Significant Correlation Research Articles

TPD52 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltration: A Pan-cancer Analysis.

Some tumors have a poor prognosis regarding TPD52 (tumor protein D52). This study aims to explore TPD52's role in the cancer process from a pan-cancer perspective. A pan-cancer analysis was conducted to investigate how TPD52 may be involved in cancer as well as its association with prognosis. A variety of human cancers express TPD52 abnormally and correlate with clinical stage. There was a significant association between low expression of TPD52 and poor survival in BRCA, KIRP, LAML, LIHC, UCEC, and UVM. TPD52 alterations were most frequently amplified in pan-cancer. The co-occurrence of 10 genes alterations was found in the TPD52 altered group. There was a significant association between TPD52 expression and MSI in four cancer types and TMB in twelve cancer types. There was a significant correlation between TPD52 expression and immunerelated cell infiltration. A significant correlation was found between TPD52 expression in many tumor types and 8 immune checkpoint genes. There were signaling pathways involved in pan-cancer caused by TPD52, including endocytosis, Fc gamma Rmediated phagocytosis, and so on. TPD52 may be involved in chemotherapy and chemoresistance. The TPD52 gene may be important for human cancer treatment.

The Length of Xiphoid to Fundus as a Measure of Labor Progress: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Vaginal examination is widely recognized as the most common method for monitoring labor progress. However, researchers are currently exploring alternative methods, which are potentially less invasive or aggressive, to assess labor progress. Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation in the active phase of labor. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 pregnant women in Varamin, Iran. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher- made questionnaire that included specific items regarding demographic characteristics, health status, and a checklist to record the results of examinations and labor progress. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple linear regression with SPSS 22 software. The significance level was considered to be p <0.05. Results: A total of 174 eligible women participated in the study, with a mean age of 25.90 ± 4.56 years (mean±SD) and a mean gestational age of 39.71 ± 1.03 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and cervical dilatation (p = 0.0001, r = -0.568). Conclusions: The study revealed a significant negative correlation between the length of the xiphoid to the fundus and the cervical dilation. Therefore, the xiphoid to fundus measurement can serve as an alternative and complementary examination in cases that need frequent vaginal examinations.

Contribution of Pelvic Ultrasonography in Perimenopausal Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Background: About 70% of gynecological consultations for women in perimenopause are due to metrorrhagia. In most cases, they are only the witness of hormonal disturbances resulting from a luteal deficiency. Transvaginal ultrasound is the first innocuous and available additional examination that is requested as part of an etiological assessment. Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the contribution of ultrasonography in perimenopausal metrorrhagia and investigate possible clinical-ultrasound correlation. Methods: This analytical descriptive study was carried out on 50 treated for perimenopausal metrorrhagia in the emergency department of the Tunis Maternity and Neonatology Center for four months (November 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018). We included in our study patients who were not yet postmenopausal who were ≥ 45 years of age, and who sought care for breakthrough bleeding. All patients in our study initially underwent endovaginal ultrasonography, sometimes coupled with suprapubic ultrasonography. Results: The mean age of our patients was 46.3 years. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterus in 16 patients (32%), with 14 of them having fibromatous uteri measuring between 3 to 10 centimeters. The findings indicate no significant correlation between ultrasound results and bleeding abundance (P = 0.321), pelvic pain (P = 0.108), and general condition (P = 0.437). Conclusion: Endovaginal pelvic ultrasonography is a quick, painless test and is the first test to be done first in an emergency department with perimenopausal vaginal bleeding. The correlation between clinical and ultrasound findings is highly random, making it impossible to assume a well-- coded diagnostic and therapeutic presumption.

