Partial Correlation Analysis Research Articles

Role of uranium toxicity and uranium-induced oxidative stress in advancing kidney injury and endothelial inflammation in rats

ObjectiveUranium exposure may cause serious pathological injury to the body, which is attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the pathogenesis of uranium toxicity has not been clarified. Here, we evaluated the level of oxidative stress to determine the relationship between uranium exposure, nephrotoxic oxidative stress, and endothelial inflammation.MethodsForty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups (U-24h, U-48h, and U-72h) and one control group. The three experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected with 2.0 mg/kg uranyl acetate, and tissue and serum samples were collected after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, whereas the control group was intraperitoneally injected with 1.0 ml/kg normal saline and samples were collected after 24 h. Then, we observed changes in the uranium levels and oxidative stress parameters, including the total oxidative state (TOS), total antioxidant state (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in kidney tissue and serum. We also detected the markers of kidney injury, namely urea (Ure), creatine (Cre), cystatin C (CysC), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). The endothelial inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), and homocysteine (Hcy), were also quantified. Finally, we analyzed the relationship among these parameters.ResultsTOS (z = 3.949; P < 0.001), OSI (z = 5.576; P < 0.001), Ure (z = 3.559; P < 0.001), Cre (z = 3.476; P < 0.001), CysC (z = 4.052; P < 0.001), NGAL (z = 3.661; P < 0.001), and CRP (z = 5.286; P < 0.001) gradually increased after uranium exposure, whereas TAS (z = −3.823; P < 0.001), tissue U (z = −2.736; P = 0.001), Hcy (z = −2.794; P = 0.005), and Lp-PLA2 (z = −4.515; P < 0.001) gradually decreased. The serum U level showed a V-shape change (z = −1.655; P = 0.094). The uranium levels in the kidney tissue and serum were positively correlated with TOS (r = 0.440 and 0.424; P = 0.005 and 0.007) and OSI (r = 0.389 and 0.449; P = 0.013 and 0.004); however, serum U levels were negatively correlated with TAS (r = −0.349; P = 0.027). Partial correlation analysis revealed that NGAL was closely correlated to tissue U (rpartial = 0.455; P = 0.003), CysC was closely correlated to serum U (rpartial = 0.501; P = 0.001), and Lp-PLA2 was closely correlated to TOS (rpartial = 0.391; P = 0.014), TAS (rpartial = 0.569; P < 0.001), and OSI (rpartial = −0.494; P = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the Hcy levels were negatively correlated with tissue U (r = −0.344; P = 0.030) and positively correlated with TAS (r = 0.396; P = 0.011).ConclusionThe uranium-induced oxidative injury may be mainly reflected in enhanced endothelial inflammation, and the direct chemical toxicity of uranium plays an important role in the process of kidney injury, especially in renal tubular injury. In addition, CysC may be a sensitive marker reflecting the nephrotoxicity of uranium; however, Hcy is not suitable for evaluating short-term endothelial inflammation involving oxidative stress.

Cytokine profile in first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder patients with or without anxiety

ObjectiveIt is known that cytokines play a role in both depression and anxiety. This study aimed to compare the levels of multiple cytokines in patients with first-episode drug-naive major depressive disorder (MDD) with or without anxiety and analyze the correlation between the level of depression or anxiety and the serum cytokine levels.MethodsThe study involved 55 patients with first-episode drug-naive MDD. To assess anxiety symptoms, the 14-item HAMA was used. MDD patients were divided into two groups: 23 MDD patients without anxiety and 32 MDD patients with anxiety. The measurement of 37 cytokines was conducted. Serum cytokine levels between patients with MDD without anxiety and anxiety were compared. In multiple linear regression models, the relationship between the group and abnormal cytokines was explored. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to estimate diagnostic performance of serum cytokines in discriminating MDD patients with anxiety from MDD patients without anxiety. A correlation was evaluated between the scores of HAMD or HAMA and the serum cytokine levels.ResultsIn MDD patients with anxiety, IL-17 C and CCL17 levels were significantly lower than in MDD patients without anxiety (all P < 0.05). Multiple measurements were corrected with Benjamini-Hochberger corrections, but none of these differences persisted (all P > 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression models revealed that after controlling for other independent variables, group was not a significant independent predictor of serum IL-17 C or CCL17 (all P > 0.05). The AUC values of IL-17 C and CCL17 were 0.643 and 0.637, respectively, in discriminating MDD patients with anxiety from MDD patients without anxiety. The results of partial correlation analyses showed the scores of HAMD were negatively correlated with the IL-17 C (r = -0.314, P = 0.021) levels with sex as a covariate.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that there is a potential absence of disparity in the levels of circulating cytokines among individuals diagnosed with first-episode drug-naïve MDD, regardless of the presence or absence of comorbid anxiety.

