Pearson's Analysis Research Articles

ANTIOXIDANTS, BIOCHEMICAL, AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS CHANGE IN WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO RADON INHALATION AT CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL INDUSTRIES IN ERBIL, IRAQ

This study examined the effects of radon on the endogenous antioxidants, biochemical, and hematological parameters of workers in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. This was carried out to ascertain how radon affects the health of those who work in certain factories producing building materials. The case study group consisted of 70 workers, who were then divided into seven subgroups (gypsum, cement plant, lightweight block, marble, red brick 1, crushed stone, and concrete block 2), while the control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), the complete blood count (CBC), and liver function tests were evaluated. The statistical analysis revealed that the antioxidant activities and CEA levels between the case study group and the control group differed significantly. Also, antioxidant enzyme activities and indoor radon concentration, the annual effective dosage, were found to be highly significantly correlated by Pearson and Spearman analyses in the case study group. Additionally, the results demonstrated a substantial correlation in the data between the levels of CEA biomarkers and radon (r=0.478, p˂0.000). The present results showed that radon concentration increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in a radon concentration-dependent manner (r=0.263 and p ˂0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin activities, on the other hand, were not significantly affected by radon. The most significantly influenced CBC parameter was the low white blood cells (WBC) in the case study group compared to the controls. Low platelet count (PLT) was the second-highest problematic metric. The other CBC values, however, did not significantly differ between the research group and the control group. This study offers a preliminary image of the endogenous antioxidant systems in employees, especially to show a connection between radon and the occurrence of cancer among workers in Iraq Kurdistan Region.

Retinopathy as a predictive indicator for significant hepatic fibrosis according to T2DM status: A cross-sectional study based on the national health and nutrition examination survey data

Introduction and ObjectivesType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a prevalent metabolic disorder, often coexists with a range of complications, with retinopathy being particularly common. Recent studies have shed light on a potential connection between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hepatic fibrosis, indicating a possible shared pathophysiological foundation in T2DM. This study investigates the correlation between retinopathy and hepatic fibrosis among individuals with T2DM, as well as evaluates the diagnostic value of DR for significant hepatic fibrosis. Materials and MethodsOur cross-sectional analysis incorporated 5413 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008. The Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) classified hepatic fibrosis into different grades (F0-F4), with significant hepatic fibrosis marked as F2 or higher. Retinopathy severity was determined using retinal imaging and categorized into four levels. The analysis of variance or Chi-square tests facilitated group comparisons. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis appraised the predictive accuracy of retinopathy for significant hepatic fibrosis in the T2DM population. ResultsAmong 5413 participants, the mean age was 59.56 ± 12.41, with 50.2% male. And 20.6% were diagnosed with T2DM. Hepatic fibrosis grading was positively associated with retinopathy severity (OR [odds ratio]: 1.521, 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.152-2.008, P = 0.003) across the entire population. The association was amplified in the T2DM population according to Pearson's analysis results. The ROC curve demonstrated retinopathy's diagnostic capacity for significant hepatic fibrosis in the T2DM population (AUC [area under curve] = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.651-0.793, P < 0.001). ConclusionsRetinopathy could serve as an independent predictor of significant hepatic fibrosis in T2DM population. Ophthalmologists are advised to closely monitor T2DM patients with retinopathy.

CircRNA expression profiles and regulatory networks in the vitreous humor of people with high myopia

Myopia is a global health and economic issue. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of many ocular diseases. We first evaluated the circRNA profiles and possible roles in vitreous humor samples of individuals with high myopia by a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) array. Vitreous humor samples were collected from 15 high myopic (5 for ceRNA array, and 10 for qPCR) and 15 control eyes (5 for ceRNA array, and 10 for qPCR) with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and macular hole (MH). 486 circRNAs (339 upregulated and 147 downregulated) and 264 mRNAs (202 upregulated and 62 downregulated) were differentially expressed between the high myopia and control groups. The expression of hsa_circ_0033079 (hsa-circDicer1), hsa_circ_0029989 (hsa-circNbea), hsa_circ_0019072 (hsa-circPank1) and hsa_circ_0089716 (hsa-circEhmt1) were validated by qPCR. Pearson analysis and multivariate regression analysis showed positive and significant correlations for axial length with hsa-circNbea and hsa-circPank1. KEGG analysis showed that the target genes of circRNAs were enriched in the mTOR, insulin, cAMP, and VEGF signaling pathways. GO analysis indicated that circRNAs mainly targeted transcription, cytoplasm, and protein binding. CircRNA-associated ceRNA network analysis and PPI network analysis identified several critical genes for myopia. The expression of circNbea, circPank1, miR-145-5p, miR-204-5p, Nras, Itpr1 were validated by qPCR in the sclera of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) mice model. CircPank1/miR-145-5p/NRAS and circNbea/miR-204-5p/ITPR1 were identified and may be important in the progression of myopia. Our findings suggest that circRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of myopia and may serve as potential biomarkers.

