Pronounced Relationship Research Articles

Association between the age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (AVAI) and female infertility status: a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2013–2018

BackgroundObesity stands as an essential factor contributing to infertility in women. Early identification of obese individuals leads to favorable results for female infertility. The objective of this research is to assess the association between the age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (AVAI) and female infertility.MethodsThis study was conducted using NHANES data from 2013 to 2018, in which 1,231 women aged 20–45 were selected. Infertility was defined by survey questions. AVAI was calculated using anthropometric and serum data. Covariates included demographics and lifestyle factors. Statistical analysis with R, adjusting for covariates, and assessing nonlinearity and cutoff effects.ResultsThe study of 1,231 women from the NHANES database revealed that 11.94% were diagnosed with infertility. Individuals with higher AVAI scores showed increased age, WC, BMI, and reduced HDL levels, with a positive correlation between AVAI and female infertility (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.26–1.60). AVAI quartiles showed a pronounced relationship with female infertility risk, with the highest quartile showing the greatest risk(OR = 9.35,95% CI: 2.96–29.55). Nonlinear and threshold effects in the relationship between AVAI and female infertility were identified, with an inflection point at -9.70. Subgroup analyses indicated significant interactions between AVAI and educational status and BMI, particularly in women with a BMI below 25 kg/m2, where a high AVAI level was closely related to increased infertility risk(OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.44–2.58).ConclusionThe study identifies a strong association between elevated AVAI scores and female infertility risk, especially in women with a BMI under 25 kg/m2. This suggests that AVAI could be a valuable predictor in female fertility assessments.

The Interannual Variability of Global Burned Area Is Mostly Explained by Climatic Drivers

AbstractBetter understanding how fires respond to climate variability is an issue of current interest in light of ongoing climate change. However, evaluating the global‐scale temporal variability of fires in response to climate presents a challenge due to the intricate processes at play and the limitation of fire data. Here, we investigate the links between year‐to‐year variability of burned area (BA) and climate using BA data, the Fire Weather Index (FWI), and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from 2001 to 2021 at ecoregion scales. Our results reveal complex spatial patterns in the dependence of BA variability on antecedent and concurrent weather conditions, highlighting where BA is mostly influenced by either FWI or SPEI and where the combined effect of both indicators must be considered. Our findings indicate that same‐season weather conditions have a more pronounced relationship with BA across various ecoregions, particularly in climatologically wetter areas. Additionally, we note that BA is also significantly associated with periods of antecedent wetness and coolness, with this association being especially evident in more arid ecoregions. About 60% of the interannual variations in BA can be explained by climatic variability in a large fraction (∼77%) of the world's burnable regions.

APOC1 rs445925 and rs4420638 polymorphic variants as genetic predictors of occlusive peripheral arterial disease of lower extremities

Aim. To study the involvement of APOC1 rs445925 and rs4420638 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the development of occlusive peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of lower extremities.Material and methods. The study included 1278 people, including 630 patients with occlusive PAD and 648 relatively healthy individuals. Genotyping of APOC1 rs445925 and rs4420638 SNPs was performed using the MassARRAY-4 genomic mass spectrometer. The analysis of the association of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes and diplotypes with the risk of occlusive PAD was performed using the statistical programs SNPStats, PLINK, v1.9 and STATISTICA 13.3. The adaptive permutation test was used to assess statistical significance of associations (Pperm).Results. The rs445925-A (Pperm=1,0×10-6) and rs4420638-G (Pperm=0,006) alleles, as well as the rs445925-G/A-A/A (Pperm=1,0×10-6) and rs4420638-A/G-G/G (Pperm=0,006) genotypes were associated with an increased risk of occlusive PAD. The rs445925 polymorphism was also associated with the blood cholesterol level in patients with occlusive PAD (Pperm=0,04). The rs445925A-rs4420638A and rs445925A-rs4420638G haplotypes, as well as three APOC1 diplotypes, showed a pronounced relationship with a predisposition to occlusive PAD. In particular, the rs445925G/A×rs4420638A/A (odds ratio (OR) 6,59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4,20-10,35, P=2,4×10-19) and rs445925G/A×rs4420638A/G (OR 4,24, 95% CI 2,23-8,03, P=2,0×10-6) diplotypes were associated with an increased risk of occlusive PAD. The rs445925G/G×rs4420638A/A diplotype had a protective effect on the disease development (OR 0,26, 95% CI 0,20-0,35, P=1,3×10-20). Associations of haplotypes with the severity of peripheral arterial stenosis of various locations were also revealed (P<0,05).Conclusion. The study results established for the first time that APOC1 rs445925 and rs4420638 polymorphic variants are part of a genetic predisposition to occlusive PAD and have a significant effect on the severity of peripheral arterial stenosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the identified genotypic associations can affect not only lipid metabolism disorders, but also the proliferation of immunocompetent cells, platelet activation and aggregation processes, inflammation and apoptosis.

