Stepwise Linear Regression Research Articles

Heavy metal enrichment characteristics and synergistic evaluation in soil-crop-human systems of agricultural land with different soil parent materials.

Heavy metal (HM) pollution in agricultural areas seriously threatens food security and ecological health. In this study, based on different soil parent materials, the HMs enrichment in the soil-crop systems of two typical eastern Chinese agricultural lands was compared and analyzed. Multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis, influence index of comprehensive quality and HHRA model were used to understand the bioaccumulation and to evaluate the soil-crop-human system. The study showed that HMs exhibited different enrichment characteristics in the two soil parent material areas. Cd faced a higher risk control rate and was a priority pollutant in the soil environment. The acidification soils in the granitic parent material area led to more widespread Ni pollution in wheat grains. The HM absorption model clarifies that driving factors such as the HM content, physicochemical properties and the distance to the river can well explain the enrichment ability of HMs in wheat grains. The synergistic evaluation revealed that only 13.04% of soil and crops were at a clean level. Soil contamination is more prevalent in the metamorphic rocks area, while crop contamination is more severe in the granitic parent material area. Probabilistic health risk assessment indicated that HMs primarily impact health through the ingestion of contaminated wheat, so residents of the granitic parent material area face a slightly higher HI. This information will be crucial for understanding the translocation and accumulation of HMs within soil-crop-human health systems of agricultural land in different soil parent material areas and for developing effective pollution prevention and control programs.

Immunogenetics of longevity and its association with human endogenous retrovirus K

IntroductionThe human immune system is equipped to neutralize and eliminate viruses and other foreign antigens via binding of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules with foreign antigen epitopes and presenting them to T cells. HLA is highly polymorphic, resulting in subtle differences in the binding groove that influence foreign antigen binding and elimination. Here we tested the hypothesis that certain HLA alleles may promote longevity by enhanced ability to counter virus antigens that may otherwise contribute to morbidity and mortality.MethodsWe utilized high-resolution genotyping to characterize HLA and apolipoprotein E in a large sample (N = 986) of participants (469 men, 517 women) ranging in age from 24 to 90+ years old (mean age: 58.10 years) and identified 244 HLA alleles that occurred in the sample. Since each individual carries 12 classical HLA alleles (6 alleles of each Class I and Class II), we determined in silico the median predicted binding affinity for each individual (across the 12 HLA alleles) and each of 13 common viruses (Human Herpes Virus 1 [HHV1], HHV2, HHV3, HHV4, HHV5, HHV6A, HHV6B, HHV7, HHV8, human papilloma virus [HPV], human polyoma virus [JCV], human endogenous retrovirus K [HERVK], and HERVW). Next, we performed a stepwise multiple linear regression where the age of the participant was the dependent variable and the 13 median predicted HLA-virus binding affinities were the independent variables.ResultsThe analyses yielded only one statistically significant effect–namely, a positive association between age and HERVK (P = 0.005). Furthermore, we identified 13 HLA alleles (9 HLA-I and 4 HLA-II) that occurred at greater frequency in very old individuals (age ≥90 years) as compared to younger individuals. Remarkably, for those 13 alleles, the predicted binding affinities were significantly higher for HERVK than for the other viruses (P < 0.001). ApoE genotypes did not differ significantly between older and younger groups.DiscussionTaken together, the results showed that HLA-HERVK binding affinity is a robust predictor of longevity and that HLA alleles that bind with high affinity to HERVK were enriched in very old individuals. The findings of the present study highlight the influence of interactions between host immunogenetics and virus exposure on longevity and suggest that specific HLA alleles may promote longevity via enhanced immune response to specific common viruses, notably HERVK.

