Positive Correlation Research Articles

Dauricine Inhibits Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Development by Regulating PTEN/AKT/mTOR and Ras/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 Pathways in a FLT4-dependent Manner.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still a solid tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (FLT4, VEGFR3) is overexpressed in NSCLC cells, making it a potential target for NSCLC treatment. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-cancer effects of dauricine on NSCLC cells and its mechanism targeting FLT4. We found that dauricine inhibited the growth of NCI-H1299 cells by blocking the cycle in the G2/M phase through flow cytometry analysis. In addition, dauricine also inhibited the migration of NCI-H1299 cells by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. More importantly, our empirical analysis found the anti-cancer effect of dauricine on NCI-H1299 cells and the protein level of FLT4 had a distinctly positive correlation, and this effect was weakened after FLT4 knockdown. It is suggested that dauricine suppressed the growth and migration of NCI-H1299 cells by targeting FLT4. Furthermore, dauricine inhibited FLT4 downstream pathways, such as PTEN/AKT/mTOR and Ras/MEK1/2/ERK1/2, thereby regulating cell migration-related molecule MMP3 and cell cycle-related molecules (CDK1, pCDK1-T161, and cyclin B1). Dauricine may be a promising FLT4 inhibitor for the treatment of NSCLC.

5051 Clinical Correlation between TSH levels and TAU Imaging

Abstract Disclosure: S. Sunil: None. Background: Tau-PET Scan measures brain tau deposition. TSH levels related to cognitive impairment. We analyzed the correlation of TSH levels to tau-PET imaging in a memory clinic. Hypothesis: Tau-PET positivity correlates with lower TSH values in the clinic patients. Objectives: To assess the correlation of tau-PET positivity to TSH levels in memory clinic patients. Method: Retrospective observational chart review study of patients attending a memory clinic in Boston, MA, with TSH levels and tau-PET scan included for analysis. No stratification based on initial or final diagnosis, severity of cognitive impairment, or tracer used. Baseline TSH levels and a binary PET scan result were analyzed with covariates age, sex and race. Analysis done on ‘R’ v. 2.4.0. Pearson correlation estimated TSH levels to tau-PET status. Kruskal Wallis/Chi square tests for relationship of age, sex, gender and education with TSH levels and tau-PET status. ROC analyses and sensitivity/specificity were obtained. Results: Tau PET positivity did not correlate significantly with TSH levels (r= 0.0655, 95%CI -0.388 to 0.494, p=0.78). Conclusion: Tau PET does not correlate with TSH levels, possibly due to a ceiling effect in the mild impairment subjects. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Plasma Interleukin-13 Levels Correlate With the Severity of Symptoms Induced by Functional Dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal functional disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract that affects the quality of life of patients and poses a significant economic burden. It has been proposed that the local inflammatory immune response at the duodenum is associated with an increase in intestinal permeability, favoring the recruitment of Th2 cells and granulocyte degranulation. Moreover, systemic immune response could also be related to the symptoms of FD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the systemic immune response in Uruguayan patients with FD by analyzing the cytokine levels in plasma and the frequency of circulating T cells associated with duodenal recruitment. An analytic and cross-sectional study in 30 patients with FD and 15 healthy controls (HCs) was carried out. Patients were diagnosed with FD according to the Roma IV Committee definition. Cytokine levels were measured in plasma by a specific assay. Expression of α4β7 and CC chemokine receptor9 in circulating T cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Higher levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, and IL-8 and lower levels of IL-10 and IL-12p70 were detected in patients with FD than in HC. Furthermore, a positive linear correlation between IL-13 and the severity of FD symptoms was found. CD4 + T cells from patients with FD expressed higher levels of α4β7 and CC chemokine receptor9 than those from HC. An increase of Th2-like cytokines and a positive correlation between the levels of plasma IL-13 and the severity of symptoms in patients with FD from Uruguay were detected.