#2526 Sex differences in chronic kidney disease-related complications and mortality across levels of glomerular filtration rate

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern. In recent years, studies have increasingly focused on the differential risk profile of diseases between men and women. Current evidence suggests that sex-linked biological and behavioral differences may play a key role in influencing the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of diseases. Similarly, previous studies have demonstrated a differential risk profile in the prevalence, progression, and outcomes of CKD between men and women. Recent research has indicated sex disparities in CKD-related complications, yet the impact of sex differences on critical kidney function levels that trigger these complications and mortality remains inadequately documented. Method We investigated sex-specific disparities in CKD-related complications and mortality according to eGFR levels. We analyzed NHANES data spanning from 1999 to 2018, including adult participants with an eGFR of 15-150 ml/min per 1.73 m². The outcomes were CKD-related complications (hypertension, anemia, CV diseases, acidosis, hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality (CV mortality and non-CV mortality). Sex-stratified multivariable logistic and Cox regression models yielded odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) for the relationship between eGFR categories and outcomes. Sex-stratified natural splines were used to explore the relationship between continuous eGFR and outcomes and identified eGFR thresholds of statistical significance. Values of eGFR over which the log-odds (for CKD-related complications outcomes) or log-hazard (for all-cause and cause-specific mortality outcomes) was found to be significantly different from zero (i.e., 95% CI for the smooth term did not contain zero) were identified as thresholds of statistical significance. Results The study included 49, 562 participants (50.31% women, 49.68% men). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated a significant eGFR association with all CKD-related complications, exhibiting a linear trend across eGFR categories. Modeling eGFR as a natural spline revealed varied significance thresholds between sexes for anemia and hyperparathyroidism. We found a significantly (P < 0.05) higher proportion of women with anemia downstream an eGFR cut-off of 69 mL/min per 1.73 m2, which was lower than the cut-off in men; a significantly higher proportion of men with anemia was observed downstream an eGFR cut-off of 76 mL/min per 1.73 m2. However, the relationship was more pronounced in women than in men; thus, at an eGFR cut-off of 41 mL/min per 1.73 m2, the proportion of women with anemia was significantly higher (P < .05) (Figure). Similarly, a higher proportion of women with hyperparathyroidism were observed downstream an eGFR cut-off of 73 mL/min per 1.73 m2, which was lower than in men; a significantly higher proportion of men (P < .05) was observed downstream an eGFR cut-off of 89 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (Figure). Furthermore, although no sex differences were observed in terms of eGFR thresholds for hyperphosphatemia, a more pronounced relationship was observed in men. Thus, at an eGFR cut-off of 38 mL/min per 1.73 m2, the proportion of men with hyperphosphatemia was significantly higher (P < .05) than that of women (Figure). We observed substantial but not statistically significant differences between men and women in the thresholds of statistical significance for CV (significance appeared at a higher eGFR in men) and non-CV mortality (significance appeared at a higher eGFR Conclusion Research shows sex disparities in most CKD-related complications. Men develop anemia and hyperparathyroidism earlier, women show steeper anemia increase. Men have higher CV mortality risk. As eGFR decreased, men faced a higher risk of CV mortality at a higher eGFR threshold than women.

Association between red cell distribution width and all-cause mortality in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective analysis using MIMIC-IV 2.0.

Investigating the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) and all-cause mortality in patients with breast cancer, to evaluate the potential clinical prognostic value of RDW. Based on the RDW index, patients with breast cancer in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database were categorized into quartiles. The primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality from all causes during the first six months, the first year, and the first three years. Cox hazards regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were developed to investigate the effects of RDW on primary outcomes. The study included 939 patients (female). The 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year mortality rates were 14.0%, 21.4%, and 28.4%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that RDW exhibited an autonomous association with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. After adjusting for confounders, higher RDW quartiles were significantly associated with 6-month mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 3.197; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.745-5.762; P < 0.001), 1-year mortality (adjusted HR, 2.978; 95% CI, 1.867-4.748; P < 0.001), and 3-year mortality (adjusted HR, 2.526; 95% CI, 1.701-3.750; P < 0.001). The RCS curves demonstrated that high RDW (> 14.6) was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in the interactions between the subgroups. The study revealed a highly pronounced relationship between RDW and overall mortality, indicating its potential as an autonomous prognostic factor for increased mortality among patients with breast cancer.