CORRELATION BETWEEN PLATELET PARAMETERS AND THE SEVERITY OF PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Introduction &amp; ObjectivesPrimary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by slowlyprogressive visual function loss. Platelet activation as well as its interaction with vascularendothelium and plasma components, play an important role in the vascular pathophysiology ofPOAG. Platelet aggregation in glaucoma tends to increase. This change has negative impact on smallvessel circulation in the eye, such as branches of short ciliary arteries supplying the optic nerve. Inthis study, we will assess the correlation between platelet parameters and the severity of POAG.&#x0D; MethodsThis study is an analytical observational study. Data were obtained retrospectively and prospectivelywith a cross sectional study approach conducted at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. The study samplewas 62 eyes selected consecutively. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive data presentednumerically or categorically, bivariate analysis using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests andmultivariate analysis using logistic regression.&#x0D; ResultsResults showed that the mean age of the research subjects was 66.71 ± 9.795 years, with themajority was male (70.6%). Bivariate analysis, showed no significant correlation between plateletparameters (PLT, PDW, MPV) and the severity of POAG. Multivariate analysis found that age ? 68years, 9,850 times more likely to develop moderate to severe glaucoma, compared to patients &lt; 68years old (OR 9,850, 95% CI, p = 0.009).&#x0D; ConclusionPlatelet parameters showed no significant correlation with the severity of POAG, meanwhile olderage is more at risk of developing moderate to severe POAG.

An exosome-derived lncRNA signature identified by machine learning associated with prognosis and biomarkers for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies. Current treatment options are limited and ineffective, prompting the discovery of reliable biomarkers. Exosome lncRNAs, carrying genetic information, are promising new markers. Previous studies only focused on exosome-related genes and employed the Lasso algorithm to construct prediction models, which are not robust. 420 OC patients from the TCGA datasets were divided into training and validation datasets. The GSE102037 dataset was used for external validation. LncRNAs associated with exosome-related genes were selected using Pearson analysis. Univariate COX regression analysis was used to filter prognosis-related lncRNAs. The overlapping lncRNAs were identified as candidate lncRNAs for machine learning. Based on 10 machine learning algorithms and 117 algorithm combinations, the optimal predictor combinations were selected according to the C index. The exosome-related LncRNA Signature (ERLS) model was constructed using multivariate COX regression. Based on the median risk score of the training datasets, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the time-dependent ROC, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, and immune checkpoints were analyzed. 64 lncRNAs were subjected to a machine-learning process. Based on the stepCox (forward) combined Ridge algorithm, 20 lncRNA were selected to construct the ERLS model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the high-risk group had a lower survival rate. The area under the curve (AUC) in predicting OS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.758, 0.816, and 0.827 in the entire TCGA cohort. xCell and ssGSEA analysis showed that the low-risk group had higher immune cell infiltration, which may contribute to the activation of cytolytic activity, inflammation promotion, and T-cell co-stimulation pathways. The low-risk group had higher expression levels of PDL1, CTLA4, and higher TMB. The ERLS model can predict response to anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 therapy. Patients with low expression of PDL1 or high expression of CTLA4 and low ERLS exhibited significantly better survival prospects, whereas patients with high ERLS and low levels of PDL1 or CTLA4 exhibited the poorest outcomes. Our study constructed an ERLS model that can predict prognostic risk and immunotherapy response, optimizing clinical management for OC patients.