Effect of Mindfulness on Treatment Motivation in Patients with Substance Use Disorder

Objective: This research aimed to assess the mindfulness levels among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and investigate its influence on treatment motivation.
 Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out involving 184 SUD patients. Data collection utilized a Personal Information Form, The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ).
 Results: A strong positive correlation was identified between MAAS and TMQ levels (r: 0.796, p

A Study on the Effects of Socio-Cultural Pressure and Health Beliefs on Scalp and Hair Care Awareness and Behavior

Purpose: In modern society, with economic development and improvement of living standards, beauty is no longer solely aimed at physical appearance, but there is a lot of interest in scalp and hair care based on health. This study aims to investigate the influence of socio-cultural pressure and health beliefs on the perception of scalp and hair care.
 Method: In modern society, with economic development and improvement of living standards, beauty is no longer solely aimed at physical appearance, but there is a lot of interest in scalp and hair care based on health . This study aims to investigate the influence of socio-cultural pressure and health beliefs on the perception of scalp and hair care.
 Results: Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the variables. All the variables showed a significant positive correlation with each other. Next, multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effects of scalp and hair sociocultural pressure and health beliefs on perception and behavior of scalp and hair care, and it was found that sociocultural pressure from acquaintances, sociocultural pressure from media, intention to use, and maintenance had a significant positive effect on Perception and Behavior of scalp and hair care. Maintenance (β=.403, p<.001), sociocultural pressure from acquaintances (β=.246, p<.001), sociocultural pressure from the media (β=.240, p<.001), and intention to use (β=.129, p<.05) were found to affect perception and behavior of scalp and hair care.
 Conclusion: In order to improve 'Perception and Behavior of Scalp and Hair Care', it can be interpreted that it is necessary to pay attention not only to scalp and hair health beliefs but also to socio-cultural pressures. It can be said that this study proves that idealized appearances in the media and relationships can influence not only behaviors such as dieting, but also individuals' perceptions and actual behaviors regarding scalp and hair.

Insights for enhancing resilience in prolonged crises: impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ quality of life

Aims and backgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on nurses, impacting them physically, mentally and psychosocially. These effects stem from heightened workloads, fears of contracting a life-threatening illness due...

Relationship between Bitcoin and the stock market – can bitcoin serve as a safe haven for investors?

Aim: As a new asset class, Bitcoin and other cryptocurren-cies can be interesting for investors in the context of return stabilization, especially in times of crisis. We aimed to anal-yse whether Bitcoin can serve as a safe haven for investors in times of crisis.Methods: The data covers the period from September 17, 2014, to April 29, 2021, with 382 observations. Yahoo! Finance served as the source for the Bitcoin prices and Investing.com for the values of the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P500) Index. We used the maximum likelihood method to estimate the dynamic conditional correlation model.Results: Due to the high volatility during the analysed peri-od, Bitcoin achieved a higher risk-adjusted return compared to the S&P500 Index. The DCC model showed a positive cor-relation between the returns of the S&P500 and Bitcoin during the analysed period.Conclusions: Our results suggest that Bitcoin may not serve as a safe haven for investors in times of crisis. However, its role in this context should be further evaluated by examin-ing its relationship with other traditional asset classes (gold, commodities) and other types of cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins.

Anxiety's correlation with sleepiness and memory among security officers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the working population especially among older adults, anxiety problems have grown dramatically. This element has a significant impact on employee absenteeism and problems with physical and mental health. It was widely known that security personnel had several physical and mental difficulties during their various work hours. It is important to investigate the effects of anxiety on them. The present study aims to provide insights into the prevalence of anxiety disorders and explore the correlations between anxiety symptoms, sleep, and memory during the COVID-19 pandemic. To conduct a cross-sectional study, 42 older adult participants between the ages of sixty to seventy years were chosen and the procedure was explained.Data were gathered by giving instructions on how to complete the self-reported Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment -7 (GAD-7), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the revised Everyday Memory Questionnaire. A total of 36 out of 42 participants (85.71%) experienced moderate to severe anxiety. Anxiety and sleep had a correlation of 0.8, while anxiety and memory had a correlation of 0.87 with a positive EMQ-R relationship. Moreover, there was a statistically significant association between sleep and memory, with a positive correlation of 0.73. The study concludes that, there is a substantial prevalence of anxiety accompanied by notable insomnia and memory problems in elderly security officers. Our findings indicate a clear relationship between sleep disturbances, memory issues, and most prevalent anxiety symptoms. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating mental health assessments and addressing an effective treatment for anxiety.