Abstract TP78: Characteristics of Verbal and Non-Verbal Cognitive Function in Post-Stroke Aphasia Based on Language-Cognition Neuropsychological Processing Model

Introduction: Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients have different levels of phonetic, lexical, semantic, syntactic, and other linguistic domain impairment, and accompanied by non-verbal cognitive impairment. However, the association between verbal and non-verbal cognitive functions is not fully understood.In this study, we used the Chinese Aphasia Language Battery (CALB) and Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) to fully evaluate the characteristics of verbal and non-verbal cognitive function impairment in PSA patients. Methods: A total of 105 stroke patients were recruited in this study. Language and non-linguistic cognitive impairments were evaluated by CALB and LOTCA, respectively. Patients in the PSA group were subdivided into the fluent aphasia group (FAG) and the non-FAG group. Potential confounders were adjusted in the analysis of covariance. Partial correlation analysis between the subscores of CALB and LOTCA was also performed. Results: This study showed that PSA patients had worse speech analysis ability, vocabulary processing ability, semantic processing ability, syntactic structure conversion ability, and non-verbal cognitive performance(P&lt;0.001). Moreover, the scores of phonetic decoding, phonetic vocabulary production, noun category classification, total LOTCA, orientation, visual perception, motor use, and thinking operation were lower in the non-FAG compared with the FAG (p&lt;0.05). The total score of LOTCA was positively correlated with the aphasia quotient (r=0.637, P&lt;0.001) and scores of speech analysis ability, vocabulary processing ability, semantic processing ability, and syntactic structure conversion ability (r&gt;0; P&lt;0.0005). Conclusions: Based on the language-cognition neuropsychological processing model, this study adopted a comprehensive verbal and non-verbal cognitive assessment set of tests, and found that PSA patients have extensive phonological, lexical, semantic, syntactic, and grammatical processing disorders. Moreover, PSA patients often have more extensive and serious non-verbal cognitive impairments, and the severity of aphasia is significantly positively correlated with the degree of nonverbal cognitive impairment.

Does Baseline Cognitive Function Predict the Reduction Rate in HDRS-17 Total Scores in First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Patients with Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with worse cognitive functioning. We aim to examine the association between baseline cognitive functioning and the reduction rate in HDRS-17 total scores and to highlight the predictors of the reduction rate in HDRS-17 total scores in MDD with first-episode, drug-naïve (FED) patients. Ninety FED patients were recruited consecutively and evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17), the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-14), the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) at baseline and again at week 8. Eighty-four FED patients completed the study. Comparison showed that response group had significantly higher T scores in TMT-A, BACS-SC, WMS-III, BVMT-R, MSCEI and CPT-IP, but showed significantly lower scores in FAST total scores including autonomy, occupational functioning, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationship than non- response group (all p's< 0.05). Partial correlation analysis also found that the reduction rate in HDRS-17 total scores could be negatively associated with autonomy, cognitive functioning and interpersonal relationship domains as well as total FAST scores, also was further positively associated with T-scores of BACS-SC, CPT-IP and MSCEI in MCCB, even when accounting for potential confounders. Furthermore, the levels of cognitive function domain, autonomy domain in FAST, and BACS-SC, CPT-IP in MCCB may predict the reduction rate in HDRS-17 total scores in FED patients (all p's< 0.05). Our findings underscore significant correlations between baseline functioning and the reduction rate in HDRS-17 total scores in FED patients. Moreover, better baseline cognitive function, autonomy, speed of processing and attention/vigilance are more likely to predict patients' response to antidepressant treatment, indicating pre-treatment better cognitive functioning may be predictors to treatment response in FED.

