Strong Correlation Research Articles

The preferable position for quantifying left ventricular diameter by transthoracic echocardiography.

In quantifying left ventricular (LV) diameter, which position for echocardiographic measurements, mitral valve tip level (MV-tip) or LV mid level (LV-mid), more accurately represents the LV volume is unclear. Furthermore, which factor affects the measurement error also has not been elucidated. We enrolled 150 patients without myocardial infarction and local asynergy who underwent echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Echocardiographic LV diastolic diameter (LVDD) and LV systolic diameter (LVDS) were measured at both MV-tip and LV-mid, and the LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) were quantified using CMRI. We quantified the degree of aortic wedging as the angle between the anterior wall of the aorta and the ventricular septal surface (ASA). The average LVDD was smaller and average LVDS larger when measured at the MV-tip than at the LV-mid. In regression analyses, the correlation coefficient between LVDD and LVEDV was larger at LV-mid (R = 0.89) than at MV-tip (R = 0.82), and the correlation coefficient between LVDS and LVESV also larger at LV-mid (R = 0.93) than MV-tip (R = 0.87). ASA, Valsalva diameter, left atrial diameter, patient height, and LV mass significantly affected the echocardiographic measurement error, but no factor affected the measurement error when quantifying LVDD at the LV-mid level. The echocardiographic LV diameter measured at LV-mid has a stronger correlation with LV chamber size derived from CMRI than measurements at MV-tip. The LVDD measured at the LV-mid level is not affected by other factors.

Temporal trends and outcomes of acute ischaemic strokes in patients hospitalised for percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare, but debilitating, complication. However, contemporary data from real-world unselected patients are scarce. We aimed to explore the temporal trends, outcomes and variables associated with AIS as well as in-hospital all-cause mortality in a nationwide cohort. A retrospective analysis of healthcare records from 2006-2021 was implemented. Patients were stratified according to the occurrence of AIS in the setting of PCI. The temporal trends of AIS were analysed. A stepwise regression model was used to identify variables associated with AIS and in-hospital all-cause mortality. A total of 4,910,430 PCIs were included for the current analysis. AIS occurred in 4,098 cases (0.08%). An incremental increase in the incidence of AIS after PCI from 0.03% to 0.14% per year was observed from 2006-2021. The strongest associations with AIS after PCI included carotid artery disease, medical history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, presentation with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI and coronary thrombectomy. For patients with AIS, a higher in-hospital all-cause mortality (18.11% vs 3.29%; p<0.001) was documented. With regard to all-cause mortality, the strongest correlations in the stroke cohort were found for cardiogenic shock, dialysis and clinical presentation with a STEMI. In an unselected nationwide cohort of patients hospitalised for PCI, a gradual increase in AIS incidence was noted. We identified several variables associated with AIS as well as with in-hospital mortality. Hereby, clinicians might identify the patient population at risk for a peri-interventional AIS as well as those at risk for an adverse in-hospital outcome after PCI.

Associations Between the Superwoman Schema, Stress, and Cardiovascular Health Among African-American Women.

African-American (AA) women are less likely to achieve ideal cardiovascular (CV) health compared with women of other racial/ethnic subgroups, primarily due to structural and psychosocial barriers. A potential psychosocial construct relevant to ideal CV health is the superwoman schema (SWS). We explored whether the SWS was associated with perceived stress, CV risk factors, and overall CV health among AA women. This cross-sectional analysis of the FAITH! Heart Health+ Study was conducted among AA women with high cardiometabolic risk. Pearson correlation evaluated associations between SWS and CV risk factors (e.g., stress, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). The 35-item SWS questionnaire includes five domains. Stress was measured by the 8-item Global Perceived Stress Scale (GPSS). CV health was assessed using the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) rubric of health behaviors/biometrics. Data acquisition spanned from February to August 2022. The 38 women included in the analysis (mean age 54.3 [SD 11.5] years) had a high CV risk factor burden (71.1% hypertension, 76.3% overweight/obesity, 28.9% diabetes, 39.5% hyperlipidemia). Mean GPSS level was 7.7 (SD 5.2), CV health score 6.7 (SD 1.8), and SWS score 60.3 (SD 18.0). Feeling an "obligation to help others" and "obligation to present an image of strength" had strongest correlations with GPSS score among all SWS domains (r = 0.51; p = .002 and r = 0.39; p = .02, respectively). Correlation among the SWS domains and traditional CV risk factors was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that an obligation to help others and to project an image of strength could be contributing to stress among AA women.

