable from the fertiliser regimes and the environmental factors as the independent variable. Eight environmental variables explained 25% variation in species distribution namely; altitude, temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, magnesium and percentage silt. At Luve, temperature, copper and magnesium significantly explained weed distribution in all three fertiliser regimes, while phosphorus influenced weed distribution in the manure only regime. At Mankayane, nitrogen affected weed distribution in the manure plus inorganic fertiliser and inorganic fertiliser regimes whereas altitude, phosphorus, potassium, and %silt influenced weed distribution in the manure only and manure plus inorganic fertiliser regimes. The observations suggest that some weed species coexist between fertiliser regimes and study areas while others occur in specific environments only.

First-generation students’ educational outcomes: The role of parental educational, cultural, and economic capital – A 9-years panel study

We examined the role of parental educational, cultural, and economic capital in differences between first-generation students’ (FGS) and continuous-generation students’ (CGS) educational outcomes: enrollment in a selective university, university performance, the probability of dropout, and the probability of pursuing a master’s or PhD program. We analyzed data from nine waves of a cohort of 5000 Russian students surveyed yearly from 2012 to 2020. We applied structural equation modeling that allowed to conduct a multiple multivariate regression analysis and to correct for measurement error. We found that FGS are 10.8 percentage points less likely to choose a selective university and are 10.7 percentage points less likely to choose to follow a graduate program. But they do not differ from CGS in university performance and the likelihood of dropout. FGS are clearly positively selected on capitals and performance, but they still have on average less parental capital and worse school performance than CGS. Parental educational and cultural capitals partly explain the differences in educational outcomes between FGS and CGS, because they improve school and university performance. Cultural capital is an especially important mediator for choosing a selective university, while educational capital is important for the other three educational outcomes. Parental economic capital plays no role in explaining educational differences between FGS and CGS. Generally, FGS and CGS benefit equally from parental capital, except FGS profiting less from parental educational capital when entering a graduate program.

Prospective study of hepatitis B and D epidemiology and risk factors in Romania: A 10-year update.

The global burden of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection represents a major medical challenge and a public health crisis worldwide. However, there is a lack of accurate data on the epidemiology and risk factors for HDV. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV coinfection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related events compared with HBV monoinfection, including the need for liver transplantation and death. To investigate the epidemiology, natural history, risk factors and clinical management of HBV and HDV coinfection in Romanian patients. This prospective study was conducted between January and July 2022 in six tertiary gastroenterology and hepatology referral centres in Romania. All consecutive adults admitted for any gastroenterology diagnosis who were HBV-positive were enrolled. Patients with acute hepatitis or incomplete data were excluded. Of the 25390 individuals who presented with any type of gastroenterology diagnosis during the study period, 963 met the inclusion criteria. Testing for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA was performed for all participants. Demographic and risk factor data were collected by investigators using medical charts and patient questionnaires. All data were stored in an anonymized online database during the study. The prevalence of HBV was 3.8%; among these patients, the prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was 33.1%. The median age of the study population was 54.0 years, and it consisted of 55.1% men. A higher prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was observed in patients 50-69 years old. Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection were significantly older than those with HBV monoinfection (P = 0.03). Multivariate multiple regression analysis identified female gender (P = 0.0006), imprisonment (P < 0.0001), older age at diagnosis (P = 0.01) and sexual contact with persons with known viral hepatitis (P = 0.0003) as significant risk factors for HDV. This study shows that HDV infection among those with HBV remains endemic in Romania and updates our understanding of HDV epidemiology and associated risk factors. It emphasizes the need for systematic screening for HDV infection and collaborative initiatives for controlling and preventing HBV and HDV infection.