Serum circRNA (Circ)_0051386 assists in the diagnosis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and prediction of the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background This study aimed to uncover the diagnostic value of circRNA (Circ)_0051386 in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its predictive value for the occurrence of adverse major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Methods This study included 166 patients with STEMI and 83 health donors. The expression levels of serum Circ_0051386 in these participants were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, the incidence of MACEs during a 6-month follow-up period after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was collected in the STEMI patient cohort. Results Before and after propensity score matching (PSM), Circ_0051386 all had higher expression levels in the patients with STEMI than the normal subjects (all p < .001)and robust diagnosis values for the STEMI (AUC = 0.766, 0.779). Kaplan–Meier curves showed the high expression Circ_0051386 group had a higher occurrence rate of MACEs during a 6-month follow-up after PCI in patients with STEMI and this phenomenon was confirmed by internal validation (all p < .05). In addition, the multivariate COX regression showed gensini score (HR = 1.020, 95% CI = 1.002 − 1.038, p = .028) and Circ_0051386 (HR = 2.468, 95% CI =1.548–3.935, p < .001)were independent risk factors of the occurrence of MACEs in patients with STEMI after PCI. Pearson analysis presented that Circ_0051386 was positively correlated with gensini scores (r = 0.33), IL-1β (r = 0.55)and TNF-α(r = 0.41). Conclusion Our study indicated that Circ_0051386 is a biomarker of the diagnostic for STEMI and the predictor of the MACEs in STEMI patients after PCI. Its potential role in STEMI may be the regulation of inflammation in the vascular endothelial.

Construction and validation of a prognostic signature for mucinous colonic adenocarcinoma based on N7-methylguanosine-related long non-coding RNAs.

Mucinous colonic adenocarcinoma remains a challenging disease due to its high propensity for metastasis and recurrence. N7-methylguanosine (m7G) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are closely associated with the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, research on m7G-related lncRNA in mucinous colonic adenocarcinoma is lacking. Therefore, we sought to explore the prognostic impact of m7G-related lncRNAs in mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) patients. In this study, Pearson analysis was used to identify m7G-related lncRNAs from transcriptome data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to further screen m7G-related lncRNAs and incorporate them into a prognostic signature. Based on the risk model, patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups and randomly assigned to the training set and test sets in a 6:4 ratio. Kaplan-Meier, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, multivariate regression, and nomogram analyses were used to confirm the accuracy of the signature. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the degree of immune cell infiltration (ICI). Finally, the correlation of the prognostic signature with tumor mutational burden (TMB) and immunophenotype score (IPS) was evaluated. A total of 432 m7G-related lncRNAs were identified by Pearson analysis. Univariate Cox regression, LASSO regression and survival analysis were performed to further select six m7G-related lncRNAs (P<0.05): AC254629.1, LINC01133, LINC01134, MHENCR, SMIM2-AS1, and XACT. Based on the risk model, heat maps, Kaplan-Meier curves, and ROC curves were constructed, and the results showed that there were significant differences in expression levels and survival status between the two risk groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival in the training set were 0.944, 0.957, and 1.000, respectively. And in the test set were 0.964, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate regression analyses of clinical characteristics and risk score were performed. The results of risk score were [hazard ratio (HR): 6.458, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.708-15.403, P<0.001; HR: 7.280, 95% CI: 2.500-21.203, P<0.001], respectively. Using the risk score as an independent prognostic factor, the AUC of it over 3, 5, and 10 years was 0.911, 0.955, and 0.961, respectively. Calibration plots for the nomogram show that the model calibration line is very close to the ideal calibration line, indicating good calibration. The level of ICI was significantly different in the different risk groups. Survival analysis showed that, regardless of TMB risk, patients with MC and a high-risk score consistently had a poor overall survival (OS). The m7G-related lncRNA prognostic signature has potential value for the prognosis of mucinous colonic adenocarcinoma.

Time between imaging and surgery is not a risk factor for upstaging of clinical stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer.

