Spearman's Partial Rank Correlation Research Articles

Development of a Brief Assessment Tool to Evaluate Early Low Nutrition Risk in Community Elderly. Creation of the tool and examination of its reliability and criterion-related validity.

To date simple assessment tool to evaluate early low nutrition risk in general older population has not been available. This study aimed to create such tool and examined its reliability and criterion-related validity. 1,192 community elderly with a mean age of 74.7(5.8) years responded to a questionnaire consisting of 48 (Hatoyama) or 34 items (Kusatsu), which have been reported to be associated with nutritional state in older people. Item analysis was conducted on the 34 common items, and items were selected based on the following criteria: adequate pass rates and discriminative power, no gender and regional differences, and a certain level of commonality based on factor analysis. Next, the factor structure of the candidate items was examined through exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted as the final scale structure. Furthermore, Spearman's partial rank correlation coefficients (sex- and age-adjusted) between the created index and important health indicators were examined to determine the criterion-related validity. Finally, we obtained a semantic coherence of 4 factors (named health beliefs, dietary status, physical activity, and food-related quality of life) totaling 13 items; confirmatory factor analysis of the 4-factor solution yielded good model fit values, χ2 (59) =275.4 (p<0.001), CFI=0.930, and RMSEA=0.056. The factor loadings for each factor ranged from 0.43 to 0.82, indicating adequate loadings. The reliability of the index was shown to be high by Good-Poor analysis and Cronbach's α. The index showed statistically significant correlations with all health indicators. We have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate early low nutrition risk in general older population.

Decreased retinal vascular density is associated with cognitive impairment in CADASIL: an optical coherence tomography angiography study.

This study aimed to assess alterations in retinal vascular density in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and investigate their association with MRI and cognitive features. Twenty-five patients with CADASIL and forty healthy controls were evaluated by Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 with AngioPlex OCTA to determine changes in macular retinal vasculature. Retinal vasculature parameters between two groups were compared. The MRI lesion burden and neuropsychological scales were also examined in patients. The association between OCTA parameters and MRI/cognitive features was evaluated using partial Spearman rank correlation. The vessel density and perfusion density of whole image in macular region (vessel density: t = - 2.834, p = 0.005; perfusion density: t = - 2.691, p = 0.007) were significantly decreased in patients with CADASIL. Moreover, vessel density of whole image in macular region was negatively associated with Fazekas scores (ρ = - 0.457; p = 0.025) and the number of lacunar infractions (ρ = - 0.425, p = 0.038) after adjustment for age. Decreased macular vessel density and perfusion density of whole image were also associated with MoCA scores (vessel density: ρ = 0.542, p = 0.006; perfusion density: ρ = 0.478, p = 0.018) and other domain-specific neuropsychological tests (p < 0.05) after adjustment for age. Decreased retinal vascular density was associated with increased MRI lesion burden and cognitive impairment in patients with CADASIL. Our findings suggest that the degree of retinal vascular involvement, as demonstrated by OCTA, may be consistent with the severity of MRI lesions and the degree of cognitive impairment in patients.

Asian flush is a potential protective factor against COVID-19: a web-based retrospective survey in Japan.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first reported in December 2019, spread worldwide in a short period, resulting in numerous cases and associated deaths; however, the toll was relatively low in East Asia. A genetic polymorphism unique to East Asians, Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671, has been reported to confer protection against infections. We retrospectively investigated the association between the surrogate marker of the rs671 variant, the skin flushing phenomenon after alcohol consumption, and the timing of COVID-19 incidence using a web-based survey tool to test any protective effects of rs671 against COVID-19. A total of 807 valid responses were received from 362 non-flushers and 445 flushers. During the 42 months, from 12/1/2019 to 5/31/2023, 40.6% of non-flushers and 35.7% of flushers experienced COVID-19. Flushers tended to have a later onset (Spearman's partial rank correlation test, p = 0.057, adjusted for sex and age). Similarly, 2.5% of non-flushers and 0.5% of flushers were hospitalized because of COVID-19. Survival analysis estimated lower risks of COVID-19 and associated hospitalization among flushers (p = 0.03 and <0.01, respectively; generalized Wilcoxon test). With the Cox proportional hazards model covering 21 months till 8/31/2021, when approximately half of the Japanese population had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of COVID-19 incidence was estimated to be 0.21 (0.10-0.46) for flusher versus non-flusher, with adjustment for sex, age, steroid use, and area of residence. Our study suggests an association between the flushing phenomenon after drinking and a decreased risk of COVID-19 morbidity and hospitalization, suggesting that the rs671 variant is a protective factor. This study provides valuable information for infection control and helps understand the unique constitutional diversity of East Asians.

