Positive Linear Correlation Research Articles

Integrin αVβ1-activated PYK2 promotes the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer via the STAT3-VGF axis

BackgroundNon-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80–85% of all lung cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Although various treatment strategies have been introduced, the 5-year survival rate of patients with NSCLC is only 20–30%. Thus, it remains necessary to study the pathogenesis of NSCLC and develop new therapeutic drugs. Notably, PYK2 has been implicated in the progression of many tumors, including NSCLC, but its detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which PYK2 promotes NSCLC progression.MethodsThe mRNA and protein levels of various molecules were measured using qRT-PCR, western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. We established stable PYK2 knockdown and overexpression cell lines, and CCK-8, EdU, and clonogenic assays; wound healing, transwell migration, and Matrigel invasion assays; and flow cytometry were employed to assess the phenotypes of tumor cells. Protein interactions were evaluated with co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), immunofluorescence (IF)-based colocalization, and nucleocytoplasmic separation assays. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the transcriptional regulation mediated by PYK2. Secreted VGF levels were examined using ELISA. Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to detect transcriptional regulation site. PF4618433 (PYK2 inhibitor) and Stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) were used for rescue experiments. A public database was mined to analyze the effect of these molecules on NSCLC prognosis. To investigate the role of PYK2 in vivo, mouse xenograft models of lung carcinoma were established and examined.ResultsThe protein level of PYK2 was higher in human NSCLC tumors than in the adjacent normal tissue, and higher PYK2 expression was associated with poorer prognosis. PYK2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and motility of tumor cells and caused G1-S arrest and cyclinD1 downregulation in A549 and H460 cells. Meanwhile, PYK2 overexpression had the opposite effect in H1299 cells. The siRNA-induced inhibition of integrins alpha V and beta 1 led to the downregulation of p-PYK2(Tyr402). Activated PYK2 could bind to STAT3 and enhance its phosphorylation at Tyr705, regulating the nuclear accumulation of p-STAT3(Tyr705). This further promoted the expression of VGF, as confirmed by RNA sequencing in a PYK2-overexpressing H1299 cell line and validated by rescue experiments. Two sites in promoter region of VGF gene were confirmed as binding sites of STAT3 by Dual-luciferase assay. Data from the TGCA database showed that VGF was related to the poor prognosis of NSCLC. IHC revealed higher p-PYK2(Tyr402) and VGF expression in lung tumors than in adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, both proteins showed higher levels in advanced TNM stages than earlier ones. A positive linear correlation existed between the IHC score of p-PYK2(Tyr402) and VGF. Knockdown of VGF inhibited tumor progression and reversed the tumor promoting effect of PYK2 overexpression in NSCLC cells. Finally, the mouse model exhibited enhanced tumor growth when PYK2 was overexpressed, while the inhibitors PF4618433 and Stattic could attenuate this effect.ConclusionsThe Integrin αVβ1-PYK2-STAT3-VGF axis promotes NSCLC development, and the PYK2 inhibitor PF4618433 and STAT3 inhibitor Stattic can reverse the pro-tumorigenic effect of high PYK2 expression in mouse models. Our findings provide insights into NSCLC progression and could guide potential therapeutic strategies against NSCLC with high PYK2 expression levels.

Experience of rigorous practice of antimicrobial stewardship program and its impact on antibiotic consumption

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the next pandemic with a huge global economic burden. A customized antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) is a well-recognized tool for containment of AMR. The current study was undertaken to identify the impact of AMSP measures on the trends of antibiotic consumption rates, e.g., defined daily dose (DDD) and days of therapy (DOT) per 100 patient days in pre-identified areas of the hospital. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-record-based extended cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care institute in central India from January 2021 to September 2021. Time-bound feasible sampling was undertaken, and all cases were included without any exclusion criteria. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Statistical Analysis: The data was entered into a spreadsheet. The calculation of DDD and DOT was performed individually for each antibiotic as per WHO tool per 100 patient days. Results: In high-priority areas such as intensive care unit and high dependency unit, the top three DDD/100 days were meropenem (77.9), colistin (41.4), and piperacillin-tazobactam (13.5) versus the top 3 DOT/100 patient days were meropenem (40.5), colistin (20.9), and piperacillin-tazobactam (15.7). In low-priority areas such as general wards, the top 3 DDD/100 patient days were meropenem (45.4), piperacillin-tazobactam (22.6), and cefoperazone (5.0) versus the top three DOT/100 patient days were meropenem (45.4), cefoperazone (44.9), and piperacillintazobactam (22.6). There was a downward trend of consumption of almost all these antibiotics when measured at baseline and the next two quarters. DDD and DOT per 100 patient days had a positive linear correlation during the study period. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates about 50% reduction in consumption of ICMR priority antibiotics with a yearlong AMSP. DDD and DOT per 100 patient days can be calculated with minimal effort, even in extremely busy hospitals. DOT tools are less labor-intensive and, hence, should be the pivotal tool for antibiotic exposure measurement.