The timing of preoperative imaging in patients with lung cancer is a debated topic, as there are limited data on cancer progression during the interval between clinical staging by imaging and pathological staging after resection. We quantified disease progression during this interval in patients with early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to better understand if its length impacts upstaging. We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database to identify patients who underwent surgery for clinically staged T1N0M0 NSCLC from January 2015 through September 2022. Tumour upstaging between chest computed tomography (CT) and surgery were analysed as a function of time (<30, 30-59, ≥60 days) for different nodule subtypes. We analysed data across 3 timeframes using Pearson's chi-squared and analysis of variance tests. During the study period, 622 patients underwent surgery for clinically staged T1N0M0 NSCLC. CT-to-surgery interval was <30 days in 228 (36.7%), 30-59 days in 242 (38.9%) and ≥60 days in 152 (24.4%) with no differences in patient or nodule characteristics observed between these groups. T-stage increased in 346 patients (55.6%) between CT imaging and surgery. Among these patients, 126 (36.4%) had ground-glass nodules, 147 (42.5%) had part-solid nodules and 73 (21.1%) had solid nodules. CT-to-surgery interval length was not associated with upstaging of any nodule subtype (full-cohort, P = 0.903; ground-glass, P = 0.880; part-solid, P = 0.858; solid, P = 0.959). This single-centre experience suggests no significant association between tumour upstaging and time from imaging to lung resection in patients with clinical stage IA NSCLC. Further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors for upstaging.

Intricate microbe-plant-metabolic remodeling mediated by intercropping enhances the quality of Panax quinquefolius L.

Improving the cultivation mode and technology for traditional Chinese medicine has become important for its sustainable development. Monoculture enhances plant diseases, which decreases yield and quality. Intercropping is an effective measure to counterbalance that negative effect. In this study, we focused on Panax quinquefolium L. (ginseng) and four treatments were set up: the control without intercropping, P. quinquefolius + ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), P. quinquefolius + red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and P. quinquefolius + ryegrass + red clover. An LC-MS/MS system was used to detect the changes in the P. quinquefolius secondary metabolites, and high-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the changes in the P. quinquefolius' rhizosphere soil microorganisms. Ginsenoside content, soil enzyme activities, and arbuscular mycorrhizal infection rate of P. quinquefolius were also measured using HPLC, ELISA kits, and microscopy, respectively. Co-intertia and Pearson's analysis were performed to explore the relationship between the metabolites and the P. quinquefolius microorganisms. Intercropping significantly increased the content of ginsenoside metabolites and recruited a large number of beneficial bacteria to the P. quinquefolius rhizosphere. The P. quinquefolius secondary metabolites were associated with the rhizosphere microbial community. For example, the dominant microorganisms, such as Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi, played a key role in promoting the synthesis of ginsenoside Rd and (20R) ginsenoside Rg3 by P. quinquefolius. Intercropping led to changes in the P. quinquefolius secondary metabolites by driving and reshaping the rhizosphere microorganisms. These findings revealed the potential application of intercropping for improving the quality of P. quinquefolius.

A cross-sectional survey on the relationship between workplace psychological violence and empathy among Chinese nurses: the mediation role of resilience

BackgroundWorkplace violence is one of the most serious public health issues worldwide in healthcare occupations, nurse is a profession which faces the greatest risk of exposure to workplace violence among healthcare occupations.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace psychological violence and empathy among Chinese nurses, and further examine the mediation role of resilience in this relationship.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of clinical registered nurses in Xinjiang China from 29 September 2023 to 19 October 2023.The online questionnaire, contained the general information form, the Workplace Psychologically Violent Behaviors Instrument, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Healthcare Professionals Version, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, was used to collect data. The IBM SPSS statistics software version 22.0 was used to perform data analyses in forms of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis.ResultThis survey recruited a convenience sample of 1613 clinical registered nurses aged 22 to 55 years who come from diverse ethnicities and worked in different departments. A total of 534 nurse experienced psychological violent, which yielded a positive rate of 33.1% for psychological violent among nurses. Pearson analysis reported a negative correlation between psychological violences and empathy (r=-0.724, P < 0.01) as well as a negative correlation between psychological violences and resilience (r=-0.681, P < 0.01). Mediation analysis reported that resilience mediated the negative relationship between psychological violence and empathy, the mediation effect accounted for ab/(ab + c’) = 23.40% of the total effect.ConclusionThis study supported an inverse ralationship between psychological violence and empathy among Chinese nurses where resilience acted as a protective factor to mediated the negative impacts of psychological violences on empathy These results directed health policies and clinical interventions to equip nurses with resilience to copy with and recover from workplace psychological violence.

MiR-27a-3p exacerbates cell migration and invasion in right-sided/left-sided colorectal cancer by targeting TGFBR2/TCF7L2.