Attention and motor profiles in children with developmental coordination disorder: A neuropsychological and neuroimaging investigation.

This study aimed to (1) quantify attention and executive functioning in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), (2) assess whether some children with DCD are more likely to show attention difficulties, and (3) characterize brain correlates of motor and attention deficits. Fifty-three children (36 with DCD and 17 without) aged 8 to 10 years underwent T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and standardized attention and motor assessments. Parents completed questionnaires of executive functioning and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. We assessed regional cortical thickness and surface area, and cerebellar, callosal, and primary motor tract structure. Analyses of covariance and one-sample t-tests identified impaired attention, non-motor processing speed, and executive functioning in children with DCD, yet partial Spearman's rank correlation coefficients revealed these were unrelated to one another or the type or severity of the motor deficit. Robust regression analyses revealed that cortical morphology in the posterior cingulate was associated with both gross motor skills and inattentive symptoms in children with DCD, while gross motor skills were also associated with left corticospinal tract (CST) morphology. Children with DCD may benefit from routine attention and hyperactivity assessments. Alterations in the posterior cingulate and CST may be linked to impaired forward modelling during movements in children with DCD. Overall, alterations in these regions may explain the high rate of non-motor impairments in children with DCD. Children with developmental coordination disorder have difficulties in attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. Non-motor impairments were not interrelated or correlated with the type or severity of motor deficit. Posterior cingulate morphology was associated with gross motor skills and inattention. Gross motor skills were also associated with left corticospinal tract morphology.

Thoracolumbar fascia deformation during deadlifting and trunk extension in individuals with and without back pain.

Alterations in posture, lumbopelvic kinematics, and movement patterns are commonly seen in patients with low back pain. Therefore, strengthening the posterior muscle chain has been shown to result in significant improvement in pain and disability status. Recent studies suggest that thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) has a major impact on the maintenance of spinal stability and paraspinal muscle activity, and thus is likely to have an equal impact on deadlift performance. Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of thoracolumbar fascia deformation (TFLD) during spinal movement in track and field athletes (TF) as well as individuals with and without acute low back pain (aLBP). A case-control study was performed with n = 16 aLBP patients (cases) and two control groups: untrained healthy individuals (UH, n = 16) and TF (n = 16). Participants performed a trunk extension task (TET) and a deadlift, being assessed for erector spinae muscle thickness (EST) and TLFD using high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Mean deadlift velocity (VEL) and deviation of barbell path (DEV) were measured by means of a three-axis gyroscope. Group differences for TLFD during the TET were examined using ANOVA. Partial Spearman rank correlations were calculated between TLFD and VEL adjusting for baseline covariates, EST, and DEV. TLFD during deadlifting was compared between groups using ANCOVA adjusting for EST, DEV, and VEL. TLFD during the TET differed significantly between groups. TF had the largest TLFD (-37.6%), followed by UH (-26.4%), while aLBP patients had almost no TLFD (-2.7%). There was a strong negative correlation between TLFD and deadlift VEL in all groups (r = -0.65 to -0.89) which was highest for TF (r = -0.89). TLFD during deadlift, corrected for VEL, also differed significantly between groups. TF exhibited the smallest TLFD (-11.9%), followed by aLBP patients (-21.4%), and UH (-31.9%). TFLD maybe a suitable parameter to distinguish LBP patients and healthy individuals during lifting tasks. The cause-effect triangle between spinal movement, TFLD and movement velocity needs to be further clarified. https://drks.de/register/de/trial/DRKS00027074/, German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027074.

Glymphatic system impairment in corticobasal syndrome: diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS).