Side specific differences of Hounsfield-Units in the osteoporotic lumbar spine.

Gold standard for determining bone density as a surrogate parameter of bone quality is measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), most commonly performed on the lumbar spine (L1-L4). Computed tomography (CT) data are often available for surgical planning prior to spine procedures, but currently this information is not standardized for bone quality assessment. Besides, measuring the Hounsfield-Units (HU) is also of great importance in the context of biomechanical studies. This in vitro study aims in comparing BMD from DXA and HU based on diagnostic CT scans. In addition, methods are presented to quantify local density variations within bones. One hundred and seventy-six vertebrae (L1-L4) from 44 body donors (age 84.0±8.7 years) were studied. DXA measurements were obtained on the complete vertebrae to determine BMD, as well as axial CT scans with a slice thickness of 1 mm. Using Mimics Innovation Suite image processing software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium), two volumes (whole vertebra vs. spongious bone) were formed for each vertebra, which in turn were divided in their left and right sides. From these total of six volumes, the respective mean HU was determined. HU of the whole vertebra and just spongious HU were compared with the BMD of the corresponding vertebrae. Side specific differences were calculated as relative values. Whole bone and spongious HU correlated significantly (P>0.001; α=0.01) with BMD. A positive linear correlation was found, which was more pronounced for whole bone HU (R=0.72) than for spongious HU (R=0.62). When comparing the left and right sides within each vertebra, the HU was found to be 10% larger on average on one side compared to the opposite side. In some cases, the difference of left and right spongious bone can be up to 170%. There is a tendency for the side comparison to be larger for the spongious HU than for the whole vertebra. Determination of HU from clinical CT scans is an important tool for assessing bone quality, primarily by including the cortical portion in the calculation of HU. Unlike BMD, HU can be used to distinguish precisely between individual regions. Some of the very large side-specific gradients of the HU indicate an enormous application potential for preoperative patient-specific planning.

Pulmonary function in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis;a single center 6-year retrospective study.

Pulmonary involvement is a major cause of internal organ complication and the leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of pulmonary function (PF) in Thai patients with SSc and the association between PF and body mass index (BMI) and anti-topoisomerase (anti-Scl70). All patients diagnosed with SSc in our tertiary care teaching hospital database between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed and analyzed. Of 211 SSc patients, 128 patients who underwent the PF test were enrolled; 102 (79.7%) were female. The mean age was 54 years. The median BMI for all patients was 21.7 kg/m 2. Regarding anti-Scl70, 10.9% of patients were positive, 7.8% were negative, and the status was unreported for 81.3%. The mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was 0.8 (0.1). The mean (SD) % predicted values of FEV1, FVC, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were 76.3 (16.3), 69.1 (15.8), and 75.5 (22.8), respectively. A restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) was found in 78.8% of the patients. DLCO had a moderate positive linear correlation with FVC (r=0.50, p <0.001) and a moderate negative linear correlation with BMI (r=-0.36, p <0.001). However, there was no correlation between FVC and BMI. There was no statistical difference in demographic data or the presence of anti-Scl70 among patients with or without RSP. RSP is common among Thai patients with SSc. However, the power of using demographic data and the presence of anti-Scl70 to determine the probability of pulmonary involvement remains limited.

Effectiveness of empathy portfolios in developing professional identity formation in medical students: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMedical education requires innovative strategies to enhance empathic skills and the formation of professional identities among students. However, evidence-based teaching of empathy and professional identity formation is inadequately represented, particularly in medical curricula. This study investigated the effectiveness of empathy portfolios in developing Professional Identity Formation (PIF) among medical students and the correlation between empathy and PIF. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of empathy portfolios for teaching and nurturing PIF in medical students and to investigate the correlation between empathy and PIF.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted at Peshawar Medical College, Pakistan. The protocol adhered to CONSORT guidelines. A total of 120 students participated in the study. Empathy and PIF were assessed using two validated questionnaires JSPE-S and PIQ before randomization. The participants were randomized in a stratified fashion into the experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. The Participants in the intervention group attended a training workshop on portfolio use. Students maintained their portfolios and wrote reflections on incidents that evoked empathy. Independent t-tests were performed to determine whether the control and experimental groups differed in terms of mean empathy and PIF scores, and Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to investigate the relationships between pre- and post-empathy, and pre-post-PIF.ResultsThe mean post-test scores on the Empathy and PIF showed a statistically insignificant difference of 0.75 +-17.6 for empathy and 0.45 ± 8.36 for PIF. The intervention had little influence on empathy and PIF scores, as evidenced by nonsignificant effect sizes of 0.32 and 0.36 for empathy and PIF respectively.A strong positive correlation was found between Pre-Empathy and the PIF-Total score (0.519), and between Post- empathy and the PIF-Total score (0.395) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsEmpathy had a positive linear correlation with PIF; however, the use of empathy portfolios as a three-week single-point intervention was ineffective at nurturing PIF.

