Association Between Vocal Symptoms, Communication, Work Environment, and Sense of Coherence in Hospital Health Professionals

The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) is a method that measures the density of blood vessels in the choroidal layer and can be used to evaluate the effects of hypertension. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and CVI in patients with hypertension. This prospective study included 112 patients diagnosed with hypertension and 120 healthy individuals. Patients' demographic data such as age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and presence of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were recorded. BMI was calculated by dividing a patient's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. EFT was measured by echocardiography and CVI was calculated using the optical coherence tomography method. The mean CVI was found to be 66.57 ± 2.21 in the patient group and 69.22 ± 2.39 in the control group and the difference was significant (p < 0.001). The mean EFT was found to be 5.23 ± 3.25 mm in the patients and 2.57 ± 1.97 mm in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). According to Spearman's correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between BMI and EFT (r = 0.379, p < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between CVI and EFT (r = -0.412, p < 0.001). The CVI value was significantly lower and the EFT value was significantly higher in patients with hypertension compared to non-hypertensive patients. There was a significant positive correlation between EFT and BMI and a significant negative correlation between EFT and CVI.

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Klotho, an anti-aging gene, has cardiovascular protective effects. At present, the association between klotho and AAC in the general population is uncertain. We investigated the relationship between serum soluble α-klotho (SSKL) and AAC in 2 327 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To estimate the association between log-transformed SSKL (lnSSKL) and AAC, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Stratified analyses were performed to evaluated the potential modifiers. Smoothed curve fitting and generalised additive models were also performed. We found lnSSKL correlated negatively with AAC after adjusting for other confounders. The relationship of lnSSKL with AAC was a U-shaped curve (inflection point: 7.01 pg/ml). On subgroup analyses, stratified by age and smoking habit, the negative correlation of lnSSKL with AAC remained in men and in the population who smoked. Our study revealed a negative relationship between lnSSKL and AAC in the general population. This relationship showed a U-shaped curve and was influenced by age and smoking habit.

Background: The Outpatient Physical Therapy Improve-ment in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL) is a self-re-ported instrument designed to assess difficulty and confidence in performing functional movements among physical therapy outpatients. While the OPTIMAL has been translated into sev-eral languages, no validated Arabic version exists. Aim of Study: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the OPTIMAL (OPTIMAL-AR) for use among Ar-abic-speaking physical therapy outpatients. Material and Methods: The study involved three expert panels (10 experts each) and 880 adult outpatients (mean age: 35.21±9.00 years) from various physiotherapy clinics. The OPTIMAL-Ar underwent translation, cultural adaptation, and rigorous psychometric testing, including face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while test-retest reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct va-lidity was examined through factor analysis and correlations with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Results: The OPTIMAL-Ar demonstrated excellent in-ternal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.950 for the total score, 0.908 for the difficulty domain, and 0.909 for the confidence domain. Test-retest reliability was high, with ICC values of 0.999 for the total score and individual domains (p<0.001). Factor analysis revealed an eight-factor structure, explaining 80.81% of the total variance. Strong negative cor-relations were observed between the OPTIMAL-Ar and the ABC Scale at baseline (r=–0.915, p=0.001) and one week later (r=–0.914, p=0.001), confirming construct validity. The OPTIMAL-Ar was feasible, with an average completion time of 17.41±3.69 minutes and minimal missing data (0.04±0.20 items). Conclusion: The Arabic version of the OPTIMAL is a re-liable, valid, and feasible instrument for assessing functional movement difficulty and confidence among Arabic-speaking physical therapy outpatients. Its strong psychometric proper-ties make it a valuable tool for clinical and research settings

Employee engagement is a crucial factor in organizational success, as it significantly impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and overall ‎performance. This bibliometric study examines the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and employee engagement within the ‎Gulf countries from 2015 to 2025. Using data extracted from the Scopus database, which consists of 530 documents. The study maps re‎search trends, identifies influential authors and journals, and highlights key thematic clusters. Findings indicate a growing scholarly interest ‎in the impact of trait EI on workplace performance, with significant contributions from leadership and psychological empowerment research. ‎The analysis reveals that facets of trait EI, such as happiness, self-motivation, and emotion regulation, are strong predictors of employee ‎engagement. Moreover, well-being exhibits a positive relationship with engagement, whereas emotionality demonstrates a negative correla‎tion. Leadership emerges as a critical factor, as emotionally intelligent leaders enhance engagement through improved motivation and com‎munication. This study provides valuable insights for organizations in the Gulf countries to develop EI-based interventions for workforce ‎optimization. Future research should investigate sector-specific applications and the impact of digital transformation on trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) and employee engagement. While Scopus offers broad coverage, the reliance on a single database may omit relevant regional ‎insights. Future studies are encouraged to use additional databases such as Web of Science or Google Scholar for triangulation‎.

