Strong Positive Correlation Research Articles

Evolving multimorbidity patterns among ageing adults with cardiovascular disease continuum in Southwest China: A longitudinal cohort study.

Evolving multimorbidity patterns among ageing adults with cardiovascular disease continuum in Southwest China: A longitudinal cohort study.

Embryo utilisation rate and transferable embryo to oocyte ratio correlate positively with livebirth rate but negatively with oocyte number: analysis of 14,156 fresh IVF/ICSI cycles

BackgroundThe live birth rates (LBRs) do not rise after a certain number of oocytes are collected in fresh IVF cycles. Although the detrimental effect of high ovarian response on the endometrium has been recognised, the effect of high oocyte yield on oocyte competency remains disputed. The purpose of this study was to examine whether high oocyte yield adversely affect the competency of oocytes or embryos. We retrospectively analysed UK’s National database (published by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)- year 2015–2016) including couples who underwent first IVF treatment with single embryo transfer or had no available embryo, due to tubal or unexplained infertility among women aged < 40 years.ResultsRetrospective analysis of 14,156 fresh IVF/ ICSI cycles that met the inclusion criteria revealed an inverse correlation between Embryo Utilisation Rate (EUR) and the oocyte yield (r= -0.250047, p < 0.0001). The Transferable Embryo to Oocyte Ratio (TEOR) also inversely correlated with the number of retrieved oocyte (r = − 0.331431, p < 0.0001). The number of oocytes that did not produce transferable embryos had a stronger positive correlation with oocyte yield (r = 0.916676, p < 0.0001) than those produced transferable embryos (r = 0.569972, p < 0.0001). Both EUR (p = 0.01) and TEOR (P < 0.0001) correlated positively with the live birth except in the women age-group of 38–39 years. Although fertilisation rates remained similar, both EUR and TEOR declined steadily with the increasing number of oocytes until it reached a nadir at around 8–9 oocytes. At this point the LBR in fresh cycles reached its peak.ConclusionThe EUR and TEOR decline with increasing oocyte yield while both the ratios have a positive correlation with live birth. Despite declining EUR and TEOR, increasing oocyte yield can still boost fresh cycle LBR until the proportions of transferable embryos fall to a nadir. Thus, the focus needs to be on finding more efficient method for embryo selection and avoid generating too many wasteful oocytes that only pose more risk or raise cost without improving fresh cycle LBR.Trial numberBeing a retrospective study, prior registration of the trial was not required.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Construction and validation of antibody dependent cell phagocytosis related risk model in breast cancer

Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) has potential in breast cancer (BRCA) treatment, but the prognostic significance of ADCP-associated regulators (PRs) in BRCA remains unclear, necessitating this study. Firstly, candidate genes were identified by crossing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with PRs, and prognostic genes were selected from these. A risk model based on SIAH2 and PIGR was constructed and validated in the GSE42568 cohort. We also assessed the relationship between expression of prognostic genes and clinical characteristics. From these, independent prognostic factors were selected and a nomogram was constructed to predict survival in BRCA patients. Immune microenvironment analysis revealed that PIGR had the strongest positive correlation with naive B cells, while SIAH2 showed the strongest negative correlation with activated memory CD4 T cells. Moreover, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that 109 drugs differed between high- and low-risk groups. Meanwhile, single-cell analysis identified epithelial cells (EPCs) as key cells, with PIGR highly expressed in the middle stage and SIAH2 in the early stage of cell differentiation. Finally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed the up-regulation of SIAH2 and down-regulation of PIGR in BRCA. These findings suggest that SIAH2 and PIGR are potential prognostic genes and novel therapeutic targets for BRCA management.

INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE DURING LAPAROTOMY WOUND EDGE REDUCTION AS A PROGNOTIC SIGN OF THE INTRA-ABDOMINAL HYPERTENSION DEVELOPMENT

The purpose – to study the relationship between the level of intra- abdominal pressure (IAP) in the preoperative period, during surgery and during the early postoperative period, in patients with acute intestinal obstruction (AIO) and acute disseminated peritonitis (ADP). Material and Methods. The study of intra- abdominal pressure was conducted in 23 patients with acute intestinal obstruction and 18 patients with acute widespread peritonitis who did not have a temporary colostomy. In these patients, additional IAP measurements were performed immediately before surgery and immediately after suturing the edges of the muscular- aponeurotic layer of the laparotomic wound. The IAP level was measured through the bladder, with a frequency of 2-3 times a day. A correlationregression analysis of the relationships between IAP levels after suturing the edges of the muscular- aponeurotic layer and in the early postoperative period, as well as between IAP levels before surgery and in the early postoperative period, was performed. Results. The IAP level in AIO, determined before surgery, as well as after suturing the edges of the muscular- aponeurotic layer of the laparotomic wound, has a similar nature of correlation with the indicators of the early postoperative period. However, the IAP level determined immediately before surgery, has a relatively stronger correlation with the indicators of the early postoperative period. In ADP, the IAP value, determined in the preoperative period, as well as after suturing the edges of the muscular- aponeurotic layer of the laparotomic wound, has the same strength of correlation with the indicators of the early postoperative period. The results of the study demonstrate the presence of strong direct correlations between the level of IAP determined before the surgical intervention, during the simulation of the closure of the laparotomy wound, and the indicators of the early postoperative period. This allows, for the purpose of prognosis, to focus on the level of IAP, especially determined immediately before the surgical intervention, since it more accurately corresponds to the picture of the early postoperative period. In addition, the simulation of the closure of the laparotomy wound and the determination of the value of IAP during the operation causes certain technical difficulties and inconveniences. Conclusion. There are strong direct correlations between the level of intra- abdominal pressure determined before surgery, during the simulation of laparotomy wound closure, and during the early postoperative period, which allows predicting the development of intra- abdominal hypertension in the early postoperative period.

Impact of official and civil information correlation on information-epidemic coupling dynamics in multiplex network

Abstract Official and civil information, as distinct information sources, significantly influence public behavior and the dynamics of epidemic transmission. In this paper, we propose a three-layer U1A1U1-U2A2U2 -SIS coupled model to analyze the co-evolution process of official information dissemination, civil information dissemination and epidemic transmission, considering the interdependencies between the information dissemination channels. The first layer describes the official information dissemination process. The second layer models the civil information dissemination process, considering the effects of perceived risk costs and the role of the correlation between official and civil information. The third layer represents the epidemic transmission process, highlighting the impact of the correlation between official and civil information on epidemic transmission. Then, using the microscopic Markov chain approach, we describe the information-epidemic coupled dynamics and derive the epidemic outbreak threshold. Our research demonstrates that a stronger positive correlation between official and civil information raises the epidemic threshold and suppresses the scale of epidemic transmission. Furthermore, individuals' adoption of civil information should involve a more thorough assessment of the infection risk based on their personal circumstances, which can contribute to more effective epidemic control. Moreover, enhancing infected individuals' accurate comprehension of official information can effectively curb the transmission of the epidemic. Our study highlights the importance of both official and civil information dissemination in epidemic management and provides insights for policymakers in developing effective public health and communication strategies.

Urban Infrastructure Investments and Economic Growth: Examining the Impact of Transportation, Utilities, and Broadband Expansion in the United States