Compressive modulus, translucency, and irradiance transmittance of clear PVS materials used for resin injection molding technique.

To evaluate the compressive modulus, translucency, and light curing irradiance transmittance of four clear polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) materials used for the injection molding technique at varying thicknesses, and to assess the correlation between color parameters and irradiance transmittance. Four clear PVS materials (Exaclear, Clear Bite Matrix, Affinity Crystal, and Memosil 2) were used in this study. Compressive modulus was measured by compressing cylindrical PVS specimens (n = 9; d = 10 mm; t = 6 mm) up to 30% strain using a universal testing machine. For the translucency analysis and irradiance transmittance, specimens (n = 5) were fabricated with five different thicknesses (d = 12 mm and t = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm). The L*, a, *b* values of specimens were obtained using a CIELab spectrophotometer (CMD-700, Konica Minolta) with calibrated white and black tiles; the translucency parameter was calculated. The same specimens were placed onto a spectrophotometer (MARC Light Collector) to measure irradiance transmitted through the specimens from a light curing unit (Valo Corded, Ultradent). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc test and the correlation between translucency and irradiance transmittance of materials for each thickness was evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Compressive modulus differences in PVS materials were significant (one-way ANOVA: df = 3, F = 76.27, p < 0.001); Affinity and Memosil 2 were highest with no significant difference between them (Tukey: t = -1.62; p = 0.382). Clear Bite was higher than Exaclear (Tukey: t = -3.70; p = 0.004). Exaclear was lowest. Translucency decreased with thickness (Two-way ANOVA: df = 3, F = 586.53, p < 0.001; thickness: df = 4, F = 1389.34, p < 0.001). Exaclear was most translucent at all thicknesses. L*, a*, b* values varied by material and thickness (L*: df = 3, F = 1213.32, p < 0.001; a*: df = 3, F = 10766.8, p < 0.001; b*: df = 3, F = 3260.42, p < 0.001). Memosil 2 had lowest b* values. Irradiance transmittance was affected by material and thickness (Two-way ANOVA: df = 4, F = 2388.86, p < 0.001). Exaclear had highest irradiance transmission, surpassing control at >6 mm. Violet/blue irradiance ratio decreased with thickness; Exaclear maintained a constant ratio, indicating preserved violet irradiance. There was a strong positive correlation between translucency and light irradiance (Pearson's r = 0.97, R2 = 0.86-0.96). Radiant exposure analysis suggests adjusting the curing time based on PVS thickness for optimal exposure (10 J/cm2) is achievable within 13-14 s for <2 mm and 21-30 s for 8-10 mm with Clear Bite, Affinity, and Memosil 2; whereas Exaclear requires less time. Compressive modulus in clear PVS materials varied by type; Affinity and Memosil 2 demonstrate higher modulus, offering more stability of the clear mold. Translucency and irradiance transmission through clear PVS materials decreased as their thickness increased, yet Exaclear exceled in maintaining high translucency and superior light transmission capabilities. Additionally, there is a strong positive linear correlation between translucency and light irradiance transmittance, offering a method to adjust curing times effectively based on material translucency. The light curing time to adequately polymerize composite through clear impression material may need to be increased, particularly with thicker matrices or less translucent materials.

Sleep Bruxism and Sleep Structure in Comorbid Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (COMISA) Syndrome: A Polysomnographic Study.

Introduction: Comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA) is not a well-identified sleep disorder, despite having a significant impact on health. This study investigates the relationship between sleep bruxism (SB) and sleep architecture in patients with COMISA, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and in those without any sleep disorders. Methods: 119 patients were included in the study and divided into three groups: OSA, COMISA, and a control group. Polysomnographic (PSG) examination provided parameters related to sleep architecture, OSA, and characteristics of SB. Results: The bruxism episode index (BEI) and other SB parameters were not found to be statistically different between the three groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in measured sleep architecture between the COMISA and OSA groups (p > 0.05). In comparison to the control group, participants in the COMISA group were found to have an increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), all arousals (AA), and respiratory arousals (RA) (p < 0.05). Among COMISA patients, AA and RA were shown to have a positive linear correlation with the number of bradycardia events per hour (r = 0.49, r = 0.48, p < 0.05). Conclusions: SB does not occur in patients with COMISA more frequently than in patients with OSA or those without any sleep disorders. PSG parameters are not specific for COMISA; therefore, in order to differentiate this disorder from OSA alone, a comprehensive patient assessment has to be performed.