Anthropometric Measures, Cardiometabolic and Hepatic Indices, and Cut-off Points for Predicting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Southwest Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Enrolment Phase of the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study

Background: Cut-off points for anthropometric measures associated with diabetes may vary across different ethnic groups. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the optimal cut-off values for these measures and their relationship with cardiometabolic and hepatic indices to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in southwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hoveyzeh, Iran, and included a total of 7,300 individuals (1,607 with T2DM and 5,693 healthy participants). Anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and hepatic indices were calculated. Results: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) showed the highest correlation with cardiometabolic indices, such as the cardiometabolic index and lipid accumulation product. The conicity index (CI) had the strongest correlation with hepatic indices, including the hepatic steatosis index and the Alcoholic Liver Disease/Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (ALD/NAFLD) index. The atherogenic index of plasma was the most significant predictor of T2DM in the Hoveyzeh population for both men (OR: 3.39; CI: 2.38 - 4.81) and women (OR: 5.68; CI: 4.20 - 7.68). The optimal cut-off values for several anthropometric measures were higher in men than in women: BMI (28.0 vs. 25.48), Waist/Height ratio (0.64 vs. 0.56), Weight-adjusted waist index (11.83 vs. 10.76), CI (1.35 vs. 1.29), body roundness index (8.43 vs. 7.33), relative fat mass (44.63 vs. 28.5), and lipid accumulation product (67.23 vs. 67.04). Conversely, the cut-off values for optimal waist circumference (99.45 vs. 98.35), Waist/Hip ratio (0.99 vs. 0.96), VAI (2.22 vs. 2.19), and abdominal volume index (20 vs. 19.6) were higher in women than in men. Conclusions: The atherogenic index of plasma is a highly predictive indicator of T2DM. Our results suggest that novel anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices could serve as accessible and cost-effective strategies for assessing health outcomes related to T2DM.

THE ROLE OF DATA ANALYTICS IN MAKING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS BY THE LOGISTICS INTERMEDIARIES

Data analytics plays a crucial role in increasing the effectiveness of management decisions by the logistics of intermediaries. The aim of the article is to identify the extent to which the quality of data analytics affects the effectiveness of decision-making in the logistics intermediaries, in particular, the speed of delivery of the studied companies.The study employed regression and correlation analysis to identify key influencing factors in terms of data analytics on the effectiveness of management decisions of the logistics intermediaries. The significance of investment in the qualification of analysts (with a coefficient of -1.6754), analytical tools (with a coefficient of -1.2575), and integration of analytics in decision-making processes (with a coefficient of -3.2511) directly affect the reduction of delivery time.It is emphasized that each analytical project contributes to the reduction of delivery time by 0.48 hours. Correlation analysis confirmed the relationship between the efficiency of logistics and the level of qualification of analysts (-0.283617), investment in analytical tools (-0.257322), the number of analytical projects (-0.343792), the level of integration of analytics (-0.712058). The strongest correlation was observed for the integration of analytics in management decision-making.It is recommended to focus on the development of analytical competencies, increase of investment in tools, intensification of projects, and integration of analytics in strategic management. Further research is planned on the use of artificial intelligence to optimize management decisions in logistics as part of ensuring the company’s sustainable development.

