Spearman's Coefficient Research Articles

Diversity of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Urban Areas of the Federal District, 2014-2018

Objective: To describe and analyze the diversity of mosquitoes in urban areas of the Federal District (DF), Brazil, the types of breeding sites, and the relationships between climatic variables and the abundance of the main vector species. Theoretical Framework: The potential distribution, endemicity, emergence, and re-emergence of pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes is regulated by fluctuations in potential vector Culicidae communities. Studies on the diversity of culicids are important to understand the ecological relationships between species and the environment they occupy. However, information on diversity patterns and the structure of the culicid fauna in the DF is still scarce and dispersed in the literature. Method: Mosquito larvae collected and identified in urban areas of the DF between January 2014 and December 2018 were evaluated for abundance, constancy, dispersal capacity, similarity of specific composition among Administrative Regions, and abundance by type of breeding site. The influence of macroclimatic factors was verified using the Spearman coefficient. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 12 species of mosquitoes, with higher abundance, constancy, and dispersion among Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Precipitation and relative humidity were the abiotic factors that most influenced total abundance, with similar results recorded in other studies. Research Implications: Understanding the structure of the Culicidae fauna, and in particular, the identification of local parameters that shape these communities are important for adequate approaches to control vector species. Originality/Value: Shows the benefits that disease-vectoring mosquito species find in the Federal District.

Comparison of Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients for selected traits of Pinus sylvestris L.

Summary The Spearman rank correlation coefficient is a non-parametric (distribution-free) rank statistic proposed by Charles Spearman as a measure of the strength of the relationship between two variables. It is a measure of a monotonic relationship that is used when the distribution of the data makes Pearson’s correlation coefficient undesirable or misleading. The Spearman coefficient is not a measure of the linear relationship between two variables. It assesses how well an arbitrary monotonic function can describe the relationship between two variables, without making any assumptions about the frequency distribution of the variables. Unlike Pearson’s product-moment (linear) correlation coefficient, it does not require the assumption that the relationship between variables is linear, nor does it require that the variables be measured on interval scales; it can be applied to variables measured at the ordinal level. The purpose of this study is to compare the values of Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and their statistical significance for six morpho-anatomical traits of Pinus sylvestris L. (original – for Pearson’s coefficient, and ranked – for Spearman’s coefficient) estimated from all observations, object means (for trees), and medians. The results show that the linear and rank correlation coefficients are consistent (as to direction and strength). In cases of divergence in the direction of correlation, the correlation coefficients were not statistically significant, which does not imply consistency in decision-making. Estimation of correlation coefficients based on medians is robust to outlier observations and factors that linear correlation is then very similar to rank correlation.

Stability of Early Maturing Soybean Genotypes in Poland

Poland is one of the northernmost countries in the world where soybean breeding is actively conducted. A large collection of soybean genotypes was analyzed in three locations in Poland during the 2022–2023 growing seasons. The objective of this research was to determine the stability of yield, as well as the protein and fat content in the seeds of 280 genotypes. The phenotypic correlations across genotypes and environments were assessed using the Spearman coefficient. The statistical analysis was provided using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model. The stability of genotypes was assessed using the weighted average of absolute scores. The main factor differentiating the results between locations was the variation in weather conditions. The variety Karok, which ranks among the top 10% in genotype selection indices for yield and thousand-seed weight, is recommended based on studies conducted within the Post-Registration Variety Testing System in three voivodeships in Poland. Among the most stable genotypes, in terms of the traits analyzed in this paper, are many registered and currently grown soybean varieties such as Obelix Pompei, Coraline, Kapral, ES Mentor, NS Mercury, Pepita, Pollux, Silesia, and Heihe 45. The yield stability of soybean genotypes during the development of new varieties should be one of the factors analyzed by breeders.