Comparison of traditional copromicroscopy with image analysis devices for detection of gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep

Sustainable parasite control practices are necessary to combat the negative effects of gastrointestinal nematodes on animal health and production while reducing the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance. Parasite diagnostic tests can inform treatment decisions, the timing and effectiveness of treatment and enable livestock breeding programmes. In recent years new diagnostic methods have been developed, some incorporating machine learning (ML), to facilitate the detection and enumeration of parasite eggs. It is important to understand the technical characteristics and performance of such new methods compared to long standing and commonly utilised methods before they are widely implemented. The aim of the present study was to trial three new diagnostic tools relying on image analysis (FECPAKG2, Micron and OvaCyte) and to compare them to traditional manual devices (McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC). Faecal samples were obtained from 41 lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Samples were mixed and separated into 2 aliquots for examination by each of the 5 methods: McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, FECPAKG2, Micron and OvaCyte. The techniques were performed according to their respective standard protocols and results were collected by trained staff (McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC) or by the device (FECPAKG2, Micron and OvaCyte). Regarding strongyle worm egg count, McMaster values varied from 0 to 9,000 eggs per gram (EPG). When comparing replicate aliquots, both the Mini-FLOTAC and Micron methods displayed similar repeatability to McMaster. However, we found FECPAKG2 and OvaCyte significantly less precise than McMaster. When comparing parasite egg enumeration, significant positive linear correlations were established between McMaster and all other methods. No difference was observed in EPG between McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC or FECPAKG2; however, Micron and OvaCyte returned significantly higher and lower EPG, respectively, compared to McMaster. The number of eggs ascribed to other parasite species was not sufficient for performing a robust statistical comparison between all methods. However, it was noted that FECPAKG2 generally did not detect Strongyloides papillosus eggs, despite these being detected by other methods. In addition, Moniezia spp and Trichuris spp eggs were detected by OvaCyte and Mini-FLOTAC, respectively, but not by other methods. The observed variation between traditional and new methods for parasite diagnostics highlights the need for continued training and enhancing of ML models used and the importance of developing clear guidelines for validation of newly developed methods.

Nerve cross-sectional area from childhood to old age: A high-resolution nerve ultrasound study.

Nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) is not constant over the human lifespan. The relationship between an increasing CSA and age has been described as a linear positive correlation, but few studies have found a linear decrease in nerve size with older age. The aim of the present study was to analyze the development of nerve CSA in a healthy population from early childhood to old age using high-resolution ultrasound. The median, ulnar, radial and sural nerves were examined bilaterally at 18 nerve sites in 110 healthy children, adolescents and adults aged between 2 and 98 years. The CSA of every nerve site was evaluated separately and in different age groups. The correlation of CSA with age, height and weight was analyzed in a linear, logarithmic and quadratic model and correlation coefficients were compared in a goodness-of-fit analysis. Models were then adjusted for weight and height. Linear CSA-age correlations showed the lowest correlation coefficients for all nerve sites. An inverted parabolic curve suggesting a quadratic correlation of CSA and age was the best-fitting model. Weight and height had a higher predictive value than age in adjusted models. There is an increase in nerve size during childhood and adolescence and a trend towards a decrease in old age, suggesting an inverted parabolic curve partly explained by age-related changes in weight and height. Enlarged nerves in elderly individuals should not be attributed to age alone.

Kerosene or hydrogen peroxide? Comparison between recovery methods of mineralized microfossils in siliciclastic rocks

One of the most important steps in the recovery of mineralized wall microfossils is chemical preparation. However, this process can often be destructive to microfossils if they are not applied extremely carefully. In this way, this research tested two different methods of micropaleontological preparation to compare the rock disaggregation and the amount of recovered microfossils between the two methods. To achieve the objective, the samples were attacked with 20% hydrogen peroxide concentration and pure kerosene in fractions of 200g of each collected sample. Thirteen samples were collected, with different compositions, such as sandstones, shales, heteroliths and siltstones. After preparation, the samples were washed over sieves with a mesh between 420 and 75 μm. The disaggregation rate was calculated based on the initial mass and the mass retained on the 420 μm sieve. These values were plotted in a scatter diagram and the dispersion coefficient r was calculated, which indicated a strong positive linear correlation between the two methods. The strong linear correlation between the disaggregation rate of the samples indicates that probably the parameters that influence the rock disaggregation are intrinsic to its characteristics. Regarding the recovery of microfossils, in the kerosene method the hyaline foraminifera and phytoclasts presented a better preservation, while in the hydrogen peroxide method the agglutinating foraminifera had a better recovery. As a secondary result this research presents new data about the microfauna of the Rio Bonito Formation. The taxa retrieved were the genus Paralingulina, Thuramminoides?, Saccammina and fusiform morphotypes, three phytoclast, an ostracod and unidentified bioclasts.