This study aimed to evaluate the along the perivascular space (ALPS) index based on the diffusion tensor image ALPS (DTI-ALPS) in corticobasal degeneration with corticobasal syndrome (CBD-CBS) and investigate its correlation with motor and cognitive functions. The data of 21 patients with CBD-CBS and 17 healthy controls (HCs) were obtained from the 4-Repeat Tauopathy Neuroimaging Initiative and the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative databases. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging was performed using a 3-Tesla MRI scanner. The ALPS index based on DTI-ALPS was automatically calculated after preprocessing. The ALPS index was compared between the CBD-CBS and HC groups via a general linear model analysis, with covariates such as age, sex, years of education, and intracranial volume (ICV). Furthermore, to confirm the relation between the ALPS index and the motor and cognitive score in CBD-CBS, the partial Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated with covariates such as age, sex, years of education, and ICV. A p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in all statistical analyses. The ALPS index of CBD-CBS was significantly lower than that of HC (Cohen's d = - 1.53, p < 0.005). Moreover, the ALPS index had a significant positive correlation with the mini mental state evaluation score (rs = 0.65, p < 0.005) and a significant negative correlation with the unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III score (rs = - 0.75, p < 0.001). The ALPS index of patients with CBD-CBS, which is significantly lower than that of HCs, is significantly associated with motor and cognitive functions.

Urinary epidermal growth factor reflects vascular health in boys with either obesity or type 1 diabetes. A role for renin, or beyond?

An increased blood pressure is a known comorbidity of both type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and obesity in children. Increasing evidence suggests a subtle interplay between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and renin along the juxtaglomerular system, regulating the impact of blood pressure on kidney health and the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigated the relation between urinary EGF, serum renin and blood pressure in children with obesity or T1DM. 147 non-obese children with T1DM and 126 children with obesity, were included. Blood pressure was measured and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the pulse pressure (PP) were calculated. Serum renin and urinary EGF levels were determined with a commercial ELISA kit. Partial Spearman rank correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression models were used to study the association between renin, the urinary EGF/urinary creatinine ratio and blood pressure parameters. The urinary EGF/urinary creatinine ratio is correlated with the SBP and the MAP in boys with obesity as well as in boys with T1DM. Multiple regression analysis showed that sex and pulse pressure in male subjects were found to be independently associated with renin. Sex, the presence of diabetes, age, the glomerular filtration rate and both pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in male subjects were independently associated with urinary EGF/urinary creatinine. In conclusion, in boys with either obesity or diabetes, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure are negatively associated with the functional integrity of the nephron, which is reflected by a decreased expression of urinary EGF.

Glymphatic system impairment in nonathlete older male adults who played contact sports in their youth associated with cognitive decline: A diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space study.

Exposure to contact sports in youth causes brain health problems later in life. For instance, the repetitive head impacts in contact sports might contribute to glymphatic clearance impairment and cognitive decline. This study aimed to assess the effect of contact sports participation in youth on glymphatic function in old age and the relationship between glymphatic function and cognitive status using the analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS) index. A total of 52 Japanese older male subjects were included in the study, including 12 who played heavy-contact sports (mean age, 71.2 years), 15 who played semicontact sports (mean age, 73.1 years), and 25 who played noncontact sports (mean age, 71.3 years) in their youth. All brain diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) of the subjects were acquired using a 3T MRI scanner. The ALPS indices were calculated using a validated semiautomated pipeline. The ALPS indices from the left and right hemispheres were compared between groups using a general linear model, including age and years of education. Furthermore, partial Spearman's rank correlation tests were performed to assess the correlation between the ALPS indices and cognitive scores (Mini-Mental State Examination and the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA-J]) after adjusting for age years of education and HbA1c. The left ALPS index was significantly lower in the heavy-contact and semicontact groups than that in the noncontact group. Although no significant differences were observed in the left ALPS index between the heavy-contact and semicontact groups and in the right ALPS index among groups, a trend toward lower was found in the right ALPS index in individuals with semicontact and heavy-contact compared to the noncontact group. Both sides' ALPS indices were significantly positively correlated with the MoCA-J scores. The findings indicated the potential adverse effect of contact sports experience in youth on the glymphatic system function in old age associated with cognitive decline.

Mean Coronary Cross-Sectional Area as a Measure of Arterial Remodeling Using Noncontrast CT Imaging in Persons With HIV.