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., a vital native forage grass in northern China for ecological restoration and livestock production, faces severe yield losses and grassland degradation due to rust (Puccinia spp.) infection. Current control strategies, reliant on chemical interventions, are limited by evolving resistance risks and environmental concerns, while rust-resistant breeding remains hindered by insufficient molecular insights. To address this, we systematically evaluated rust resistance in 24 L. chinensis germplasms from diverse geographic origins, identifying six highly resistant (HR) and five extremely susceptible (ES) genotypes. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, we dissected molecular responses to Puccinia infection, focusing on contrasting HR (Lc71) and ES (Lc5) germplasms at 48 h post-inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1012 differentially expressed genes (DEGs: 247 upregulated, 765 downregulated), with enrichment in cell wall biosynthesis and photosynthesis pathways but suppression of flavonoid synthesis. Metabolomic profiling identified 287 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs: 133 upregulated, 188 downregulated), showing significant downregulation of pterocarpans and flavonoids in HR germplasms, alongside upregulated cutin synthesis-related metabolites. Multi-omics integration uncovered 79 co-enriched pathways, pinpointing critical regulatory networks: (1) In the nucleotide metabolism pathway, genes Lc5Ns011910, Lc1Xm057211, and Lc4Xm043884 exhibited negative cor-relations with metabolites Deoxycytidine and Cytosine. (2) In flavonoid biosynthesis, Lc2Xm054924, Lc4Xm044161, novel.8850, Lc2Ns006303, and Lc7Ns021884 were linked to naringenin and naringenin-7-O-glucoside accumulation. These candidate genes likely orchestrate rust resistance mechanisms in L. chinensis. Our findings advance the molecular understanding of rust resistance and provide actionable targets for breeding resilient germplasms.

Estudio comparativo de la dosis de radiación de la mamografía espectral con contraste (CEM), mamografía digital y tomosíntesis mamaria

This study aimed to examine the role of ferroptosis on the pathogenesis and progression of COVID-19. A total of 127 patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were categorized into two groups according to the intensity of oxygen therapy (highflow or low-flow). Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, plasma markers, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) markers were measured at baseline and one or two weeks after treatment. Telephone follow-up was performed 3 months after discharge to assess long COVID. Patients receiving high-flow oxygen therapy had greater levels of neutrophils, D-dimer, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, plasma protein levels of tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-17, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and PBMC mRNA level of TNF-α but had lower levels of lymphocytes and plasma glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). There were negative correlations of plasma GPX4 and cystine/glutamate transporter-11 (SLC7A11) with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 and positive correlations of ACSL4 with inflammatory markers in plasma and PBMCs. The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and ACSL4 were significantly lower after treatment than at baseline, but there were higher post-treatment levels of lymphocytes, GPX4, and SLC7A11. Patients with long COVID had a lower baseline level of plasma SLC7A11. Ferroptosis is activated during the progression of COVID-19, and a low baseline level of a ferroptosis marker (SLC7A11) may indicate an increased risk for long COVID-19. Ferroptosis has potential as a clinical indicator of long COVID and as a therapeutic target.

Background: Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a middle molecular weight uremic toxin that accumulates in blood in individu als with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between serum B2M levels and some selected metabolic factors in CKD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 165 patients with CKD across stages G1-G5. Blood samples were collected to assess serum levels of B2M and other metabolic factors, including serum creatinine, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum uric acid, serum albumin, serum calcium, serum phosphate, lipid levels, serum intact parathyroid hor mone (iPTH), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Results: There were di"erences in serum B2M levels across CKD stages but the di"erences weren’t linear. Metabolic factors such as serum creatinine, ACR, CRP, serum calcium, serum phosphate, serum uric acid, serum albumin, triglycerides, and iPTH demonstrated significant di"erences across CKD stages. Serum albumin and serum cholesterol showed negative cor relation in stages G4 and G5 with B2M, while iPTH levels showed positive correlations from G2 to G5. Conclusion: Beta-2-microglobulin levels showed varying degrees of correlation with some metabolic factors, but there was no consistent, stage-by-stage progression or regression pattern with the majority of them. Cite this article as: Siddiqui NA, Hossain S, Alam A, et!al. Evaluation of serum beta-2-microglobulin levels in relation to metabolic parameters in CKD patients. Turk J Nephrol. 2025;34(2):92-96.