Trait dimensions of anticipatory and consummatory reward relate differently to self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in a community adult sample

BackgroundSelf-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) are a major problem worldwide and continue to be a serious public health concern. Research investigating risk factors for suicide has shown that reward processes, such as the inability to feel pleasure, may confer risk for SITBs. However, less work has examined how different dimensions of trait reward relate to SITBs. Accordingly, the present study investigated the unique and interactive effects of trait anticipatory and consummatory reward for explaining SITBs. Methods260 community adults ages 18–55 (M/SD = 32.79/10.54, females = 49.6 %, males = 50.4 %) completed an interview, neuropsychological tests, and questionnaires. We used hierarchical multivariate multiple regression analysis to assess cross-sectional associations between trait anticipatory and consummatory reward and different types of SITBs [self-injurious thoughts, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicide attempts] from the Risky, Impulsive, and Self-destructive Behavior Questionnaire. ResultsThe unique variance associated with anticipatory and consummatory reward were differentially related to self-injurious thoughts but unrelated to self-injurious behaviors (NSSI/suicide attempts). The interaction of anticipatory and consummatory reward was associated with self-injurious behavior, such that the inability to experience both anticipatory and consummatory reward was associated with higher frequency of NSSI. LimitationsLimitations of the study include its cross-sectional nature and reliance on self-reported measures. ConclusionsLow anticipatory reward and high consummatory reward may confer risk for self-injurious thoughts. Low levels of both trait anticipatory and consummatory reward may confer risk for NSSI. Findings suggest reward sensitivity may be an understudied risk factor for a range of SITBs.

Scheduling and Vendor Consistency Improves Turnover Time Efficiency in Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundMaximizing operative room (OR) efficiency is important for hospital efficiency, patient care, and positive surgeon and staff morale. Reducing turnover time (TOT) has become a popular focus to improve OR efficiency. The present study evaluated if TOT is influenced by changing case type, implant vendor, and/or laterality. MethodsIn total, 444 turnovers from January to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All turnovers were same-surgeon turnovers between primary arthroplasty cases in dedicated, overlapping rooms. Single linear regression models tested the predictability of TOT based on case type, vendor, and laterality. A multivariate multiple regression and 1-way Analyses of Variance analyzed variables against each other. Independent sample t-tests evaluated TOTs when all variables were the same or different. ResultsChanging versus keeping the same case type increased TOT by 2.4 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7, 4.0; P = .004). Changing vendors increased TOT by 2.9 minutes (95% CI = 1.1, 4.7; P = .002). Laterality did not affect TOT, with a change of 0.9 minutes (95% CI = −0.6, 2.5; P = .229). Vendor (P = .030) independently predicted TOT when analyzed as a covariate with case type (P = .410). The TOT with same case type and vendor (mean 38.2 minutes; range, 22 to 62) was less than that of different case types and vendors (mean 41.4 minutes; range, 26 to 73) (P = .017). Mean TOT differed by 5.5 minutes when keeping all variables the same versus all different (P = .018). ConclusionsMaintaining a consistent case type, vendor, and laterality had a synergistic effect in reducing TOT in arthroplasty ORs with the same primary surgeon running 2 overlapping rooms. Changing vendor representatives was found to independently predict TOT increases, which is likely attributed to a disruption in workflow and collaboration of the multidisciplinary OR team. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Plankton assessment across the distribution of West African hake and tuna based on eDNA metabarcoding

The richness of plankton communities determines the fish productivity in the ocean, including important resources that rely on extractive fisheries, such as hakes (genus Merluccius) and tunas (genus Thunnus). Their preys forage on zooplankton, and the latter feed on phytoplankton. Inventories of plankton communities for scientific advice to sustainable fishing are essential in this moment of climate change. Plankton is generally inventoried using conventional methodologies based on large water volumes and visual morphological analyses of samples. In this study, we have employed metabarcoding on environmental DNA (eDNA) samples extracted from small water volumes for plankton inventory from twelve distant sampling stations in the East Atlantic Ocean. Zones rich in hake and tuna prey were detected from eDNA, and multivariate multiple regression analysis was able to predict those zones from diatom-based indices and planktonic diversity based on functional groups. Salinity was negatively correlated with the proportion of diatoms in phytoplankton, highlighting expected impacts of current global change on marine plankton communities. The results emphasise the importance of the plankton richness for fish productivity and support the utility of environmental DNA as a tool to monitor plankton composition changes.