Novel Adiponectin Receptor Agonist Inhibits Cholangiocarcinoma via Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has a poor prognosis and only limited palliative treatment options. The deficiency of adiponectin and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling was reported in several malignancies, but the alteration of these proteins in CCA is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the role of adiponectin and AMPK signaling in CCA. Furthermore, AdipoRon, a novel adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) agonist, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo as a new anti-tumor therapy for CCA. The expression of AdipoR1 and p-AMPKα in human tissue microarrays (TMAs) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). The effect of 2-(4-Benzoylphenoxy)-N-[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-acetamide (AdipoRon) was investigated in vitro with proliferation, crystal violet, migration, invasion, colony formation, senescence, cell cycle and apoptosis assays and in vivo using a CCA engineered mouse model (AlbCre/LSL-KRASG12D/p53L/L). RT-qPCR and western blot methods were applied to study molecular alterations in murine tissues. AdipoR1 and p-AMPKα were impaired in human CCA tissues, compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue. There was a positive correlation between the AdipoR1 and p-AMPKα levels in CCA tissues. Treatment with AdipoRon inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation and induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner in vitro (p<0.05). In addition, AdipoRon reduced the number of CCA and tumor volume, prolonged survival, and decreased metastasis and ascites in the treated group compared to the control group (p<0.05). AdipoR1 and p-AMPKα are impaired in CCA tissues, and AdipoRon effectively inhibits CCA in vitro and in vivo. Thus, AdipoRon may be considered as a potential anti-tumor therapy in CCA.

The Levels of Phoenixin-14 and Phoenixin-20 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

New pathogenesis-related early detection markers are needed to prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to determine phoenixin (PNX)-14 and PNX-20 levels in T2DM patients and investigate their relationship with diabetes. 36 T2DM patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study, and PNX-14 and PNX-20 levels in blood samples taken from the groups were measured by ELISA method. Patients' serum PNX-14 and PNX-20 levels were statistically significantly lower than in controls (p <0.001). A negative correlation was detected between PNX-14 and BMI, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c%, and HOMA-IR. A negative correlation was found between PNX-20 and BMI, fasting insulin and glucose, HbA1c%, and HO-MA-IR. A positive correlation was noticed between PNX-14 and PNX-20 levels. In ROC analyses, PNX-14 and PNX-20 performed almost equally in predicting T2DM. In predicting T2DM, the area under the ROC curve for PNX-14 was 0.874 (cutoff value 413.4 ng/L, sensitivity 89 %, specificity 72%), and for PNX-20 was 0.858 (cutoff value 228.7 ng/L, sensitivity 80 %, specificity 83 %). This study shows that serum PNX measurement may have a high level of evidence in predicting T2DM. PNX, related to pathogenesis, may be useful in diagnosing T2DM and other information to support clinical decision-making.

Direct immunofluorescence on plucked hair outer root sheath can predict relapse in pemphigus vulgaris.

Prospective research is lacking on the utility of plucked hair outer root sheath direct immunofluorescence (ORS DIF) in the prediction of relapse in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and the correlation of ORS DIF positivity with serum desmoglein antibody titers. We performed a prospective cohort study enrolling 80 PV patients in complete clinical remission at a tertiary care center in North India. Study participants underwent ORS DIF at baseline, which was repeated every 3 months. Skin biopsy DIF was done at study inclusion, repeated at 3 months, and upon clinical relapse. An antidesmoglein antibody titer was assessed concurrently with ORS DIF in a subset of patients. Patients on adjuvant therapy had their adjuvant therapy withdrawn either at the initial visit, at 3 months, or at a 6-month follow-up. Our objectives were to determine the association between positive ORS DIF and clinical relapse, the correlation between positive ORS DIF and skin biopsy DIF, and between positive ORS DIF and positive antidesmoglein antibody titers (when concurrently done). Twenty-two patients (27.5%) had a clinical relapse. Baseline immunological markers significantly associated with relapse are ORS DIF positivity with IgG (16/36 [45.44%] P = 0.005) and C3 (12/29 [41.37%] P = 0.047) and greater intensity of baseline IgG and C3 positivity in ORS DIF (IgG, P = 0.002; C3, P = 0.033). Notably, a significant correlation was observed between baseline positive ORS DIF and skin biopsy DIF (IgG, ρ = 0.695; C3, ρ = 0.498). Positive ORS DIF strongly correlated with positive anti-Dsg3 antibody titers (φs = 0.815; P < 0.01). Early withdrawal of adjuvant immunosuppressant (within 3 months) (P = 0.007) and positive ORS DIF were also associated with relapse (P = 0.017). ORS DIF is a reliable predictor of PV clinical relapse and demonstrated robust correlations with skin biopsy DIF and antidesmoglein antibody titers. Periodic assessment of ORS DIF aids in determining new-onset positivity that heralds clinical relapse.

Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metal Exposure through Medicinal Herbs in the Indian State of West Bengal

Background: More than 80% of the world's population uses herbal remedies in some form. Heavy metal contamination and the attendant health risks of Indian herbal medicines are not adequately documented. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the health risks associated with four common heavy metal contaminants, namely lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, present in raw medicinal herbs cultivated or growing wild in the West Bengal state of India. Method: A total of 197 raw herbs obtained from herbal medicine practitioners or wild plant col-lectors from 16 districts spread across 3 geographical zones (south, central, north) of West Bengal were analyzed. In accordance with AOAC specifications, all samples were dried in a hot air oven, ground into a coarse powder, and then processed and analyzed for heavy metals through atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations were estimated along with standard devia-tions, overall, zone-wise, and according to the botanical part tested. The standardized human health risk indices were calculated from the results. Results: Significant amounts of heavy metals were found in the herb samples analyzed in the order: lead in 150 samples (76.1%), arsenic in 84 (42.6%), cadmium in 77 (39%), and mercury in 47 (23.8%). Central zone samples had the highest concentrations of lead (10.06 μg/g), arsenic (0.62 μg/g), and cadmium (0.54 μg/g), while the greatest amount of mercury (0.08 μg/g) was obtained in herbs from South zone. There were also considerable variations with respect to the source of the botanical part. Lead and cadmium concentrations showed a significant positive cor-relation (r = 0.588). Although risk assessment using standardized measures indicated some risk, the human Hazard Index (HI) was less than 1 for all metals, indicating that it was mostly safe to use the herbs in the short-term. However, the risk of health issues from prolonged use still re-mains. Conclusion: Significant contaminations were identified, but exposure would mostly be within acceptable risk levels at present. However, since risk would be cumulative over time, programs need to be in place to monitor pharmaceutical herb safety, identify local sources of pollution, and take appropriate remedial action.

Allometry and condition factor of Faunus ater (Cerithioidea: Pachychilidae) from An Estuarine Habitat of Kerala, Southern India

Faunus ater is a pachychilid gastropod known to inhabit brackish water habi-tats of Western Indo-Pacific countries. This study aimed to analyse the mor-phometric relationships and condition factor of F. ater collected from the Eda-va-Nadayara brackish water lake of Kerala, India. Hydrographic parameters of sampling stations were recorded. A total of 1,522 specimens were collected every month from March 2019 to February 2020. The mean values recorded for total length, shell width, body whorl length, opercular length, opercular width, and total weight were 45.38±13.44 mm, 14.47±3.88 mm, 20.81±5.83 mm, 7.71±3.08 mm, 4.62±1.62 mm, and 6.97±3.72 g, respectively. The length-weight relation was obtained as Log W= -1.005+2.871 Log L. The b value (&lt;3) indicated a negative allometric growth of the organism. Regression analysis of other morphometric measurements also showed a positive correla-tion (P&lt;0.001). The analysis of Fulton’s condition factor indicated a state of well-being of F. ater in this habitat, with condition factors ranging from 5.87 to 6.99 spatially and 5.48 to 7.00 temporally. This study provides the first detailed investigation of morphometric relationships and condition factors in F. ater.