Damage to doping victims of the GDR

Many former top GDR athletes are still suffering from the consequences of the GDR doping system, which has so far been dealt with by the sports historian Giselher Spitzer in particular with questionnaire surveys. The present study analyzes medical reports of n = 107 recognized GDR doping victims, categorizes the symptoms in analogy to Spitzer's survey and compares both surveys. All specialist reports, hospital and rehabilitation stay reports of the recognized doping victims (56 ♀ , 51 ♂ ) provided were reviewed, analyzed, adapted to Spitzer's previously known rubrication, presented descriptively, tabularly and graphically and statistically tested (e.g. Shapiro-Wilk, Chi² test, Spearman coefficient, Bland-Altman plot). Both in the Spitzer survey and in the current study, multiple degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system dominate. Mental illnesses follow in second place in both studies. The statistical evaluation of the damage spectrum in the comparison of the current study with Spitzer's surveys did not reveal any significant results in the median test, so that a common population could be assumed. In the correlation analysis, a significant correlation coefficient of r = 0.7 was found. However, Spitzer's data show more thyroid diseases and dermatological problems, while the current survey shows more fractures and andrological consequences of doping. It is possible that up to 12,000 people suffer from the psychological and somatic consequences of state-ordered GDR doping, some of which can be found throughout the Federal Republic. The focus is primarily on orthopaedic damage with corresponding chronic pain and, secondarily, mental disorders. This study is intended to raise awareness of the chronic suffering of the doping victim group among practitioners and clinical colleagues. The results are also intended to deter young competitive and amateur athletes from abusing doping substances in sports medical consultations.

Association between Frequency of Seizures and Number of Antiseizure Medications (ASM) in Patients with Epilepsy.

The literature has shown the relevance of nutritional and metabolic aspects in patients with epilepsy. This study evaluated the relationship between clinical variables and plasma proteins and compared the variables between seizure frequency and neurological examination. A pilot study was carried out with eighty-four (n = 84) adults patients with epilepsy. The relationship between clinical variables of the disease (age at disease onset, neurological examination, current type and frequency of seizures, duration of disease, amount of antiseizure medications-ASM used and type and etiology of epilepsy) and plasma proteins (albumin and transferrin) was investigated. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman coefficient and univariate logistic regression were used. There was a significant association between the use of antiseizure medications (ASM) (p = 0.0105) and altered neurological examination (p = 0.0049), compared with the frequency of seizures, and between albumin and gender (p = 0.0005), and albumin and etiology of epilepsy (p = 0.0186). There was a significant low-intensity and inverse linear correlation (coefficient = -0.31363, p = 0.0037) between albumin and disease duration. In the logistic regression model, a significant association was only observed between the number of ASM and the frequency of seizures (p = 0.0120; OR = 3.368; 95% CI = 1.305-8.691). There was no association between plasma proteins and the outcomes of seizure frequency and neurological examination. The number of ASM and not protein metabolism was associated with frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Cardiovascular disease burden linked to particulate matter pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean: Insights from GBD 2021 and socio-demographic index analysis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to particulate matter (PM) pollution in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and territories, and its relationship with the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). Study designA cross-sectional analysis was conducted. MethodsThe disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the SDI data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Spearman's regression coefficients (rho) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship of interest. ResultsWe computed a total of 22,231,164 disability-adjusted life years DALYs due to CVD in 2021, with an age-standardized rate of 3742 DALYs per 100,000 population. Ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke were predominant. PM pollution was responsible for 2,974,358 DALYs (12.1 % of total CVD DALYs), varying widely across regions, with the highest attributable fractions observed in Haiti, Honduras, and Guatemala. A negative linear relationship (rho = −0.73, 95 % CI -0.95 to −0.51) was observed between PM pollution-attributable CVD burden and SDI, indicating a higher burden in regions with lower SDI. Public health interventions targeting PM pollution could substantially mitigate the burden of CVD, particularly in vulnerable populations identified in this study. ConclussionsThese findings underscore the critical importance of environmental policies and interventions aimed at reducing PM pollution, and underlying socio-economic disparities, to alleviate the health impact of CVD in LAC countries and territories.

Mapping of highway slope hazard susceptibility based on InSAR and machine learning: a pilot study toward road infrastructure resilience

Highway slope hazard susceptibility monitoring and prediction is of great importance for highway disaster risk management which corresponds to highway infrastructure resilience. This paper proposes a method for predicting slope hazard susceptibility within the highway area. Small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR), geospatial analysis and machine learning algorithms are employed for achieving the purpose. Specifically, 11 influencing factors of the study area are selected and the data are collected. Sensitivity of the influencing factors is verified using matrix scatter plot, Spearman coefficient test and one-way ANOVA test. The ANN, SVM and CatBoost models are constructed to predict the slope hazard susceptibility. Among them, CatBoost shows the best performance on the testing set with an AUC value of 0.85. The findings of this study assist in evaluating the resilience of road infrastructure and hazard susceptibility of highway slopes.

