Nonparametric Spearman Correlation Research Articles

How do Older Adults Spend their Leisure Time? A Population-Based Study in Yazd, Iran

Introduction: An important issue associated with old age is how to spend the leisure, which can help preserve independence, bring happiness and vitality and reduce mental disorders and indifference. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how older adults spend their leisure time.
 
 Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 270 elderly participants (> 60 years) in Yazd city, Iran from July to September 2019. The two stage sampling method was applied. A researcher-made leisure activity questionnaire was used for data gathering. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed. The data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient.
 
 Results: The mean leisure time of participants was 5.09 ± 3.54 hours. Most of the participants (74.4 %) spent their leisure time at home. Physical activity (25.2 %) and travel (33.8 %) were at a low level while religious activity (61.6 %) was the most frequent. Of the participants, 50.7 % were moderately satisfied with their leisure.
 
 Conclusion: Considering the low level of physical activity and travel in older adults' leisure time, both the government and families are suggested to make the required plans to increase older adults' physical activity and time for travel.

Diversity of Edible Aquatic Insects Inhabiting Rice Fields in Central Thailand

Abstract—Rice fields occupy great biodiversity and support a variety of living organisms, including edible aquatic insects. The goal of this study was to assess the richness and diversity of edible aquatic insects living in rice fields. A sampling of aquatic insects and physico-chemical parameters of the rice field water were made after irrigation. Three replications of sampling by aquatic net were collected from the bottom along the edge of the rice plots. The richness and diversity indices were analyzed. A total of 10 501 individuals, comprising 64 genera of aquatic insects belonging to six orders, were collected at different study sites. Among aquatic insects, the order Hemiptera occupied the highest abundance of the total insects collected. Richness showed a range of 14 to 50. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) showed a range of 1.877 to 3.450, whereas Simpson`s diversity index (D) showed a range of 0.7665 to 0.9605. Canonical Correspondence Analysis and non-parametric Spearman correlation revealed that some insect species were correlated positively with pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, and nutrients (nitrate and phosphate), and had a negative correlation with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids.

Retrospective study on bovine clinical mastitis and associated milk loss during the month of its peak occurrence at the National Dairy Farm in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Commercial dairy establishments are relatively young in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and as a result, there is lack of epidemiological data on mastitis in dairy farms. A retrospective data of seven years (2015-2021) were used to estimate the cumulative average monthly incidence rate of bovine clinical mastitis and evaluate associated milk loss at the National Dairy Farm. Data were extracted from the records of lactating dairy cows (n = 1300-1450) and analyzed using repeated measure and one-way ANOVA, non-parametric Spearman correlation, paired and unpaired t tests. The highest average cumulative monthly incidence rate was 49 cases per 1000 cows-year that was recorded in 2019 while the lowest was 19 cases per 1000 cows-year in 2021. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate of clinical mastitis significantly (p < 0.001) varied among the seven years. The cumulative average monthly incidence rate was associated with average monthly humidity (p < 0.01) and average monthly rainfall (p < 0.05); however, it was not associated with the average monthly temperature (p > 0.05). The average daily milk yield of cows with clinical mastitis (Mean ± SEM; 18.6 ± 0.54 kg) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than the average daily milk yield of clinical mastitis free cows (40.5 ± 0.29 kg). The largest average monthly milk loss due to clinical mastitis was 5% of the average total monthly milk production in 2019 while the lowest was 2% of the average total monthly milk production in 2021. The result of the study indicated the direct influence of weather conditions such as increased rainfall and humidity, which caused an upsurge in the incidence rate of clinical mastitis, leading to an increased loss in milk and hence the economy of the dairy farm. Proactive preventive measures along with good dairy farm practices that help mitigate the impacts of harsh weather conditions are recommended.

THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE DISTRESS THERMOMETER IN FAMILY SURROGATES OF ICU PATIENTS

Abstract Brief, reliable assessment tools are highly valued in both research and clinical settings. The single-item Distress Thermometer (DT) asks participants to rank their overall level of distress from zero to ten. Similar measures of distress perform well in oncology populations, but the validity of the DT has not been well tested with other populations. To determine its validity and reliability, we analyzed data from family surrogates (n=188) of critically ill ICU patients. Surrogates were asked to rate their distress during the first four days of the patient’s ICU stay and 6-8 weeks after discharge (n=127). Data were analyzed using Spearman non-parametric correlation due to the distributions of the data. DT scores at both baseline and follow-up were significantly correlated with anxiety (GAD-7: correlation coefficient (ρ)=.527, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.543, p&amp;lt;.0001, respectively), depression (PHQ-9: ρ=.480, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.399, p=.0002), distress (Kessler-6: ρ=.477, p&amp;lt;.0001; ρ=.528, p&amp;lt;.0001), and negative religious coping (ρ=.149, p=.0426; ρ=.238, p=.0074). Results also indicated that spiritual well-being at baseline and follow-up (FACIT: ρ=-.391, p&amp;lt;.0001, ρ=-.443, p&amp;lt;.0001) and positive religious coping at baseline (RCOPE: ρ=-.164, p=.0253) have an inverse relationship with overall distress. At baseline, surrogates with better positive religious coping and/or more involvement in organizational religious activity (ρ=-.189, p=.0106) were more likely to report lower distress. The DT could be an efficient, single item predictor of outcomes that impact patient and family care. Future research could confirm its validity as a measure of distress, in a variety of clinical populations and environments that could inform clinical care for patients and families.

Human-built environment interactions: the relationship between subjective well-being and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics

The neighborhood is one of the most fundamental urban elements and acts as the intermediary link between the city and citizens to enhance the quality of life. The present study examined the significance of the relationship between the subjective well-being of citizens and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics in urban historical fabrics for creating healthy neighborhoods. To this end, a survey research method was employed, and the data were collected via questionnaires. The population consisted of all the citizens of the historical neighborhood of Sange Siah in Shiraz, Iran, who lived or worked in the neighborhood and used the neighborhood spaces daily. A Nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficient was run to assess the correlation between the variables. The results showed that the component of social inclusion from among the six components of subjective well-being had a significant positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics (r = 0.712). In the following, the components of satisfaction with life (0.614), mental well-being (0.569), positive and negative effect (0.526), and feeling of happiness (0.468) had a moderate positive correlation; and the component of physical and mental health also had a weak positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics (0.230). In addition, the concept of subjective well-being with a correlation coefficient of 0.579 had a moderate positive correlation with perceived neighborhood environment characteristics, which indicates that the structural characteristics of the neighborhood have a significant relationship with the subjective well-being of the people living in the neighborhood.

367. Procalcitonin as a Potential Biomarker in the Study of Human Babesiosis

Abstract Background Procalcitonin (Pct) has been gaining momentum as a potential biomarker during parasitic infections as studies have demonstrated that Pct levels are significantly elevated during certain forms of protozoal sepsis. Given this, the goal of this pilot study is to determine the relationship between Pct levels and parasitemia (Par) during infection with Babesia microti and to elucidate the potential for Pct to be used as a biomarker in the study of babesiosis. Methods Babesia cases were collected from Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) and South Hampton Hospital (SHH) from 2012 to 2019. Median values of maximum Par and Pct throughout hospitalization were recorded and cases were referenced for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Correlation between maximum Par and Pct values were examined with the nonparametric Spearman rank correlation and fractional polynomials were used to assess the functional form of the correlation. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to identify cutoff points for Pct and maximum Par as markers for prediction of ICU admission. Results A total of 33 patients met the inclusion criteria for acute babesiosis. In fractional polynomial analysis, log-transformed Pct levels had a linear correlation with log-transformed maximum Par, r=0.556 (P=0.001, Fig 1A). In ROC curve analysis, a cut off level of ≥ 1.2 ng/mL for Pct had optimal prediction characteristics for ICU admission (sensitivity 62.5%, specificity 88%; correct classification 82%) with a relevant AUC of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.58–0.89; P=0.005, Fig 1B). A cut off level of ≥ 3.6% for maximum Par had optimal prediction characteristics for ICU admission (sensitivity 75%, specificity 92%, correct classification 88%) with a relevant AUC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58—0.89; P= 0.005, Fig 1B). Comparison of AUC for Pct and Par yielded no significant difference (P=0.8). Figure 1A. Linear correlation between log10-parasitemia and log10- procalcitonin levels. The linear correlation of the log-transformed variables was r=0.556 (P=0.001), similar to the nonparametric (Spearman) correlation coefficient (ρ=0.567). The red dots represent patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Figure 1B. Receiver-operator characteristic curve of parasitemia for prediction of intensive care unit admission (0.75; 95%CI: 0.58—0.89; P=0.005); optimal cut-off is 3.6%. Receiver-operator characteristic curve of procalcitonin for prediction of intensive care unit admission (C=0.77; 95%CI: 0.58–0.89; P=0.005); optimal cut-off is 1.2 ng/mL. Conclusion Our analysis demonstrated a positive linear correlation between Pct and maximum Par, which is the current standard marker for severe disease. Also, our ROC analyses estimate that Pct values ≥ 1.2 ng/mL and Par ≥ 3.6% suggests severe disease and need for ICU admission (Fig 1A, 1B). Given this, our findings suggest that Pct may have potential for predicting severe disease during babesiosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Early myocardial injury and coagulation activation in thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping.

Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping as a new strategy for stroke prevention. This study was established to observe the changes in myocardial injury and coagulation during the perioperative to provide the basis for anticoagulation strategy. Fifty-two patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who completed thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping alone and 52 matched controls with thoracoscopic lobectomy were included in the study. The changes in coagulation and myocardial enzyme during the perioperative period were compared by t-test or nonparametric test. Linear correlation analysis was performed on the trend changes of each indicator in the left atrial appendage clipping group. Compared with the control group, the postoperative cardiac troponin I level in the thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than that before the operation; there was no significant difference in the increase of myoglobin between the two groups. In the coagulation function, there was no significant difference in the increase of fibrinogen between the two groups. Postoperative D-dimer and fibrin degradation products were significantly increased, especially the left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than the control group, and even showed a trend of secondary increase. Cardiac troponin I was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor activity, and the Spearman nonparametric correlation coefficients were 1, 0.829, and 0.829, respectively (all p < .05). Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage closure surgery presents early myocardial injury and activation of coagulation function. The secondary increase of coagulation index needs our attention.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS THEIR TODDLERS DENTAL HEALTH CARE

Background: Caries are one of the dental and oral health problems that are still the highest sequence today. The prevalence of caries in Indonesia gets 90% in the toddler population. A mother's knowledge about dental health will determine the mother's attitude towards children's dental health care, and low maternal knowledge is associated with high caries prevalence. The working area of the Bangsalsari Public Health Center is one of the areas in Jember that have a relatively high number of caries cases in toddlers, which is more than half of the number of toddlers experiencing caries. The study aims to analyse the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of mothers in the maintenance of dental health of toddlers in the work area of the Bangsalsari Public Health Center, Jember. Methods: This type of research is analytic observational with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were selected by a total sampling technique and obtained by as many as 126 mothers of toddlers. Data were collected using a knowledge and attitude questionnaire each containing 10 questions. The research data that have been obtained are then carried out with a nonparametric Spearman correlation test. Results: Spearman test shows a significant value of 0.000 (p&lt;0.05), the correlation value obtained is r = 0.824 with a positive value. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes of mothers in dental health care for toddlers, and both variables have a unidirectional relationship with a very strong correlation level. Keywords : Attitudes of mothers, Dental health care, Knowledge, Toddlers

Statistical and Diagnostic Properties of pRRx Parameters in Atrial Fibrillation Detection.