Caring Readiness Among Parents of Children Who Have Undergone Liver Transplantation and Are Transitioning From the Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To investigate the status and influencing factors of caring readiness among parents of children undergoing liver transplantation transitioning from the intensive care unit, and to explore the associations between caring readiness and other variables. A cross-sectional study. A total of 126 parents of children who underwent liver transplantation at a tertiary hospital in China took a questionnaire survey via convenience sampling. Independent t-test, ANOVA and correlation analysis were conducted to analyse the data. Multivariable stepwise linear regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of caring readiness. The PROCESS macro (Model 4) was used to verify the mediating effect of caregiver burden between social support and caring readiness. The STROBE checklist was used as a guideline in this study. The mean score of caring readiness among parents of children who had undergone liver transplantation and were transitioning from the intensive care unit was 23.62 ± 5.34. Multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis indicated that experience with caregiving, intensive care unit length of stay, social support and caregiver burden were the factors associated with caring readiness, explaining 18.6% of the variance in caring readiness among parents. Caregiver burden partially moderated the relationship between social support and caring readiness (20.93%). The study shows caring readiness was moderate among parents of children who have undergone liver transplantation and are transitioning from the intensive care unit. It reveals that lack of caregiving experience and children's short intensive care unit length of stay should be emphasised, preventing inadequate readiness of parents. Furthermore, enhancing social support interventions and burden-reduction strategies are important for improving parents' caring readiness. The findings demonstrate that health care professionals should provide timely and appropriate intervention strategies to enhance parents' caring readiness, which could potentially be achieved by increasing social support and reducing caregiver burden. Parents of children who underwent liver transplantation participated in this study via a questionnaire survey.

Remediation of Various Phenanthrene-contaminated Soils using Persulfate-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7: Soil Properties, Radical Formation, and Microbial Community

Remediation of Various Phenanthrene-contaminated Soils using Persulfate-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7: Soil Properties, Radical Formation, and Microbial Community

Proportional recovery in mice with cortical stroke.

The proportional Recovery Rule (PRR) has been frequently used to predict recovery of lost motor function in acute stroke patients. However, it still needs to be explored whether the same concept applies to preclinical, i.e. animal models of stroke recovery. To address this question, we investigated behavioral data from 125 adult male C57Bl/6 J mice with photothrombotic strokes in the sensorimotor cortex. Lesion size and location were determined in the first week using in vivo T2-weighted MRI. Motor recovery was evaluated repeatedly over four weeks using the cylinder, grid walk, and rotating beam test. Recovery trajectories were analyzed using a newly formulated Mouse Recovery Rule (MRR), comparing it against the traditional PRR. Initial findings indicated variable recovery patterns, which were separated using a stepwise linear regression approach resulting in two clusters: 47 % PRR and 53 % MRR. No significant correlation was found between recovery patterns and lesion size or location, suggesting that other biological factors drive individual differences in recovery. Of note, in the MRR cluster, animals recovered to 90 % of their initial behavioral state within the first four weeks post-stroke, which is higher than the 70 % recovery usually reported in human PRR studies. This study demonstrates the complexity of translating the PRR to stroke recovery models in mice and underscores the need for species-specific recovery models. Our findings have implications for designing and interpreting therapeutic strategies for stroke recovery in preclinical settings, with the potential to improve the predictive accuracy of stroke recovery assessments.

The congruence and interrelationships of family resilience in couples coping with colorectal cancer: A cross-sectional study from a dyadic perspective.

To assess the congruence and interdependent impacts of family resilience in colorectal cancer couples using the Walsh Family Resilience Model, focusing on coping domains of the shared beliefs system, organizational patterns, and communication/problem-solving. 220 colorectal cancer couples were recruited from two hospitals in China, assessing family resilience, hope, family sense of coherence, spiritual well-being, social support, and couple communication quality. Congruence was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests. Pearson correlations, multiple stepwise linear regression, and structural equation modeling examined the effects of coping domains on family resilience. Actor-Partner Independence Model was used to further explore actor and partner effects of these coping domains on family resilience in colorectal cancer couples. Moderate congruence in family resilience was observed, with spousal caregivers reporting higher family resilience. Key coping domains, including shared beliefs system (hope, family sense of coherence, spiritual well-being), organizational patterns (social support), and mutual communication/problem-solving, were significant predictors of family resilience. Importantly, both patients' and spousal caregivers' coping domains exhibited notable actor and partner effects on family resilience of their own family resilience and partners. This study highlights the interdependent influences on family resilience in colorectal cancer couples, supporting family-centered interventions to strengthen positive coping mechanisms.

Vastus lateralis muscle architecture, quality, and stiffness are determinants of maximal performance in athletes?