Cortical Sulcal Abnormalities Revealed by Sulcal Morphometry in Patients with Chronic and Episodic Migraine.

Previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the importance of cortical abnormalities in patients with migraines. However, cortical sulci, as a component of the cerebral cortex, have not been specifically investigated in migraine patients. Therefore, we aim to evaluate alterations in cortical sulcal morphology among patients with chronic migraine (CM), episodic migraine (EM), and healthy controls (HCs). In this cross-sectional study, structural magnetic resonance images were acquired from 35 patients with CM, 35 with EM, and 35 HCs. Cortical sulci were identified and reconstructed using the BrainVisa 5.0.4 software. We focused on regions involved in pain processing in which abnormal cortical structure were identified in previous neuroimaging studies. Morphometric analysis was performed to calculate sulcal parameters including mean depth, cortical thickness, and opening width. Partial correlation analyses of clinical characteristics and sulcal parameters were performed for CM, EM and the combined migraine (CM + EM) groups. In comparison with HCs, both CM and EM groups showed increased opening width in bilateral insula. In comparison with HC and EM groups, CM patients showed increased cortical thickness in bilateral superior postcentral sulcus, bilateral median frontal sulcus and left superior parietal sulcus, as well as increased mean depth in the left anterior callosomarginal fissure and decreased mean depth in bilateral superior frontal sulcus and left median frontal sulcus. Migraine frequency and disease duration were both correlated with cortical thickness in bilateral superior postcentral sulcus. Abnormal sulcal morphometry primarily affected areas associated with pain processing in patients with migraine, with CM exhibiting more extensive abnormalities in areas related to sensory and affective processing. These changes may contribute to understanding the pathology of EM and CM.

Alterations in the brain functional network of abstinent male individuals with methamphetamine use disorder.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug that is abused globally and is a serious threat to health worldwide. Unfortunately, the specific mechanism underlying addiction remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of functional connectivity in the brain network and the factors influencing methamphetamine use disorder in patients using magnetic resonance imaging. We included 96 abstinent male participants with methamphetamine use disorder and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls for magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with healthy controls, participants with methamphetamine use disorder had greater impulsivity, fewer small-world attributes of the resting-state network, more nodal topological attributes in the cerebellum, greater functional connectivity strength within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and brain, and decreased frontoparietal functional connectivity strength. In addition, after controlling for covariates, the partial correlation analysis showed that small-world properties were significantly associated with methamphetamine use frequency, psychological craving, and impulsivity. Furthermore, we revealed that the small-word attribute significantly mediated the effect of methamphetamine use frequency on motor impulsivity in the methamphetamine use disorder group. These findings may further improve our understanding of the neural mechanism of impulse control dysfunction underlying methamphetamine addiction and assist in exploring the neuropathological mechanism underlying methamphetamine use disorder-related dysfunction and rehabilitation.