상태학업착수지연척도 개발 및 타당화

Objectives This study aimed to develop and validate a scale for intervening in academic procrastination. First, to easily capture improvement pre- and post-intervention, the scale was developed at the state level rather than the chronic level. Second, focusing on the specific phenomenon of academic procrastination as “delaying the initiation of studying” - a core characteristic in the definition of academic procrastination- an operational definition was es-tablished in developing this scale. Methods To this end, we developed a SAIPS and conducted reliability analysis and EFA with 417 college students randomly extracted from the first-round data) and extracted the main factor from it. Subsequently, we performed CFA on three validation samples and evaluated the model fit. In addition, we verified the convergent and discrim-inant validity. Results From this sample, the final 1-factor 10-item scale was derived, and a high reliability of .90 or higher was confirmed. In the first validation sample (417 college students not included in the estimation sample from the first-round data), CFA showed adequate fit, with CFI .954, TLI .941, RMSEA .077, and SRMR .040. In the second validation sample, comprising 249 college students from the second-round data, CFA showed relatively low fit (CFI=.862, TLI=.822, RMSEA=.158, SRMR=.067). However, the third validation sample (627 middle and high school students from the first-round data) showed considerably good model fit (CFI=.983, TLI=.978, RMSEA= .062, SRMR=.021). Correlation analysis revealed discriminant validity, demonstrating significant negative correla-tions with “regular and consistent practices”, “self-confidence”, “self-regulation efficacy”, “academic efficacy”, and “academic enthusiasm efficacy”. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found with “chronic pro-crastination”, “chronic academic procrastination”, “academic procrastination state inventory: academic pro-crastination”, and “academic procrastination state inventory: fear of failure”, ensuring convergent validity. Conclusions The findings suggested the clinical implications of the scale developed in this study for future educa-tional and counseling interventions. Finally, the significance and limitations of this study were discussed.

Tetraspanins, GLAST and L1CAM Quantification in Single Extracellular Vesicles from Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum of People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: This study aimed to unravel the single tetraspanin pattern of extracellular vesicles (EVs), L1CAM+ and GLAST+ EV levels as diagnostic biomarkers to stratify people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), specifically relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and primary progressive (PPMS). Methods: The ExoView platform was used to directly track single EVs using a clinically feasible volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples. This technology allowed us to examine the patterns of classical tetraspanin and quantify the levels of L1CAM and GLAST proteins, commonly used to immunoisolate putative neuron- and astrocyte-derived EVs. Results: The tetraspanin EV pattern does not allow us to differentiate RRMS, PPMS and non-MS donors neither in CSF nor serum, but this was associated with the type of biofluid. L1CAM+ and GLAST+ EVs showed a very low presence of tetraspanin proteins. Additionally, a significant decrease in the particle count of L1CAM+ EVs was detected in L1CAM-captured spots, and L1CAM+ and GLAST+ EVs decreased in GLAST-captured spots in the CSF from PPMS subjects compared to RRMS. Interestingly, only GLAST+ EVs exhibited a lower quantity in the CSF from PPMS compared to both MS and non-MS samples. Finally, GLAST+ EVs demonstrated a medium negative and significative correlation with GFAP levels-a biomarker of MS progression, astrocyte damage and neurodegenerative processes. Conclusions: ExoView technology could track neural EV biomarkers and be potentially useful in the diagnostic evaluation and follow-up of pwMS. GLAST+ EVs might provide insights into the etiology of PPMS and could offer small windows to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind its clinical presentation.

Role of S100 and YKL40 on Intraventricular Cerebral Hemorrhages in the Preterm Infant and the Neuroprotective Role of miR-138-siRNAs-HIF-1a and miR-21-siRNAs-HVCN1 in Neonatal Mice with Nerve Injury.