Understanding intrinsic muscular adaptations more deeply can help clarify their relationships with sports performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if vastus lateralis muscle architecture, quality and stiffness can explain knee extensor maximal torque and countermovement and squat jump performance of athletes. One hundred and two athletes were evaluated based on the architecture, quality and stiffness of the vastus lateralis at rest. Furthermore, the knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction and maximal concentric contraction at 60°/s and vertical jumps countermovement and squat jump performance were measured. Stepwise linear regression showed vastus lateralis echo intensity and muscle thickness determine knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (r2=0.435) and knee extensor maximal concentric contraction at 60°/s (r2=0.400) in athletes. Moreover, vastus lateralis echo intensity, muscle thickness and pennation angle can determine athletes' performance during countermovement (r2=0.439-0.578) and squat-jump (r2=0.459-0.570). The findings emphasize that vastus lateralis muscle architecture and quality is an important determinant of maximal knee extensor torque (40-44%) and countermovement (44-58%) and squat-jump (46-57%) performance. Our results demonstrate that the muscle architecture and quality of the vastus lateralis are important determinants of torque and power output performance across various sports disciplines.

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications among general practitioners of community health centres: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding screening and managing diabetic microvascular complications, encompassing diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic neuropathy (DN), among general practitioners...

Polygenic risk score, dietary inflammatory potential, and incident coronary heart disease.

Dietary inflammatory potential and genetic factors are reported as being linked to coronary heart disease (CHD). We aimed to investigate their joint association with CHD incidence. We included 51 889 British participants from the UK Biobank who completed the 24-h dietary assessment at baseline. We used reduced rank regression and stepwise linear regression analyses to generate an empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score to assess dietary inflammatory potential. A polygenic risk score (PRS) for CHD was constructed based on 1.7 million genetic variants. During a median follow-up of 11 years, 1346 incident cases of CHD were observed. High EDIP scores significantly increased the risk of CHD with the hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.26 (1.10-1.45) for high EDIP scores (T3) compared with low EDIP scores (T1). Interestingly, we observed a gradient in the risk of CHD across PRS categories, with the HRs of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.73-1.71), 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01-1.43), and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.10-1.83) in low (Q1), intermediate (Q2-4), and high (Q5) PRS categories, respectively. When the joint effect was examined, individuals with high PRS (Q5) and high EDIP scores (T3) would have the highest risk of CHD with a HR of 3.87 (95% CI: 2.74-5.46) compared with individuals with both low PRS (Q1) and low EDIP scores. High dietary inflammatory potential was associated with a higher CHD risk, especially in those with high PRS, suggesting that a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory diet and genetic factors may be beneficial in the prevention of CHD.

Concentration of traffic air pollutants and influencing metrological factors in Hawassa City roadways, Ethiopia

IntroductionThe traffic air pollution caused by transportation is a growing global problem that contributes to millions of deaths each year. Despite its importance, information on pollutant concentration is limited in many developing cities, especially in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the concentration levels and spatial and temporal variations of traffic air pollutants in Hawassa and to investigate the influence of metrological parameters on the concentration of traffic air pollutants.MethodsA real-time monitoring system of Aero-Qual Series 300/500 was used to monitor pollutants, and 24 monitoring sites were included on both heavy and low-traffic volume roads. The study monitored morning and afternoon times over 24 days to comprehensively characterize the temporal variations.ResultsThe results showed that the mean PM2.5 concentration on heavy- and low-traffic volume roads was 161.6 ± 26.1 μg/m3 and 95 ± 14.2 μg/m3, respectively, whereas the PM10 concentration was 178.7 ± 20.3 μg/ m3 and 102.3 ± 17.6 μg/m3, respectively. Similarly, the mean NO2 concentrations on roads with heavy and low traffic volumes were 86.4 ± 14.4 μg/m3 and 61.7 ± 14.2 μg/m3, respectively. Significantly higher, concentrations were recorded on traffic light roads, followed by main asphalt roads, for both types of traffic air pollutants. The ratio of PM2.5/PM10 was higher (0.924), in which the pollution sources attributed to anthropogenic sources. Kendall’s tau-b correlation analysis suggested that Meteorological parameters (temperature and relative humidity) were positively correlated with traffic air pollutants. Likewise, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis confirms that the concentrations of traffic air pollutants had a positive relationship with metrological parameters.ImplicationsThe findings of this study therefore showed the need for regular air quality monitoring of the urban areas to copping out the adverse public health impacts. And, it highlighted an urgent need for long-term monitoring of traffic air pollution and the development of emission control programs that can be readily implemented to decrease the emissions from anthropogenic sources. Also, it brings a sense of collaboration among stakeholders to tackle the effects of air pollution by providing an inclusive and sustainable development agenda for Hawassa.