Left-sided colorectal cancer (LSCC) and right-sided colorectal cancer (RSCC) belong to colorectal cancer happening at different positions, which exhibit different pathogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA)s are widely known regulators in diverse carcinomas. This research aims to identify a differentially expressed miRNA that simultaneously regulates genes associated with LSCC and RSCC and reveal their regulatory relation in cell migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to uncover the dysregulated functional genes in LSCC/RSCC and obtain their common targeted miRNAs. The expression pattern of miR-27a-3p, TCF7L2, and TGFBR2 in cancerous and adjacent tissues from LSCC/RSCC patients was assessed through qRT-PCR, followed by Pearson's correlation coefficients analysis. The interaction of miR-27a-3p with TCF7L2 or TGFBR2 was thereafter confirmed through luciferase reporter assay. TCF7L2 and TGFBR2 protein levels were assessed by western blotting after overexpressing level of miR-27a-3p. Cell migration and invasion were routinely examined by wound healing and transwell experiments, respectively. TCF7L2 and TGFBR2 were respectively identified and verified to be lowly expressed in LSCC and RSCC, both of them were predicted and confirmed as targets of miR-27a-3p. MiR-27a-3p elevation exacerbated migration and invasion of both LSCC and RSCC cells. The impacts of miR-27a-3p on migration and invasion could be blocked by overexpressing TCF7L2 in LSCC cells and also reversed by up-regulating TGFBR2 in RSCC cells. In general, miR-27a-3p accelerated the migration and invasion capabilities of LSCC and RSCC cells through negatively regulating TCF7L2 and TGFBR2, respectively, which might be an effective molecular target for the treatment of LSCC/RSCC.

Development Status and Related Factors of Mental Reasoning Ability in Children with Hearing Impairment

Objectives: This research aims to determine the factors that contribute to improving mental reasoning ability in children with hearing impairment. To achieve this objective, 6 six factors were tested to determine their impact on the mental health reasoning of children. Methods: The research is based on quantitative data; a Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 195 doctors. SPSS version 29 was used to calculate Pearson correlations and analysis of variance. Results: Age, health behavior, duration of the hearing, communication methods, educational support services, and hearing aids were significant factors influencing the mental reasoning ability of students. Conclusion: In proceeding with the theoretical contribution of this research and filling the gaps in knowledge, the study has some practical implications for improving the mental reasoning ability of children with hearing impairment

Factors that influence medication adherence in women with fibromyalgia: A path analysis.

To investigate the relationships between depression symptoms, perceived stigma, disease severity, patient-provider communication and medication adherence in fibromyalgia patients. The objectives were to explore how these factors influence treatment adherence and to develop a comprehensive model illustrating their interconnections. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with fatigue, sleep issues and idiopathic pain. Medication adherence is limited by insufficient symptom relief, side effects and costs. Stigma further complicates fibromyalgia. Disease severity affects patient-provider communication. Associations between depression, stigma, severity, communication and adherence in fibromyalgia are unclear. A cross-sectional, correlational study. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies were followed. Participants included Hebrew-speaking participants who were members of two Facebook groups: 'Shades of Purple' and 'Fibromyalgia- Get to Know!' Between February and April 2022. They undertook evaluations using The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to gauge depression symptoms, assessed perceived stigma, utilised The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to determine disease severity, employed The Patient Reaction Assessment questionnaire for patient-provider communication, and used the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Associations between the variables were explored using Pearson's correlations and path analyses. The study included 141 women with fibromyalgia, aged 22 to 76 years. Most reported having a stable partner (69.5%) and 75.2% had children. The treatment adherence levels were as follows: 53.2% (N = 75)-low, 33.3% (N = 47)-medium and 13.5% (N = 19)-high. Depression positively correlated with stigma. Stigma negatively correlated with patient-provider communication. Patient-provider communication positively correlated with treatment adherence. A significant negative indirect effect of depression on treatment adherence through stigma and patient-provider communication was found. Perceived stigma and patient-provider communication played a mediating role in the relationships between depression and treatment adherence among women with fibromyalgia. Addressing stigma related to fibromyalgia and effective patient-provider communication can positively influence treatment adherence. No patient or public contribution.