Effects of precipitation changes on fractional vegetation cover in the Jinghe River basin from 1998 to 2019

Studying the spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of vegetation and the effect of precipitation changes is necessary for understanding the regional ecological environment. We used trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, significance tests, and residual trend analysis to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) in the Jinghe River Basin (JRB) from 1998 to 2019. The results showed that vegetation coverage in the JRB significantly improved from 1998 to 2019. FVC showed an increasing trend in 90.64% of the areas in the JRB, and the overall annual change in FVC was extremely significant (p ≤ 0.01). However, precipitation in the JRB showed an insignificant increasing trend; the annual distribution of precipitation developed in a uniform direction and the precipitation centroid tended to move backward. The area with a significant correlation between the FVC change and the precipitation concentration index accounted for the largest proportion (18.47%). Precipitation changes in the JRB generally favored vegetation recovery; however, the effect was limited and non-precipitation factors dominated the changes in FVC. Our study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of changes in precipitation patterns on vegetation cover to facilitate regional ecological protection.

The analysis of the spatio-temporal changes and prediction of built-up lands and urban heat islands using multi-temporal satellite imagery

Irregular and rapid shifts in built-up lands are among the prime causes of increased Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the subsequent formation of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). Timely and accurate delineation of built-up lands is fundamental to the understanding of LST variation and environmental changes; however, most of the built-up land maps have coarse resolutions. The present study attempts to develop a combinational index representing the biophysical characteristics of the land surface using exponential functions and Landsat time-series images for accurate built-up land maps on a fine scale. The developed index was used along with the Otsu threshold to categorize different built-up from 2001 to 2021 and then utilized as an input to the CA-Markov model to predict built-up lands in 2031. The corresponding relations between changes in built-up lands and its effects on LST and UHI were also analyzed via partial correlation analysis and bivariate LISA. The accuracy assessments of the proposed model for 2001–2021 revealed an accuracy value of 78 for the period (2001–2021) and a value of 77 when the CA-Markov model was utilized for 2021. The correlation values connecting the built-up land status and LST were also significantly strong and positive (0.86–0.89). The apparent similarities and patterns of clusters linking the built-up lands to UHI were also verified by global bivariate Moran's I index of greater than 0.328, showing how an increase in built-up lands leads to increasing the UHI. These findings are helpful for urban construction planning to minimize the negative environmental impacts of urbanization.

Galaxy Quenching at the High Redshift Frontier: A Fundamental Test of Cosmological Models in the Early Universe with JWST-CEERS

We present an analysis of the quenching of star formation in massive galaxies (M * > 109.5 M ⊙) within the first 0.5–3 Gyr of the Universe’s history utilizing JWST-CEERS data. We utilize a combination of advanced statistical methods to accurately constrain the intrinsic dependence of quenching in a multidimensional and intercorrelated parameter space. Specifically, we apply random forest classification, area statistics, and a partial correlation analysis to the JWST-CEERS data. First, we identify the key testable predictions from two state-of-the-art cosmological simulations (IllustrisTNG and EAGLE). Both simulations predict that quenching should be regulated by supermassive black hole mass in the early Universe. Furthermore, both simulations identify the stellar potential (ϕ *) as the optimal proxy for black hole mass in photometric data. In photometric observations, where we have no direct constraints on black hole masses, we find that the stellar potential is the most predictive parameter of massive galaxy quenching at all epochs from z = 0–8, exactly as predicted by simulations for this sample. The stellar potential outperforms stellar mass, galaxy size, galaxy density, and Sérsic index as a predictor of quiescence at all epochs probed in JWST-CEERS. Collectively, these results strongly imply a stable quenching mechanism operating throughout cosmic history, which is closely connected to the central gravitational potential in galaxies. This connection is explained in cosmological models via massive black holes forming and growing in deep potential wells, and subsequently quenching galaxies through a mix of ejective and preventative active galactic nucleus feedback.