Background Persons with HIV have a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease compared with their HIV-negative counterparts. Earlier identification of subclinical atherosclerosis may provide a greater opportunity for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. We investigated coronary cross-sectional area (CorCSA) by noncontrasted computed tomography imaging as a noninvasive measure of arterial remodeling among virally suppressed persons with HIV. Methods and Results We assessed 105 persons with HIV with a spectrum of cardiometabolic health. All participants underwent computed tomography imaging to assess the mean corCSA of the proximal left anterior descending artery and 28 participants underwent additional coronary computed tomography angiography. Partial Spearman rank correlations adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors were used to assess relationships of corCSA with anthropometric measurements, HIV-related factors, and plasma cytokines. Mean corCSA measured by noncontrast computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography were strongly correlated (ρ=0.91, P<0.0001). Higher mean corCSA was present in those with coronary artery calcium (P=0.005) and it correlated with participants' atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score (ρ=0.35, P=0.01). After adjusting for established cardiovascular disease risk factors, we observed an inverse relationship between corCSA and CD4+ T-cell count (ρ=-0.2, P=0.047). Removal of age from the model strengthened the relationships between corCSA and antiretroviral therapy duration (from ρ=0.19, P=0.08 to ρ=0.3, P=0.01). CorCSA was also inversely correlated with plasma IL-10 (ρ=-0.25, P=0.03) but had no relationship with IL-6 (ρ=0.11, P=0.4) or IL-1β (ρ=0.08, P=0.5). Conclusions Positive coronary arterial remodeling, an imaging marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, is associated with a lower CD4 T-cell count, lower circulating IL-10, and possibly a longer antiretroviral therapy duration in persons with HIV. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04451980.

Associations between symptom and neurocognitive dimensions in clinical high risk for psychosis

IntroductionClinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) is associated with mild cognitive impairments. Symptoms are clustered into positive, negative and disorganization symptoms. The association between specific symptom dimensions and cognitive functions remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between cognitive functions and positive, negative, and disorganization symptoms. Method53 CHR subjects fulfilling criteria for attenuated psychotic syndrome in the Structural Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) were assessed for cognitive function. Five cognitive domain z-scores were defined by contrasting with observed scores of a group of healthy controls (n = 40). Principal Components Analyses were performed to construct general cognitive composite scores; one using all subtests and one using the cognitive domains. Associations between cognitive functions and symptoms are presented as Spearman's rank correlations and partial Spearman's rank correlations adjusted for age and gender. ResultsPositive symptoms were negatively associated with executive functions and verbal memory, and disorganization symptoms with poorer verbal fluency. Negative symptoms were associated with better executive functioning. There were no significant associations between the general cognitive composites and any of the symptom domains, except for a trend for positive symptoms. ConclusionIn line with previous research, data indicated associations between positive symptoms and poorer executive functioning. Negative symptoms may not be related to executive functions in CHR the same way as in psychosis. Our results could indicate that attenuated positive symptoms are more related to cognitive deficits in CHR than positive symptoms in schizophrenia and FEP.

Influence of Light Intensity exercise During Pregnancy on Fetal Echocardiographic and Maternal Cardiovascular Measures

Background: Although moderate intensity maternal exercise is recommended during pregnancy, most women do not achieve this level. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of supervised maternal light-intensity exercise on fetal cardiovascular measures in the 3rd trimester. Materials and Methods: We compared women participating in light-intensity (LI) stretching/breathing or no exercise (CON) across 24+ weeks of pregnancy Women with singleton pregnancies (&lt;16 weeks), between 18-40 years, 18.5-34.99 kg/m2 BMI, and having no chronic health conditions were eligible. LI did 150 minutes light-intensity weekly exercise; CON did normal daily activities, but no exercise. Maternal measures included resting heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Fetal measures included estimated fetal weight (EFW), ponderal index (PI), HR, along with right and left ventricular measures (e.g., stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction) at 36 weeks’ gestation. T-tests compared differences between groups; partial spearman rank correlations and regressions were performed to find relationships and predict fetal echocardiographic outcomes, controlling for fetal activity state. Results: Of 50 pregnant women (n=26 in LI, n=24 in CON), we found maternal exercise intensity influences fetal left ventricular heart flow, while maternal exercise duration influences fetal right ventricular outcomes. There were no differences (p&gt;0.05) in fetal cardiac anatomical measures. Lastly, light intensity exercise and duration of exercise lower maternal blood pressure in late pregnancy. Conclusions:Light-intensity exercise is associated with improved fetal cardiac measures. Women benefit from light intensity exercise during pregnancy. Cardiovascular benefits from exercise for mother and child are dose dependent.