A Study of Emotion Regulation Difficulties, Repetitive Negative Thinking, and Experiential Avoidance in Adults with Stuttering: A Comparative Study.

Objective: Stuttering is a type of communication and fluency disorder that hurts mental and emotional health. It is also associated with a significant increase in both trait and social anxiety. Studies on stuttering in adults have indicated the nature and impact of this phenomenon. In addition, some psychological aspects of this phenomenon remain vague and need further investigation. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare emotion regulation difficulties, repetitive negative thinking, and experiential avoidance between people who stutter and healthy individuals. Method : In this study, 101 people who stutter (43 females and 58 males, with a mean age of 29.55 ± 187 years), as well as 110 healthy individuals (74 females and 36 males, with a mean age of 25.57 ± 489 years) as participants were chosen using the convenience sampling method among those who referred to the speech therapy clinics of Tehran, Iran. Research instruments including the repetitive negative thinking inventory, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-I) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using multivariate ANOVA test and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.55 years in the people who stutter and 25.57 years in the healthy individuals (P < 0.01). The present results indicated that the mean score of experiential avoidance was higher in the people who stutter (M ± SD: 35.74 ± 9.24) compared to the healthy individuals (M ± SD: 8.89 ± 31.11). Additionally, the mean score of emotion regulation difficulties was higher in the people who stutter (M ± SD: 88.75 ± 20.59) compared to the healthy individuals (M ± SD: 64.14 ± 94.94) (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean score of repetitive negative thinking between the people who stutter (M ± SD: 98.45 ± 25.85) and healthy individuals (M ± SD: 93.71 ± 25.24) groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between experiential avoidance and emotion regulation difficulties in people who stutter (P < 0.01). Experiential avoidance and repetitive negative thinking can significantly predict emotion regulation difficulties in people who stutter (R = 0.65, P < 0.01). Conclusion: People who stutter obtained higher emotion regulation difficulties and experiential avoidance scores than those without stuttering and A significant correlation between experiential avoidance and emotion regulation difficulties was found. Future studies should consider the role of emotion regulation difficulties and experiential avoidance in people who stutter.

Impact of rehabilitation dose on body mass index change in older acute patients with stroke: a retrospective observational study.

It is established that a low body mass index (BMI) correlates with a diminished home discharge rate and a decline in activities of daily living (ADL) capacity among elderly stroke patients. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of knowledge regarding strategies to mitigate BMI reduction during the acute phase. This investigation seeks to elucidate the impact of rehabilitation dose, as determined by both physical and occupational therapy, on BMI alterations, positing that a heightened rehabilitation dose could thwart BMI decline. This retrospective, observational study was conducted in the stroke unit of a university hospital. Enrollees comprised individuals aged ≥65 years, hospitalized for stroke, and subsequently relocated to rehabilitation facilities between January 2019 and November 2020. The percentage change in BMI (%ΔBMI) was calculated based on BMI values at admission and discharge. Multivariate multiple regression analysis was employed to ascertain the influence of rehabilitation dose on %ΔBMI. A total of 187 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 94% experienced a reduction in BMI during acute hospitalization. Following adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors, multivariable analyzes revealed a positive association between rehabilitation dose and %ΔBMI (β = 0.338, p < 0.001). The findings of this study suggest that, in the context of acute stroke treatment, an augmented rehabilitation dose is associated with a diminished decrease in BMI.

A long-term follow-up study of adults with Chiari malformation type I combined with syringomyelia.