Business Management as a Link Between Competitiveness and Sustainable Development in the Textile Sector

Efficient resource management plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of companies, aiming to maximize economic performance, minimize environmental impacts, and contribute to social welfare. This quantitative and explanatory study analyzed resource management in textile microenterprises in Metropolitan Lima, with a sample of 370 participants. The methodology used was non-experimental and cross-sectional, allowing for a detailed analysis of the relationship between business management and sustainable development in this specific context. Two questionnaires of 20 questions each were administered. Both instruments were validated by five experts in the business area. The Aiken's V for the first instrument was 0.83 and for the second instrument was 0.79. Additionally, a pilot test was conducted for instrument reliability, obtaining 0.89 for the first instrument and 0.81 for the second. The results highlight the significant relationship between business management and sustainable development, especially in terms of competitiveness and general management aspects. However, there is a relatively lesser association of eco-efficiency, eco-effectiveness, and continuous improvement in the variability of sustainable development. It is concluded that, while business management is considerably related to sustainable development, aspects such as eco-efficiency and continuous improvement show a less pronounced relationship in sustainable development variability. These findings underscore the importance of sustainability-focused business management to enhance competitiveness and foster equitable and long-term sustainable development. Received: 15 February 2024 / Accepted: 26 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis reveals prognostic implications of TMEM92 in the tumor immune microenvironment.

Transmembrane protein 92 (TMEM92) has been implicated in the facilitation of tumor progression. Nevertheless, comprehensive analyses concerning the prognostic significance of TMEM92, as well as its role in immunological responses across diverse cancer types, remain to be elucidated. In this study, data was sourced from a range of publicly accessible online platforms and databases, including TCGA, GTEx, UCSC Xena, CCLE, cBioPortal, HPA, TIMER2.0, GEPIA, CancerSEA, GDSC, exoRBase, and ImmuCellAI. We systematically analyzed the expression patterns of TMEM92 at both mRNA and protein levels across diverse human organs, tissues, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell lines associated with multiple cancer types. Subsequently, analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between TMEM92 and various parameters such as prognosis, DNA methylation, copy number variation (CNV), the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell infiltration, genes with immunological relevance, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. In the present study, we observed a pronounced overexpression of TMEM92 across a majority of cancer types, which was concomitantly associated with a less favorable prognosis. A notable association emerged between TMEM92 expression and both DNA methylation and CNV. Furthermore, a pronounced relationship was discerned between TMEM92 expression, the TME, and the degree of immune cell infiltration. Intriguingly, while TMEM92 expression displayed a positive correlation with macrophage presence, it inversely correlated with the infiltration level of CD8 + T cells. Concurrently, significant associations were identified between TMEM92 and the major histocompatibility complex, TMB, MSI, and MMR. Results derived from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Gene Set Variation Analysis further substantiated the nexus of TMEM92 with both immune and metabolic pathways within the oncogenic context. These findings expanded the understanding of the roles of TMEM92 in tumorigenesis and progression and suggest that TMEM92 may have an immunoregulatory role in several malignancies.

ВЛИЯНИЕ НИЗКОЙ МАССЫ ТЕЛА НА ПАРАМЕТРЫ ВНЕШНЕГО ДЫХАНИЯ И УРОВЕНЬ ЭОЗИНОФИЛОВ ПЕРИФЕРИЧЕСКОЙ КРОВИ У ДЕТЕЙ И ПОДРОСТКОВ С БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМОЙ

Current data on the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and low body weight (BW) and the lung function and peripheral blood eosinophils count in children and adolescents with bronchial asthma (BA) are contradictory. The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between BMI, spirometry parameters and the level of peripheral blood eosinophils in children and adolescents with BA. Materials and methods used: a single-center observational cross-sectional pilot study of 240 children and adolescents with BA of median age 12.0 [9.0; 15.0] y/o, of which 165 (68.8%) were boys, who were divided into two groups based on anthropometric measurements performed to calculate BMI and zBMI: G1 of those with normal BW (BMI -1Z to +1Z) and G2 with LBW (BMI below -1Z). The following spirometry parameters were analyzed: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio (absolute values and Z-scores). Results: absolute values of FVC and FEV1 in LBW patients were slightly lower than in patients with normal BW, the differences were trendy (p=0.055 and p=0.108, respectively). At the same time, zFVC and zFEV1 in low BW patients were statistically significantly lower than in patients with normal BW, amounting to 0.440±1.210 and 1.06±1.130 (p&lt;0.001) for zFVC, respectively, and for zFEV1 -0.241 [-0.974; 0.576] and 0.304 [-0.397; 1.00] (p=0.002). The values of both FEV1/FVC and zFEV1/FVC between these BMI groups did not have statistically significant differences (p=0.462 and p=0.300). Analysis of the relationships between zBMI and z-values of spirometric parameters revealed a significant direct relationship between zBMI and zFVC (R=0.308, p&lt;0.001), as well as a direct, significant, but less pronounced relationship between zBMI and zFEV1 (R=0.20, p=0.002). The relationship between zBMI and zFEV1/FVC was negative (R=-0.11) and did not have statistical significance (p=0.097). The absolute content of eosinophils in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with low BW (p=0.006) and had a significant negative relationship with zBMI (R=-0.217, p=0.023). Conclusion: zFVC and zFEV1 values are lower in children and adolescents with BA and low BW and the absolute count of eosinophils in peripheral blood is higher than in patients with normal BW. Therefore, maintaining nutritional status may be an important component of the formation of the respiratory system and an adequate immune response in children and adolescents with BA.

Care burden, fatigue, and family functioning among family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between care burden, fatigue, and family functioning among family caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study adopts a cross-sectional research design, employing an available sampling method. The sample comprises 150 caregivers of elderly individuals diagnosed with AD, recruited from the elderly clinic overseen by the Birjand Welfare Organization. Data collection encompassed the administration of multiple instruments, including a demographics form, Zarit Burden Interview, Piper Fatigue Scale, and APGAR family functioning questionnaires. A total of 150 elderly individuals diagnosed with AD, along with their respective caregivers, were included in this study. The mean score for caregiver burden was 24.24 (SD=10.18), fatigue was 32.73 (SD=22.76), and family functioning was 6.58 (SD=7.37). A negative and significant correlation was observed between caregiver burden and family functioning (r=-0.693, P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, positive and significant correlations were found between caregiver burden and behavioral fatigue (r=0.720, P&lt;0.05), affective fatigue (r=0.674, P&lt;0.05), as well as sensory cognitive fatigue (r=0.484, P&lt;0.05). The association between behavioral fatigue and affective fatigue revealed a positive and significant correlation (r=0.875, P&lt;0.05), as did the correlation between behavioral fatigue and sensory-cognitive fatigue (r=0.488, P&lt;0.05). Additionally, a positive and significant relationship was observed between affective fatigue and sensory-cognitive fatigue (r=0.478, P&lt;0.05). Considering the pronounced relationship between caregiver burden, fatigue, and family functioning, these factors hold utility for researchers and policymakers in the realms of gerontology and intervention planning, serving as pivotal metrics for assessment and intervention design.

ENSO Impacts on Jamaican Rainfall Patterns: Insights from CHIRPS High-Resolution Data for Disaster Risk Management

This study examines the influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Jamaica’s rainfall patterns, leveraging CHIRPS data from 1981 to 2021 in 370 locations. Our analysis reveals a distinct ENSO imprint on rainfall, with La Niña phases showing a consistently higher probability of exceeding various rainfall thresholds compared to El Niño. Notably, La Niña increases the likelihood of heavier rainfall, particularly in the wet seasons, with probabilities of exceeding 200 mm reaching up to 50% during wet season II. Spatially, the probability of total monthly rainfall (TMR) during La Niña is elevated in the northeastern regions, suggesting regional vulnerability to excess rainfall. Additionally, during El Niño, the correlation between TMR and the maximum air temperature (Tmax) is significantly stronger, indicating a positive and more pronounced relationship between higher temperatures and rainfall, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.39 to 0.80. Wind speed and evapotranspiration show a negligible influence on TMR during both ENSO phases, maintaining stable correlation patterns with only slight variations. The results of this study underscore the necessity for differentiated regional strategies in water resource management and disaster preparedness, tailored to the unique climatic characteristics imposed by ENSO variability. These insights contribute to a refined understanding of climate impacts, essential for enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity in Jamaica and other small island developing states.