Lidars and cameras are critical sensors for 3D object detection in autonomous driving. Despite the increasing popularity of sensor fusion in this field, accurate and robust fusion methods are still under exploration due to non-homogenous representations. In this paper, we find that the complementary roles of point clouds and images vary with depth. An important reason is that the point cloud appearance changes significantly with increasing distance from the Lidar, while the image's edge, color, and texture information are not sensitive to depth. To address this, we propose a fusion module based on the Depth Attention Mechanism (DAM), which mainly consists of two operations: gated feature generation and point cloud division. The former adaptively learns the importance of bimodal features without additional annotations, while the latter divides point clouds to achieve differential fusion of multi-modal features at different depths. This fusion module can enhance the representation ability of original features for different point sets and provide more comprehensive features by using the dual splicing strategy of concatenation and index connection. Additionally, considering point density as a feature and its negative correlation with depth, we build an Adaptive Threshold Generation Network (ATGN) to generate the depth threshold by extracting density information, which can divide point clouds more reasonably. Experiments on the KITTI dataset demonstrate the effectiveness and competitiveness of our proposed models.

This study addresses a paradox in word order typology. On the one hand, the SOV order has longer dependency distances and therefore higher processing costs compared to verb-medial order. On the other hand, it is the most frequent word order in languages of the world. How come? A study of corpus data annotated with Universal Dependencies provides a simple an-swer: the costly long distances occur more rarely than one would assume because SOV clauses are infrequent in language use. A quanitative analysis of 150 Universal Dependencies corpora shows that the proportions of verb-final clauses with two overt core arguments are low across languages, including predominantly verb-final languages. Moreover, a series of Bayesian phy-logenetic models based on comparable corpora in thirty-two languages show a negative corre-lation between the proportion of verb-final clauses in a language and the average number of arguments in a clause, while controlling for argument indexing and high- and low-context cul-ture. A closer examination of argument configurations reveals a positive correlation between proportions of verb-final clauses and proportions of subjectless clauses; as for proportions of objectless clauses, the evidence is less clear. The study highlights the importance of the token-based, gradient approach to typology, which gives us insights into what kind of structures language users prefer, and what they avoid.

Interpretation of cognitive performance is a paramount pursuit in learning achievements. Cognitive abilities, encompassing attention, memory, decision-making, and language comprehension, are recognized on individual's capacity to navigate in diverse cognitive tasks. In the academic domain, optimal cognitive functioning is essential for effective learning, information retention, and problem-solving. Proficiency in cognitive skills is directly linked to academic success and intellectual development, providing the necessary cognitive tools for processing, and synthesizing complex information. Therefore, this study explores the correlation between event-related potential (ERP) sub-components (P300, N170, N400) to assess the intricacies of cognitive performance. A regularized approach utilizing Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient and Euclidean Distance is employed. Positive correlations reveal consistent relationships among P300, N170, and N400 ranks across EEG channels, indicating similar response patterns. Negative correla-tions denote inverse relationships. Moreover, the theoretical framework focuses on the digital filtering, ensemble averaging, and baseline correction from data con-trast discrimination tasks. Findings indicate positive correlations, suggesting higher ERP amplitudes correspond to superior cognitive performance. This tailored and integrated methodology, indicating the correlation between ERP sub-components, contributes to the broader field of neuroscience and informatics, potentially informing cognitive enhancement strategies in education and biomedical analysis.

Background: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of hematological malignan-cies. Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, has garnered attention in this context. There-fore, we investigated vitamin C levels in patients with hematological malignancies and evaluated the relationship between vitamin C levels and response to treatment. Materials and Methods: Our study examined 150 cases of hematological malignancies and 30 he-althy cases. The vitamin C levels of patients with hematological malignancies were compared with those of the healthy group. Results: Vitamin C levels in cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia (n=30) (p&amp;lt;0.001), acute lympho-blastic leukemia (n=30) (p&amp;lt;0.001), Hodgkin lymphoma (n=30) (p&amp;lt;0.001), diffuse large B-cell lympho-ma (n=30) (p&amp;lt;0.001), and multiple myeloma (n=30) (p&amp;lt;0.001) were significantly lower compared to healthy individuals. There was a significant relationship between vitamin C levels and the response to treatment in cases with acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma (p=0.020, p=0.020, p=0.040, p&amp;lt;0.001, p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively). In Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, a negative correla-tion was found between vitamin C levels and LDH and beta-2 microglobulin levels (p=0.001; p=0.008; p=0.017; p=0.019, respectively). Conclusions: Our study underscores the lower levels of vitamin C in patients with hematological malignancies compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the findings suggest that vitamin C levels could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the response to treatment in these cases.