Potential Geographical Distribution of Lagerstroemia excelsa under Climate Change

As a popular ornamental plant and an effective species for controlling rocky desertification, the identification and protection of potential habitats of Lagerstroemia excelsa habitats hold significant importance. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural resources and growing conditions for L. excelsa, predictive modeling was employed to estimate the potential geographical distribution of the species during the Mid-Holocene (MH), the present, and the years 2050 and 2070. The projection was based on current occurrences, and we selected the relevant environmental attributes through the Pearson analysis and the Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt). The analysis revealed that temperature and precipitation are the primary environmental factors influencing L. excelsa distribution, with the Wuling Mountains identified as a center distribution hub for this species. The anticipated suitable area for L. excelsa is expected to experience marginal expansion under future climate scenarios. These results are invaluable for guiding the protection and sustainable utilization of L. excelsa in the face of climate change. Additionally, the data generated can be leveraged for enhanced introduction, breeding, selection, and cultivation of L. excelsa, taking into account the challenges posed by global warming.

Evaluation of the profitability and competitiveness of sugarcane production in Ivory Coast using Pearson and Monke's Policy Analysis Matrix (1987)

In Ivory Coast, sugarcane production is one of the main income-generating activities in rural areas. In recent years, the sugar sector has been booming due to strong demand on the national and international markets. This study therefore aims to assess the profitability and competitiveness of the Ivorian sugar sector. Primary and secondary data have been analysed using Pearson and Monke's (1987) Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). The results show that the production link in the sugarcane chain is financially and economically profitable. It is also competitive and has a comparative advantage, despite the distortions. However, producers are poorly protected. Agricultural policy measures aimed at increasing yields per hectare and improving incomes would therefore be beneficial for sugarcane growers.

Analysis of risk factors and predictive efficacy of senile osteoporosis fracture based on biochemical indicators of bone metabolism.

A total of 254 elderly OS patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital during May 2019 to April 2022 was randomly picked, of which 100 patients were finally enrolled. Patients were divided into OS fracture group and non-fracture group according to whether they had OS fracture. The contents of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism biochemical indexes, including Dickkopf1 (DKK-1), sclerostin (SOST), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (BGP) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) were detected in lumbar L2č4 and left femoral greater trochanter. The correlation between bone metabolism and BMD was evaluated using Pearson analysis. The risk factors of OS fracture were analyzed using Multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive value of biochemical indexes of bone metabolism on the risk of OS fracture was analyzed using ROC curve.

Validity of remote live stream video evaluation of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Conducting functional assessments remotely can help alleviate the burden of in-person assessment on patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their caregivers. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether scores from remote functional assessment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy correspond to in-person scores on the same functional assessments. Remote live stream versus in-person scores on the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (including time [seconds] to complete the 10-meter walk/run and time to rise from the floor [supine to stand]) were assessed using statistical analyses, including intraclass correlation coefficient, and Pearson, Spearman, and Bland-Altman analyses. The remote and in-clinic assessments had to occur within 2 weeks of one another to be considered for this analysis. This analysis included patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 4 to 7 years. Participants in this analysis received delandistrogene moxeparvovec (as part of SRP-9001-101 [Study 101; NCT03375164] or SRP-9001-102 [Study 102; NCT03769116]) or were randomized to receive placebo (in Part 1 of Study 102). This study evaluates score reproducibility between live stream remote scoring versus in-person functional assessments as determined by intraclass correlation coefficient, and Pearson, Spearman, and Bland-Altman analyses. The results showed that scores from remote functional assessment of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy strongly correlated with those obtained in person. These findings demonstrate congruence between live stream remote and in-person functional assessment and suggest that remote assessment has the potential to reduce the burden on a family by supplementing in-clinic visits.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Population Towards Ultrasound Screening for Strokes.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among middle-aged and elderly population towards ultrasound screening for strokes. This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March, 2023, and May, 2023 at Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of middle-aged and elderly population and assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward ultrasound screening for strokes. A total of 552 participants enrolled in this study, among them 151 (27.36%) aged above 60 years old, 306 (55.43%) resided in rural area, 239 (43.30%) possessed educational attainment at the level of junior college, college or above. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practice scores were 5.53 ± 2.56, 40.22 ± 5.60 and 38.30 ± 7.38, respectively. Pearson's analysis was performed to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It was shown that knowledge and attitudes were positively correlated (r = 0.544, P < 0.001), and knowledge and practices were also positively correlated (r = 0.404, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between attitude and practice scores (r = 0.566, P < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrate that the middle-aged and elderly population exhibited insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practices towards ultrasound screening for strokes. There is a need to improve the understanding of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and emergency measures among this population.