Effects of novel halogen-free flame-retardant binary additives on thermal stability, degradation kinetics and flame retardancy of cotton cellulose biomacromolecule

The principal component of cotton fibers is the cellulose biological macromolecule. However, its highly flammable nature has significantly constrained its utilization in fields where flame retardancy is essential. Herein, in this work, a highly effective binary composite flame retardant coating (APP/MEL-SWCNHs) with ammonium polyphosphate and modified single-walled carbon nanohorns (MEL-SWCNHs) was chemically attached to cotton fabric. With the add-on of 11.3 %, the treated cotton fabric (APP/MEL-SWCNHs)4 exhibited remarkable flame-retardant and self-extinguishing properties. Its LOI value increased to 23.7 ± 0.1 %, and the damage length was significantly reduced from 30.0 ± 0.1 % cm to 7.9 ± 0.1 % cm compared to the pristine cotton fabric. Despite partial carbonization, (APP/MEL-SWCNHs)4 preserved its original structure. Importantly, in the cone calorimeter test, both the pHRR and THR of (APP/MEL-SWCNHs)4 were drastically decreased by 71.8 % and 35.8 %, respectively. The APP/MEL-SWCNHs coating functioned as a flame retardant by inhibiting the emission of flammable volatiles, releasing non-flammable gases, and encouraging the formation of char layer during combustion. Significantly, thermal degradation kinetic analysis revealed that the third-order kinetic equation (O3) was found to have the strongest correlation with (APP/MEL-SWCNHs)4 in both air and N2 atmospheres. The higher activation energy (E) for (APP/MEL-SWCNHs)4 confirmed that incorporating MEL-SWCNHs improved the thermal stability of the char layer.

TEGEST as promising tool for assessing the risk of perioperative neurocognitive disorders.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders are often neglected and undiagnosed. There are known risk factors for these disorders (e.g., higher levels of frailty, cognitive decline before surgery). However, these factors are usually not assessed in the daily clinical setting. One of the main reasons for this lack of examination is the absence of a suitable cognitive function test that can be used in acute clinical settings. The primary aim of this study was to determine correlations between preoperative and postoperative scores on three cognitive tests (the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and the Test of Gestures (TEGEST). This was a prospective, monocentric, observational study that included one cohort of patients aged 65 years and older. Patients underwent acute or elective surgical operations. Preanaesthesia tests were administered. After the operation, the patients completed the same tests between the 2nd postoperative day and discharge. Preoperative and postoperative cognitive test scores were assessed. This study included 164 patients. The arithmetic mean age was 74.5 years. The strongest correlations were observed between MMSE scores and TEGEST scores (r = 0.830 before and 0.786 after surgery, P < 0.001). To compare the MMSE and the TEGEST, the MMSE was divided into 2 categories-normal and impaired-and good agreement was found among 76.2% of the participants (ϰ = 0.515). If the TEGEST scoring system was changed so that scores of 4-6 indicated normal cognition and scores of 0-3 indicated cognitive impairment, the level of agreement would be 90.8%, ϰ = 0.817. Only 5.5% of the patients had impaired MMSE scores and normal TEGEST scores, whereas 3.7% of the respondents normal MMSE scores and impaired TEGEST scores. According to our results, the TEGEST is a suitable option for assessing cognitive functioning before surgery among patients who are at risk of developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders. This study revealed that it is necessary to change the rating scale for the TEGEST so that scores of 4-6 indicate normal cognition and scores of 0-3 indicate cognitive impairment. In clinical practice, the use of the TEGEST may help to identify patients at risk of perioperative neurocognitive disorders.