The Hospital at Home Model vs Routine Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: A Survey of Patients’ Preferences

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) experience recurrent hospitalizations and may prefer a Hospital at Home (HaH) model over routine hospitalization. MethodsWe administered a 9-item questionnaire on perceived effectiveness, safety, convenience, and acceptability of a HaH model among patients hospitalized for HF at 2 academic hospitals in Ontario. The primary outcome was HaH care acceptability, defined as a preference for or neutrality to HaH care over routine hospitalization. We used partial Spearman rank correlations (ρ) and multivariable logistic regression analyses to explore associations with outcomes. ResultsOf 297 eligible patients, 269 (90.6%) completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 76.2 (standard deviation, 12.3) years; 48.3% were female; and 70.5% lived in their own home, commonly with a relative or caregiver (67.9%). As many as 211 patients (78.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 73.0%-83.2%) found HaH care acceptable, with 169 (62.8%; 95% CI, 56.8%-68.6%) preferring HaH care over routine hospitalization. Perceived convenience (ρ, 0.57; P < 0.001) and safety (ρ, 0.37; p < 0.001) were associated with HaH acceptability, whereas perceived effectiveness was not (ρ, 0.14; P = 0.021). A college (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.96; 95% CI, 2.01-17.62; P = 0.001) or university (aOR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.07-12.06; P = 0.039) education was associated with greater odds of HaH acceptability, whereas residing in a caregiver’s home was associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI 0.14-0.84; P = 0.019). ConclusionsA majority of patients with HF perceived HaH care to be an acceptable alternative to routine hospitalization, prioritizing perceived convenience and safety over effectiveness. Postsecondary education and living independently without caregiver support were associated with HaH acceptability.

Exploring persistent complaints of imbalance after mTBI: Oculomotor, peripheral vestibular and central sensory integration function.

Little is known on the peripheral and central sensory contributions to persistent dizziness and imbalance following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). To identify peripheral vestibular, central integrative, and oculomotor causes for chronic symptoms following mTBI. Individuals with chronic mTBI symptoms and healthy controls (HC) completed a battery of oculomotor, peripheral vestibular and instrumented posturography evaluations and rated subjective symptoms on validated questionnaires. We defined abnormal oculomotor, peripheral vestibular, and central sensory integration for balance measures among mTBI participants as falling outside a 10-percentile cutoff determined from HC data. A X-squared test associated the proportion of normal and abnormal responses in each group. Partial Spearman's rank correlations evaluated the relationships between chronic symptoms and measures of oculomotor, peripheral vestibular, and central function for balance control. The mTBI group (n = 58) had more abnormal measures of central sensory integration for balance than the HC (n = 61) group (mTBI: 41% -61%; HC: 10%, p's < 0.001), but no differences on oculomotor and peripheral vestibular function (p > 0.113). Symptom severities were negatively correlated with central sensory integration for balance scores (p's < 0.048). Ongoing balance complaints in people with chronic mTBI are explained more by central sensory integration dysfunction rather than peripheral vestibular or oculomotor dysfunction.

Reader Performance as a Function of Patient Size for the Detection of Hepatic Metastases.

To investigate reader performance as a function of patient size for the detection of hepatic metastases when an automatic exposure control (AEC) system is used, which varies image noise as a function of patient size. Abdominal computed tomograhy examinations across 100, 120, 160, and 200 quality reference tube current-time product were collected, involving a cohort of 83 patients. Three radiologists identified hepatic metastases across all dose levels. Partial Spearman rank correlation and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate correlations between reader performance and patient size and lesion size/contrast while accounting for potential confounding effects. Analyses were repeated on an emulated less-variable noise AEC. No statistically significant correlation was observed between patient size and radiologist performance (for variable-noise AEC: range of partial Spearman ρ, -0.157 to -0.035]; range of adjusted odds ratios, 0.987, 1.006). Reader performance was independent of patient size, suggesting that variable-noise AEC provides better modulation for larger patients than constant-noise AEC.