A new thermoelectric Ag8SiSe6argyrodite for room temperature application: sensitivity of thermoelectric performance to cooling conditions

Ag8SiSe6is a promising n-type thermoelectric material for near-room temperature applications. We reveal the pronounced relationship between the cooling conditions (including quenching parameters) and thermoelectric properties of Ag8SiSe6compounds.

THE POSSIBILITY OF PREDICTING LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION IN THE EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD IN CHILDREN WITH VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT

Highlights The article reflects data of an original study on the diagnosis of early postoperative dysfunction in children under 1 year of age after correction of a ventricular septal defect. The relationship between troponin I and conventional echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular longitudinal strain (S, % LV), and parameters reflecting central hemodynamics was assessed. The predictive ability of S, % LV in predicting a decrease in cardiac index after surgery was revealed. AbstractAim. To evaluate the possibility of predicting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the early postoperative period in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD).Methods. The study included 204 children under 1 year of age with non-restrictive perimembranous VSD. All parameters were evaluated before surgery, 6 hours, 24 hours and 10 days after surgery. 125 healthy children were enrolled as the control group.Results. 6 hours after surgery, there was a statistically significant decrease in LV ejection fraction (EF) (Me 55 [K3 60–K1 45] %, p = 0.0001), stroke index (SI) of LV outflow tract (LVOT) (12, 07 [16.38–8.24] mL/m2, p = 0.0001), and cardiac index (CI) (1.52 [2.08–1.07] L/min/m2, p = 0.0001). Arterial elasticity (AE) increased (21.4 [32.4–15.79] mm Hg/mL, p = 0.002), indicating a significant increase in afterload. Arterial compliance (AC) decreased (0.058 [0.081-0.038] mL/mm Hg, p = 0.0001), whereas ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) value significantly increased (2 [2.54–1.67], p = 0.009). There was a dependence between LVOT SI and age (Rs = 0.45, p = 0.03), a moderate relationship between LVOT SI and VAC (Rs = –0.59, p = 0.001), a pronounced relationship between LVOT SI and AC (Rs = 0, 93, p = 0.02), pronounced relationship between LVOT SI and AE (Rs = –0.94, p = 0.03), moderate correlation between VAC and SI (Rs = –0.44, p = 0.04), weak relationship between VAC and patient age (Rs = –0.28, p = 0.03). Longitudinal deformity before surgery (b = 0.028; F = 3.9; p = 0.006) and VSD size (b = -0.08; F = 3.4; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with LV SI dynamics 6 hours after surgery. Dependence equation was as follows: 2.8 – 0.08 * VSD + 0.028 * S. A predictive ability to reduce CI 6 hours after surgery was revealed: longitudinal strain (S), % with a threshold “–” 14.3% (sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 81.6%, AUC 0.92, p&lt;0, 00001) and VSD diameter with a threshold of 8 mm (sensitivity 75%, specificity 52%, AUC 0.69, p&lt;0.0001).Conclusion. In the early postoperative period, there is a decrease in systolic and LV pump function. High AE rates are associated with a decrease in AC and an increase in VAC. Preoperative predictors of SI decrease are as follows: S, %&gt; “–” 14.3 and VSD size &gt; 8 mm.

Features of the biochemical composition of blood in calves with different dynamics of live weight gain

The biochemical markers of blood associated with the rate of body weight gain were studied in the work. For experimental work, 30 calves on the 1st and 14th day after birth received venous blood and conducted laboratory tests. At the time of birth, as well as after 6 months of cultivation, the live weight of young an-imals was determined and the average daily increase was calculated. It was found that on the first day after birth in intensively growing animals, the activity of AlAT was lower by 56.6% (P?0.01), and AsAT by 45.4% (P?0.05), in relation to the indicators of young animals with a low rate of weight gain. Similarly, calves with intensive growth had a higher concentration of VSNMM in plasma by 30.4...48.4% (P?0.001) and 37.1...48.6% (P?0.01) in blood. On day 14, the biochemical profile of calves with low growth rates was characterized by a higher activity of alkaline phosphatase (by 27.4...46.6%; P&lt;0.05), whereas in intensively growing young calves a higher level of calcium was observed (by 5.9%; P&lt;0.05). The analysis of correlations showed that on the first day after birth, there was a pronounced relationship between the growth rate in relation to the activity of AsAT (-0.510) and AlAT (-0.497), iron concentration (-0.650) and VSNMM in blood plasma (0.626). Subsequently, the connection of these markers weakened, and the growth rate of calves was more dependent on the activity of alkaline phosphatase. So on the 14th day of postnatal ontogenesis, the correlation between the increase in live weight and enzyme activity was -0.744. Thus, it can be concluded that the activity of alkaline phosphatase is the most promising biochemical marker associated with the dynamics of body weight gain.