Epilepsy and intraventricular-cerebral hemorrhage is a common complication irreversible in preterm infants. Inflammation leads to an increase in intracellular calcium, acidosis, and oxygen usage, and finally, may damage brain cells. Increases in HIF-1a and HVCN1 can reduce the complications of oxygen consumption and acidosis in infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). On the other hand, decreases in S100B can shield nerve cells from apoptosis and epilepsy by reducing brain damage. In this research, we investigated how miR-138-siRNAs-HIF-1a and miR-21- siRNAs-HVCN1 affect apoptosis in hypoxic mice. On the first and third days after delivery, the YKL40, HIF-1a, HVCN1, and S100b genes were compared between two groups of preterm infants with and without maternal inflammation. Afterward, the miRNAs were transfected into cell lines to monitor variations in YKL40, HIF-1a, HVCN1, and S100b gene expression and nerve cell apoptosis. We changed the expression of S100b, HVCN1, and HIF-1a genes by using specific siRNAs injected into mice. Using real-time PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry (FCM), and immunofluorescence, and changes in gene expression were evaluated (IHC). HVCN1 gene expression showed a strong negative correlation with epilepsy in both groups of infants (P< 0.001). Significant correlations between epilepsy and the expression levels of the S100b, YKL40, and HIF-1a genes were found (P<0.001). According to FCM, after transfecting miRNA-431 and miRNA-34a into cell lines, the apoptosis index (A.I.) were 41.6 3.3 and 34.5 5.2%, respectively, while the A.I. were 9.6 2.7 and 7.1 4.2% after transfecting miRNA-21 and miRNA-138. MiR-138-siRNAs-HIF-1a and miR-21-siRNAs-HVCN1 were simultaneously injected into hypoxic mice, and IHC double-labeling revealed that this reduced apoptosis and seizures compared to the hypoxic group. Our findings demonstrate that miR-138-siRNAs-HIF-1a and miR-21-siRNAs- HVCN1 injections prevent cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage in hypoxia mice by increasing HVCN1 and HIF-1a and decreasing S100b, which in turn lessens apoptosis and epilepsy in hypoxic mice.

Effect of Severity of Depression and Perceived Social Support on Suicidal Ideation among Patients Hospitalized with Substance Use Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perceived social support and depression on suicidal ideation in inpatients receiving substance abuse disorder treatment.&#x0D; Method: A total of 110 inpatients in an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center were included in the study. A sociodemographic and clinical information form, Beck Depression Inventory, Suicidal Ideation Scale, and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale were administered to all patients.&#x0D; Results: No significant correlation was identified between total social support score and suicidal ideation, whereas a weak negative but statistically significant correlation was found between social support from family and suicidal ideation scores (r=-0.231; p=0.016). The mean value of suicidal ideation was 2.22 in the non-depressed groupand 10.13 in the severely depressed group. We also found thatpatients whowere exempted from military service and those who had attempted suicide before had statistically significantly higher scores on the suicidal ideation scale.&#x0D; Conclusion: In patients diagnosed with substance use disorder, various factors may increase the risk of suicidal behavior. In particular, patients with insufficient social support, depressive symptoms, unable to carry out their military service and those who have attempted suicide before should be closely followed for suicidal ideation.

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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&lt;.001), sociocultural pressure from acquaintances (β=.246, p&lt;.001), sociocultural pressure from the media (β=.240, p&lt;.001), and intention to use (β=.129, p&lt;.05) were found to affect perception and behavior of scalp and hair care.&#x0D; 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.

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID)-related liver disease: assessment of the main histological aspects using novel semiquantitative scoring systems, image analysis and correlation with clinical parameters of liver stiffness and portal hypertension

AimsWe aimed to investigate the relationship between T-cell-mediated sinusoidal injury, nodular regenerative hyperplasia like changes (NRH-LC) and fibrosis, clinical measures of fibrosis and portal hypertension, and progression rate in common...

Is isometric mid-thigh pull associated with the competitive performance of striking high-level athletes?