Abnormal left ventricular and left atrial mechanics in patients with resistant hypertension

Abstract Introduction Patients with resistant hypertension (RH) suffer from a high rate of cardiovascular (CV) complications and have poor prognosis. Given the poor prognosis in RH patients, early identification of subclinical myocardial abnormalities is of clinical importance to allow for timely preventive therapeutic interventions. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a valuable technique to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction in hypertensive patients and, therefore, could assist in clinical risk stratification and provide important therapeutic implications. Purpose The study aimed to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) myocardial mechanics are impaired in patients with RH compared to controlled hypertension (CH) patients and normotensive controls (NC). Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study in which 54 age and sex-matched participants: 17 with RH (mean age 60.5±12.4 years), 18 with CH (57.7±12.2 years), and 19 NC (54.7±11.9 years) were consecutively recruited. Clinical and conventional echocardiographic measurements were obtained, followed by a two-dimensional STE analysis to assess LV and LA strain. Stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of LV and LA strain indices. Results The demographical characteristics were similar across the three groups (Table 1). Patients with RH had elevated BP readings and pronounced cardiac remodelling compared to CH and NC (p<0.001). Peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) was lower in RH and CH groups compared to NC (RH: -16.7±1.9% and CH: -19.8±1.4% vs NC: -21.4±1.3%; p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively), and being lower in RH compared to CH (p<0.001). Peak systolic global circumferential strain (GCS) was lower between RH and NC (RH: -18.3±3.6% vs NC: -21.7±2.2%, p=0.004) but not between RH and CH (RH: -18.3±3.6% vs CH: -20.3±2.9%, p=0.13). Peak systolic global radial strain (GRS) was lower in RH than in CH and NC (RH: 32.8±8.1% vs CH: 45.0±8.9% and NC: 49.1±5.2%, p<0.001 for all). LV twist was similar amongst the three groups (p>0.05). For the LA longitudinal strain indices, patients with RH had significantly lower reservoir, conduit, and pump strains than NC (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.04, respectively) and CH (p=0.01, p=0.02 and p=0.02, respectively). Of note, the presence of RH remained independently associated with worse GLS (β=3.1, p<0.001), GRS (β= -8.6, p<0.001), LA reservoir (β= -6.0, p=0.005) and pump strains (β=3.5, p=0.007) after adjusting for demographical and clinical variables (Table 2). Conclusion Patients with RH show evidence of greater cardiac remodelling with subclinical impairment of their LV and LA mechanics when compared to CH and NC. The subclinical identification of myocardial abnormalities in patients with RH may provide a therapeutic window of opportunity for their reversal and potentially mitigate the occurrence of accompanied CV complications.

Association of abdominal endurance with body adiposity, physical activity and sitting time in adolescents

Objective: Identify possible associations of muscular endurance with body adiposity, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1773 adolescents (795 boys and 978 girls) aged 14 to 19 years from Florianopolis, Brazil. Abdominal endurance by the sit-up test proposed by the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Assessment Approach. Body adiposity was estimated by the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses. Daily physical activity was estimated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. Sedentary behavior was investigated using a self-report questionnaire, taking into account the time spent sitting on a weekday and a weekend day. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of abdominal endurance. Results: Boys (16,43 years) were more active (94.85 min/day vs 84.30 min/day, p < 0.001) and had higher abdominal endurance (23.67 repetitions vs 21.31 repetitions, p < 0.001) than girls. Girls (16,27 years) had a longer sitting time (414.89 min/day vs 376.12 min/day, p < 0.001) and higher body adiposity (31.69 mm vs 21.44 mm, p < 0.001) than boys. As for predictors, body adiposity (β = −0.207) was the only variable associated with abdominal endurance in boys, whereas body adiposity (β = −0.127) and physical activity (β = 0.099) were associated with abdominal endurance in girls. Conclusion: In both sexes, high levels of body adiposity negatively affect abdominal endurance. On the other hand, in girls, high levels of physical activity have a positive influence on abdominal endurance.