This study examines Urban Infrastructure Investments and Economic Growth, considering the role of transportation, utilities, and broadband expansion in urban economic performance in the United States from 1980 to 2022. The paper draws on historical data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Congressional Budget Office. The study employs correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model to capture both linear associations and dynamic interdependencies among variables. The results indicate that transportation infrastructure investment, which averaged 2.3% of GDP annually during the study period, has the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.78) with urban economic growth. Broadband investment, although rising significantly only after 2000, demonstrates a growing impact with a correlation of r = 0.63. Energy infrastructure also shows a positive but more modest association (r = 0.58). The PCA reveals that transportation accounts for 42% of the total variance in infrastructure-related economic growth factors, followed by broadband (31%) and energy (27%). The VAR model confirms a significant lagged effect, with infrastructure investments exerting their most pronounced impact on GDP growth after 3 to 5 years. Unit root tests (ADF and PP) show all-time series variables are stationary at first difference. This supports the validity of the time series framework. These findings emphasize the important role of coordinated and sustained investment in transportation, digital infrastructure, and utilities to support inclusive and resilient urban economic development. Policy implications, therefore, include prioritizing multimodal transportation systems, expanding broadband access in underserved regions, and modernizing energy grids to meet future demand.

Glutathione Peroxidase and Selenoprotein P Evaluation in Well-Being Assessment After Total Thyroidectomy.

It is known that a percentage of patients who undergo total thyroidectomy, approximately 16-34%, complain of symptoms of hypothyroidism or altered quality of life (QoL) despite achieving normal serum TSH values. The present study aimed to identify whether the level of selenium could be responsible for this phenomenon. This pilot cohort study included 44 thyroidectomized outpatients. All patients underwent surgery for benign disease. In this study, no patients with a history of autoimmunity, malignancy, or other conditions that could affect well-being, absorption, or selenium intake were included. Serum levels of TSH, fT3, fT4, Selenoprotein P (SelP), and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) were measured. The patients also completed the ThyPRO-39 questionnaire to assess their QoL. A strong and significant direct correlation was found between SelP and GPx3 (r = 0.88). However, no correlation was found between hormonal status and SelP or GPx3. Analysis of ThyPRO-39 results did not show clinically significant differences between items nor a correlation with thyroid hormone levels, except for symptoms of hypothyroidism. Interestingly, a significant direct correlation was observed between SelP and tiredness, as well as between GPx3 and tiredness. Furthermore, the fT3/fT4 ratio was correlated with worsening symptoms of hypothyroidism. The results suggest that the selenium status, in turn related to antioxidant activities, as reflected in SelP and GPx3 levels, may be associated with the QoL tiredness domain in thyroidectomized patients, despite normal levels of thyroid hormones. More research is needed to elucidate the role of selenium in the persistent symptoms experienced by some thyroidectomized patients.

Cytokine profile of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and its relationship to outcome of treated patients

COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is considered as an important element of therapy for patients in the initial stages of the disease.The main therapeutic effect of CCP is associated with the presence of specific antiviral antibodies. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effect of CCP is considered as therapeutic where cytokines represented one of the main factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of cytokines and cytokine ratio of transfused CCP for the outcome of the disease in patients who received it during inpatient treatment of COVID-19. Materials and methods. The study included data from 111 patients with COVID-19 who received CCP. The cytokine content in the CCP was measured by enzyme immunoassay Results. It was found that elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), but not IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IP-10/CXCL10, MCP-1/CCL2 were detected in CCP transfused mainly to patients who had an unfavorable (fatal) outcome of the disease. Values of cytokine ratios of IFNγ/IL-10, IFNγ/IP-10, IFNγ/MCP-1, IL-6/IL-8, IL-6/IL-10, IL-6/IP-10, IL-6/IL-15 were also significantly increased in these CCP series as compared to CCP samples transfused to patients of the recovered group. Low levels of IL-6 and IFNγ, reduced level of cytokine ratios of IL-6/IP-10, IL-6/IL-15, IFNγ/MCP-1, IFNγ/IP-10, IFNγ/IL-15 were characteristic of CCP, which was transfused to patients, subsequently recovered. The level of IL-6 in the CCP samples transfused to the patients of the recovered group had a strong direct correlation (r = 0.9) with the cytokine ratios of IL-6/IL-10 and IL-6/IP-10, while in the group of the deceased patients there was no strong association (r = 0.6). IFNγ levels in the CCP showed a strong direct correlation with the values of all analyzed cytokine ratios (IFNγ/IL-10 (r = 0.9), IFNγ/IP-10 (r = 0.9), IFNγ/MCP-1 (r = 0.9)). The level of INF-γ in the CCP transfused to patients of the recovered group had a positive correlation with the cytokine ratios of IFNγ/IL-10 (r = 0.78), IFNγ/IP-10 (r = 0.9), IFNγ/MCP-1 (r = 0.75). The level of INFγ in the CCP transfused to patients of the deceased group had higher values of positive correlation with ratios of IFNγ/IL-10 (r = 0.96), IFNγ/IP-10 (r = 0.92), IFNγ/MCP-1 (r = 0.92). Conclusion. The level of cytokines IL-6 and IFNγ, the cytokine ratios based on them in the CCP may affect the outcome of COVID-19 in patients treated with CCP.