Assessing 5P as a Proper Conceptual Framework for Sustainability Reporting: Case Study from Indonesia’s Energy Sector

The launching of UN SDGs and 2030 resolution has sparked a new concept and perspective regarding the problem that we faced right now. The framework explicitly mention 5P as the main pillars of SDG while having the same characteristics as triple bottom line, with addition of peace and partnership aspects. This research uses purposive sampling to gain a proper sample from Indonesia's energy sector from 2020-2022. Data extracted from company's sustainability report using content analysis approach with several criteria. The number then fitted into a model with PLS-SEM and analysed using path coefficient and significance of p value. Some company disclosed more sustainability information through their sustainability report compared to the other. Planet aspect are having a positive and significant correlation, with People and Prosperity having a positive but not significant correlation and Peace and Partnership are having a negative and insignificant correlation. This study needs to be confirmed or re-evaluate by other researcher to further justify the proposition of the new concept, namely 5P.

Comparison of convolutional-neural-networks-based method and LCModel on the quantification of in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Quantification of metabolites concentrations in institutional unit (IU) is important for inter-subject and long-term comparisons in the applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Recently, deep learning (DL) algorithms have found a variety of applications on the process of MRS data. A quantification strategy compatible to DL base MRS spectral processing method is, therefore, useful. This study aims to investigate whether metabolite concentrations quantified using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based method, coupled with a scaling procedure that normalizes spectral signals for CNN input and linear regression, can effectively reflect variations in metabolite concentrations in IU across different brain regions with varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and linewidths (LW). An error index based on standard error (SE) is proposed to indicate the confidence levels associated with metabolite predictions. In vivo MRS spectra were acquired from three brain regions of 43 subjects using a 3T system. The metabolite concentrations in IU of five major metabolites, quantified using CNN and LCModel, exhibit similar ranges with Pearson's correlation coefficients ranging from 0.24 to 0.78. The SE of the metabolites shows a positive correlation with Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) (r=0.46) and absolute CRLB (r=0.81), calculated by multiplying CRLBs with the quantified metabolite content. In conclusion, the CNN based method with the proposed scaling procedures can be employed to quantify in vivo MRS spectra and derive metabolites concentrations in IU. The SE can be used as error index, indicating predicted uncertainties for metabolites and sharing information similar to the absolute CRLB.

Influence Of Good Governance on Employee Satisfaction in Faith-Based Higher Educational Institutions: The Mediating Role of Policy Management

The ever-increasing role of employee satisfaction in the survival and success of higher educational institutions points towards a strong emphasis on good governance. This study examined the mediating role of policy management on the relationship between good governance and employee satisfaction. Two hundred and sixty-eight respondents participated in the study, representing the population of Faith-Based Higher Educational Institutions in the (AHEI's) Philippines. The descriptive, correlational, regression, t-test, and structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze the data. The results exhibit strong implementation of good governance, high levels of employee satisfaction, and effective policy management as perceived by the employees. Moreover, the study found a positive correlation between good governance, employee satisfaction, and policy management. It was also discovered that the sex, marital status, educational attainment, and salary of the respondents do not moderate the influence of good governance on employee satisfaction. Finally, the findings also revealed that policy management partially mediates the relationship between good governance and employee satisfaction.

A study on determining the views of people on the COVID-19 vaccine

The aim of this study was to determine the views and approaches of the public to the COVID-19 vaccination in Turkey. We conducted a descriptive study using the data collection method which is among quantitative research methods and the screening technic for analysis. The data collection method for the study was an online survey. The 38.4% of participants stated they would consider getting vaccinated, 50.6% stated they were undecided, and 11% stated they would not consider getting vaccinated. There was also a significant correlation between the participants' desire to be vaccinated and their educational level, age, and socioeconomic status. The belief that being diagnosed with COVID-19 creates stigmatization/labeling in society, as well as the belief that the vaccine will have serious side effects, reduce the possibility of getting vaccinated. The study also found that there is a positive correlation between the belief that the vaccine can defeat the virus and the possibility of getting vaccinated. Understanding the causes and effects of vaccine hesitancy and rejection is essential for developing effective immunization programs. Policy makers should inform the public to increase the trust in the vaccine and dispel the misinformation and rumors about COVID-19.