Spatiotemporal Changes in and Driving Factors of Potential Evapotranspiration in a Hyper-Arid Locale in the Hami Region, China

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial variable for implementing adaptation measures to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on water resources. In the context of global warming, PET is essential for predicting water resource supply and demand, guiding irrigation and water management decisions. However, there is limited understanding of the spatiotemporal changes in PET and its driving factors in the hyper-arid regions of Northwest China. In this study, the Hargreaves model was employed to estimate PET in the Hami region from 1991 to 2020. By combining relevant climate data and partial correlation analysis, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of PET within the study area and analyzed the factors influencing these patterns. The results showed the following: (1) From 1991 to 2020, the overall PET in the Hami region demonstrated a tendency to rise. The interannual trend rates of PET for the full year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 0.933, 2.744, 0.906, 0.488, and −0.406 mm·a-1, respectively. Despite a decreasing trend in winter PET, the other seasonal PET values and the annual PET values exhibited an increasing trend. (2) The spatial distribution of both annual and seasonal PET showed significant regional heterogeneity, following a consistent pattern marked by lower values in the central part and higher values in the surrounding areas. The southern region tended to have relatively high PET, while the northwestern region experienced comparatively low PET. (3) Partial correlation analysis indicated significant differences in the impact of various climatic factors on PET. The maximum temperature emerged as the dominant factor influencing annual PET variation, while precipitation played a leading role in influencing autumn PET variation. This study underscores the influence of climate change on PET in the Hami region, contributing to an enhanced comprehension of PET variations.

Physical and psychosocial factors are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health in endometriosis: a longitudinal analysis.

To test the associations of physical and psychosocial factors with physical and mental health in individuals living with endometriosis (EM) by means of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Data were gathered via an online survey between February and August 2021. At survey date t1, sociodemographic, EM-related and psychosocial factors as well as physical and mental health of people with EM were assessed. At survey date t2 three months later, physical and mental health was reassessed. The sample consisted of n_t1 = 723 (30.60 ± 6.31 years) and n_t2 = 216 (30.56 ± 6.47 years) cis women with EM. Statistical analyses included bivariate and partial correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses. The participants' physical health was within the average range and their mental health was below-average at t1 and t2. Cross-sectional analyses revealed that worse health was associated with longer diagnostic delay, more surgeries, greater pelvic pain and lower sense of coherence, self-efficacy, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with the gynecological treatment. In longitudinal analyses, pelvic pain and participants' satisfaction with the gynecological treatment remained significantly associated with health. Treatment should address both pelvic pain and psychosocial factors to improve long-term physical and mental health in EM.

Relationships between texture properties of cooked rice with grain amylose and protein content in high eating quality indica rice

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveTexture is critical in determining the eating quality of cooked rice and is dependent on physiochemical properties of rice grains. In this study, relationships between texture properties of cooked rice with grain amylose and protein content were evaluated across 25 high eating quality indica rice varieties.FindingsGrain amylose and protein content ranged from 13.2% to 20.0% and from 5.37% to 7.77%, with means of 17.6% and 6.43%, respectively. The ranges of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, resilience, and chewiness of cooked rice were 425–1074 g, 0.672–0.812, 0.447–0.632, 0.278–0.457, and 130–480 g, with means of 710 g, 0.768, 0.570, 0.394, and 320 g, respectively. Correlation plot analysis and partial correlation analysis showed that all five texture properties of cooked rice were significantly related to grain amylose content, whereas the relationships between each of the five texture properties and grain protein content were not significant or much less significant than the relationships between texture properties and grain amylose content.ConclusionsHigh eating quality indica rice varieties have diverse texture properties when cooked. Selection of texture properties of cooked rice should focus on grain amylose content rather than grain protein content for high eating quality indica rice.Significance and NoveltyThis study identifies the critical physiochemical property determining cooked rice texture in high eating quality indica rice.