Association Between Objective Sleep and Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults With Low Back Pain Receiving Physical Therapy Care: A Secondary Analysis of a Responsiveness Study.

Sleep seems to be associated with worse low back pain (LBP) outcomes in older adults; however, studies investigating the association of objective sleep with future changes in LBP outcomes are lacking. The objectives of this study are as follows: (a)to investigate the association between objectively measured sleep with changes in clinical outcomes in older adults with LBP receiving physical therapy care and (b)to examine the cross-sectional association between sleep and pain catastrophizing. This was a prospective cohort study. We recruited older adults (≥60years old) with chronic LBP undergoing physical therapy treatment. At baseline, we assessed participants' sleep (actigraphy for 10-14days), pain intensity, disability, pain catastrophizing, and covariates. After 8weeks, we reassessed pain intensity, disability, and self-perceived recovery. We ran linear regression models and Spearman coefficient tests. Fifty-eight participants were included, and 51 completed follow-up assessments (60.8% women; mean age 70.1 ± 5.6years). We found no associations between sleep quantity and efficiency with changes in pain intensity, disability, and self-perceived recovery after 8weeks of physical therapy care. We found a correlation between sleep fragmentation and pain catastrophizing (r = .30; 95% confidence interval: [.03, .54]). Objective sleep quantity and efficiency may not be associated with changes in LBP outcomes after physical therapy care in older adults. Among the sleep domains evaluated, sleep fragmentation may be the sleep domain with the strongest association with pain catastrophizing. Significance/Implications: Objectively measured sleep might not be a prognostic factor for LBP improvement in older adults. Future studies should explore the association between sleep fragmentation and pain catastrophizing.

Relationship Marketing and Its Influence on Customer Loyalty in A Market in Piura

This research focused on the fulfillment of ODS 8, based on promoting decent work and economic growth, while the mein objective of the study was to evaluate the influence between relational marketing and customer loyalty in a market in the city of Piura 2024. Through a quantitative approach methodology, non-experimental and transversal design with a correlational depth level. A population of 187,926 in habitants was used with a sample of 383 potential clients, to whom a survey was applied. The results allowed to identify that 46.5% of clients gave importance to the development of relational marketing, and 38.1% highlighted the relevance of strengthening loyalty. Likewise, a highly significant relationship between the variables was verified, due to the Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.638 with a p-value < 0.01 and R2 of 40.7%. It was concluded that stores seeking to increase customer loyalty in Piura should promote customer relationships through relational marketing.

The Sustainable Future: Solid Waste Management and Sustainable Development in the Peruvian Amazon

The research is important because it allows us to reflect and seek successful management of solid waste to achieve sustainable development in the Amazon region of Peru, as a constant form of protection of health and life; at the same time, becoming an incentive for family economies. The study sought to establish a relationship between solid waste management and sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon. The type of basic research, with a non-experimental design, correlational scope and cross-sectional, whose population was 8,000 thousand users and the sample was 1,000 thousand. The data collection technique was the survey and the questionnaire was used as an instrument. The results found: The level of solid waste management is low at 60.1%. The level of sustainable development is low with 52.5%. There is a low and significant positive correlation between the dimensions permanent external conditions, institutional condition, waste treatment, collection - transportation and final disposal of the variable solid waste management and the variable sustainable development with a Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.342; 0.325; 0.063; 0226; 0.239 and a p-value of 0.000, significance level of 0.001. It was concluded that, There is a low and significant positive correlation between the solid waste management variable and sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon, with a Spearman's Rho of 0.309 and a p-value of 0.000, which is < 0.01; Others, it only has a variability of 30% between variables.