#1390 Differences in the detection of anti-HLA antibodies between two single antigen bead methods in kidney transplantation patients

Abstract Background and Aims Two semiquantitative single-antigen bead (SAB) methods are currently available for the detection of anti-HLA antibodies and the estimation of their activity, depending on complement binding. However, data on accordance of the two methods on specificities detection and their reactivity evaluation are scarce. The purpose of this study is to compare the two methods in terms of anti-HLA antibodies specificities detection and of their complement binding capacity Method Sera from 97 patients with a positive Panel Reactive Antibody Test (&amp;gt;5%) was tested by two SAB methods, Immucor (IC) and One-lambda (OL), for class I and II anti-HLA antibody specificities and their ability to bind complement. The patients were either on a waiting list for kidney transplantation or transplanted patients tested routinely or after a clinical event. Statistical analysis of the results and comparison of the two methods followed. Results OL detected more class I positive specificities per patient [25 (9-34) vs. 18 (7-28) with IC, p &amp;lt; 0.001], while the two methods showed no difference in class II anti-HLA antibodies. IC detected 1608 out of 8148 and 1136 out of 7275 totally examined, positive anti-HLA class I and II antibody specificities respectively, with a median mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 4195 (1995-11272) and 6706 (2647-13184) respectively. Similarly, OL detected 1942/8148 and 1247/7275 positive specificities of anti-HLA class I and II antibodies respectively, with MFI 6185 (2855-12099) and 9498 (3630-17702)] respectively. In the IC method, 428/1608 [MFI 13900 (9540-17999)] and 409/1136 [MFI 11832 (7128-16531)] positive class I and II specificities, respectively, bound the C3d fraction of complement. Similarly, OL detected 485/1942 [MFI 15452 (9369-23095)] and 298/1247 [MFI 18852 (14415-24707)] class I and II specificities respectively that bound the C1q fraction of complement. In the analysis of the specificities that were positive by both methods, MFI showed a strong positive linear correlation between the two methods (r = 0.61, p &amp;lt; 0.001 and r = 0.54, p = 0.001 for classes I and II respectively). Accordingly, data were analyzed with Principal Components Analysis, in which negative results were also included. In the projection of the plane defined by the first two principal components the vector corresponding to the IC method for class I antibodies was congruent with the vectors of the complement binding detection methods, C3d and C1q. In contrast, the OL vector was nearly perpendicular to the other vectors, indicating the existence of non-complement-binding specificities that are not detected by IC. A similar picture was found for antibodies against HLA class II (Figure). Conclusion OL was more sensitive for detecting class I and II anti-HLA antibodies despite the fact that there was no difference in the number of class II specificities per patient. However, the additional specificities detected by OL, potentially do not bind complement. The MFI of the complement binding specificities were higher in both methods. The two methods were equivalent in detecting complement-binding class I specificities, however the C3d IC method was more sensitive in detecting complement-binding class II anti-HLA antibodies.

Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and thyroid disorders: a cross-sectional survey and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Metabolic diseases are associated with thyroid disorders. Insulin resistance is the common pathological basis of metabolic diseases. We explored the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a simple insulin-resistance marker, and thyroid disorders. Eligible TIDE (Thyroid Diseases, Iodine Status and Diabetes Epidemiology) subjects (n = 47,710) were screened with inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thyroid disorder prevalence among different TyG index groups was stratified by sex. Logistic regression evaluated the correlation between the TyG index and thyroid disorders. Multiple linear regression evaluated the association between the TyG index and TSH. Additionally, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using published genome-wide association study data evaluated causality in the association between the TyG index and TSH. Men and women with greater TyG indices had a significantly greater prevalence of thyroid disorders than individuals with the lowest quartile (Q1) of TyG index (p < 0.05). Following adjustment for confounding factors, we observed that a greater TyG index significantly increased the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in men and women (men: Q2: odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.22 [1.07-1.38], p = 0.002; Q3: OR [95% CI] = 1.28 [1.12-1.45], p < 0.001; Q4: OR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.12-1.50], p = 0.001; women: Q2: OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.12-1.39], p < 0.001; Q3: OR [95% CI] = 1.47 [1.31-1.64], p < 0.001; Q4: OR [95% CI] = 1.61 [1.43-1.82], p < 0.001). Only among women was the highest TyG index quartile associated with hypothyroidism (OR [95% CI] = 1.70 [1.15-2.50], p = 0.007). Additionally, in men, the association exists only in the more than adequate iodine intake population. In women, the relationship between the TyG index and thyroid disorders disappears after menopause. Furthermore, the TyG index exhibited a linear positive correlation with TSH levels. The MR analysis results revealed a causal relationship between a genetically determined greater TyG index and increased TSH (inverse-variance weighting (IVW): OR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.02-1.28], p = 0.020); however, this causal relationship disappeared after adjusting for BMI in multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis (MVMR-IVW: OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.87-1.22, p = 0.739). A greater TyG index is associated with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism and varies by sex and menopausal status. MR analysis demonstrated that the causal relationship between a genetically determined greater TyG index and elevated TSH levels is confounded or mediated by BMI.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE THE EGGSHELL THICKNESS