Introduction : Burn patients as well as the critically ill experience strong oxidative stress, an intense inflammatory response, and a prolonged months-long hypermetabolic and catabolic response that affect nutritional requirements. This study aimed to investigate the nutrition intake in the acute phase from day 1 to day 7 and the correlation with length of stay (LOS) in burn patients in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.Method : This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2020 in the Burn Unit of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. Research subjects were burns patients who were willing to take part in this research and met the research criteria. The characteristics data included gender, age, burn area, cause of burns, body mass index, and intake analysis were obtained from medical records and were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation and linear regression.Result : A total of 68 subjects were included in this study. There was an increase in energy intake from day 1 to day 7 of 10.81 + 12.73 Kcal/kgBW. There was a significant negative weak correlation between energy changes from day-1 to day-7 and length of stay (r = -0.25, p = 0.03).Conclusion: The higher energy increases within 7 days of treatment, the shorter the LOS of burn patients. Further research is still needed to assess the components that influence nutrition intake and how they impact the clinical outcome of burn patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic idiopathic systemic autoimmune disorder with dysregulation of adaptive and innate immune systems. Interleukin (IL)-17 is the prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Therefore, it contributes to the pathogenesis of human SLE. The aim of the research paper was the evaluation of IL-17 level as a biomarker in the SLE cohort and its relation to disease activity and analysis of IL-17 concentration in patients with lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis. The research enrolled 45 SLE patients according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria (SLICC), and age and sex-matched. The patients underwent full history, clinical examination, laboratory investigation, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) calculation. The mean age ± SD of the participants equaled 32 ± 11 years, and serum IL-17 in SLE cases was statistically significantly high (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were reported between disease activity according to SLEDAI and IL-17. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and ESR, and a high statistically significant negative correlation was reported between IL-17 and C3 and C4 (P < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins with a Pvalue of 0.01. SLE cases demonstrated higher levels of serum IL-17, contributing to SLE pathogenesis. However, no statistically significant difference was reported between IL-17 and Lupus nephritis. IL-17 and SLE activity (SLEDAI) did not correlate. A statistically significant positive relation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins. Additionally, a high statistically significant negative correlation was reported between IL-17 and C3 and C4.

Systemic multi-organ dysfunction resulting from dysregulated immune responses in the host triggered by microbial infection or other factors is a major cause of death in sepsis, and secretory pathways play an important role in it. GSE57065, GSE65682, GSE145227, and GSE54514 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were derived for this study. Secretory pathways single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) scores in sepsis and normal samples were exposed. Gene modules associated with secretory pathways were selected by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) for Protein-Protein Interaction Networks (PPI) assessment, and crossover genes in both were evaluated by eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model in feature selection to identify hub genes in sepsis. In addition, we explored the immune cells and signaling pathways regulated by hub genes. Remarkable dysregulation of secretory pathways was demonstrated in sepsis. The secretory pathways-associated gene modules were intimately involved in cytokine and immune responses in infection. Four crossover genes (CD163, FCER1G, C3AR1, ARG1) were present in WGCNA and PPI, and training in the XGBoost model revealed the best diagnostic performance of these 4 genes, meaning that these genes were the hub genes for sepsis. The 4-hub genes showed a significant negative correlation with T cell activity and a significant positive correlation with inflammatory immune cells. In addition, we found that the 4-hub genes markedly positively regulated INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE, IL6 JAK STAT3 SIGNALING. Based on WGCNA, PPI, and XGBoost models, we identified hub genes that play an important regulatory role in sepsis. We also developed novel molecular models for the diagnosis of sepsis.

Background: Vaginal examination is widely recognized as the most common method for monitoring labor progress. However, researchers are currently exploring alternative methods, which are potentially less invasive or aggressive, to assess labor progress. Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation in the active phase of labor. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 pregnant women in Varamin, Iran. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher- made questionnaire that included specific items regarding demographic characteristics, health status, and a checklist to record the results of examinations and labor progress. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple linear regression with SPSS 22 software. The significance level was considered to be p &lt;0.05. Results: A total of 174 eligible women participated in the study, with a mean age of 25.90 ± 4.56 years (mean±SD) and a mean gestational age of 39.71 ± 1.03 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and cervical dilatation (p = 0.0001, r = -0.568). Conclusions: The study revealed a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation. Therefore, the xiphoid to fundus measurement can serve as an alternative and complementary examination in cases that need frequent vaginal examinations.