Prediction of blueberry sensory texture attributes by integrating multiple instrumental measurements

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) texture contributes to consumer satisfaction, shelf-life, and machine harvestability and is now a critical goal in breeding for new fresh market cultivars. The industry commonly uses instrumental methods to phenotype texture, assuming that instrumental measurements correlate with sensory perceptions. However, the relationship between perceived sensory textures and mechanical parameters is not well established. In this study, we characterized the fruit texture profile of 43 blueberry cultivars using nine sensory descriptors and determined the predictability of the sensory attributes using mechanical parameters. The sensory study was done by a trained descriptive sensory analysis panel, and instrumental analysis was performed using flat probe penetration and texture profile analysis (TPA) methods. Differences in the perceived firmness of blueberries were mainly due to springiness, hardness, and snap/crisp attributes. Among the mechanical parameters, maximum force (FM; a flat probe penetration parameter) and gumminess (a TPA parameter) had the strongest correlations with these three sensory attributes. To develop predictive models for the nine sensory attributes, multivariate statistical methods were used. The highest level of prediction accuracy was achieved when all the penetration or TPA parameters were used for model development. The R2 values increased by up to 0.66 compared to using a single mechanical parameter. Springiness, hardness, and snap/crisp were predictable with R2 > 0.5, regardless of the instrumental method used. TPA parameters were more suitable for predicting juiciness while residual skin was only predictable using penetration parameters. Mealiness was not predictable with any instrumental measure (R2 < 0.05). For most of the sensory attributes, the models were able to effectively discern the cultivars with the highest or lowest intensity scores. This study provides a basis for breeding programs to utilize improved estimations of the sensorial texture using diverse mechanical parameters to enhance selection for desired blueberry textures.

The Association between Emotional Intelligence and Prosocial Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior both play an important role in the development of children and adolescents. However, the strength of the association between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents is controversial. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the exact association between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents. Through a literature search, a total of 40 studies and 40 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis (n = 20621). In this study, the main effect test shows that there is a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior in children and adolescents (r = 0.43). Moreover, the present study found a significant moderating effect of age. More specifically, the association between early childhood (0-6 years) emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior is stronger than in middle childhood (7-12 years) and adolescence (13-18 years), and the correlation between emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior is stronger in boys than in girls. The culture was also found to be an important moderator, the association was found to be weaker for Western culture than for Eastern culture. Finally, a stronger correlation between the two variables was found when the emotional intelligence measurement tool was LZ (Emotional intelligence questionnaire compiled by Liu Yan and Zou Hong). These results indicated that improving children's and adolescents' emotional intelligence could be an important strategy to enhance children's prosocial behavior.

Assessing multiple ecosystem services in 708 European urban areas

ABSTRACT Nature is increasingly recognized for its potential to address societal challenges in cities, through the delivery of ecosystem services (ES). However, large-scale assessments quantifying this potential are rare. In this study, we modelled five ES (local temperature regulation, flood control, global climate regulation, habitat maintenance, and human interaction with nature) across 708 European urban areas. Using a supply-demand approach, we assessed ES delivery: the extent to which ES supply was sufficient to meet the corresponding societal demands. We found that ES delivery varied both spatially and between ES. On average, nearly 50% of the demand was fulfilled, with the highest values for habitat maintenance (81 ± 15%; mean ± SD), flood control (65 ± 13%), and human interaction with nature (59 ± 15%) and much lower values for local temperature regulation (23 ± 28%) and global climate regulation (16 ± 28%). We further found positive pairwise correlations between all ES (Spearman’s ρ from 0.15 to 0.65), with the strongest correlation between habitat maintenance and global climate regulation. Variation in ES delivery across the urban areas was mainly related to differences in the share of green space and the size of the urban areas, whereby ES delivery was positively related to both. Our broad-scale comparative assessment can serve as a starting point for more sophisticated model-based assessments quantifying the full potential of urban nature to meet societal demands across large areas, for example by including a broader set of ES and accounting for city-specific demands.