Assessing the effects of climate and human activity on vegetation change in Northern China

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) has changed significantly under various disturbances over northern China in recent decades. This research examines the dynamics of FVC and how it is affected by climate and human activity during the period of 1990–2018 in northern China. The effects of climate change (i.e., temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and soil moisture) and human activity (socioeconomic data and land use) on vegetation coverage change in northern China from 1990 to 2018 were quantified using the Sen + Mann-Kendall test, partial correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) methods. The findings of this research indicate the following: (1) From 1990 to 2018, the overall trend in FVC in northern China was increased. The areas with obvious increases were mainly situated on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, the Loess Plateau, the Northeast China Plain, and the Sanjiang Plain, while the areas with distinct degradation were located in the Inner Mongolia Plateau, the Changbai Mountain and the eastern part of north China. (2) In the past 29 years, the FVC in northern China has been mainly affected by precipitation and soil moisture. (3) Based on structural equation modelling, we discovered that certain variables impacted the main factors influencing the amount of FVC in northern China. Human activity has had a larger impact on FVC than climate change. Our findings can accelerate the comprehension of vegetation dynamics and their underlying mechanisms and provide a theoretical basis for regional ecological environmental protection.

Appreciation processing evoking feelings of being moved and inspiration: Awe and meaning-making

Art appreciation evokes feelings of being moved, which, in turn, may inspire creative activities. However, the experience of being aesthetically moved can involve various processes, and it remains unclear which appreciation processes specifically lead to being moved and inspired. This experiment investigated whether three appreciation processes—perceived beauty, feelings of awe, and meaning making—facilitate feelings of inspiration through feelings of being moved. Participants (33 undergraduate and graduate students; 14 females and 19 meles; mean age = 21.48, SD = 2.28) were instructed to appreciate paintings by either inferring their meaning or evaluating their beauty, and were then required to view a painting and draft a short creative story about it. They were also asked to report the extent to which they felt inspired during the writing phase and felt moved, perceived beauty, awe, and meaning-making during the appreciation phase. Mediation analyses indicated that meaning-making promoted feelings of inspiration through increased feelings of being moved in both the meaning inference and impression evaluation conditions, and that feelings of awe promoted feelings of inspiration in the meaning inference condition, but not in the impression evaluation condition. Furthermore, correlation and partial correlation analyses indicated that perceived beauty was not significantly correlated with feelings of inspiration. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms of inspiration through art appreciation from the perspectives of feelings of being moved, awe, and meaning-making.

Exploring the Diverse Response of Cropland Vegetation to Climatic Factors and Irrigation across China

Owing to limited research on the interactions between cropland vegetation and climate and irrigation, this study used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a cropland vegetation indicator to describe vegetation dynamics. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) was calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation. A partial correlation analysis and a Pearson correlation coefficient were used to determine the spatial response mechanisms of cropland vegetation to different climatic factors and irrigation in China for the period 1985–2015. The results show that different climatic factors (precipitation, PET, and water deficits) display positive correlations with cropland vegetation in China. A stronger correlation was observed between cropland vegetation and meteorological factors in northern China compared to the southern parts; the response time of NDVI values of croplands to precipitation was observed to be short-term (1 to 3 months) and long-term (3 to 6 months) in northern and southern regions, respectively. In contrast, the response time of NDVI values of croplands to PET displayed a complex spatial heterogeneity. Most of the cropland vegetation and the areas with the highest potential crop yields were located in the eastern part of China; these areas also require higher levels of irrigation, which benefits the potential crop yields. This study can provide a better understanding of the agricultural ecosystems and formulate strategies for food security.

Association of Monocyte-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio with Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

To explore the relationship between monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) and endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). 243 patients diagnosed with T2DM were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) quintile as nonendothelial dysfunction (FMD ≥ 6.4%) and endothelial dysfunction (FMD < 6.4%). The relationship between MHR and FMD was analyzed using Spearman's correlation, partial correlation, and multiple logistic regression analysis. ROC curve was fitted to evaluate the ability of MHR to predict endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction was present in 193 (79%) patients. Patients with endothelial dysfunction had higher MHR (p < 0.05) than those without endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, MHR had a significantly positive correlation with endothelial dysfunction (r = 0.17, p < 0.05), and the positive association persisted even after controlling for confounding factors (r = 0.14, p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that MHR was an independent contributor for endothelial dysfunction (OR: 1.35 (1.08, 1.70), p < 0.05) and the risk of endothelial dysfunction increases by 61% with each standard deviation increase in MHR (OR: 1.61 (1.12, 2.30), p < 0.05) (model 1). After adjusting for sex, age, BMI, disease course, hypertension, smoking, and drinking (model 2) as well as HbA1c, HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein, and TG (model 3), similar results were obtained. In ROC analysis, the area of under the ROC curve (AUC) for MHR was 0.60 (95% CI 0.52-0.69, p < 0.05). MHR was independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in T2DM patients. It could be a new biomarker for vascular endothelial function assessment.