There is a considerable amount of controversy regarding the treatment and prognosis of adult patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) at home and abroad; furthermore, no large-sample, long-term, follow-up studies have examined CM-I patients with syringomyelia (SM) comparing posterior fossa decompression with resection of tonsils (PFDRT) vs. posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD). This study retrospectively analyzed the factors affecting the treatment and long-term prognosis of adults with CM-I combined with SM. We retrospectively analyzed data from 158 adult CM-I patients combined with SM who underwent PFDRT or PFDD, including 68 patients in group PFDRT and 90 patients in group PFDD. We examined the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and follow-up data of patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Chicago Chiari Outcomes Scale (CCOS), and radiographic outcomes were indicated by the syrinx remission rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the relevant factors affecting the long-term prognosis of patients. This study showed that compared with preoperative patients in the PFDRT group and PFDD group, the sensory impairment, cough-related headache, and movement disorder were significantly improved (p < 0.01); meanwhile, the diameter of the syrinx and the volume of the syrinx decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Additionally, the study found that there were significant differences in the syrinx remission rate (p = 0.032) and the clinical cure rates (p = 0.003) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.021), cerebellar-related symptoms (p = 0.044), preoperative cisterna magna volume (p = 0.043), and peak systolic velocity (p = 0.036) were independent factors for clinical outcomes. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that different surgical procedures were positively correlated with the syrinx remission rate (p = 0.014), while preoperative syrinx diameter (p = 0.018) and age (p = 0.002) were negatively correlated with the syrinx remission rate. In conclusion, this study suggested that, in a long-term follow-up, although both surgical procedures are effective in treating patients with CM-I and SM, PFDRT is better than PFDD; age and cerebellar-related signs independently affect the patient's prognosis. Additionally, an effective prognosis evaluation index can be developed for patients, which is based on imaging characteristics, such as preoperative cisterna magna volume, preoperative syrinx diameter, and preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamic parameters to guide clinical work.

Alcohol Use as a Predictor of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Young Adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour (RSB). This study further aimed to examine whether alcohol use, gender, and employment status predicted RSB among young adults in the Cape Flats. A better understanding of these predictors could potentially lead to a more thorough comprehension of the relation between alcohol consumption and RSB among young adults within the South African context. The study employed a cross-sectional correlational survey design, with a sample of 1001 participants aged 18 to 25 (51% women), using the street-intercept method. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, with age and geographical location employed as inclusion criteria. We used the Self-Report Risky Sexual Behaviours Scale (SRSBS) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), which were cognitively tested and modified, in English and Afrikaans. The data were analysed via multivariate multiple regression analysis in Stata. The key findings indicate that alcohol consumption is an important predictor of RSB. Alcohol consumption accounted for 23.22% of the variation in RSB. We also found that alcohol consumption and gender were significant (p < 0.1) predictors of RSB, but not employment status (p > 0.01). Being a woman decreased RSB. The model indicates that alcohol use and gender explain 18.41% of the variance in RSB. This study provides support for the growing body of research evidence that has established a significant link between alcohol consumption and RSB, highlighting the need for longitudinal research to determine patterns of risky drinking in the general population.

Effects of different obesity evaluation indexes on long-term blood pressure variability in adults

Abstract Background In recent years, people have a new understanding of the treatment of hypertension. Even at the optimal blood pressure levels recommended by the guidelines, further attention to blood pressure variability is warranted. Obesity and overweight are associated with blood pressure variability, but existing studies mainly focus on the effect of traditional obesity indicators on blood pressure variability (BPV). Objectives To explore the correlation between the new obesity assessment indicators LAP, BRI, CVAI and blood pressure variability. Methods A total of 7092 subjects who had regular physical examination in a community health center, were included for analysis. We used new measures to assess obesity, including LAP, BRI, CVAI. Subjects were grouped according to the baseline CVAI quartile. We used variation independent of mean(VIM) to assess long-term variations in blood pressure. Variance analysis was used to analyze the differences among different blood pressure variables and their baseline characteristics. Stepwise multivariate linear regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of CVAI/LAP/BRI on VIM. Results The average age of the subjects was 60.7±6.8 years old. With the increase of CVAI and BRI, the mean blood pressure variability increased gradually. In contrast, the mean blood pressure variability decreases with increasing LAP. After adjusting for other confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that VIMSBP increased by 0.007 and 0.216 for each unit increase in CVAI and BRI, respectively. LAP found no correlation. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased CVAI and BRI were risk factors for increased VIMSBP, and increased LAP was protective factor for increased VIMSBP. Conclusion Compared with traditional indicators, the novel obesity indicators were also associated with blood pressure variability. And it has a stronger correlation than traditional indicators.