Background: The isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP) is commonly used in sports performance assessment, but it remains underutilized among combat sports athletes. Aims: to evaluate whether Pan-American medalists (PM) showed differences when compared with other athletes (NM) when performing the IMTP. Methods: a total of 72 Karate [n=35 (♀12)] and Taekwondo [n=37 (♀15)] athletes were measured (22.4±3.7 yrs.; 67.4±11.5 Kg; 1.7±0.1 m; 22.1±2.8 kg/m2). From the total, 32 athletes were PM of their specific combat sport (♀11). All participants performed the IMTP 60-90 days before the competition. The following variables were measured: a) Impulse Net at 50; 100; 150 and 200 ms (N*s); b) absolute (N) and relative peak force (PF; N/Kg) and; c) Rating of force development (RFD) at 50; 100; 150 and 200 ms (N/s). Results: PM showed a better performance on absolute (2,398.5±623.1 vs. 2,096.2±559.3 N; p=0.034) and relative PF (34.6±5.0 vs. 31.2±5.1 N/Kg; p=0.006); RFD at 150 (5,273.4±2,670.8 vs. 3,963.4±1,904.2 N/s; p=0.0018) and 200ms (4,870.3±2,184.6 vs. 4,022.1±1,574.8 N/s; p=0.05). Relative PF (Τ=0.249; p=0.011) and RDF at 150 ms (Τ=0.208; p=0.033) showed a positive and significative correlation with the competition result. Conclusion: PM showed a high PF and RFD at 150 and 200 ms. Furthermore, the competition result was correlated with relative PF and RDF at 150 ms. Based on our findings, we recommend that coaches incorporate the IMTP into their evaluation routine for striking athletes. Keywords: martial arts, athletic performance, elite athlete, task performance and analysis.

Age and sex-related differences in T1 and T2 mapping. 1.5 magnetic resonance referent values

Introduction: Parametric mapping is a non-invasive method to quantify tissue changes in the myocardium by measuring T1, T2 and T2* relaxation times and extracellular volume, requiring a pre-established range of normal values. Purpose: To establish reference values for native T1 and T2 myocardial relaxation times in healthy subjects on 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging and to assess changes in their values according to left ventricular segments, age, sex, heart rate, and myocardial thickness. Material and Methods: A prospective 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging study was performed with the voluntary participation of 50 healthy individuals in different age groups. Image analysis was performed by a radiologist with 5 years of experience in the field of CMRT and further coordinated with a radiologist with more than 20 years of expe-rience in the field. Siemens ARGUS integrated software was used to calculate the volumes and function of both cameras. Global and segmental T1 and T2 values were measured in the shortaxis midlevel section by manually delineating the region of interest. Myocardial thickness of the mid septum was measured for each patient. Results: The distribution of volunteers was 25 men and 25 women. Significantly higher global T1 values were observed in women (1027.7 &amp;plusmn; 25.4 ms) compared to men (992.9 &amp;plusmn; 24.4 ms), at p &lt; 0.001. The same correlation was observed in individual segments, with a significant difference between genders. Examination of the correlation between T1 and other parameters demonstrated a negative linear relationship only with myocardial thickness. Global T2 in women (48.6 &amp;plusmn; 2.49 ms) was also significantly higher than in men (44.6 &amp;plusmn; 2.06 ms), with an observed difference of 3.95, p &lt; 0.001. Global T2 showed a very strong negative correlation with myocardial thickness (r = -0.769; p &lt; 0.001). There was no sig-nificant correlation between T2 times and heart rate and age of patients. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in native T1 and T2 values by sex was demonstrated. The use of sex-specific reference values to distinguish healthy from pathologically affected myocardium is recommended.

Development and Validation of the Cheers Attitudes towards Non-drinkers Scale (CANS).