Abstract 4140136: Aortic Valve Calcification Density Performs Better Compared to Absolute Aortic Valve Calcification in Aortic Stenosis Risk Stratification

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) scores can be used to stratify aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Current practice guidelines recommend use of absolute AVC scores without considering body surface area or aortic annulus size. We investigated whether size variation in aortic annular area should be considered in identifying optimal AVC cutoffs for patients with severe AS. This was a retrospective analysis of AS patients that underwent AVC assessment during 2018-2023. Outcomes were composite of valve intervention or all-cause mortality. AVC density was defined by dividing AVC by echo-derived left ventricular tract area. Receiver operator curve analysis determined optimal AVC density scores. Absolute AVC cutoffs of >1200AU for females and >2000AU for males were used to identify severe AS. The study included 749 patients (mean age 78 years, 46% female). Median CT-annulus area was larger for males compared with females (532mm 2 [Q1, Q3: 479, 582] vs. 413mm 2 [370, 458], p<0.001). There was a strong association of absolute AVC with CT-annulus area for both males and females (Spearman coefficient: 0.87 and 0.83, p<0.01 each) respectively (Figure 1). The optimal AVC density cutoffs for males and females were 427 and 326, respectively (accuracy 76%, sensitivity 83%, specificity 51%). Composite outcomes were better differentiated with AVC density (males: HR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.82-3.37, p<0.001; females: HR 2.37 (1.71-3.28), p<0.001) compared with absolute AVC scores (males: HR 1.81 (1.43-2.30), p<0.001; females: HR 2.11 (1.62-2.74), p<0.001) (Figure 2). AVC is strongly associated with CT-annulus area and risk stratification is improved with the use of AVC density compared with absolute AVC. This may be especially helpful in patients with extremes of annulus area sizes.

Symmetry and Complexity in Gene Association Networks Using the Generalized Correlation Coefficient

High-dimensional gene expression data cause challenges for traditional statistical tools, particularly when dealing with non-linear relationships and outliers. The present study addresses these challenges by employing a generalized correlation coefficient (GCC) that incorporates a flexibility parameter, allowing it to adapt to varying levels of symmetry and asymmetry in the data distribution. This adaptability is crucial for analyzing gene association networks, where the GCC demonstrates advantages over traditional measures such as Kendall, Pearson, and Spearman coefficients. We introduce two novel adaptations of this metric, enhancing its precision and broadening its applicability in the context of complex gene interactions. By applying the GCC to relevance networks, we show how different levels of the flexibility parameter reveal distinct patterns in gene interactions, capturing both linear and non-linear relationships. The maximum likelihood and Spearman-based estimators of the GCC offer a refined approach for disentangling the complexity of biological networks, with potential implications for precision medicine. Our methodology provides a powerful tool for constructing and interpreting relevance networks in biomedicine, supporting advancements in the understanding of biological interactions and healthcare research.

Challenges of preanalytical variables in erythrocyte sedimentation rate: a CUBE 30 touch evaluation

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used diagnostic test, influenced by all physiological and pathological conditions that can bias blood rheology by interfering factors. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the CUBE 30 touch ESR analyzer in samples with preanalytical variables, as lipemia, hemolysis, and icterus or in presence of fibrinogen., Moreover we focused to define the maximum time limits to ensure a reliable ESR measure. Accuracy, intra-run and inter-run precision, and stability studies were performed. Moreover, hemolytic, jaundiced, lipemic samples and fibrinogen sensitivity were analyzed for interference study. Statistical analyses were performed. CUBE 30 touch and Westergren method comparison showed no statistical differences (Spearman Coefficient, R2=0,95). In the intra-run precision, the CV% mean obtained on samples with normal ESR level was 8,9%; with middle ESR level was 5,9% and with high ESR level the CV% was 4,3%. Inter-run precision test showed CV% of for single samples and overall samples in the range (12,3% for normal level and 4,8% for abnormal level). The samples stored at 4 °C showed good stability up to 3 h from collecting time. ESR samples showing lipemia, hemolysis or jaundice showed good correlations with the gold standard method (R2 0,901, 0,940, 0,911; p < 0,0001), however, Westergren tests were more sensitive than CUBE 30 touch to fibrinogen additions. The high comparability with the Westergren method, both in normal and interfering samples, and the good precision, support the usefulness of CUBE 30 touch in the clinical routine laboratory.