DETERMINANTS OF GDP PER CAPITA IN BANGLADESH: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

When making cross-country comparisons regarding the well-being and economic conditions of a population, GDP per capita is the most commonly used indicator. Hence, various economic indicators can affect GDP per capita. This study investigates the impact of inflation, exchange rate, and total reserves (including gold and USD) on GDP per capita in Bangladesh. The study employs a quantitative approach and follows a longitudinal research design. Time series data from 2012 to 2021 is collected using a stratified random sampling technique from the World Development Indicators provided by the World Bank. A range of statistical tests, such as Normality Test, Multivariate Outlier Analysis (Mahalanobis Distance), Multicollinearity Assessment (Tolerance and VIF), Goodness-of-Fit (GoF) Test, ANOVA Test, and Multiple Regression Analysis, were performed using SPSS v.22. The results reveal that exchange rate has a significant influence on GDP per capita, making it crucial factor for economic development, resilience, and export competitiveness. Total reserves were found to have minimal relation with GDP per capita. In contrast, inflation rate, although adversely impacting GDP per capita, remains important for maintaining overall economic stability. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that effective currency management is paramount for economic development.

Transparency and information asymmetry in the financial market: Strategic dependencies between sustainability disclosure, SDG achievement and financial and information efficiency

In today’s financial world, the pursuit of sustainable development has evolved from an ethical imperative to a strategic necessity. It has spurred corporations to enhance transparency regarding their non-financial and responsible or ESG practices. This paper aims to formalize the strategic dependencies between sustainability disclosure, SDG achievement, and the financial and information efficiency of the financial market. The research methods are normality tests, canonical correlation analysis, and multivariate multiple and univariate regression analysis. The object of the study is 137 countries. The time period is 2022. The results confirmed that a positive strong correlation was found between sustainability disclosure and the achievement of the SDGs on the one hand and financial and information efficiency of the financial market on the other. Identifying the direction of the relationship also confirmed two-way positive dependencies between the indicators, in particular, the SDG Index will have the most significant impact on the growth of GDP per capita, the change in the Economic Sustainability Competitiveness Index on the growth of the United Nations Global Compact participants. The specified connection can be used as the basis for the formation of the concept of ensuring transparency and leveling information asymmetry in the activities of enterprises.

Moderation modelling of COVID-19 digital health literacy and sense of coherence across subjective social class and age among university students in Ghana

BackgroundThe study assessed the moderation modelling of digital health literacy and sense of coherence across subjective social class and age among university students in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA total of 1160 students were conveniently sampled from two universities namely, the University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast, using the descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Preliminary analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, whilst multivariate multiple regression and moderation analyses (Haye’s Model) were employed to analyze the main data.ResultsThe study revealed that COVID-19 digital health literacy is directly and positively associated with sense of coherence among university students. Further, higher subjective social class positively and strongly moderated the relationship between COVID-19 digital health literacy and sense of coherence among university students. Additionally, the relationship between COVID-19 digital health literacy and sense of coherence was indirectly prominent among relatively older university students than younger ones.ConclusionsThe findings have implications for university management/authorities and public health agencies to organize effective orientation and self-management training programmes for university students.

Psychological status affects postoperative quality of life, function, and pain after periacetabular osteotomy.