Non-drinkers report experiencing stigma, which can act as a barrier to non-drinking. Two studies were undertaken to develop and test a new scale to measure attitudes towards non-drinkers. In Study 1, 29 items were presented to 426 Australian drinkers. In Study 2, the refined 12-item Cheers Attitudes to Non-drinkers Scale (CANS) was presented to 389 drinkers. Alcohol consumption, Harm and the Regan Attitudes towards Non-drinkers Scale (RANDS) were presented for scale validation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors representing the Threats to Fun, Connection and Self that drinkers perceive non-drinkers to pose. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale meets the required fit indices and had good reliability (α = 0.842). Evidence of validity was shown through significant correlations with Alcohol Consumption, Harm and the RANDS. These studies show the CANS to be a reliable and valid measure that could be utilised to understand and modify the stigma experienced by non-drinkers.

The Value IRS-1 rs1801278G &gt; A Polymorphism Testing in Evaluating Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case-control Study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility. Insulin resistance is a key element in pathogenesis. The insulin receptor causes phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS); IRS-1 rs1801278G &gt; A polymorphism variant is the most common genetic variant associated with IR and PCOS. Objective: We aimed to examine the frequency of IRS-1 rs1801278G &gt; A polymorphism variant and test its value in evaluating infertile PCOS women. Methods: A case-control study recruited 140 age and body-mass-matched participants in the university hospital, subdivided according to Rotterdam criteria into PCOS cases (70/140) and healthy controls (70/140). We collected demographic data, ultrasonic [antral follicles and endometrial thickness], hormonal [FSH, LH, AMH, E2], and genetic data by polymerase chain reaction for analysis. Result: Wild GG SNP rs1801278 G was meaningfully higher among controls (58.57%, P&lt;0.0001). Mutant AA SNP rs1801278 was significantly higher in PCOS women (37.14%, P-value =0.0001, an odds ratio of 20.50, 95% CI (9.42-28.63) to develop PCOS. Heterogenous GA gene SNP rs1801278 showed a trend of higher frequency in PCOS patients with 44.29%; OR of 3.91, 95% CI (1.37–7.55); P = 0.422. Upon correlating infertility parameters to SNP rs1801278 G&gt;A polymorphism, statistical differences were found with AFC, LH/FSH ratio, and serum testosterone. As for the AMH, E2, and endometrial thickness, they failed to have a statistical value. Conclusion: The significant correlation of genetic polymorphism to infertility parameters among PCOS women opens a new therapeutic and prognostic avenue that helps gynecologists tailor manganate for a better and safer outcome.

The Association of Glycated Hemoglobin and Lipid Profile with Peripheral Artery Disease in Metabolic Syndrome Patients from Northwestern Algeria

تم إدماج الهيموجلوبين السكري (Hb1Ac) كمؤشر لخلل السكر في الدم بدلا من غلوكوز الدم الصائم (FGB)، لتصنيف المرضى بناء على حوادث الأوعية الدموية ،حيث يرتبطHb1Acارتباطا وثيقا بعوامل الأوعية الدموية مثل سرعة موجة النبض وسمك الوسائط الداخلية، نسبة الألبومين / الكرياتينين (ACR) ومع ذلك فإن العلاقة بينHb1Acونسبة الدهون في تطور أمراض الشرايين لاتزال غير مؤكدة. هدفنا الرئيسي من هذه الدراسة هو التحقيق في ارتباطHb1Acونسبة الدهون مع أمراض الأوعية الدموية الطرفية (PAD) في المرضى الذين يعانون من الاضطراب الأيضي (MetS) في شمال غرب الجزائر. أجريت دراستنا المقطعية لمدة ستة أشهر. تم حساب مؤثر كتلة الجسم كالتالي: (BMI (kg/m²)=weight(kg)/height²(m²، تم استخدام مؤشر الكاحل والعضد (ABI) أقل من 0.9 وتصوير الأوعية لتشخيص PADوحددنا MetS وفقا لمعاييرNECP-ATPIII. تم استعمال اختبار تحليل الارتباط (correlation test) والانحدار الخطي (linear regression) لدراسة الصلة بينHb1Ac، نسبة السكر في الدم، نسب الدهون وحدوث أمراض الشرايين الطرفية لدى الأفراد المصابين بالاضطراب الأيضي. من بين 300 مصاب الاضطراب الأيضي، 53 % تمثل الذكور. لوحظ وجود ارتباطات إيجابية بينHb1Ac،(r=0.753, p&lt;0.001) FGB والتري غلسيريد ((TG (r=0.288, p&lt;0.001) وارتباط سلبي مع البروتين الدهني عالي الكثافة (HDL) (r=-0.356, p&lt;0.001). لم يظهرHb1Ac أي ارتباط مع الكوليسترول الكلي (TC) و البروتين الدهني منخفض الكثافة (LDL). أظهرت نسب الدهون(TG/HDL ,LDL/HDL , TC/HDL) ارتباطات ايجابية مع)Hb1Acr=0.332 r=0.232, r=0.43.(أكد اختبار الانحدار الخطي هذه النتائج. أظهر Hb1Ac ارتباطات ايجابية مع FGB و TG في حين أنه يرتبط سلبا بالبروتين الدهني عالي الكثافة(HDL) . و مستقل عن البروتين الدهني منخفض الكثافة (LDL) والكوليسترول الكلي (TC) و الجدير بالذكر أن نسب الدهون الثلاثة TG/HDL) LDL/HDL , TC/HDL (أظهرت ارتباطات ايجابية معHb1Ac .