Clinical significance of right ventricular - pulmonary arterial uncoupling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) – pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling represents the relationship between RV function and the afterload in the pulmonary vascular system. It is a non-invasive surrogate on how the RV is adapted to an increased afterload in the pulmonary circulation. In cases of exhaustion of compensatory RV remodeling, the ratio decreases and there is RV-PA uncoupling. Several studies reported the usefulness of this parameter in patients with heart failure, including in preserved ejection fraction. There is no evidence regarding the association between RV-PA coupling and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to evaluate this parameter in patients with HCM. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with HCM without obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease, that underwent a comprehensive evaluation. Echocardiography was used to assess RV-PA coupling as the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). In addition, coronary flow reserve in the left anterior descending artery (CFR_LAD) was also evaluated: diastolic coronary flow velocity was measured in basal conditions and in hyperemia and CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic and basal peak diastolic flow velocities. This was used as a surrogate marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction. Functional capacity was evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was also performed to evaluate RV function (volumes and ejection fraction), and the extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the left ventricle (LV). Results We enrolled 62 patients, with a mean age of 55 (15) years, 64% males. In 64% it was an asymmetrical septal hypertrophy phenotype, in 31% an apical hypertrophy, and in 27%, it was an obstructive HCM. Mean TAPSE/PASP was 0.556 (0.23) and median was 0.50. All patients had a normal LV ejection fraction. TAPSE/PASP showed a modest predictive accuracy for peak VO2 < 20 ml/Kg/min, a marker of decreased functional capacity (AUC 0.671, 95% CI 0.535 – 0.807, p=0.022), with the best cut-off set at 0.60 (sensitivity 85% and specificity 47%). By univariable linear regression analysis, peakVO2 was correlated with age, male gender, E/E’, indexed left atrial volume, indexed right ventricle end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, CFR_LAD and TAPSE / PASP. The HCM phenotype or the presence of obstruction were not associated with peakVO2. Multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the independent predictors of peakVO2 were male gender (b-estimate: 0.305, p=0.002), age (b-estimate: - 0.323, p=0.002), RV indexed end-diastolic volume (b-estimate: 0.200, p=0.043) and TAPSE/PASP (b-estimate: 0.275, p=0.005). Conclusion In patients with HCM, RV-PA uncoupling is associated with a reduction in functional capacity. Therefore, it is a marker of disease severity.

Mapping Forest Types along Ecological Gradient in Pakistan

Abstract Environmental variables influence the spatial distribution, pattern and structure of vegetation in complex mountainous landscape along varied geographical conditions. Present study explored the spatial distribution of four forest types across ecological gradient based on field data, climatic, topographic, and soil variables based on stepwise linear regression (SLR), decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), and Maxent modeling. Results showed that climatic variables. Results showed that climatic variables (particularly annual precipitation, precipitation of warmest and coldest quarter) have achieved the highest predictive capability for forest types mapping and outperformed other explanatory variables (topographic and edaphic). Among the rest of variables, elevation, sand contents and SOC have achieved good correlation and contained useful information in order explain forest type spatial distribution. Analysis of regression models revealed that RF has achieved the highest correlation (R2=0.923) and lowest RMSE 0.54, followed by the SLR model in which R2 value has been progressively increased from 0.41 (error 2.02) to 0.917 (0.77) with respect four different predictors models, each separate developed for topographic (n=5), soil (n-11), climatic (n=11) and combined of all datasets (n=27). CHAID DT showed that annual precipitation was the most important predictor for forest type classification with risk estimate of 0.412 (std error 0.31) and 0.478 (std error 0.52) for training and validation respectively. Maxent modeling showed impressive predictive performance of all forest types (STPF, MTF and DTF) along ecological gradient with average AUC values of 0.968, 0.918, and 0.940 respectively and climatic variables have highest gain compared to topographic and soil predictors. Present study suggests that mapping of forest types through machine learning algorithms may be improved by incorporating other explanatory variables such microclimate, soil types, nutrients, anthropogenic, demographic factors and spectral indices.

The 9/3 Min Running Test: A Simple and Practical Approach to Estimate the Critical and Maximal Aerobic Power.