Objectives This study aimed to develop and validate a scale for intervening in academic procrastination. First, to easily capture improvement pre- and post-intervention, the scale was developed at the state level rather than the chronic level. Second, focusing on the specific phenomenon of academic procrastination as “delaying the initiation of studying” - a core characteristic in the definition of academic procrastination- an operational definition was es-tablished in developing this scale. Methods To this end, we developed a SAIPS and conducted reliability analysis and EFA with 417 college students randomly extracted from the first-round data) and extracted the main factor from it. Subsequently, we performed CFA on three validation samples and evaluated the model fit. In addition, we verified the convergent and discrim-inant validity. Results From this sample, the final 1-factor 10-item scale was derived, and a high reliability of .90 or higher was confirmed. In the first validation sample (417 college students not included in the estimation sample from the first-round data), CFA showed adequate fit, with CFI .954, TLI .941, RMSEA .077, and SRMR .040. In the second validation sample, comprising 249 college students from the second-round data, CFA showed relatively low fit (CFI=.862, TLI=.822, RMSEA=.158, SRMR=.067). However, the third validation sample (627 middle and high school students from the first-round data) showed considerably good model fit (CFI=.983, TLI=.978, RMSEA= .062, SRMR=.021). Correlation analysis revealed discriminant validity, demonstrating significant negative correla-tions with “regular and consistent practices”, “self-confidence”, “self-regulation efficacy”, “academic efficacy”, and “academic enthusiasm efficacy”. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found with “chronic pro-crastination”, “chronic academic procrastination”, “academic procrastination state inventory: academic pro-crastination”, and “academic procrastination state inventory: fear of failure”, ensuring convergent validity. Conclusions The findings suggested the clinical implications of the scale developed in this study for future educa-tional and counseling interventions. Finally, the significance and limitations of this study were discussed.

Impaired episodic memory is the primary feature of early Alzheimer's disease (AD), but not all memories are equally affected. Patients with AD and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) remember pictures better than words, to a greater extent than healthy elderly. We investigated neural mechanisms for visual object recognition in 30 patients (14AD, 16 aMCI) and 36 cognitively unimpaired healthy (19 in the "preclinical" stage of AD). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants performed a visual object recognition task. Hippocampal occupancy (integrity), amyloid (florbetapir) PET, and neuropsychological measures of verbal & visual memory, executive function were also collected. A right-frontal ERP recognition effect (500-700ms post-stimulus) was seen in cognitively unimpaired participants only, and significantly correlated with memory and executive function abilities. A later right-posterior negative ERP effect (700-900ms) correlated with visual memory abilities across participants with low verbal memory ability, and may reflect a compensatory mechanism. A correlation of this retrieval-related negativity with right hippocampal occupancy (r = 0.55), implicates the hippocampus in the engagement of compensatory perceptual retrieval mechanisms. Our results suggest that early AD patients are impaired in goal-directed retrieval processing, but may engage compensatory perceptual mechanisms which rely on hippocampal function.

In this study, a high-throughput sequencing technology was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNA in the patients with "fast" and "slow" progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, the possible mechanism affecting the progression of COPD was preliminarily analyzed based on the target genes of candidate miRNAs. The "fast" progressive COPD group included 6 cases, "slow" and Normal progressive COPD groups included 5 cases each, and COPD group included 3 cases. The peripheral blood samples were taken from the participants, followed by total RNA extraction and high throughput miRNA sequencing. The differentially expressed miRNAs among the progressive COPD groups were identified using bioinformatics analysis. Then, the candidate miRNAs were externally verified. In addition, the target gene of this miRNA was identified, and its effects on cell activity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and other biological phenotypes of COPD were analyzed. Compared to the Normal group, a total of 35, 16, and 7 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the "fast" progressive COPD, "slow" progressive COPD group, and COPD group, respectively. The results were further confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay and transfection tests with phosphoinositide- 3-kinase, regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) as a target gene of miR-4433a-5p; the result showed a negative regulatory correlation between the miRNA and its target gene. The phenotype detection showed that the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway might participate in the progression of COPD by promoting the proliferation of inflammatory A549 cells and inhibiting cellular apoptosis. MiR-4433a-5p can be used as a marker and potential therapeutic target for the progression of COPD. As a target gene of miR-4433a-5p, PIK3R2 can affect the progression of COPD by regulating phenotypes, such as cellular proliferation and apoptosis.