Analysis of factors affecting fear and mental health awareness of coronavirus disease infection

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health challenge that persists in causing both health emergencies and mental health crises around the world. This study aimed to analyze the factors contributing to COVID-19 infection and their impact on mental health crises on Java Island. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2020 on Java Island, Indonesia, involving 1,218 respondents selected through convenience sampling. The independent variables included demographic, individual internal, and psychological factors, while the dependent variable was mental health crisis occurrence. Data were collected through demographic information, knowledge and attitude questionnaires, depression anxiety stress scores, the brief-COPE inventory, as well as surveys addressing encountered problems and mental health emergencies. The collected data underwent analysis using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Significance was observed in the relationship between demographic, individual internal, and psychological factors, and their impact on mental health crises (p &lt; 0.05). Following adjustment with logistic regression, psychological factors exhibited a more pronounced relationship, with the highest association observed in stress levels (p = 0.000, 95% CI: 1.064-2.131). Conclusions: Individual stress levels emerged as the foremost contributing factor to mental health crises. Psychological elements, encompassing anxiety levels, stress, coping mechanisms, and encountered challenges, played substantial roles in disrupting psychological well-being and mental health.

Development of speed-strength abilities of 11-12 year old rugby players using a set of special exercises

Purpose: to select and experimentally test the effectiveness of complexes of special exercises for the development of speed-strength abilities of rugby players at the stage of preliminary basic training. Material of the study: the study involved 24 young athletes aged 11–12 years who trained at the stage of preliminary basic training. Research methods: indicators of speed-strength abilities of 11-12 year old rugby players were determined using the following tests: 30 m run from a high start, standing long jump, triple jump, 30 m run with a ball, shuttle run (3x10 m), passing the ball in pairs. Results: a different degree of correlation was established between the indicators of test exercises that were used to determine the speed-strength abilities of 11-12-year-old rugby players: between the results of tests of running 30 meters from a high start, standing long jump, a triple jump from a place and running to 30 meters with the ball, and between the 30 meters run with the ball and the shuttle run 3 x 10 meters - a significant relationship (r=0,712-0,817). Between the results of standing long jump, a shuttle run of 3 to 10 meters and the number of ball passes on the spot in pairs, there is a low degree of manifestation (r = 0,309-0,455). Between the indicators of other test exercises that were used in our study, a moderately pronounced relationship was established (r=0,499-0,674). Conclusions: the effectiveness of the use of complexes of special exercises for the development of speed-strength abilities of rugby players at the stage of preliminary basic training has been proven. Significant differences between the test results of the control and experimental groups were established: 30 m run, standing long jump, triple jump, 30 m run with the ball, passing the ball in pairs.