Network analysis of depressive symptoms and C-reactive protein levels in major depressive disorder

BackgroundC-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been implicated in the severity and symptomatology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to explore the structure of depressive symptoms in patients with MDD according to different groups of CRP levels using network analysis. MethodsThe study included 864 individuals (mean age = 54.05, 67.48 % male) diagnosed with MDD from the 2015–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Analyses examined how depressive symptoms and CRP level were related to each other, and how the network structure of depressive symptoms differed across groups with different CRP levels. ResultsA direct positive correlation was observed between CRP levels and specific depressive symptoms (e.g., appetite change, energy loss, and feelings of worthlessness). Moreover, there was a stronger correlation between depressive symptoms in the medium CRP and high CRP groups compared to the low CRP group. Furthermore, it was observed that there were notable structural differences between the high-CRP and moderate-CRP groups. LimitationsThe study is based on cross-sectional data, which precludes the drawing of causal conclusions. Furthermore, it does not take into account confounding factors such as body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the pivotal role of CRP as a marker of the severity of depressive symptoms. Routine CRP level testing and anti-inflammatory therapies may be beneficial for depressed patients with elevated CRP levels in clinical practice.

Understanding the Associations between Executive Function and Psychological Variables in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Network Analysis Approach.

The aim of this study was to quantify the multivariate relationships between clinical, cognitive performance, executive functioning, and psychological outcomes in women with fibromyalgia (FMS) using network analyses. Demographic (age, height, weight), clinical (pain history, pain intensity, and related disability), neurocognitive (D2 Attention test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure for visual perception, "Digits D/R/I" tests of the WAIS-IV battery for working memory, the 5-Digit Test for mental inhibition, the Symbol Search for processing speed and the Zoo Test for planning/decision making) and psychological (depressive symptoms, anxiety levels, sleep quality, pain hypervigilance) variables were collected in 129 women with FMS and 111 healthy women. Network analyses were conducted separately for each group to quantify the adjusted correlations between the modeled variables and to assess their centrality indices (i.e., connectivity with other symptoms in the network and their importance in the network). The network identified 74 associations in FMS women and 46 associations in controls with small differences. The strongest correlations in both groups were found between different attention variables: d2_CON with d2_C, d2_O with d_2TR, and d2_CON with d2_TA. The most central variables were d2_TA, d2_C, and d2_CON (highest strength centrality in both groups) and anxiety levels and pain hypervigilance (highest harmonic centrality in FMS women). The strength centrality of the network was stable for women with FMS (CScor0.7: 0.68) but not for healthy women (CScor0.7: 0.28). This study found that attention variables are most relevant within a neurocognitive network and that psychological variables are most important for the treatment of women with FMS. The clinical implications of the current findings, such as the development of treatments targeting these variables, are discussed.

Immobilised artificial membrane liquid chromatography vs liposome electrokinetic capillary chromatography: Suitability in drug/bio membrane partitioning studies and effectiveness in the assessment of the passage of drugs through the respiratory mucosa

This study pioneers a comparison of the application of biomimetic techniques, immobilised artificial membrane liquid chromatography (IAM LC) and liposome electrokinetic capillary chromatography (LEKC), for the prediction of pulmonary drug permeability. The pulmonary absorption profiles of 26 structurally unrelated drug-like molecules were evaluated using their IAM hydrophobicity index (CHI IAM) measured in IAM LC, and the logarithm of distribution constants (log KLEKC) derived from the LEKC experiments. Lipophilicity (phospholipids) parameters obtained from IAM LC and most LEKC analyses were linearly related to the n-octanol/water partitioning coefficients of the neutral forms (i.e., log Po/w values) to a moderate extent. However, the relationship with distribution coefficients at the experimental pH (7.4) (i.e., log D7.4) were weaker overall for IAM LC data and sigmoidal for some liposome compositions (phosphatidyl choline (PC): phosphatidyl inositol (PI) 85:15 mol% and 90:10 mol%) and concentrations (4 mM) in LEKC. This suggests that phospholipid partitioning supports both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions occurring between ionised drugs and charged phospholipid moieties. The latter interactions are original when compared to those taking place in the more established n-octanol/water partitioning systems.A stronger correlation (R2 > 0.65) was identified between the LEKC retention parameters, and the experimental apparent lung permeability (i.e., log Papp values) as opposed to the values obtained by IAM LC. Therefore, LEKC offers unprecedented advantages over IAM LC in simulating cell membrane partitioning processes in the pulmonary delivery of drugs. Although LEKC has the advantage of more effectively simulating the electrostatic and hydrophobic forces in drug/pulmonary membrane interactions in vitro, the technique is unsuitable for analysing highly hydrophilic neutral or anionic compounds at the experimental pH. Conversely, IAM LC is useful for analysing compounds spanning a wider range of lipophilicity. Its simpler and more robust implementation, and propensity for high-throughput automation make it a favourable choice for researchers in drug development and pharmacological studies.