Psychological status may be an important predictor of outcome after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychological distress on postoperative health-related quality of life, joint function, self-assessed pain, and sports ability in patients undergoing PAO. In all, 202 consecutive patients who underwent PAO for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at our institution from 2015 to 2017 were included and followed up at 63 months (SD 10) postoperatively. Of these, 101 with complete data sets entered final analysis. Patients were assessed by questionnaire. Psychological status was measured by Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), health-related quality of life was raised with 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), hip functionality was measured by the short version 0f the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Subjective Hip Value (SHV), and Hip Disability and Outcome Score (HOS). Surgery satisfaction and pain were assessed. Dependent variables (endpoints) were postoperative quality of life (SF-36, HOS quality of life (QoL)), joint function (iHOT-12, SHV, HOS), patient satisfaction, and pain. Psychological distress was assessed by the Global Severity Index (GSI), somatization (BSI Soma), depression (BSI Depr), and anxiety (BSI Anx). Influence of psychological status was assessed by means of univariate and multiple multivariate regression analysis. In multiple multivariate regression, postoperative GSI, BSI Soma, and BSI Depr had a negative effect on postoperative SF-36 (e -2.07, -3.05, and -2.67, respectively; p < 0.001), iHOT-12 (e -1.35 and -4.65, respectively; p < 0.001), SHV (e -1.20 and -2.71, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS QoL (e -2.09 and -4.79, respectively; p < 0.001), HOS Function (e -1.00 and -3.94, respectively; p < 0.001), and HOS Sport (e -1.44 and -5.29, respectively; p < 0.001), and had an effect on postoperative pain (e 0.13 and 0.37, respectively; p < 0.001). Psychological distress, depression, and somatization disorders affect health-related quality of life, perceived joint function, and sports ability. Pain perception is significantly increased by somatization. However, patient satisfaction with surgery is not affected.

Association between systemic immune-inflammation index and serum uric acid in U.S. adolescents: A population-based study

Background and aimsSerum uric acid (SUA) has been reported to be associated with inflammation, and elevated SUA is increasingly prevalent in adolescents. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is an innovative and integrated inflammatory indicator that has not yet been studied with SUA in adolescents. We therefore aimed to investigate the potential relationship between SII and SUA in U.S. adolescents. Methods and resultsA total of 5,568 adolescents aged 12–19 years from NHANES 2009–2018 were analyzed. SII was calculated as platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count. Elevated SUA was defined as ≥ 5.5 mg/dL. SII was Ln-transformed for analysis for the skewed distribution. Multivariate linear and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of SII with SUA and elevated SUA. A generalized additive model and a fitted smoothing curve were also performed. The prevalence of elevated SUA was 35.4 %. Multivariate linear regression analyses indicated that LnSII was positively associated with SUA level (β = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.20). Multiple logistic analyses indicated that LnSII was associated with a 38 % increased risk of elevated SUA (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.70). The smooth curve fitting showed that the associations of LnSII with SUA and elevated SUA were linear. Besides, subgroup analyses showed a stronger association between LnSII and SUA in adolescents aged ≥17 years (P for interaction <0.05). ConclusionsSII was positively associated with SUA level and elevated SUA in U.S. adolescents, particularly in populations aged ≥17 years.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Loss of Lordosis, Cervical Kyphosis, and Sagittal Imbalance After Cervical Laminoplasty