Association of Drug Burden Index With Measures of Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

Abstract Objectives Many conditions associated with aging result in polypharmacy, and certain medications may impact cognition. One way to assess exposure to such medications is through the use of the drug burden index (DBI)- a validated measure of exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications, with a higher DBI score indicating a higher drug burden. The objective of this cross-sectional analysis was to investigate the association between DBI and cognitive function assessed by two widely utilized cognitive tests among older adults. Methods The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study was a prospective study of community-dwelling adults ages 70–79 years at enrollment. Using baseline data, DBI was calculated by dividing the daily dose of the medication taken by the sum of the daily dose taken and the minimum efficacious dose as approved by the Food and Drug Association. After adjusting for biological sex, race, education, and APOE genotype, the association between DBI and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Modified Mini-Mental Status Exam (3MS) score was assessed by partial Spearman's rank correlation. Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to assess significance among DBI scores by tertile. Results Among those with completed measures (n = 790, 52.4% male, 63.3% white), mean scores were as follows: DBI 0.84 ± 0.48, 3MS 90.12 ± 7.9, and DSST 34.7 ± 14.6. Results suggest that DBI was not significantly associated with either 3MS or DSST. However, DBI scores by tertile were significantly associated with DSST scores. Compared to tertile 2, participants in the lowest tertile had significantly lower DBI scores along with significantly higher DSST scores. Mean differences between tertile 1 and 2 were as follows: DBI = 0.1666 and DSST = 3.39. Conclusions Analyses among the full cohort suggest that DBI was not associated with slower processing speed as assessed by the DSST or with global cognition as assessed by 3MS. Yet with expanded analysis by tertile, results suggest that DBI scores were significantly associated with DSST scores. Future investigations on cognitive function among older adults may benefit from including the DBI analysis by tertile to explain some variance in cognitive test scores. Funding Sources This is an ancillary analysis, there is no funding applicable.

Nestedness structure of bird assemblages in a fragmented forest in Central Argentina: the role of selective extinction and colonization processes

Nestedness analysis constitutes an important tool to understand the processes that shape wildlife communities. It also allows a quick first evaluation of species extinction proneness in fragmented landscapes. Here, we tested whether avian assemblages in the fragmented Espinal forest exhibited nested subset patterns. Furthermore, we examined whether selective extinction or selective colonization are driving nested subset patterns. We studied avian assemblages in 13 forest fragments in central Argentina during breeding and non–breeding seasons. We completed partial Spearman rank correlations to explore the relationship between nestedness rank order and habitat patch variables and species life history traits related to species extinction proneness and colonization rate. Bird species showed strong nestedness patterns, both for the total incidence matrix and for forest fragments and species separately. Nestedness patterns were similar during the breeding and non–breeding seasons. The nested rank order of forest fragments correlated with area and distance to nearest fragment, both of which are patch characteristics known to increase the probabilities of species extinction. The nested rank order of species was correlated with the minimum area of species requirement, trophic guild, and range size, traits that are linked to extinction risk. Selective extinction processes rather than selective colonization appear to be driving nestedness patterns of bird assemblages in fragmented Espinal forest. The most effective way to preserve forest bird species in the Espinal forest seems to be by protecting the larger fragments of this relictual forest.

The impacts of commissioning coal-fired power stations on air quality in South Africa: insights from ambient monitoring stations

The South African electricity sector is known for its heavy reliance on coal. The aim of this study is to assess the impacts of increasing SO2 and PM emissions from the three return-to-service power stations (Komati, Camden and Grootvlei), and the newly constructed Medupi power station on ambient air quality measured in the vicinities of these power stations. Trends in ambient pollution concentrations were determined using Theil-Sen analysis. The correlation between the emissions and ambient pollution concentrations at nearby monitoring stations was determined with the Spearman partial rank correlation coefficient. Lastly, compliance of ambient pollution concentrations with the South Africa National Ambient Air Quality Standards was assessed. Few statistically significant trends in ambient SO2 and PM10 concentrations are found, and there is little correlation between increasing power station emissions and ambient pollutant concentrations in the vicinity. It is only at Camden monitoring station where there are increases in PM10 concentrations from the direction of Camden power station, and at Grootvlei monitoring station where increasing SO2 concentrations are from the directions of Grootvlei and Lethabo power stations. A strong, positive correlation between power station emissions and ambient concentrations exists only for SO2 at Grootvlei monitoring station and PM10 at Medupi monitoring station (although it is likely that the correlation at Medupi is related to construction and vehicle activity, and not emissions from Medupi power station stacks). It is concluded that the establishment of monitoring stations in the vicinities of power stations is necessary but not sufficient to monitor their impact on air quality in the surrounds.