Quantitative analysis of protective T cell immunity against brucellosis

The results of study relationship between antigen reactivity of T-lymphocyte population under ex vivo conditions and the intensity of protective post-vaccination immunity to causative agent of brucellosis are presented. Тaking into account the peculiarities of immunopathogenesis brucellosis and prevailing role of adaptive T-cell immunity to protect against the causative agent of infection, possibility predictive evaluation of protective immunity against brucellosis using CAST-tests is considered as the most important aspect of brucellosis problems. There is an obvious need for an ex vivo correlation analysis of the activity of antigen stimulation of T cells and the intensity of protective immunity formed after vaccination. A close direct proportional relationship was established between the number of live microbial cells Brucella abortus 19BA vaccine strain administered and increase in ex vivo CD3-cell activation. A close correlation was revealed between ex vivo value of antigen-induced stimulation CD3-lymphocytes and level of post-vaccination immunological protection against brucellosis infection. It has been shown that in biomodels vaccinated against brucellosis with a T-lymphocyte stimulation coefficient of 50% or more (according to intensity of antigen-induced ex vivo expression CD25), 100% protection from the development of brucellosis infection after infection with Brucella melitensis at a dose of 1 × 103 live microbial cells are provided. At the same time, there was a lack of a close correlation between an increase in the dose of brucella vaccine strain administered to biomodels and a change in geometric mean antibody titer, presence of a weakly pronounced relationship between level of agglutinins and immunological protection of biomodels from development brucellosis infection and indicators bacterial contamination body.Based on results of study, it was demonstrated that it is possible to quantify the formation and protective activity of T-cell immunity to causative agent of brucellosis based on analysis of level antigen reactivity of CD3-lymphocytes ex vivo. The data obtained and described methodological approach can be used as a predictive criterion in assessing protective level of cellular immunity to causative agent of brucellosis in vaccinated or recovering patients, as well as in order to analyze effectiveness of specific prophylaxis brucellosis and study immunogenicity and protective properties candidate for brucellosis vWe present the results of studies related to antigen reactivity of T lymphocyte population under ex vivo conditions and the intensity of protective post-vaccination immunity to causative agent of brucellosis. Due to peculiarities of immunopathogenesis in brucellosis infection and prevailing role of adaptive T cell immunity for protection against the causative agent of infection, a predictive evaluation of protective immunity against brucellosis using CAST-tests is considered the most important issue in the field. There is an obvious need for ex vivo analysis of correlations between the activity of antigen stimulation of T cells, and the intensity of protective immunity raised after vaccination. A close direct relationship was established between the number of live microbial cells of Brucella abortus 19BA vaccine strain administered, and increase in ex vivo CD3 cell activation. A close correlation (r = -0.841 ÷ -0.966, R2 = 0.708 ÷ 0.969) was revealed between ex vivo values of antigeninduced stimulation of CD3 lymphocytes, and the levels of post-vaccination immunological protection against brucellosis infection. We have shown that, in biomodels vaccinated against brucellosis with a T lymphocyte stimulation coefficient of 50% or more (according to intensity of antigen-induced ex vivo CD25 expression), 100% protection against brucellosis infection was achieved after contamination with Brucella melitensis at a dose of 1×103 live microbial cells. At the same time, a lack of a close correlation was noted between an increased dose of Brucella vaccine strain administered to biomodels, and a change in geometric mean of antibody titer (R2 = 0.357÷0.404), along with a weak relationship between the levels of agglutinins and immunological protection of biomodels from developing brucellosis infection and indices of in vivo bacterial contamination.These results suggest an opportunity to quantify development and protective activity of T cell immunity to the causal agent of brucellosis based ex vivo levels of antigen reactivity of CD3 lymphocytes. A correlation analysis between the state of T cell antigen reactivity and immunological resistance to brucellosis infection indicated a high degree of closeness between these indices. The key influence on activity of protective immunity is exerted by the levels of antigen reactivity of T lymphocytes, whereas the quotient of antigenic stimulation in CD3+CD25+ population may be considered the most informative index of immune protective activity. The data obtained and the described methodology may be used as a predictive criterion in assessing protective level of cellular immunity to causative agent of brucellosis in vaccinated or recovering patients, testing the efficiency of specific prophylaxis in brucellosis and studying immunogenicity and protective properties of candidate vaccines against brucellosis.

When cause familiarity leads to positive attitudes toward brands in a cause–brand alliance: a cross-cultural study during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeBuilding on construal level theory and applying the hypothetical distance dimension, this cross-cultural study (individualistic vs collectivistic culture) aims to explore the effects of cause familiarity on individuals' attitudes toward a brand and how cause–brand fit mediates this relationship. Furthermore, this study explores how perceived betrayal moderates the relationship between cause–brand fit and attitude toward a brand.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was adopted. Data collection was performed through snowball sampling of French and Turkish participants (N = 455). The collected data were then analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.FindingsThe results reveal a significant effect of cause familiarity on attitude toward the brand, wherein one's attitude toward fit in a cause–brand alliance serves as a mediator in this relationship. The results also indicate that perceived betrayal moderates the relationship between cause–brand fit and attitude toward a brand. However, when it comes to facing a global pandemic, culture has no significant effect on consumers' perceptions and attitudes toward cause–brand alliances.Originality/valueThis research investigates the enhancement of attitudes toward a brand through an alliance with a familiar cause and explains this relationship via attitudes toward fit in such an alliance. Moreover, it provides novel insights into perceived betrayal as a variable that can lead to a more pronounced relationship between attitude toward fit and attitude toward a brand.