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to elucidate the risk factors of loss of cervical lordosis (LCL), kyphotic deformity, and sagittal imbalance after cervical laminoplasty. A total of 108 patients who underwent laminoplasty to treat cervical myelopathy and were followed for ≥2 years were included. Logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify preoperative risk factors of LCL, kyphotic deformity (cervical lordosis <0°), and sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis >40 mm) at postoperative 2 years. Within multivariate multiple regression analysis, C2-C7 lordosis (P= 0.002), and C2-C7 extension capacity (P<0.001) showed significant association with LCL. Furthermore, age (P= 0.043) and C2-C7 lordosis (P= 0.038) were significantly associated with postoperative kyphosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for postoperative kyphosis showed that preoperative C2-C7 lordosis of 10.5° had a sensitivity and specificity of 81.3% and 82.4%, respectively. Preoperative K-line tilt (P= 0.034) showed a significant association with postoperative cervical sagittal imbalance at postoperative 2 years. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a K-line tilt cutoff value of 12.5° had a sensitivity and specificity of 78.6% and 77.7%, respectively, for predicting postoperative sagittal imbalance. Higher preoperative C2-C7 lordosis and less preoperative cervical extension capacity were risk factors of LCL. Small preoperative C2-C7 lordosis <10.5° and younger age were risk factors of postoperative kyphosis. Furthermore, a greater K-line tilt would increase the risk of postoperative sagittal imbalance, with a cutoff value of 12.5°.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and hypertension among adults in North Sudan: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundGlobally, hypertension represents a major public health problem. The association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and hypertension remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and hypertension among adults in Sudan.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in North Sudan. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.ResultsOf the total of 391 participants, 202 (51.7%) were females. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of participants’ ages was 45(32–55) years. Of the total, 219(56.0%) had hypertension. The median (IQR) of serum25(OH)D was 13.3(9.9–19.7) ng/mL, and 295 (75.4%) participants had vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL). In multivariable logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for age = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI)1.03‒1.061, the AOR for being female = 2.02, 95% CI, 1.12‒3.66, and body mass index was AOR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.05‒1.14, all of which were significantly associated with hypertension. However, serum 25(OH)D levels were not associated with hypertension (AOR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.99‒1.05, P = 0.317). In multiple linear regression, while systolic blood pressure was negatively associated with 25(OH)D (coefficient = − 0.28, P = 0.017), there was no significant association between serum 25(OH)D level and diastolic blood pressure (coefficient = − 0.10, P = 0.272) or mean blood pressure (coefficient =–0.03, P = 0.686).ConclusionThe current study revealed a negative association between vitamin D and systolic blood pressure. The mechanism of such an association needs further study.

Predicting systemic lupus erithematosus disease activity index 2000 (Sledai 2k) score after pulse dose metyl prednisolone in severe systemic lupus erithematosus

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by developing autoantibodies against nucleus antigen. It has a broad range of clinical symptoms and the potential to affect nearly all organs and tissues. Pulse dosage methylprednisolone (MEP) is the immunosuppression modality for life-threatening or organ-threatening SLE. However, it is challenging to estimate the MEP response rate. We combine clinical symptoms, routine laboratory examinations, and more specific protein examinations such as soluble B-cell activating factor (sBAFF), B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), and Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) to develop a formula that can predict the SLE Disease Activity Index 2K (SLEDAI 2K) score following a pulse dosage of methylprednisolone. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, patients with severe SLE with a SLEDAI 2K score of 12 or Lupus nephritis class III or IV according to WHO criteria were given methylprednisolone 500 mg/day for three consecutive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tested blood samples for soluble (s) BAFF, IP 10, and flow cytometry for BAFF-R, CD-19. The SLEDAI 2K score was reevaluated after a pulse dose of methylprednisolone was administered. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Rstudio program. Results: Overall, 80 patients were included. Multivariate multiple regression analysis revealed that urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) (x1), CD19 percentage (x2), serum BAFF (x3), vasculitis (x4), and rash (x5) taken before MEP pulse were predictors for SLEDAI 2k score after pulse dose methylprednisolone in severe SLE with the formula 13.41+ (0.0008542 * x1) + -0.1829338 * x2) + (0.0008776 * x3) + (7.1801728 * x4) + (7.5429676 * x6). Conclusions: Formula to predict SLEDAI 2k score after MEP pulse was 13.41+ (0.0008542 * x1) + -0.1829338 * x2) + (0.0008776 * x3) + (7.1801728 * x4) + (7.5429676 * x6). Further validation is needed to be used in clinical practice.