This study aims to determine the validity of the linear critical power (CP) and Peronnet models to estimate the power output associated with the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and the maximal aerobic power (MAP) using two-time trials. Nineteen recreational runners (10 males and 9 females and maximum oxygen uptake: 53.0±4.7mL/kg/min) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) to determine the VT2 and MAP. On a second test, athletes performed two-time trials of 9 and 3 min interspaced by 30 min. The CP was determined from the linear CP model and compared with the power output associated with the VT2. The MAP was determined from the linear Peronnet model, established at 7 min, and compared with the MAP determined in the GXT. The CP model was valid for determining the VT2, regardless of sex (p=0.130; 9/3 vs. GXT: 3.5 [-1.1 to 8.2] W). The MAP was overestimated (p=0.015) specifically in males (9/3 vs. GXT: 9.2 [3.3 to 15.1] W) rather than in females (p=9/3 vs. GXT: 1.7 [-4.4 to 8.0] W). Therefore, MAP estimates were determined introducing the CP and W' parameters to a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. For females, the CP was the unique significant predictor of MAP (p<0.001) explaining 96.7% of the variance. In males, both CP and W' were significant predictors of MAP (p<0.001) explaining 97.7% of the variance. Practitioners can validly estimate the VT2 and MAP through a practical testing protocol in both male and female recreational runners.

Relationship between central corneal thickness and optic nerve head parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an ocular entity that causes optic neuropathy. Thin central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with POAG correlates with changes in various optic nerve head structural parameters. Additionally, racial differences exist in CCT and optic disc parameters. Herein, we assessed the potential relationship between CCT and optic nerve head parameters in treatment-naive patients of Persian ethnicity who were diagnosed with POAG of varying severity levels. Methods: This hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study recruited patients of Persian ethnicity diagnosed with treatment-naive POAG. Participants underwent detailed optometric and ophthalmic examinations. Visual field testing was performed using a Humphrey perimeter. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed using a Cirrus OCT device to record optic nerve head parameters: disc area, rim area, vertical cup-to-disc ratio, average cup-to-disc ratio, cup volume, and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT). The CCT was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter. Results: We recruited 168 eyes of 84 patients with POAG with a mean (standard deviation) age of 60.30 (12.50) years, comprising 33 (39.29%) men and 51 (60.71%) women. While weak but statistically significant inverse correlations of CCT with the vertical cup-to-disc ratio (r = - 0.19; P &lt; 0.05), average cup-to-disc ratio (r = - 0.17; P &lt; 0.05), and cup volume (r = - 0.17; P &lt; 0.05) were found, other optic nerve parameters showed no significant correlations with CCT (all P &gt; 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that, for each unit increase in the vertical cup-to-disc ratio, the CCT decreased by 54.98 µm (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The CCT in eyes with treatment-naive POAG of varying severity levels in a Persian ethnic group was weakly but statistically significantly inversely correlated with the vertical cup-to-disc ratio, average cup-to-disc ratio, and cup volume. For every unit increase in the vertical cup-to-disc ratio, the CCT decreased by 54.98 µm. Our findings indicate that in patients with POAG, CCT correlates with some changes in structural optic nerve head parameters, including the cup volume and vertical/average cup-to-disc ratios. Further longitudinal studies including individuals from various racial backgrounds and POAG severity levels are needed to verify the relationship between CCT and optic nerve parameters at different time points of disease progression.

Correlates of the Knowledge of Emotional and Behavioral Disturbances among Teachers in Crowded Post-Covid-19 Lockdown Classrooms in Kasese District, Uganda

This study assessed secondary school teachers’ overall knowledge of emotional and behavioural disturbances (EBDs) among the growing number of students with EBDs in post-COVID-19 lockdown government-aided schools in Western Uganda. The study was quantitative, employing a correlational cross-sectional survey research design. A sample of 330 full-time teachers was drawn from three public secondary schools through stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Knowledge of Emotional and Behavioral Disturbances Questionnaire (KEBDQ) to establish relationships between variables. Pearson correlation coefficient and a stepwise linear regression were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that teachers’ overall knowledge of EBDs was very low implying that they were not aware of the characteristics of these learners and thus managing them in their crowded classrooms may be a disaster. A stepwise linear regression revealed that undergraduate courses and crowded classrooms significantly predicted teachers’ overall knowledge of EBDs in crowded classrooms after the COVID-19 lockdown. In conclusion, based on the findings, higher teacher education institutions should make undergraduate courses related to EBDs compulsory during professional training, and the Ministry of Education and Sports should reduce overcrowded classrooms for effective classroom management

The effects of changes in thrombocyte indices, on-on-pump time on prognosis in open heart surgery.