Cross cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LISAT-9) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury

Purpose This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the original English version of the life satisfaction questionnaire into Arabic (LISAT-9-Ar) and examine its psychometric properties among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and methods The translation and culturally adaptation into Arabic followed the published guidelines. The mental health subscale (MHI-5) of the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) were used to examine convergent validity. USING Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho). Reliability was tested after two weeks using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency (Cronbach’s α). Results A total of 150 participants were recruited to test the convergent validity of the LISAT-9. LISAT-9-Ar showed a positive strong correlation with SWLS (rho = 0.81) and moderate correlations with the MHI-5 (rho = 0.66). Sixty participants were recruited to test reliability, the test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.912–0.958 and Cronbach’s α = 0.94). The SEM of the total score was 0.27 with an MCD 95 of 0.75 (18%) with no floor or ceiling effect. Conclusion The LISAT-9-Ar shows excellent psychometric properties supporting its usefulness for research and clinical purposes.

The relationship between evidence-based practices’ facilitators and barriers among nurses and their competencies: self-efficacy as a mediator

BackgroundAlthough evidence-based practices are crucial for enhancing nursing abilities and patient outcomes, many nurses encounter barriers and facilitators that limit their capacity to effectively apply evidence-based practices. Self-efficacy is crucial to how nurses view and overcome these challenges.AimThis study aimed to examine the relationship between evidence-based practice facilitators and barriers and nurses’ competencies, with a specific focus on self-efficacy as a mediating factor.DesignA correlational descriptive design was used.Methods and toolsA stratified random sampling of 350 nurses provided data for the study using structured questionnaires that assessed evidence-based practice facilitators, barriers, nurses’ self-efficacy, and competencies.ResultsThe strongest positive correlation was observed between practice competency and Knowledge (r = 0.903, p < 0.001), skills (r = 0.903, p < 0.001), and utilization (r = 0.921, p < 0.001). On the other hand, EBP barriers show significant negative correlations with attitude (r = -0.140, p = 0.009), knowledge (r = -0.114, p = 0.032), and skills (r = -0.198, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this study highlight a significant mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between evidence-based practice facilitators, barriers, and nurses’ competencies.Nursing implicationsThe results of this study demonstrate how critical it is to support nurses’ self-efficacy to help them overcome obstacles and improve their capacity to apply evidence-based practices, which will ultimately improve nursing competence and patient care.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Association between S100A12 and risk of peripheral arterial disease in patients with dyslipidemia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveS100A12 acts as a pro-inflammatory agent in vivo, with a close relationship with plaque formation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), end-stage renal disease, and diabetes. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can lead to mobility difficulties and ultimately disability and amputation. The association between S100A12 and risk of peripheral arterial disease remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between S100A12 and the risk of PAD in patients with dyslipidemia.MethodsFrom March 2023 to June 2024, 478 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into PAD group (n = 105) and control group (n = 373) according to the presence or absence of PAD (The diagnosis of PAD is a combination of the patient’s clinical symptoms, imaging evidence and ankle-brachial index). Plasma S100A12 was detected by available kit. General information, disease history, smoking history, and laboratory indicators were collected from both groups. The relationship between S100A12 and the risk of PAD was analyzed using statistical methods.ResultsLevels of S100A12 were significantly higher in the PAD group of dyslipidemia [0.22 (0.13,1.49) ng/cL vs. 0.13 (0.10,0.18)ng/cL, p value < 0.001]. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that the risk of PAD was significantly higher with increasing levels of S100A12 [Odd ratio (OR) (95%CI) = 2.264 (1.681, 3.047), p value < 0.05]. In addition, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent risk factors for PAD [OR (95%CI) = 0.388 (0.186,0.809), p value = 0.012; OR = 2.375 (1.527,3.695), p value < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis suggested that S100A12 was significantly and positively associated with the risk of PAD in all subgroups, regardless of whether HDL-C levels < 1.03 mmol/L, age > 60 years, and presence of diabetes or hypertension. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves suggested that the correlation between S100A12 and the risk of PAD was nonlinear (p-non-linear value < 0.05). The RCS curves showed that the positive correlation between S100A12 and the risk of PAD was stronger when the S100A12 level was less than 1.00ng/cL.ConclusionIn conclusion, elevated S100A12 level is an independent risk factor for PAD in patients with dyslipidemia. In different subgroups, S100A12 was significantly and positively associated with the risk of PAD after adjusting for different factors. There is a non-linear relationship between S100A12 and the risk of PAD, with a stronger positive correlation at S100A12 levels below 1.00ng/cL. These findings implied that S100A12 is a potential biomarker for identifying patients with dyslipidemia who are at high risk of developing PAD. They also implied that S100A12 levels can be routinely monitored in dyslipidemic populations for the early detection of PAD and to guide the management of PAD. Finally, the results of this study emphasize that inflammation in dyslipidemia patients plays an important role in the development of PAD, suggesting that lipid control and immunomodulation may be effective in the prevention of PAD.Clinical trial numberMR-35-24-038431.

Assessment of variation of morphometric parameters of red currant berries and fruit brushs in the Krasnoyarsk Forest-steppe

The aim of the work is to evaluate the morphometric parameters of berries and brushes, berry weight in red currant varieties bred by VNIISPK in the forest-steppe zone of Krasnoyarsk Krai in order to identify the best genotypes according to the studied traits. The objects of research are the red currant varieties Asya, Dana and Bayana, created in VNIISPK; control – Krasnaya Andreychenko - the most common variety in the region. The studies were carried out in 2022–2023 at the Garden Center of the Agrarian University, LLC. The weather conditions of the growing seasons were characterized as warm and dry. The air temperature exceeded the climatic norm in 2022 by 0.3 °C, in 2023 – by 1.4 °C; The amount of precipitation in 2022 was 75.7 % of the norm, in 2023 – 70.8 %. The precipitation deficit was balanced by compensatory irrigation of crop plantings. It was found that in all the studied varieties, the length of the fruit cluster is within one gradation of the assessment scale (6–8 cm) – a short cluster. At the same time, in the Dana and Bayana varieties, the cluster size significantly exceeds the parameters of the control variety by 9.8 and 21.3 %, respectively. In the Asya and Bayana varieties, the number of berries in a cluster is 1.5 times greater compared to the control variety. The variability of the “number of berries in a cluster” trait varies from medium to significant values. In terms of average berry weight, the studied varieties did not have statistically significant differences. A strong direct correlation was noted between the number of berries in a cluster and its length (r = 0.89) and between the berry diameter and its height (r = 0.874).