Modernization of the State: The Role of Open Government in the Effectiveness of Municipal Management in San Martín, Peru

The study aimed to establish the relationship between open government and the effectiveness of municipal management in the San Martín region, employing a basic quantitative research approach, a non-experimental design, and a descriptive correlational and cross-sectional scope. The population comprised 926,000 citizens, from which a sample of 1,537 was selected. The survey technique was used with two questionnaires, one for each variable. Regarding the dimensions of open government, the results showed a transparency level categorized as regular at 60%, deficient at 30%, and good at 10%; public sector integrity was rated as regular at 62%, deficient at 27%, and good at 12%; accountability was evaluated as regular at 46%, deficient at 38%, and good at 16%; and citizen and stakeholder participation achieved a regular level of 55%, deficient at 35%, and good at 10%. Concerning the effectiveness of municipal management, the evaluated dimensions showed that equipment and information and communication technologies were classified as regular at 60%, good at 20%, and deficient at 14%; human resources were assessed as regular at 64%, deficient at 21%, and good at 15%; municipal competencies and functions were rated as regular at 67%, good at 17%, and deficient at 16%; and local public services were reported as regular at 63%, deficient at 19%, and good at 18%. Finally, it was concluded that there is a high and significant positive relationship between open government and the effectiveness of municipal management, with a Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.824 (high positive correlation) and a p-value of 0.000 (p ≤ 0.01), estimating an incidence of 74% between both variables.

EVALUATION OF SERUM PERIOSTIN AND PIIINP AS BIOMARKERS OF RENAL FIBROSIS AND FUNCTION DECLINE IN RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of serum periostin and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) as biomarkers for predicting renal fibrosis and functional decline in renal transplant patients. We conducted a two-visit observational study among 86 renal allograft patients, reduced to 35 at the two-year follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Blood samples were collected at baseline and follow-up, while urine samples were collected only at follow-up. Serum levels of PIIINP and periostin were measured using ELISA kits, and various renal function parameters were assessed. Serum PIIINP levels showed a significant decrease over two years (p&lt;0.001, Wilcoxon test), while periostin levels significantly increased (p&lt;0.001, Wilcoxon test). These changes correlated with declines in renal function, as indicated by decreased serum albumin and creatinine clearance levels, and increased serum creatinine levels. Significant correlations were found between changes in PIIINP and creatinine clearance (Spearman coefficient = 0.352, p&lt;0.05), as well as between changes in periostin and creatinine clearance (Spearman coefficient = 0.626, p&lt;0.001). Our findings suggest that serum periostin and PIIINP levels are valuable biomarkers for assessing renal fibrosis and functional decline in renal transplant patients. These biomarkers may provide insights into disease progression and guide therapeutic interventions.

Multiomics Characterization and Comprehensive Omics-Based Classification System in Adult Patients with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a highly heterogeneous disease with a challenging prognosis. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the cornerstone of treatment for these population. Previous B-ALL classifications have mainly relied on transcriptomics for prognosis prediction. However, a more comprehensive classification system integrating diverse subtypes with definite prognosis and therapeutic implications in adult B-ALLs is currently lacking. METHODS: We analyzed 391 adult B-ALL patients, including a real-world 88 cases (Ph positive 34, Ph negative 54), titled ‘ihCAMs-ALL’ (aged 34, 15-70), and two independent validation cohorts (GSE34861 N=194, Ph positive 78, Ph negative 116; GSE66005 N=109, Ph positive 42, Ph negative 67). Among ihCAMs-ALL, we conducted transcriptomic (RNA-seq), epigenetic methylation (Illumina 850K) and genomic mutation (Targeted NGS). In addition, 9 healthy donors and 9 patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) were enrolled for extensive omics-based comparisons. We classified patients based on multi-omics information by ten unsupervised algorithms and constructed the model called comprehensive omics-based classification system for B-cell ALL with therapeutic implications (COMBAT). RESULTS: B-ALL patients exhibited unique epigenetic (hypomethylated state compared to T-ALL patients) and gene expression landscapes (immunocompromised state compared to healthy controls). Next, we compared methylation and transcriptomic of Ph negative B-ALLs and T-ALLs, key active regulons that were uniquely found associated with B-ALL, including BACH2, EBF1, ELK3, HIVEP1, JUNB, and ZNF296 (all Spearman's coefficients &amp;gt; 0.8, all p &amp;lt; 0.001). These data demonstrated that both the similarities and heterogeneity within the B-ALLs. Next, we assessed the interplay between COMBAT clusters and clinical features. COMBAT stratified patients into three cohorts: (1) COMBAT1, characterized by high stem/myeloid antigen expression, low immune infiltration, endothelial cells enrichment, presented degraded hypomethylation in CIMP (CpG island methylator phenotype) ; (2) COMBAT2, defined as an inflamed subtype with immune exhaustion and activated inflammatory response pathways; and (3) COMBAT3, termed ‘proliferative subtype’, with MYC pathway activation and hypermethylation at enhancer regions in patients characterized by CIMP. In Ph-negative B-ALLs, diagnostic FACS data revealed that COMBAT3 subgroup patients presented lower expression of myeloid-associated antigens CD13 (p=0.002) and CD33 (p=0.013), as well as stem cell-associated antigens CD34 (p=0.004) and HLA-DR (p=0.012) than COMBAT1-2. Meanwhile, COMBAT1-2 demonstrated lower complete remission (CR) rates compared to COMBAT3 (0% vs. 50% vs. 96.2%, p=0.0028). Ph-negative B-ALL patients undergoing allo-HSCT in the COMBAT3 group showed better overall survival (OS) than those in the COMBAT1-2 groups (estimated 3-year OS: 100% vs. 65.6%, log-rank test, p=0.034), suggesting a prognostic benefit of this subtype. CONCLUSIONS: The COMBAT system redefines adult B-ALL subtypes, predicts immune characteristics, and delineates potential benefits from allo-HSCT for Ph-negative patients. These findings provide crucial insights into therapeutic options and outcomes for adult B-ALL patients, thereby enhancing our understanding of effective treatment strategies.