The aim of the study was to investigate the shell thickness of table eggs using a destructive method with a focus on the technique of sampling from three locations in the equatorial plane, the sharp and the blunt end of the egg. The subject of the study was the eggshell thickness with membranes of the influence of the sample taken on the egg in equatorial plane 1, equatorial plane 2, equatorial plane 3, at the sharp end and the blunt end of the egg, and a laying hen of breed Dominant aged 61 weeks (3 small-breedings) and 104 weeks (1 small-breeding). The measurement of eggshell thickness was carried out using a DIAL INDICATOR deviation meter, with an accuracy of 0.01 mm and a maximum thickness of 30 mm. The SAS statistical package, version 8.2, was used for statistical evaluation of the results. The influence of the location of the eggshell sample taken in 3 locations of the equatorial plane, at the sharp and blunt end of the egg on its thickness in the range of average values of 0.32 to 0.40 mm was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). The influence of laying hen age was statistically significant (P≤0.05) by a higher eggshell thickness in the range of average values of 0.38 to 0.40 mm at 104 weeks compared with eggshell thickness of average values of 0.32 to 0.35 mm at 61 weeks. A strong linear positive correlation in eggshell thickness was found between two variables at all investigated sample locations on eggs laid by laying hens Dominant regardless of age. The overall results of eggshell thickness indicate that its evaluation is a complex process as an indicator of eggshell quality due to multifactorial external and internal influence. Considering the trend of lengthening the laying cycle in laying hens for environmental reasons, it is important to address the influence of age, housing system and breed suitability in relation to optimizing the uniformity of the thickness as part of the shell quality of the eggs.

Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and blood eosinophils among asthmatic individuals in the USA

BackgroundPresently, the majority of investigations primarily evaluate the correlation between triglyceride-glucose index (TyGI) with lung diseases, such as asthma. However, they did not delve into the correlation between TyGI and inflammatory responses related to the disease. Few studies have explored the association between TyGI and blood eosinophil count (BEOC). Thus, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used in this study to evaluate the correlation between TyGI and BEOC in individuals with asthma.MethodsThis study investigated 3902 individuals with asthma. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between TyGI and BEOC in patients with asthma. Subsequently, the GAM and threshold effect models were used to validate the presence of either a nonlinear or linear association between TyGI and BEOC. Finally, stratified analyses were conducted to ascertain the correlations between different subgroups.ResultsFour linear regression models confirmed a positive linear correlation between TyGI and BEOC in patients with asthma. In Model D, which controlled for all covariates, BEOC increased by 12.44 cells/uL for every extra unit of TyGI. The GAM and threshold effect models further verified the positive linear correlation between TyGI and BEOC. The XGBoost model indicated that the six most significant variables influencing BEOC, in order of relative importance, were age, cholesterol level, body mass index (BMI), poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), BNEUC, and TyGI.ConclusionsIn patients with asthma, the study discovered a linear positive correlation between TyGI and BEOC. This indicates a potential connection between TyGI and alterations in the immune status of individuals with asthma, which may help detect abnormalities in a timely manner and provide a reference for clinical decision-making. This study offers fresh insights for the future exploration of the management and treatment of asthma.