Background: We studied the diagnostic properties of the percentage of successive RR intervals differing by at least x ms (pRRx) as functions of the threshold value x in a range of 7 to 195 ms for the differentiation of atrial fibrillation (AF) from sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: RR intervals were measured in 60-s electrocardiogram (ECG) segments with either AF (32,141 segments) or SR (32,769 segments) from the publicly available Physionet Long-Term Atrial Fibrillation Database (LTAFDB). For validation, we have used ECGs from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology–Beth Israel Hospital (MIT–BIH) Atrial Fibrillation Database. The pRRx distributions in AF and SR in relation to x were studied by histograms, along with the mutual association by the nonparametric Spearman correlations for all pairs of pRRx, and separately for AF or SR. The optimal cutoff values for all pRRx were determined using the receiver operator curve characteristic. A nonparametric bootstrap with 5000 samples was used to calculate a 95% confidence interval for several classification metrics. Results: The distributions of pRRx for x in the 7–195 ms range are significantly different in AF than in SR. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratios differ for pRRx, with the highest values for x = 31 ms (pRR31) rather than x = 50 (pRR50), which is most commonly applied in studies on heart rate variability. For the optimal cutoff of pRR31 (68.79%), the sensitivity is 90.42%, specificity 95.37%, and the diagnostic odds ratio is 194.11. Validation with the ECGs from the MIT–BIH Atrial Fibrillation Database confirmed our findings. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the diagnostic properties of pRRx depend on x, and pRR31 outperforms pRR50, at least for ECGs of 60-s duration.

Sustainability assessment of renewable energy site location using a combinatorial decision-making model under uncertainty and data reliability

ABSTRACT Decision-making has become one of the most important aspects of various problems. Accordingly, making the right decision accurately and efficiently based on the most influential criteria is still one of the critical challenges in this area. Among various optimisation issues, sustainable development of renewable energies is one the most crucial in which one of the significant prerequisites is considering the most suitable location for establishing renewable power plants. Based on these motivations, this paper developed a combinatorial multi-criteria decision model using Fuzzy-DEMATEL (FDEMATEL), Fuzzy-ANP (FANP) and Z-number-DEA (ZDEA) methods considering uncertainty and data reliability. For validation of the proposed model, a decision problem is considered for the location selection of a landfill with the aims of managing urban waste, reducing the total cost, improving the efficiency of waste disposal and community social issues. This model considers four indicators, including environmental, economic, social and strategic aspects. In addition, the Crisp-DEA (DEA) and Fuzzy-DEA (FDEA) methods are employed to validate the results using the Non-Parametric Spearman Correlation Test and a sensitivity analysis is performed for the ZDEA model. In the next step, a managerial analysis is presented. Finally, a comparison is discussed between the proposed model and existing decision models.

Correlation between trunk control and upper extremity function in subjects with cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is prevalent disability starting in early childhood characterized as a series of difficulties caused by Central Nervous System lesions. Motor and secondary musculoskeletal problems are seen in CP. The trunk plays an important role in the organization of postural control, balance and also provides free movement of upper limb but in subjects with CP may challenge by manual skills such as fine motor activities and may also have difficulty in maintaining trunk control. : Aim of the study was to assess and investigate the correlation between trunk control and upper limb function in subjects with cerebral palsy. Cross sectional study was conducted in which 34 Subjects from SBB College of physiotherapy, SVP hospital and private clinics were taken. Subjects diagnosed with any clinical type of either gender aged 6 to 15 years CP with Gross Motor Functional Classification System level Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, were included and recent trauma or surgery of upper extremity and spine (less ˂ 6 months) were excluded in the study by convenient sampling. After taken consent, Trunk Control Measurement scale (TCMS) were filled up by primary therapist and ABILHAND kids Gujarati version questionnaires were filled up by parents personal interview. : Data analysis for 34 subjects was done by using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft excels 2019. For data screened nonparametric Spearman correlation co˗ efficient test was used with level of significance kept at 5%. Results showed that there is strong positive correlation between trunk control and upper limb function (r ₌ 0.773 p ₌ 0.05) in subjects with cerebral palsy. Study concluded that Trunk Control is highly correlated with upper limb function in subjects with CP. Therefore, it is important in NeuroRehabilitation applications to improve upper limb function along with control of trunk.