Investigating the Correlation Between Presence and Reaction Time in Mixed Reality.

Measuring presence is critical to improving user involvement and performance in Mixed Reality (MR). Presence, a crucial aspect of MR, is traditionally gauged using subjective questionnaires, leading to a lack of time-varying responses and susceptibility to user bias. Inspired by the existing literature on the relationship between presence and human performance, the proposed methodology systematically measures a user's reaction time to a visual stimulus as they interact within a manipulated MR environment. We explore the user reaction time as a quantity that can be easily measured using the systemic tools available in modern MR devices. We conducted an exploratory study (N = 40) with two experiments designed to alter the users' sense of presence by manipulating place illusion and plausibility illusion. We found a significant correlation between presence scores and reaction times with a correlation coefficient -0.65, suggesting that users with a higher sense of presence responded more swiftly to stimuli. We develop a model that estimates a user's presence level using the reaction time values with high accuracy of up to 80%. While our study suggests that reaction time can be used as a measure of presence, further investigation is needed to improve the accuracy of the model.

Relationship between playing-related factors and occupational balance in professional violinists.

Playing performance of musicians may affect their occupational balance. The violin is one of the riskiest string instruments for the musculoskeletal health. To show the effect of socio-demographics, playing posture, pain, and functionality on occupational balance in professional violinists in Istanbul. Forty-five violinists aged 29.1±10.6 years were included. The Personal Information Form, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand - Sports/Musicians (DASH-SM), the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, and the 11-item revised version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11 - T) were used. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the variables and occupational balance. The only significant correlation was found between doing regular exercise and occupational balance (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) with those having an exercise habit reporting higher occupational balance scores. The mean pain score of the violinists increased from a pre-performing mean of 1.6±2.3 to a post-performance mean of 3.91±2.4. Musicians indicate that they practice physical exercise regularly. A strong methodological limitation of this study is that variables like exercise were evaluated with a self-reported survey which limited the analysis and so we hardly find any relationships between them. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between playing-related factors and occupational balance in violinists. There may be other factors affecting occupational balance in violinists and also in the other musicians. Similar studies are needed in other countries also using different assessments specific to musicians.

Correlation between Pancreatic Fat Deposition and Metabolic Syndrome: Relationships with Location in the Pancreas and Sex.