Gene proteins, growth factors/their receptors in the wall of chronic calculous cholecystitis-affected gallbladder children

BackgroundChronic calculous cholecystitis is the main cause of cholecystectomies in children, and 50.5% of patients with gallstones are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. However, the morphopathogenesis of chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis is unclear and may involve various genes, gene proteins, and growth factors.MethodsTissues were obtained from four males (aged 6–18 years) and two females (aged 15 and 14 years) during planned cholecystectomies. Five healthy gallbladder tissues were obtained from the archival postmortem tissue of children. SHH, IHH, HGF, IGF1, IGF1R, and HOXB3 were detected by immunohistochemistry and evaluated semiquantitatively. Statistical analysis was used to identify statistically significant differences and correlations between the factors.ResultsDecreased numbers of SHH-, IHH-, and IGF1R-positive cells, along with an increased number of HOXB3-positive cells, were observed in patients. SHH-positive epitheliocytes and connective tissue cells; IHH-positive cells in all locations; IGF1R-positive epitheliocytes, endotheliocytes, and smooth muscle cells; and HOXB3-positive smooth muscle cells were significantly different among the groups. However, the strongest negative correlation was found between HOXB3-positive smooth myocytes and SHH- and IHH-positive connective tissues, and the strongest positive correlation was detected among epithelial IHH, SHH, and IGF1R, as well as between IGF1R in the epithelium and endothelium of the blood vessels.ConclusionsThe reduced number of cells positive for the primary endodermal proteins SHH/IHH and the decreased number of IGFR1-positive cells suggest their potential roles in the development of chronic calculous cholecystitis. Additionally, the increased number of HOXB3-positive cells under these conditions likely implies stimulated growth properties, whereas HGF and IGF1 appear to have a reduced contribution to the pathogenesis of chronic calculous cholecystitis.

Assessment of Essential and Toxic Element Levels in the Toenails of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a global public health concern, impacting the quality of life. The question of gene-environment interaction in the emergence of ASD remains a subject of ongoing debate, and exploring its pathophysiology is thoroughly related to metals as a risk factor. Therefore, this study aims to assess the levels of toxic (Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Se) elements in toenail samples collected in children with ASD and neurotypical children, by ICP-MS. Parallelly, we will discuss the use of toenails as an exposure indicator. The study involved 208 children aged 3 to 14 from Marrakech, Morocco. One hundred two were diagnosed with ASD and 106 were neurotypical children. Significant statistical differences in the concentration of Cr, Mn, and Fe were documented between the two groups. Higher levels of Pb in toenails compared to reference values have been reported. No association was established between concentrations of elements and age. Spearman correlation coefficients revealed a significantly different pattern of mutual dependence for toxic and essential elements between the two groups. The strongest positive correlations were found in the neurotypical group (Fe-Mn (ρ = 0.750), and Se-Zn (ρ = 0.800)). These results provide additional, although inconclusive, evidence on the probable role of element disturbance in the pathogenesis of ASD. Further studies should be performed to explore other nutritional, cultural, sociodemographic, environmental, and methodological factors that may impact the levels of these elements in the nails and their possible correlation with the incidence of ASD.

Factors driving the use of mobile health app: insights from a survey.

Mobile health (mHealth) offers easy accessibility to healthcare information and services, promoting positive behaviour change. However, user engagement to mHealth diminishes over time, resulting in significant dropout rates. This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to the discontinuation of mHealth use and examine how persuasive elements influence users' intention to continue using mHealth. It also seeks to identify the key motivators and barriers affecting mHealth engagement. A survey was conducted to assess persuasive elements, motivators, and barriers related to mHealth usage. The survey included measures to evaluate users' perceived persuasiveness of mHealth, the factors influencing their intention to continue using it, and both the motivators and barriers to its sustained use. The analysis revealed that unobtrusiveness had the strongest positive correlation with the intention to continue using mHealth. Additionally, a positive association was found between users' perception of mHealth's persuasiveness and their intention to continue using it. The study also identified key motivators that encourage mHealth adoption and several barriers that hinder long-term engagement. These findings highlight the importance of developing strategies to enhance the long-term adoption of mHealth solutions and reduce dropout rates. Future research is needed to explore effective interventions for sustaining mHealth usage and addressing the barriers that lead to disengagement.