The Esthetic Outcome of Interproximal Papilla Between Implant-Restored Unilateral and Bilateral Maxillary Central Incisors: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

Restoring the esthetics of anterior teeth with implants is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the esthetic outcome of interproximal papilla between implant-restored unilateral and bilateral maxillary central incisors. A total of 56 adults with implant restorations in the maxillary central incisors were enrolled, including 40 cases of unilateral incisors and 16 cases of bilateral incisors. Photographic and radiographic assessments were performed, and patient-reported esthetic satisfaction was collected. The papilla index (PI) in the unilateral group was superior to that in the bilateral group (P = .002). Patients in the two groups reported equal satisfaction regarding the final esthetic outcome (P = .470). Statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups in papilla height (P = .000), implant-implant or implant-tooth distance (P = .002), and vertical distance from the implant platform to the bone crest (P = .000). In the bilateral group, tested variables were not correlated with PI by nonparametric Spearman correlation. In the unilateral group, the multivariate binary logistic regression model showed that incomplete papilla fill was associated with abutment type (OR = 0.019), implant-tooth distance (range, 2.1 to 6.2 mm; OR = 6.435), and distance from the bone crest to the contact point (range: 3.5 to 6.9 mm; OR = 4.589). In implant-restored maxillary central incisors, PI in the unilateral group was superior to that in the bilateral group. In the bilateral group, no clinical variable was correlated with PI. In the unilateral group, the risk of incomplete papilla fill was reduced by the customized zirconia abutment and was increased by the larger implant-tooth distance and higher distance from the bone crest to the contact point.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AUTOPHAGY-RELATED PROTEINS IN ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS AND DENTIGEROUS CYSTS

Objectives To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7 and LC3A) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs). Study Design Eighteen OKCs and 18 DCs were submitted to immunohistochemistry. The percentages (cytoplasmic and nuclear) of positive cells for Atg7 and LC3A in the epithelial lining were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Results Compared to DCs, OKCs exhibited higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (P = .016) and nuclear (P < .001) positivity for Atg7. No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic (P = .070) and nuclear (P = .187) immunoexpression of LC3A were observed between OKCs and DCs. In DCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Atg7 (P < .001). Nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of LC3A was positively correlated in OKCs (P = .007) and DCs (P < .001). Conclusions The results suggest a role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OKCs and DCs. The more aggressive biological behavior of OKCs compared to DCs may be related to increased nuclear translocation and higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7. To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7 and LC3A) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs). Eighteen OKCs and 18 DCs were submitted to immunohistochemistry. The percentages (cytoplasmic and nuclear) of positive cells for Atg7 and LC3A in the epithelial lining were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Compared to DCs, OKCs exhibited higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (P = .016) and nuclear (P < .001) positivity for Atg7. No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic (P = .070) and nuclear (P = .187) immunoexpression of LC3A were observed between OKCs and DCs. In DCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Atg7 (P < .001). Nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of LC3A was positively correlated in OKCs (P = .007) and DCs (P < .001). The results suggest a role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OKCs and DCs. The more aggressive biological behavior of OKCs compared to DCs may be related to increased nuclear translocation and higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF CXCL12 AND CXCR4 IN SYNDROMIC AND NONSYNDROMIC ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS

Objectives To evaluate the immunoexpression of chemokine CXCL12 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in odontogenic keratocysts associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (SOKCs) and nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocysts (NSOKCs). Study Design The percentages of cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining in epithelial and fibrous capsule cells of 22 SOKCs and 22 NSOKCs were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Results Higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCL12 was observed in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of NSOKCs compared to SOKCs (P < .001). No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 were observed between SOKCs and NSOKCs (P > .05). Compared to SOKCs, NSOKCs exhibited higher nuclear expression of CXCR4 in the epithelial lining and lower immunoexpression in the fibrous capsule (P < .05). In the epithelial lining of SOKCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 (P = .003). In the fibrous capsule of SOKCs and NSOKCs, cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were positively correlated (P < .001). Conclusions The results suggest a potential involvement of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the development of OKCs. The heterogenous expression of these proteins in SOKCs and NSOKCs may reflect differences in their pathogenesis and biological behavior. To evaluate the immunoexpression of chemokine CXCL12 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in odontogenic keratocysts associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (SOKCs) and nonsyndromic odontogenic keratocysts (NSOKCs). The percentages of cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining in epithelial and fibrous capsule cells of 22 SOKCs and 22 NSOKCs were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. Higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCL12 was observed in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of NSOKCs compared to SOKCs (P < .001). No statistically significant differences in the cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 were observed between SOKCs and NSOKCs (P > .05). Compared to SOKCs, NSOKCs exhibited higher nuclear expression of CXCR4 in the epithelial lining and lower immunoexpression in the fibrous capsule (P < .05). In the epithelial lining of SOKCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 (P = .003). In the fibrous capsule of SOKCs and NSOKCs, cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were positively correlated (P < .001). The results suggest a potential involvement of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the development of OKCs. The heterogenous expression of these proteins in SOKCs and NSOKCs may reflect differences in their pathogenesis and biological behavior.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AUTOPHAGY-RELATED PROTEINS IN PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMAS AND ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMAS OF SALI