Parenthood for childhood cancer survivors: unfounded fear of cancer development in offspring and related health behaviors.

Current literature reveals no increased risk for adverse non-hereditary health outcomes in the offspring of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), yet survivors reported concerns regarding their offspring's health. To investigate how the fear of cancer development in offspring influences parental behavior related to health and prevention, survey reports from 256 European adult CCS and 256 age- and sex-matched siblings who participated in a multicenter study on offspring health were analyzed in the present study. Analyses of covariance and chi-square tests were conducted to test for differences between CCS and siblings in outcome variables (all related to healthy parenting behavior). CCS reported higher fear levels (p = 0.044, Partial η2 = 0.01) and less alcohol consumption (p = 0.011, Phi = 0.12) and smoking (p = 0.022, Phi = 0.11) during pregnancy than siblings. In survivor families, children were breastfed less often (p < 0.001, Phi = 0.18). Partial correlation analyses showed that CCS' fear levels decreased with increasing age (r = -0.16, p = 0.014), time since oncological therapy (r = -0.19, p = 0.003), and number of children (r = -0.21, p = 0.001). Overall, due to their own experiences with cancer, many CCS harbor misperceptions regarding the health outcomes of their offspring. Although the fear decreases with increasing distance from the active disease, any fear should be taken seriously, even if unfounded, and combated through targeted educational measures.

Magnetization transfer ratio of the sciatic nerve differs between patients in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

BackgroundPrevious studies on magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) found different patterns of structural nerve damage in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) is a quantitative technique to analyze the macromolecular tissue composition. We compared MTR values of the sciatic nerve in patients with T1D, T2D, and healthy controls (HC).Methods3-T MRN of the right sciatic nerve at thigh level was performed in 14 HC, 10 patients with T1D (3 with diabetic neuropathy), and 28 patients with T2D (10 with diabetic neuropathy). Results were subsequently correlated with clinical and electrophysiological data.ResultsThe sciatic nerve’s MTR was lower in patients with T2D (0.211 ± 0.07, mean ± standard deviation) compared to patients with T1D (T1D 0.285 ± 0.03; p = 0.015) and HC (0.269 ± 0.05; p = 0.039). In patients with T1D, sciatic MTR correlated positively with tibial nerve conduction velocity (NCV; r = 0.71; p = 0.021) and negatively with hemoglobin A1c (r = − 0.63; p < 0.050). In patients with T2D, we found negative correlations of sciatic nerve’s MTR peroneal NCV (r = − 0.44; p = 0.031) which remained significant after partial correlation analysis controlled for age and body mass index (r = 0.51; p = 0.016).ConclusionsLower MTR values of the sciatic nerve in T2D compared to T1D and HC and diametrical correlations of MTR values with NCV in T1D and T2D indicate that there are different macromolecular changes and pathophysiological pathways underlying the development of neuropathic nerve damage in T1D and T2D.Trial registrationhttps://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03022721. 16 January 2017.Relevance statementMagnetization transfer ratio imaging may serve as a non-invasive imaging method to monitor the diseases progress and to encode the pathophysiology of nerve damage in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Key points• Magnetization transfer imaging detects distinct macromolecular nerve lesion patterns in diabetes patients.• Magnetization transfer ratio was lower in type 2 diabetes compared to type 1 diabetes.• Different pathophysiological mechanisms drive nerve damage in type 1 and 2 diabetes.Graphical