Relations between PTSD symptom clusters and pain in three trauma-exposed samples with pain.

Little is known about how the individual PTSD symptom clusters relate to intensity and interference of pain and whether these relationships differ across clinical groups. The present study examines relations between PTSD symptom clusters and pain in three trauma-exposed, unique clinical groups: 1) adults seeking treatment for chronic pain with current symptoms of PTSD, 2) trauma affected refugees seeking treatment for PTSD and chronic pain; and 3) individuals identified at admission to the emergency ward after whiplash injury. Network analysis was used to assess unique relations between pain intensity, pain interference, re-experiencing, avoidance, numbing, hyperarousal, depression, and anxiety separately in each sample. Links between PTSD clusters and pain were then compared within and between samples. No within-group differences were identified for the links between pain and any of PTSD clusters in the chronic pain and refugee groups. In the whiplash group, hyperarousal was more strongly related to pain than re-experiencing, avoidance, and numbing. Between group comparisons revealed a more pronounced relationship between hyperarousal and pain in the whiplash group, with no between-group differences between the chronic pain and refugee groups. The findings suggest that when depression and anxiety are accounted for, few unique associations are found between pain and the PTSD symptom clusters in trauma-exposed samples with pain, with the exception of a link between pain and hyperarousal in individuals with whiplash-related PTSD symptoms.

Trait anxiety is associated with blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity

Heightened anxiety is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and hypertension. While hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system has been suggested to mediate this relationship, direct measures of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in people with elevated anxiety have indicated little, if any, alterations in baseline sympathetic function. However, studies examining anxiety and MSNA have been limited by small sample sizes and lack of detail on anxiety severity, limiting the ability to investigate subtle interactions. The present study assessed associations between trait anxiety, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and MSNA using a large, representative sample of healthy young men and women, with an exploratory assessment of sex-specific interactions. We hypothesized that heightened trait anxiety would be associated with elevated resting MAP and MSNA. Trait anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in 97 healthy adults (52 male, 45 female; 25±1 years; 26±1 kg/m 2 ). In each participant, the average of three seated brachial blood pressures was recorded and used in subsequent analysis. All participants underwent an autonomic function test that simultaneously assessed heart rate (HR), beat-to-beat blood pressure, MSNA burst frequency (BF) and incidence (BI) during 5-10 minutes of supine rest. MSNA recordings were captured in 91 participants. Multiple regression was used to test the relationship between STAI, MAP, MSNA, and HR while accounting for age and sex. Sex-specific interactions were explored with correlations controlling for age. The regression model significantly predicted MAP (R 2 =.196, P&lt;0.001), BF (R 2 =.136, P=0.005), and BI (R 2 =.150, P=0.003), but not HR (R 2 =.055, P=0.155). STAI scores were independently associated with MAP (β=.207, P=0.029), BF (β=.245, P=0.016), and BI (β=.224, P=0.027). In males, STAI was correlated with MAP (R=.277, P=0.049), BF (R=.363, P=0.009), and BI (R=.346, P=0.013), but not HR (R=.140, P=0.326). In contrast, STAI was not associated with MAP (R=.174, P=0.260), BF (R=.094, P=0.574), BI (R=.069, P=0.681), or HR (R=.226, P=0.141) in females. In a large sample of healthy adults, our results highlight the relationship between the severity of trait anxiety, resting blood pressure, and sympathetic outflow, with a more pronounced relationship in males. Support: NIH (AA-024892, 1R15HL140596-01, AG064038-01A1, U54GM115371; P20GM103474, 2TL1 TR002318). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Asymmetric relationship between climate policy uncertainty and energy metals: Evidence from cross-quantilogram

Climate policy uncertainty is a widely used measure of climate risk based on policy fronts. On the other hand, energy metals offer avenues for the use of clean, green, and sustainable energy to combat the environmental hazards and reduce carbon footprint. Following this, the current study aims to investigate the relationship between climate policy uncertainty and energy metals through a novel technique of cross-quantilogram. The study finds a pronounced relationship between climate policy uncertainty and energy metals in terms of reducing carbon emissions. We also report diversification benefits of energy metals given the larger lags. We deduced useful insights for practitioners, investors, and scholars.