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the immunoexpression of autophagy-related proteins (Atg7, LC3A, p62, and phosphorylated mammalian target for rapamycin) in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands. <h3>Study Design</h3> The percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for Atg7, LC3A, p62, and <i>P</i>-mTOR in neoplastic cells of 20 PAs and 14 ACCs were determined and correlated with histopathologic parameters. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. <h3>Results</h3> Cytoplasmic expression of autophagy-related proteins was observed in all cases of PA and ACC, with high median percentages of positivity for Atg7 and p62. Compared to ACCs, PAs exhibited higher cytoplasmic expression of Atg7, LC3A, and P-mTOR (<i>P</i> < .005), as well as higher nuclear expression of p62 (<i>P</i> < .0001). No significant differences in the immunoexpression of Atg7, LC3A, p62, and P-mTOR were observed according to histopathologic parameters of the tumors (<i>P</i> > .05). In PAs and ACCs, positive correlations were found for the immunoexpression of some autopaghy-related proteins (<i>P</i> < .05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Autophagy may be involved in the pathogenesis of PA and ACC of the salivary glands. The upregulation of this intracellular degradation system and the reduced nuclear translocation of p62 could contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of ACC of salivary glands.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF C-X-C CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR TYPE 4 IN ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYSTS AND DENTIGEROUS CYSTS

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs). <h3>Study Design</h3> The percentages (cytoplasmic and nuclear) of CXCR4-positive cells in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of 15 OKCs and 15 DCs were assessed. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test. <h3>Results</h3> Cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were observed in all cases of OKCs and DCs. Lower cytoplasmic expression of this chemokine receptor was found in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of OKCs compared to DCs (<i>P</i> < .005). Analysis of nuclear immunoexpression of CXCR4 revealed lower percentages of positive cells in the fibrous capsule of OKCs compared to DCs (<i>P</i> = .003). In the epithelial lining of DCs, a positive correlation was observed between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 (<i>P</i> = .034). In the fibrous capsule of OKCs and DCs, cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were positively correlated (<i>P</i> < .005). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results suggest a potential role of CXCR4 in the pathogenesis of OKCs and DCs. This chemokine receptor may be more important for the development of odontogenic cysts with less aggressive biological behavior.

Association of Pre-procedural Anxiety With Procedure-Related Pain During Outpatient Pediatric Burn Care: A Pilot Study.

The relationship between preprocedural anxiety and pain is not clear but has the potential to change the way pediatric patients need to be cared for prior to burn procedures. Using results from our recent randomized clinical trial among outpatient burn patients (n = 90) aged 6-17 years, the objective of this subsequent analysis was to assess whether preprocedural anxiety was associated with self-reported and researcher-observed pain scores. Anxiety before the dressing change was assessed using an abbreviated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (range 6-21) and reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Self-reported pain was reported using a Visual Analog Scale (range 0-100) and observed pain was assessed using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability-revised scale. Over half of patients (58.9%) reported mild anxiety (score < 12) and about 5% of patients reported severe anxiety (score > 16). Younger children (6-8 years) reported higher anxiety scores than older children (15-17 years), but the difference did not achieve statistical significance (mean = 12.7, 95% CI: 11.5 to 13.9, P = .09). Nonparametric spearman correlation indicated that anxiety score was significantly correlated with observed pain (P = .01) and self-reported overall pain neared statistical significance (P = .06). In the final logistic regression of reporting moderate-to-severe pain (pain score > 30), the association between anxiety scores and self-reported overall moderate-to-severe pain was statistically significant (P = .03) when adjusting for race, healing degree, and pain medication use within 6 hr prior to burn dressing care. This pilot study provides preliminary data showing that anxiety before outpatient pediatric burn dressing changes is significantly associated with self-reported overall moderate-to-severe pain.