Sleep quality of Chinese designers and the effects of digital screen time, stress, and job responsibility

The aim of this study was to describe the sleep status of Chinese designers and to identify the factors that affect their sleep quality. A total of 393 Chinese designers participated in the survey, which collected data on demographic information, digital screen time, stress, and the pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The average PSQI score of Chinese designers was 6.77, with 29% scoring equal to or higher than 9, indicating poor sleep quality. The most common sleep problem was difficulty falling asleep. Designers with management responsibilities had poorer sleep quality: the PSQI scores for those in design project management (M=8.74, SD=3.829) and design and management (M=9.05, SD=3.475) were significantly higher than for those in dedicated design (M=5.34, SD=2.908). There was a positive correlation between digital screen time for entertainment, work stress, other stress, and PSQI. The model equation was PSQI=1.160+0.276 * entertainment+0.675 * work stress+0.569 * other stress, with an r square of 0.232. Chinese designers should improve their sleep quality by reducing electronic entertainment and relieving stress. Managers in the design industry should pay special attention to their own sleep quality.

Association of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms with Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Patients with Primary Bone Tumors.

Timely identification and intervention of psychological disorders bear significant import in ameliorating the ensuing therapeutic trajectories in primary bone tumor patients. Moreover, perturbations in thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have been linked to manifestations of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. However, the precise interplay governing the nexus of anxiety, depression, and the levels of thyroxine and TSH within the context of primary bone tumor patients remains presently unexplored. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential correlation between the hypothalamus- pituitary-thyroxine (HPT) axis and the depressive as well as anxious states observed in patients afflicted with bone tumors. Patients with primary bone tumors were required to accept the assessments of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as thyroid axis hormone concentrations. The depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. During each follow-up, peripheral venous blood samples were collected for subsequent analysis using radioimmunoassay methods to measure serum- free T3, free T4, and TSH levels, with the calculated free T3 to free T4 ratio indicating peripheral free T4 to free T3 conversion. Tests for trend were conducted to assess thyroid axis hormone concentrations, HAMA scores, and HAMD scores, while the correlation between HAMA or HAMD scores and thyroid axis hormone concentrations was examined through univariate regression analyses. The study included 30 primary bone tumor patients. Initial high HAMA and HAMD scores decreased over a year after surgery (P < 0.05), reflecting diminishing anxiety and depression. TSH levels reduced postoperatively, contrasting with increased free-T3 and free-T4 levels (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis affirmed that positive correlations were noted between TSH and anxiety/depression scores, while free-T3 correlated negatively, adjusted for demographic factors (p < 0.05). No significant associations emerged between HAMA/HAMD scores and free-T4 or free-T3 to free-T4 ratio (p > 0.05). The early identification of the low T3 syndrome could prove instrumental in both intervening and preventing adverse emotional states associated with primary bone tumors.

A Multivariate Mixture Regression Model for Constrained Responses

Compositional data are vectors typically representing proportions of a whole, that is, those whose elements are strictly positive and subject to a unit-sum constraint. The increasing number of fields where this type of data arises makes the development of proper statistical tools an important issue. From a regression perspective, whenever the multivariate response is a compositional vector, a proper model that accounts for the unit-sum constraint is the well-established Dirichlet regression model. However, there are significant drawbacks mainly due to the limited flexibility of the Dirichlet distribution. The aim of this contribution is to introduce a new multivariate regression model for constrained responses, that is based on the extended flexible Dirichlet distribution (which is a structured mixture with Dirichlet distributed components). The new model is obtained by adopting a novel reparameterization which allows for, among other things, the presence of suitably designed cluster-specific regression patterns. It is shown to provide considerably greater flexibility and better performance than the standard Dirichlet regression model. In particular, from theoretical analysis, intensive simulation studies in many challenging scenarios, as well as from a real data application, it emerges that the new regression model can handle several issues affecting the Dirichlet regression, such as the presence of outliers, latent groups, multi-modality, and positive correlations.