Objective To investigate the correlation between pancreatic fat deposition and metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters, focusing on the locations of fat deposition in the pancreas and sex differences. Methods Degrees of fat deposition in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas were evaluated using computed tomography (CT). We examined the relationships between pancreatic fat deposition and the age, body mass index (BMI), visceral and subcutaneous fat, serum lipid profiles, hepatic steatosis, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension (HTN). Results In this retrospective study, greater fat deposition was associated with a higher BMI, visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation, and hepatic steatosis, with the pancreatic head showing the strongest correlation. Correlations of pancreatic fat deposition with the BMI and visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation were stronger in females than in males, while correlations with hepatic steatosis were stronger in males than in females. In addition, a multivariate analysis did not suggest a direct causal relationship between pancreatic fat deposition and DM and HTN, but there was a significant correlation between pancreatic fat deposition in the pancreatic head and visceral fat area. Conclusion Pancreatic fat deposition, as evaluated by CT, especially in the part of the pancreatic head adjacent to the ampulla of Vater, is a sensitive indicator of MetS. The correlations between pancreatic fat deposition and MetS parameters tended to be stronger in females than in males. These results may help further elucidate the pathophysiology of MetS and provide opportunities for its diagnosis.

A Six-gene Prognostic Model Based on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs)-related Gene Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common malignant cancers. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been discovered to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of LUAD. We aimed to establish an innovative prognostic model for LUAD based on the distinct expression patterns of NETs-related genes. The TCGA LUAD dataset was utilized as the training set, while GSE31210, GSE37745, and GSE50081 were undertaken as the verification sets. The patients were grouped into clusters based on the expression signature of NETs-related genes. Differentially expressed genes between clusters were identified through the utilization of the random forest and LASSO algorithms. The NETs score model for LUAD prognosis was developed by multiplying the expression levels of specific genes with their corresponding LASSO coefficients and then summing them. The validity of the model was confirmed by analysis of the survival curves and ROC curves. Additionally, immune infiltration, GSEA, mutation analysis, and drug analysis were conducted. Silencing ABCC2 in A549 cells was achieved to investigate its effect. We identified six novel NETs-related genes, namely UPK1B, SFTA3, GGTLC1, SCGB3A1, ABCC2, and NTS, and developed a NETs score signature, which exhibited a significant correlation with the clinicopathological and immune traits of the LUAD patients. High-risk patients showed inhibition of immune-related processes. Mutation patterns exhibited variability among the different groups. AZD3759, lapatinib, and dasatinib have been identified as potential candidates for LUAD treatment. Moreover, the downregulation of ABCC2 resulted in the induction of apoptosis and suppression of migration and invasion in A549 cells. Altogether, this study has identified a novel NET-score signature based on six novel NET-related genes to predict the prognosis of LUAD and ABCC2 and has also explored a new method for personalized chemo-/immuno-therapy of LUAD.

The effect of physical activity on stress levels of medical students: A cross-sectional analysis

Objectives To determine association between physical activity and hours of physical activity and stress levels in medical students Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at a private medical college in Karachi, during April and May 2015. Convenience sampling was used to identify the study participants. The subjects were medical students from year one through five. We interviewed 235 students. A pre-tested, self-administered three-part questionnaire was used to collect the data. The first part of the questionnaire inquired about the subjects’ demographics and exercise habits, the second part of the questionnaire was adapted from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to determine stress scores within participants, and the third part of the questionnaire asked about other stress relieving factors. Results According to the PSS, 30.3% of the participants were moderately stressed. The mean PSS was found to be 16.95 ± 5.72. 2A significant correlation was found between physical activity and stress levels; those involved in physical activity were 52 percent less likely to be moderately stressed (OR 0.48, p-value = 0.015) as compared to those who had not partaken in physical activity. Furthermore, studentswho performed physical activity for &gt;4 hours per week had a lower mean PSS score (16.2) when compared to those who exercised for &lt;2 hours per week. (18.2). Post-hoc statistical testing revealed the difference to be significant (p=0.028). Conclusion Based on the findings of our study, we conclude that physical activity of any form is associated with significantly decreased stress levels in medical students.

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.