A new data complexity measure for multi-class imbalanced classification tasks

The skewed class distribution and data complexity may severely affect the imbalanced classification results. The cost of classification can be significantly reduced if these data complexity are measured and pre-processed prior to training, particularly when dealing with large-scale and high-dimensional datasets. Although many methods have been proposed to evaluate data complexity, most of them fail to fully consider the interaction among different data characteristics, or the connection between class imbalance and these characteristics, thus posing a serious challenge to effectively evaluate the difficulty of classification. This paper presents a new data complexity measure MFII (multi-factor imbalance index), which measures the combined effects of the skewed class distribution and data characteristics on classification difficulty. In particular, it further comprehensively investigates the impact of overlap size, confusion degree, and sub-cluster structure. VoR (value of resolution) and DoC (degree of consistency) are also proposed to evaluate the resolution and interpretability of complexity measures. The experimental results demonstrate that MFII has lower VoR and a stronger correlation with classification metrics, which indicates that MFII can more accurately evaluate the difficulty of multi-class imbalanced classification tasks.

U-shaped association between pan-immune-inflammation value and periodontitis: NHANES 2009-2014.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and periodontitis based on a large national survey. In the present cross-sectional study, data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014, which included a total of 10,300 participants. The categorization of periodontitis was based on the 2017 classification scheme. The PIV was determined using the formula: (neutrophils count × monocyte count × platelet count)/lymphocytes count. Restricted cubic spline and weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the associations between the PIV with periodontitis. The associations between PIV and stage III/IV periodontitis followed a U-shaped pattern (Pnon-linearity<0.001). The risk of developing stage III/IV periodontitis showed an increasing trend among participants in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR]=1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.46), third quartile (OR=1.34; 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), and fourth quartile (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.25-1.73) compared to those in the second quartile. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations of PIV with periodontitis in males (ORQ4vs2=1.72, 95% CI: 1.36-2.18) and individuals with hypertension (ORQ4vs2=1.78, 95% CI: 1.38-2.28) with significant interactions (Pinteraction<0.05). There is a U-shaped association between PIV and stage III/IV periodontitis, which suggests a potential adjunctive treatment strategy for periodontitis. Higher PIV values were found to have a stronger correlation with stage III/IV periodontitis in males and individuals with hypertension. Further prospective trials are needed to confirm the validity of our results. A U-shaped association exists between the pan-immune inflammation value and periodontitis in US adults, suggesting that maintaining a moderate immune inflammation response is crucial for periodontal health.

Investigation and prediction on emissions and performance of CI engine employing binary and ternary blends with Karanja oil, used cooking oil, and Dunaliella salina oil.