Circulating trimethylamine N-oxide is correlated with high coronary artery atherosclerotic burden in individuals with newly diagnosed coronary heart disease

BackgroundTrimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite derived from the gut microbiota and has been reported to be correlated with cardiovascular diseases. Although TMAO is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD) history. However, the correlation between TMAO and the atherosclerotic burden in newly diagnosed cases of CHD is unknown.MethodsIn this hospital-based study, we enrolled 429 individuals newly diagnosed with CHD undergoing coronary angiography. Plasma TMAO was assessed before coronary angiography. SYNTAX score was computed during coronary angiography to estimate the coronary artery atherosclerotic burden. Both linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the correlation between plasma TMAO levels and SYNTAX score in newly diagnosed CHD population.ResultsThe TMAO in patients with SYNTAX ≥ 33 and subjects with SYNTAX < 23 were 6.10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.53 to 9.15) µmol/L and 4.90 [IQR: 3.25 to 7.68] µmol/L, respectively. Linear regression adjusting for traditional risk factors showed TMAO level was positively correlated with SYNTAX score (β = 0.179; p = 0.006) in CHD population. When TMAO was added to models with traditional risk factors, the predictive value improved significantly, with the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) increased from 0.7312 to 0.7502 (p = 0.003). Stratified analysis showed that the correlations did not hold true for subjects who were non-smoker or with histories of diabetes. None of the stratifying factors significantly altered the correlation (all p for interaction < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found a positive linear correlation between plasma TMAO and SYNTAX score among newly diagnosed CHD individuals in Chinese population.

Increased insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations in a population of non-diabetic cats with overweight/obesity

Feline hypersomatotropism (HST) is typically associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), whereas HST without concurrent DM has only been reported in a few cases. Weight gain may be observed in cats with HST. The aims of this study were to evaluate circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in non-diabetic cats with overweight/obesity, to screen this population for the presence of HST, and to assess whether there is a correlation between body weight/body condition score (BCS) and serum IGF-1 concentration in overweight/obese cats. In this prospective study, 80 overweight/obese cats from referral centers in Buenos Aires (Argentina) were evaluated. Serum IGF-1 was measured as part of the routine tests for overweight/obesity. Non-diabetic cats were included in the study if they had a BCS>6/9. Twenty-nine cats were classified as overweight (BCS 7/9), whereas 51 were classified as obese (BCS 8-9/9). Median serum IGF-1 concentrations of cats with BCS 7/9, 8/9, and 9/9 were 570 ng/ml (range 123-1456 ng/ml), 634 ng/ml (range 151-1500 ng/ml), and 598 ng/ml (range 284-2450 ng/ml), respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between serum IGF-1 concentrations and body weight (r= 0.24, 95% CI 0.01-0.44 P=0.03), and between IGF-1 and BCS (r= 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.44 P=0.004). In total, 8.75% (95% confidence interval 3.6-17.2%) of the cats with overweight/obesity had IGF-1 concentrations >1000 ng/ml. Pituitary enlargement was detected on computed tomography in 4/7 cases. These seven cats showed varying degrees of phenotypic changes consistent with acromegaly. A proportion of 8.75 % of overweight/obese non-diabetic cats from referral centers in Buenos Aires had serum IGF-1 concentration in a range consistent with HST in diabetic cats. Likewise, 5% of overweight/obese cats were likely to be diagnosed with HST, supported by evidence of pituitary enlargement. Serum IGF-1 concentrations were positively correlated with body weight and BCS in this population of cats. This study highlights the relevance of screening different populations of non-diabetic cats to increase the detection of HST/acromegaly.

The Dose/Fractionation Debate in Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer.

To explore the most suitable dosage regimen for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) and provide references for clinical selection, strict inclusion criteria were applied, and studies were screened from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Subsequently, data on two-year overall survival rates and dosage regimens were collected, and scatter plots were constructed to provide a comprehensive perspective. The survival benefits of various dosage regimens were evaluated, and a linear quadratic equation was utilized to fit the relationship between the biologically effective dose (BED10) and the two-year overall survival rate. Among the five randomized controlled trials, the two-year overall survival rate of ConvTRT regimens with BED10 > 60 Gy (rough value) was only at or below the median of all ConvTRT regimens or all included study regimens, indicating that increasing the number and total dose of ConvTRT does not necessarily lead to better prognosis. In the exploration of HypoTRT regimens, there was a linear positive correlation between BED10 and the two-year overall survival rate (p < 0.0001), while the exploration of HyperTRT regimens was relatively limited, with the majority focused on the 45 Gy/30 F regimen. However, the current 45 Gy/30 F regimen is not sufficient to control LS-SCLC, resulting in a high local recurrence rate. High-dose ConvTRT regimens have long treatment durations and may induce tumor regrowth which may cause reduced efficacy. Under reasonable toxicity reactions, HyperTRT or HypoTRT with higher radiotherapy doses is recommended for treating LS-SCLC.