Factors Affecting the Implementation and Actual Use of Body-Worn Cameras in the Municipal Police Stations in the Province of Marinduque

The study aims to determine the perceived factors that affect the implementation of body-worn cameras in the Municipal Police Stations in the Province of Marinduque. More specifically, to determine the perception of the Municipal Police Station Personnel of Marinduque in Supreme Court AM 21-06-08-SC and PNP Memorandum Circular No.2018-009 in terms of Implementation; and Compliance; to identify the factors affecting the implementation of Body-Worn Camera in terms of: Maintenance of Body-Worn Cameras; Training of using Body-Worn Cameras; Operational Phase; and Logistics; to test the significant difference among the Municipal Police Stations of Marinduque in factors that affects the implementation of body-worn cameras. Uniform Personnel from the different Municipal Police Stations of Marinduque participated in this study to gather relevant data. A survey questionnaire was conducted to gather information from the respondents. Data analysis was based on weighted mean, and the Kruskal-Wallis Test to determine significant difference. The researcher finds out that the implementation of policy and compliance on the use of Body Worn Camera in the Municipal Police Stations of Marinduque was implemented in general. Among the items cited, BWC focal person is an IT and attended all trainings and seminars in the operation of Body Worn Cameras and Alternative Recording Device ranked first meanwhile as to the compliance, the Station has as issued Body Worn Camera and Alternative Recording Device based on the specifications issued by higher office and Local Government Unit ranked first. Factors affecting the implementation are still manifest in all aspects, where logistics obtained the highest score, while training in using Body Worn Cameras obtained the least. It was observed that the computed r-values indicates a strong direct correlation and the resulted p-values were all less than the alpha level. This means that there was significant relationship exists and implies that the better the implementation and compliance, the better are the factors presented. A workshop and Training of Personnel regarding the Use and Information of Body-Worn Cameras and their Policy is proposed.

Investigation of mitochondrial DNA methylation-related prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with complex pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial DNA methylation (MTDM) plays a regulatory role in tumorigenesis, but its specific contributions to HCC progression, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling remain poorly characterized. This study aims to investigate MTDM-associated molecular subtypes in HCC, screen potential prognostic biomarkers linked to MTDM dysregulation, and explore their implications for immune landscape heterogeneity and therapeutic response. Several HCC datasets and MTDM-related prognostic genes associated with the clinicopathological features of HCC were collected from public databases. The ConsensusClusterPlus tool was used for unsupervised clustering to identify the MTDM differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and then the candidate genes. Subsequently, a univariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed on the data of the candidate genes to identify and validate the prognostic genes. Additionally, differences in the TME and the enriched pathways between the high- and low-risk groups were evaluated, and drug response prediction was performed using the pRRophetic R package. Eight MTDM-related genes were found to be differentially expressed in HCC. In relation to these MTDM-related DEGs, two molecular subtypes of HCC (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2) were identified. In addition, 333 candidate genes were identified. The regression analysis of the DEGs included in the risk model identified ADH4 and DNASE1L3 as prognostic genes that could be used to predict the overall survival of the HCC patients. The results of the differential immune recognition by immune cells using immune cell infiltration and the prognostic genes showed that the strongest negative correlation [correlation coefficient (r) =-0.312] was between ADH4 and activated cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells, while the strongest positive correlation (r=0.332) was between DNASE1L3 and effector memory CD8+ T cells. The gene set enrichment analysis revealed five Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways in the high- and low-risk groups that were clearly enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways, such as fatty acid degradation and peroxisome. The chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity analysis revealed significant differences in sensitivity to BI.2536 [a Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) inhibitor], A.443654 [a protein kinase B (Akt) 1/2 inhibitor], and ABT.888 [Veliparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1/2 (PARP1/2) inhibitor] between the high- and low-risk groups. This study constructed a risk model for HCC based on two identified prognostic genes (ADH4 and DNASE1L3). It also elucidated the pathogenesis of MTDM-associated HCC. Our findings provide novel insights that could lead to the development of future therapeutic strategies.