MOFSynth: A Computational Tool toward Synthetic Likelihood Predictions of MOFs.

In the past decade, high-throughput computational studies of materials have increased significantly mainly due to advances in computer capabilities and have attracted a great deal of interest. In the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), over a million hypothetical MOFs have been designed in silico, yet only a small fraction of these have been synthesized. For validating the computational-hypothetical results and accelerating the progress in the field, there is a pressing need for distinguishing MOFs that are more likely to be synthesized for real-life applications. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesizability likelihood of MOFs, utilizing a novel computational approach based on the disparities in energy and geometry between the linker conformation within the MOF structure and its isolated, free-gas state since both of these have been proven to be critical factors influencing MOF synthesis. Our user-friendly tool streamlines synthesizability evaluation, requiring minimal expertise in computational chemistry. By deconstructing over 40,000 MOFs from databases, including QMOF, CoRE MOF, and ToBaCCo, we analyze key parameters defining the linker strain within the MOF unit cell. Our results indicate that QMOF and CoRE MOF contain more promising candidates for synthesis, while ToBaCCo exhibits a relatively poor synthesizability likelihood due to unoptimized materials. Through extensive analysis, we identify optimal linker candidates for highly synthesizable MOFs. Consistent trends in energy distribution across databases that are confirmed by high Pearson and Spearman coefficients suggest the potential for omitting optimization calculations, significantly reducing computational costs. This study underscores the importance of linker deformation and energy disparities and enhances our understanding of synthetic accessibility in MOF research, offering valuable insights for future advancements in the field.

Comparison of Breast Sensibility Following Breast Reconstruction with Two Different Techniques: Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap and Implant

Introduction: Breast sensibility following reconstruction surgery, though often overlooked, holds significant importance due to its widespread occurrence and profound effects on patients’ well-being and safety. The author’s objective is to compare the sensory outcomes between deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap microsurgery reconstruction and implant-based reconstruction. Additionally, the potential influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on sensory recovery is explored, along with assessing temperature discrimination abilities and evaluating quality of life. Material and methods: An ambispective descriptive-analytical study was conducted involving women who underwent mastectomy with reconstruction using either DIEP flap and implants at the author’s hospital between 1990–2021. Data were collected from medical records, patient histories, physical examinations, and validated quality of life questionnaires (BREAST-Q). Spearman’s or Pearson’s correlation coefficients were employed for the analysis of quantitative variables, while the Student’s T test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: A total of 99 women with breast reconstruction were included, 47 with DIEP flap and 52 with implants. Sensory recovery in implant-based reconstruction was found to be superior to DIEP flap reconstruction (5.03 and 5.18, respectively; p&lt;0.005). A direct correlation was observed between sensory improvement and thermal discrimination (Spearman coefficient 0.9; p&lt;0.001). Factors such as radiotherapy, delayed reconstruction with DIEP flap, and height with implants were associated with poorer sensory recovery in the breast. Women experiencing better breast sensibility reported higher satisfaction with their surgeon, medical team, and psychosocial quality of life. Conclusion: Women reconstructed with implants or DIEP abdominal flap exhibit suboptimal overall sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast, with slightly better outcomes observed in women reconstructed with implants. The development of novel surgical techniques aimed at enhancing sensibility after breast reconstruction could significantly benefit these patients.