Studi Korelasi Uniaxial Compressive Strength Dan Rebound Number Schmidt Hammer Pada Batulanau Formasi Pulau Balang Dan Kampung Baru Daerah Kalimantan Timur

Uniaxial Compressive Strength is a test method to classify the strength and characterization of intact rock. Where it is important information in determining the strength and characteristics of a rock obtained by testing using the UCS tool. In this research, an alternative is made in determining the UCS value precisely and easily, namely by using the schmidt hammer test and compressive strength test. Therefore, this research aims to obtain the correlation value between the results of the compressive strength test and the schmidt hammer test on siltstone.This research is a quantitative research, so that to obtain accurate calculation data, testing methods are used in the form of compressive strength tests on rocks and schmidt hammer tests, which in this case are tested on siltstone samples. In this study, 2 rock formations were used, including the Pulau Balang formation and the Kampung Baru formation, so that the accuracy of the test results can be obtained properly. Based on the results of observations and calculations that have been made, it can be concluded that the correlation of the uniaxial compressive strength value with the rebound number schmidt hammer value shows a positive linear correlation between the UCS value and the rebound number schmidt hammer value, in this case it can be seen when the uniaxial compressive strength value is higher, the rebound number schmidt hammer value is also higher.

Soil erosion‐induced decline in aggregate stability and soil organic carbon reduces aggregate‐associated microbial diversity and multifunctionality of agricultural slope in the Mollisol region

AbstractSoil erosion has become a serious ecological problem hindering the agricultural and economic development in Northeast China. Soil aggregates are basic units that regulate soil fertility and microbial activity. However, there have been few reports on the role of soil erosion in regulating the microbial diversity, multiple ecosystem services, and functions (multifunctionality) of soil aggregates. In this study, we investigated the effects of soil erosion on microbial diversity and the activities of various extracellular enzymes associated with soil aggregates by using Mollisol soil in Northeastern China at different positions of a slope, and how soil erosion affects soil multifunctionality indexes obtained by normalized calculation of soil enzyme activities. The results showed that soil erosion could reduce the physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, and microbial diversity of the aggregates, resulting in accumulation of aggregate nutrients and increase in microbial diversity and enzyme activity in the sedimentation area. Compared with smaller soil aggregates, larger soil aggregates had higher nutrient content, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity. However, with the intensification of soil erosion, the differences in microbial diversity and soil enzyme activities among different sizes of aggregates were reduced. Soil erosion also significantly reduced soil multifunctionality (p &lt; 0.001). The multifunctionality of 2000–250 μm, 250–53 μm, and &lt;53 μm aggregates respectively declined from 0.52, 0.20, and 0.08 (no erosion sites) to −0.17, −0.66, and −0.77 (heavy erosion sites). Additionally, microbial diversity was found to have a linear positive correlation with soil multifunctionality (R2 = 0.23, p &lt; 0.01). Structural equation modeling and random forest analysis revealed that soil organic carbon and aggregate water stability are main predictors of soil multifunctionality. Furthermore, soil physicochemical properties had a greater influence on soil multifunctionality than microbial diversity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that soil erosion negatively affects the structure, resource effectiveness, and microbial activity of soil aggregates, thereby reducing to differential soil multifunctionality.

Adjusting for the effect of IV contrast on automated CT body composition measures during the portal venous phase.

Fully-automated CT-based algorithms for quantifying numerous biomarkers have been validated for unenhanced abdominal scans. There is great interest in optimizing the documentation and reporting of biophysical measures present on all CT scans for the purposes of opportunistic screening and risk profiling. The purpose of this study was to determine and adjust the effect of intravenous (IV) contrast on these automated body composition measures at routine portal venous phase post-contrast imaging. Final study cohort consisted of 1,612 older adults (mean age, 68.0 years; 594 women) all imaged utilizing a uniform CT urothelial protocol consisting of pre-contrast, portal venous, and delayed excretory phases. Fully-automated CT-based algorithms for quantifying numerous biomarkers, including muscle and fat area and density, bone mineral density, and solid organ volume were applied to pre-contrast and portal venous phases. The effect of IV contrast upon these body composition measures was analyzed. Regression analyses, including square of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r2), were performed for each comparison. We found that simple, linear relationships can be derived to determine non-contrast equivalent values from the post-contrast CT biomeasures. Excellent positive linear correlation (r2 = 0.91-0.99) between pre- and post-contrast values was observed for all automated soft tissue measures, whereas moderate positive linear correlation was observed for bone attenuation (r2 = 0.58-0.76). In general, the area- and volume-based measurement require less adjustment than attenuation-based measures, as expected. Fully-automated quantitative CT-biomarker measures at portal venous phase abdominal CT can be adjusted to a non-contrast equivalent using simple, linear relationships.