Sequential estimation of borehole resistance and ground thermal properties through thermal response test

Borehole thermal resistance and ground thermal properties (thermal conductivity and heat capacity) are the key parameters to implement the ground source heat pump (GSHP), usually obtained by thermal response test. In this study, a novel sequential parameters estimation method for the above three parameters is proposed, and the sensitivity analysis by using a special correlation method is performed to decide the best estimation sequences. At first, the Spearman partial rank correlation coefficient was used to represent the correlation between the estimated thermal properties and fluid temperature for the line source model (ILS), then the estimation sequence for the three parameters could be determined by the correlation results. Lastly, with the estimation step, Monte Carlo method was adopted to determine the parameters replacing conventional iterative algorithms. In addition, the effect of value bounds and initial inputs as well as random samples was investigated. The results showed that compared to the other estimation steps, the estimation sequence following borehole resistance firstly, then thermal conductivity, heat capacity lastly could get the best precision with 4.5%, 0.4%, 1% respectively. Specially, the estimation precision for ground heat capacity could be promoted by the sequential estimation. Also, the effect of value bounds on estimation precision was nearly eliminated by the proposed method.

Influence of Prenatal Aerobic Exercise on Fetal Morphometry.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supervised prenatal aerobic exercise on fetal morphometrics at 36weeks of gestation. This study used data from a, 24-week, two-arm randomized controlled trial: aerobic exercise (EX) and stretching/breathing comparison group (CON). Singleton pregnancies (< 16weeks pregnant) and women aged 18 to 40years, BMI between 18.5 and 34.99kg/m2, and no preexisting chronic health conditions were eligible. The EX group participated in 150min of moderate-intensity weekly exercise while CON group participated in low-intensity stretching/breathing. Fetal morphometric outcomes included estimated fetal weight (EFW), ponderal index (PI), abdominal circumference (AC), anterior abdominal wall thickness (AAWT), fat mass, percent body fat, fat-free mass, assessed at 36weeks gestation. Partial spearman rank correlations were performed, adjusting for 3rd trimester weight gain. Of the 128 pregnant women randomized, 83 (EX [n = 46] and CON [n = 37]) were eligible for analyses. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no differences in EFW (rhos = - 0.13; p = 0.28), PI (rhos = 0.03; p = 0.81), AC (rhos = - 0.22; p = 0.09), AAWT (rhos = - 0.11; p = 0.40), fat mass (rhos = - 0.16; p = 0.23), percent body fat (rhos = - 0.10; p = 0.43), and fat-free mass (rhos = - 0.22; p = 0.08), after adjusting for 3rd trimester weight gain. Similar results were observed in the per protocol analyses. For Practice Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during pregnancy was not associated with select fetal morphometrics at 36weeks gestation. Potential differences in offspring morphometrics may only appear in the postnatal period, as previously documented. Further research into offspring tissue composition after birth is encouraged, specifically studies investigating differences in cellular signaling pathways related to adipose and skeletal muscle tissue development.

Pregnancy-induced changes in serum concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances and the influence of kidney function

BackgroundEpidemiological associations between maternal concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and birth weight are inconsistent. There is concern that studies based on samples collected in late pregnancy may be confounded by kidney function but studies of the relation between pregnancy-induced changes in PFAS and kidney function are lacking. Our aims were to investigate changes in serum concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) from early to late pregnancy and to explore relations to changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and glomerular pore size.MethodsWe conducted the study in a cohort of 73 pregnancies of normal-weight Swedish women without gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, enrolled 2009–2014. Blood was collected in median weeks 11 and 36, respectively, and analysed PFAS using liquid chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry. We estimated GFR based on creatinine and cystatin C and used the ratio eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine to indicate glomerular pore size. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare early and late measures and partial Spearman rank correlations to explore relations between changes in PFAS and kidney function.ResultsMedian concentrations of PFNA, PFOA and PFOS decreased by 15–21% but changes were uncorrelated to changes in kidney function (partial R = − 0.06–0.11). The observed increase in median PFHxS concentration of 69% was likely an artefact of systematic measurement error caused by coeluting endogenous inferences.ConclusionsSerum concentrations of PFNA, PFOA and PFOS decrease during pregnancy but the magnitudes of change are unrelated to parallel changes in eGFR and glomerular pore size, suggesting that changes in these indicators of kidney function are not important confounders in studies of PFAS and birth weight in pregnancies without gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.