Cycling coupled to intra-coronary thermodilution to evaluate angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Abstract BACKGOUND Patients with Angina and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery disease (ANOCA) face misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. A new continuous thermodilution method enables assessment of absolute coronary blood flow (Q) and microvascular resistance (Rµ). The effectiveness of saline-induced hyperemia in capturing exercise-induced coronary flow regulation remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe Q and Rµ adaptation during exercise and to explore the correlation between Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) derived from saline and exercise-induced hyperemia, as well as Microvascular Resistance Reserve (MRR). Methods Q, Rµ, CFR and MRR were first assessed using continuous thermodilution with saline infusion at 10 mL/min (rest) and 20 mL/min (hyperemia) in the left anterior descending artery, followed by subsequent stress testing using a dedicated supine cycling ergometer. The microvascular parameters were assessed during incremental workload of 30 watts every two minutes. CFRsaline&amp;lt;2.5 was considered the cutoff for coronary microvascular dysfunction. A minimal sample size of 29 participants was required to detect a hypothesized Spearman coefficient correlation r=0.5 between CFRsaline and CFRexercise using a 80% power and 5% significance level test. Results Coronary microvascular dysfunction was observed in 53.3% of the participants with suspected ANOCA (16 out of 30). During cycling, participants with coronary microvascular dysfunction had a lower reduction in Rµ (-109 [32; 286] versus -202 [102; 379] WU per 30 watts, p&amp;lt;0.01) and a lower ability to increase coronary flow (7 [30.5; 103.0] versus 21 [5.8; 45.0] mL/min per 30 watts, p=0.01) compared with those without coronary microvascular dysfunction. In the overall population, average CFRsaline and CFRexercise were 2.70±0.90 and 2.85±1.54, respectively (p=0.46) with an agreement classification of 83.3%. A good correlation between the two techniques was observed for both CFR (Spearman coefficient r=0.73, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and MRR (r=0.76, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Monitoring of CFR and Rµ during exercise unmasked functional coronary microvascular dysfunction priorly labeled as normal by saline induced hyperemia in 13.3% of the study population. These individuals had a moderate and late decrease of Rµ during the early stages of exercise, with a plateau up to 75% of their theoretical workload. Conclusion Participants with coronary microvascular dysfunction demonstrated compromised CFR due to impaired reduction of Rµ during physical workload. Saline-induced hyperemia provided a valid surrogate for exercise physiology independently of the absolute level of CFR and MRR, although exercise provided more granularity to evaluate hemodynamic adaptation among participants with functional dysfunction.

State of Health Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Fusion Health Indicator by PSO-ELM Model

The accurate estimation of the State of Health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is essential for ensuring their safe and reliable operation, as direct measurement is not feasible. This paper presents a novel SOH estimation method that integrates Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) to improve prediction accuracy. Health Indicators (HIs) are first extracted from the battery’s charging curve, and correlation analysis is conducted on seven indirect HIs using Pearson and Spearman coefficients. To reduce dimensionality and eliminate redundancy, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied, with the principal component contributing over 94% used as a fusion HI to represent battery capacity degradation. PSO is then employed to optimize the weights (ε) between the input and hidden layers, as well as the hidden layer bias (u) in the ELM, treating these parameters as particles in the PSO framework. This optimization enhances the ELM’s performance, addressing instability issues in the standard algorithm. The proposed PSO-ELM model demonstrates superior accuracy in SOH prediction compared with ELM and other methods. Experimental results show that the mean absolute error (MAE) is 0.0034, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 0.467%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.0043, providing a valuable reference for battery safety and reliability assessments.