Extracorporeal perfusion systems utilized in open-heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass can affect multiple body systems. The primary adverse effects of Extracorporeal Perfusion Systems (EPS) on the hematological system include postoperative bleeding and coagulation issues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of on-pump time and cross-clamp duration on total platelet count (PLT) and platelet indices in open-heart surgeries performed using cardiopulmonary bypass. This evaluation is achieved by comparing PLT, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT) before and after surgery. For this study, the laboratory results of a total of 392 patients who underwent open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Institute of Cardiology, between 2017 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The stepwise multiple linear regression model, in which postoperative PLT was the dependent variable and other parameters were independent variables, revealed that the main determinants of the significant change in postoperative PLT were the duration of device use, along with preoperative PLT and PDW. Our results indicate that on-pump time, along with preoperative PLT and PDW values, is the primary determinants of changes in PLT and PCT in open-heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass. Considering the patient's preoperative platelet count and PDW values in such surgeries may be useful in preventing postoperative adverse events.

Integration of Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network Models for Predicting Surface Ozone Concentration in Iraq

Surface ozone (O3) is a significant atmospheric pollutant with adverse effects on both human health and ecosystems. The study aims to construct an integrated model for predicting surface O3 concentrations using stepwise multiple linear regression (SR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models. Additionally, it seeks to assess the impact of air pollutants and meteorological factors on surface O3 levels. Data on O3 levels, meteorological factors including temperature (T2m), total precipitation (TP), boundary layer height (BLH), surface pressure (SP), 10-meter v-component of wind (V10m), and 10-meter u-component of wind (U10m), as well as air pollutants such as (NO2, CO, SO2, PM2.5, and PM10), were analyzed to identify the most significant predictors. The results revealed that the final SR model explained R 2 (0.824,0.865, and 0.719) of the variance in the surface O3 concentration. The model was statistically significant (F-value = 509.057, 629.070, and 231.103), (p value = .000, .000, and.000) for Mosul Baghdad and Basrah respectively. Also, the results of SR model indicate that the primary factors influencing O3 concentration are the significant predictors identified in the resulting predictive equations. The adjusted R 2 values for the performance of the SR and ANN models are as follows: for the SR model, the adjusted R 2 ranged from 0.722 to 0.866, while for the ANN model, it ranged from 0.847 to 0.885 across the three provinces. For the ANN model, various network structures were tested, and the results indicated that the optimal performance was achieved with 5 nodes in the hidden layer and the tanh activation function. The adjusted R 2 values were 0.859, 0.894, and 0.832 for Mosul, Baghdad, and Basrah, respectively. ANN models outperform SR in capturing nonlinear relationships, demonstrating stronger predictive abilities for complex and nonlinear datasets, with higher R 2 and lower RMSE and MAE values.

Influencing factors of early post-traumatic stress disorder in young and middle-aged individuals with open globe injuries in west China: a cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the prevalence of early post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young and middle-aged patients who have suffered open globe injuries, and to identify the psychosocial factors influencing PTSD in these patients. A total of 280 patients who underwent ocular trauma surgery between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a custom-designed demographic questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (C-ERRI), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Univariate analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the factors affecting PTSD in these patients. The average PTSD score for the patients was 33.22±13.48. The scores for individual PTSD dimensions, ranked from highest to lowest, were recurrent traumatic experiences, heightened arousal, avoidance reactions, and social dysfunction. Positive PTSD symptoms were observed in 85 patients (30.36%). Univariate analysis indicated that gender, postoperative vision, marital status, psychological resilience, and rumination were significant factors affecting PTSD symptoms (χ²/t=6.53, 17.88, 8.83, 2.17, and 14.1, respectively; all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between rumination and PTSD symptoms (r=0.73, P<0.01) and a negative correlation between psychological resilience and PTSD symptoms (r=-0.14, P<0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified postoperative vision (notably eye removal), rumination levels, and psychological resilience (optimism) as major factors influencing PTSD in these patients (R²=0.57, P<0.001). Young and middle-aged patients with open globe injuries have a high incidence of PTSD. Significant risk factors for early PTSD include primary enucleation, high levels of rumination, and low psychological resilience (optimism). Conversely, patients with good postoperative vision recovery, low rumination levels, and high levels of optimism are less likely to develop PTSD. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to patients who undergo primary enucleation, strive to reduce their rumination levels, and enhance their psychological resilience, thereby promoting a positive and optimistic attitude towards their condition and reducing the incidence of PTSD.