Long non-coding RNA LBX2-AS1 activates IL4R to promote glioblastoma metastasis and angiogenesis by binding to the transcription factor NFKB1.

LncRNA LBX2-AS1 drives the development of various cancers, but the exact mechanism whereby LBX2-AS1 affects glioblastoma (GBM) progression is unaddressed. This study intended to delineate the regulatory mechanism of LBX2-AS1 in GBM metastasis and angiogenesis. LBX2-AS1 level in GBM was assessed by bioinformatics methods. The lncRNA-transcription factor (TF)-mRNA trios were predicted using the lncMAP database. Correlation between genes was predicted by Pearson analysis. The binding relationship was predicted by JASPAR. Levels of LBX2-AS1 and its downstream genes were assayed via qRT-PCR. Changes in expressions of VEGF-A, IL4R, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins were assessed through western blot. GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assayed through CCK8, colony formation, and Transwell experiments. In vitro angiogenesis capacity was evaluated via a HUVEC tube formation experiment. The regulatory relationship between various genes was verified through radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and dual-luciferase assays. LBX2-AS1 was elevated in GBM, and in vitro experiments demonstrated the stimulatory effect of LBX2-AS1 on GBM cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. We observed that LBX2-AS1 activated IL4R expression by binding the transcription factor NFKB1, thus promoting the progression of GBM. Rescue experiments illustrated that silencing IL4R or NFKB1 reversed the impact of forced LBX2-AS1 expression on GBM cells. This study revealed the mechanism of the LBX2-AS1/NFKB1/IL4R axis in driving GBM metastasis and angiogenesis, which may help to improve the regulatory network of GBM malignant progression and provide potential targets for GBM treatment.

Factors influencing the occurrence of hyperuricemia and poor cardiac and renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

The aim of our study was to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of hyperuricemia and poor cardiac and renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). One hundred and sixteen patients with CKD admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to September 2022 were picked as the subjects. Fasting venous blood of these subjects was collected to value the serum uric acid (SUA) levels on an automatic biochemical analyzer. Patients were then grouped as the CKD-only group (n=80) and hyperuricemia group (n=36), according to the SUA results, or the good prognosis group (n=88) and poor prognosis group (n=28), according to the presence of cardiovascular diseases. The changes in laboratory indexes and clinical data were analyzed and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for combined hyperuricemia and the risk factors for poor cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with CKD. The correlation between SUA level and cardiac and renal indexes was analyzed by Pearson analysis. Patients in the CKD hyperuricemia group had markedly higher content of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), urinary retinol-binding protein (RBP), urinary N-acetyl-β-D glucosidase (NAG), much higher proportion of heart failure episodes history, and much lower content of total cholesterol (TC), albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (Hb), urinary α1-microglobulin (α1-MG), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than the CKD-only group (p < 0.05). SUA, BNP, SBP, and history of heart failure episodes were independent risk factors for combined hyperuricemia in CKD patients (p < 0.05). Besides, eGFR, albumin, and hemoglobin were independent protective factors for combined hyperuricemia in CKD patients (p < 0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group, the content of BNP, SBP, DBP, urinary RBP, urinary NAG, and SUA was much higher, the proportion of heart failure episodes history was obviously higher, and the levels of Alb, Hb, TC, eGFR, and urinary α1-MG were sharply lower in the poor prognosis group (p < 0.05). SUA, BNP, SBP, and history of heart failure episodes were independent risk factors for poor cardiac and renal outcomes (p < 0.05), and eGFR was an independent protective factor for poor cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with CKD (p < 0.05). The SUA level in CKD patients was positively correlated with BNP and SBP (r=0.463, 0.215, p < 0.05), but negatively correlated with eGFR (r=0.463, 0.215, p < 0.05). The serum SUA level was elevated with the aggravation of the CKD stage. High serum SUA level is a risk factor for the development of hyperuricemia and poor cardio-renal outcomes in CKD patients, suggesting that early monitoring of changes in SUA levels may help assess the risk of cardio-renal outcomes in CKD patients.