A Retrospective Study of Lip Hemangiomas: Curative Effect of Oral Propranolol Combined with Topical Sclerotherapy.

Objective To analyze the therapeutic effect of oral propranolol combined with sclerotherapy of lauromacrogol and triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of lip infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Methods We recorded the demographic characteristics and lesions of 56 patients with lip IHs. The efficacy was evaluated by Achauer grade and VAS score in this study. Nonparametric test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to identify factors that might affect the curative effect of patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to further analyze the factors that affect the prognosis of patients with lip IH. Results All 56 patients improved without serious complications after treatment. Univariate analysis showed that the age of the patients at the time of treatment initiation, the layer, classification, and volume of IH may influence the course and outcome of treatment. The logistic regression analysis further showed that the frequency of topical sclerotherapy was affected by the age of the months at the time of treatment initiation. The final efficacy evaluation was influenced by the age at the beginning of treatment and the layer of IH. Conclusion Oral propranolol combined with local sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method for treating lip IH. After combination therapy, the therapeutic effect of hemangiomas located in the mucosa and submucosa is better than those located in the skin and superficial subcutaneous fascia. Patients who were younger at treatment initiation received less frequencies of topical sclerotherapy and had better therapeutic effect.

Design and Application of a Financial Distress Early Warning Model Based on Data Reasoning and Pattern Recognition

Since the 1990s, emerging market financial crises have occurred frequently, causing huge damage to the real economy, and if we cannot find effective means of early warning and prevention of financial crises, the entire international economy and society will bear the high costs of crisis management. Difference nonparametric test and Spearman nonparametric correlation analysis were carried out with cash flow financial data, and 14 financial indicators with strong discriminant ability were selected from 28 financial indicators as the input variables of the model. Due to the limitations of traditional statistical methods, a BP neural network financial distress early warning model is established. Finally, a particle swarm optimization BP neural network financial early warning model is established for the shortcomings of the BP network. These 14 indicators can have strong information timeliness. The prediction accuracy rates of the two early warning models for the test samples are 80% and 85%, respectively. The empirical results show that the two models have good prediction effects. The prediction effect of the swarm optimization BP neural network model is better than that of the BP neural network model. Therefore, the particle swarm optimization BP neural network model proposed in this paper is suitable for solving the problem of discrimination and prediction of the financial distress of enterprises. The company’s financial distress early warning has good application prospects and application value. Therefore, it has very important research significance for the early warning of the corporate financial crisis.

Is each horse unique and unrepeatable? An explanation through morphometric and statistical analysis of the limb bones.

Horses went through functional differentiation during their evolutionary and reproductive development, however, some body parts continued to improve their specificity for speed. Regarding this, we evaluated by morphometric analysis the relationship between limb section (LS) differences in the appendicular structures of horses. Two hundred and seven (n=207) adult horses of different breeds and sex were selected. The limb section was measured by identification of topographic palpable skeleton landmarks with a measurement tape (centimetres). Quantitative variables (limb section) were analysed with PAST Paleontological Statistics Version 3.16. Spearman's ordinal or non-parametric correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between the limb section of each variable (p < 0.05), with a low coefficient of variation (<30%). In 45 analysed correlations, 35 were statistically significant and 10 were discarded because p > 0.05. These results show that most variables were correlated with each other. As a result, we can imply that some LS of the horse's limbs are correlated with each other, positively or negatively and to a different degree. In conclusion, the correlations between LS lengths determine the size and shape of each horse, making individual horses unique and unrepeatable.