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on functional brain networks in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a kind of intractable brain disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used to rapidly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with schizophrenia, but the effect of ECT on topological attributes of brain functional network in patients with schizophrenia has not been clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the brain functional network mechanism of ECT against schizophrenia.MethodsThirty-one patients with schizophrenia and fifty healthy controls matching age, gender, and years of education were included. All participants underwent general data collection and magnetic resonance imaging scanning before ECT, and clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). MRI and clinical symptoms were collected again after the first and eighth ECT application. The functional brain network was constructed on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging, and the global and node topological properties were analyzed. Repeated measure variance analysis was used to explore the changes of the topological attribute values and clinical symptom scores before and after ECT, and Bonferroni post hoc analysis was performed. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences in the topological attribute values between patients and healthy controls at three time points before and after ECT. Partial correlation analysis was performed for topological attribute values and clinical symptom scores of abnormal brain regions in the patient groups and their changes during ECT. A general linear regression model was used to predict the outcome after the final eighth ECT using the patient's response to the first ECT.Results(1) One ECT can restore the gamma(γ), lamuda(λ), sigma(σ), nodal global efficiency (Ne) of right insular gyrus ventral agranular insula (INS_R_vIa) and nodal local efficiency (NLe) of bilateral fusiform gyrus medioventral area37 (FuG_A37mv). Eight ECT can also restore the NLe of cortex rostral lingual gyrus (MVOcC _R_rLinG). Eight ECT did not improve the Ne of right superior parietal lobule rostral area 7 (SPL_R_A7r) and NLe of left superior frontal gyrus medial area 6 (SFG_L_A6m). (2) Even after only the first use of ECT, total PANSS scores began to decrease (mean ΔPANSSECT1 was 11.7%; Range, 2%-32.8%), decreased significantly after the eighth application (mean ΔPANSSECT8 was 86.0%; Range,72.5% to 97.9%). Five patients met the response criteria after ECT1 (20% reduction in PANSS total score), and all patients met the response criteria after ECT8. (3) Linear regression analysis showed that ΔPANSSECT1 was a significant predictor of ΔPANSSECT8 (F=5.387, P=0.028), and ΔPANSSECT1 explained 15.7% of the variance of ΔPANSSECT8 (R2=0.157).ConclusionsECT was able to normalize γ, λ, σ, Ne of INS_R_vIa, NLe of bilateral FuG_A37mv in SZ patients after the first treatment, and NLe of MVOcC_R_rLinG after the eighth ECT. ECT significantly alleviates psychotic symptoms in patients with SZ, and its efficacy after eight sessions can be predicted by the patient's response to the first session of ECT.

Testosterone and soluble ST2 as mortality predictive biomarkers in male patients with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is characterized by high mortality and poor outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between testosterone and soluble ST2 (sST2) and all-cause mortality in patients with SIC. Clinical data from SIC patients at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2021 and March 2023 were reviewed. Serum testosterone and sST2 were measured at admission. Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) were used to estimate the predictive values of testosterone and sST2 on 28 days and 90 days mortality of SIC. A total of 327 male subjects with SIC were enrolled in this study. During the 28 days and 90 days follow-up, 87 (26.6%) and 103 deaths (31.5%) occurred, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher 28 days and 90 days survival in patients with higher testosterone and decreased sST2 levels (p < 0.001). Testosterone, sST2, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were significantly associated with 28 days and 90 days mortality (p < 0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed strong positive correlation between testosterone and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001), and negative correlation between testosterone and sST2 (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) levels (p < 0.001) and smoke history (p < 0.01). The concentrations of sST2 were positively related with E/e' ratio (p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with TAPSE (p < 0.001). The combination of testosterone and sST2 enhanced the prediction of both 28 days [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.805] and 90 days mortality (AUC, 0.833). Early serum testosterone and sST2 levels could predict mortality of SIC independently and jointly. Further research is needed to determine the utility of biochemical markers in identifying high-risk patients with SIC.