L2 Psychology Constructs and L2 Willingness to Communicate of L2 Learners in a Context of Low Exposure to English

Recently, there has been a rapid growth in the number of studies related to emotions and positive psychology constructs in language teaching and learning. However, there is scant research in the context of low exposure to English. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between Thai EFL secondary school learners’ L2 positive and negative psychology constructs and their L2 Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in the context of low exposure to English. A total of 1,601 Thai EFL secondary school learners completed the questionnaire. The results of several statistical analyses (i.e., path analysis, hierarchical multiple regression, and correlation) indicated that there was a significant intercorrelation among all variables. The findings revealed that the amount of exposure to Extramural English (EE) had the strongest positive correlation with L2 grit and the strongest negative correlation with L2 anxiety. In addition, L2 attention, L2 anxiety, L2 enjoyment, and L2 grit exhibited statistical significance as predictors of L2 WTC when considering limited exposure to English, with intended effort and positive views failing to reach significance. Pedagogically, the findings suggest a shift in instructional approaches to focus on a psychologically informed approach, highlighting the important influence of positive psychology on language learning.

The multi-dimensional environmental impact of global crop commodities

Agriculture is one of the leading causes of detrimental environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and depletion of freshwater resources. Such impacts can be assessed by environmental sustainability indices; however, limitations in current indicators necessitate the development of more robust and standardized crop-specific environmental sustainability indices. Here we developed the crop environmental sustainability index (PLANTdex), a spatially explicit index (5 arcmin resolution) quantifying crop production’s environmental impacts. PLANTdex includes globally standardized indicators of environmental impacts assessing water stress and biodiversity loss via five emissions pathways: greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, land occupation, and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application. We applied PLANTdex to 16 crops, revealing high variability across production system efficiencies, crop types and local context environmental sensitivities. Globally and nationally, no clear correlation emerged between PLANTdex scores and crop production, but stronger correlations were evident at finer spatial scales and for individual crops. Sugar cane showed the strongest negative correlation (low impacts in high-production areas), while oil palm had the strongest positive correlation (high impacts in high-production areas), highlighting the importance of sub-national, crop-specific assessments. PLANTdex’s spatial resolution and crop specificity make it valuable for initiatives such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and corporate sustainability strategies.

Body Composition, Physical Activity and VO2max in Untrained Adolescents

Decreased physical activity and increased adolescent sedentary lifestyles have become global cardiovascular fitness issues. Unbalanced body composition contributes to low cardiovascular fitness and increases the risk of metabolic disorders. This study aims to analyze the relationship between body composition and physical activity on VO2max in untrained adolescents. This observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on untrained adolescents aged 15-18. Body composition was measured using the Xiaomi Body Composition Scale S400. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). VO2max was measured using the Multistage Fitness Test. Physical activity significantly contributed to in untrained adolescents (r=0.675; p=0.000). Total body water had the strongest positive correlation with VO2max (r=0.474;p=0.003), followed by percentage muscle mass (r=0.413;p=0.010) and bone mineral (r=0.401;p=0.013). Body Mass Index (r=-0.418;p=0.009), percentage body fat (r=-0.412;p=0.010), muscle mass (r=-0.403;p=0.012), fat-free mass (r=-0.401;p=0.012) and Basal Metabolic Rate (r=-0.401;p=0.013) showed significant negative correlation with VO2max. Increasing physical activity and improving body composition are key strategies to increase VO2max in adolescents. Interventions involving schools, families, and the community are needed to promote an active lifestyle in this population. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the development of effective and sustainable fitness programs.