Massive consumption of fossil fuels and alarming environmental degradation are motivating researchers to learn about alternative fuels. Straight vegetable oils are an alternative to fossil fuels to meet the standards. Microalgae is also a viable carbon-neutral alternative to depleting conventional fuel sources, a solution to the industrial requirement of organic consumables and an option for a green and sustainable economy for biofuels. In the present study, lipid was extracted from Karanja seeds and Dunaliella salina biomass. These were used to prepare different binary and ternary fuel blends with conventional reference diesel fuel with different proportions along with used cooking oil with their concentrations ranging from 10 to 20% (v/v). The influence of these blends on performance and emissions characteristics in CI engines has delved at varying engine loads from 0 to 100%. The binary blend with Dunaliella salina oil has increased the performance characteristics while decreasing all the major emission parameters compared to reference diesel fuel and shows a significant improvement among binary blends. Ternary blends with Dunaliella salina oil, on the other hand, have improved performance while lowering emission parameters when compared to reference diesel fuel and demonstrate a substantial improvement across ternary blends. For predicting the performance and emission characteristics of binary and ternary blends, an artificial neural network-based model was developed. The optimum blends, OB6 (90% RDF, 10% DO) and OB8 (80% RDF, 10% DO, 10% UCO), improved BSFC by 10.71%, BTE by 14.23%, and reduced BSEC by 12.45% at full load. Emissions were generally reduced, with CO2 decreasing by up to 39.39%. The simulation results demonstrated that the created 4-7-7 model was capable of accurately predicting the performance and emission characteristics of various alternative fuel blends and indicating a stronger correlation between the predicted and observed values, having a high correlation coefficient of 0.9974. Binary and ternary blends with straight vegetable oils improved CI engine performance and pollutants compared to reference diesel fuel, indicating they have the potential to replace conventional fuels for sustainable development.

Estimating highest capacity propulsion performance using backward-directed force during walking evaluation for individuals with acquired brain injury

There are over 5.3 million Americans who face acquired brain injury (ABI)-related disability as well as almost 800,000 who suffer from stroke each year. To improve mobility and quality of life, rehabilitation professionals often focus on walking recovery soon after hospital discharge for ABI. Reduced propulsion capacity (force output of the lower limbs to counteract ground reaction forces) negatively impacts walking ability and complicates recovery during rehabilitation for brain injured people. We describe a method, using backward-directed resistance (BDR) in a robotic-based treadmill device, to allow measurement of maximum walking propulsion force (MWPF) that is not otherwise possible during overground walking assessment. Our objective was to test the construct validity of a maximum walking propulsion force (MWPF) measure that reflects a person’s propulsive strength against applied BDR, while walking on a robotic treadmill-based device for participants with acquired brain injury (ABI). Our study enrolled 14 participants with ABI at an in inpatient rehabilitation in Galveston, TX from 8/1/21 − 4/31/22. The range of weight-adjusted MWPF was 2.6–27.1% body weight (%BW), mean 16.5 ± 8.4%BW, reflecting a wide range of propulsive force capability. The strongest correlation with overground tests was between the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) distance and the MWPF values (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) with moderate correlations between the 10-meter walk tests at comfortable (CWS) and fast speeds (FWS). The Five Times Sit-to-Stand (used as a standard clinical measure of functional lower extremity strength) and MWPF tests were poorly correlated (r = 0.26, p = 0.4). Forward model selection included 6-MWT distance, age, and overground CWS as significant partial predictors of MWPF. We conclude that this novel MWPF measure is a valid representation of maximum propulsive force effort during walking for people post-ABI. Additional research could help determine the impact of interventions designed to increase propulsive force generation during rehabilitation training to improve overground walking performance.

Changes in the correlation between substantia nigra hyperechogenicity area and Parkinson's disease severity at different Hoehn and Yahr stages.

It is debatable whether the area of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SN+) in transcranial sonography (TCS) is related to Parkinson's disease (PD) severity. Iron deposition, which is associated with the formation of SN+, may have different effects on dopamine nerve function as PD progresses. However, little research has explored the association between the SN + area and disease severity of PD in stages. 612 PD patients with sufficient bone window were retrospectively included from a PD database, and disease severity was assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores. Based on the Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) scale, we classified the patients into seven groups (H-Y stage 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5) and then analyzed the correlations between the SN + area and the UPDRS scores separately. Our results indicated a U-shaped relationship between the initial-SN + area and disease severity in PD: In the H-Y stage 1 group, the initial-SN + area was negatively correlated with the UPDRS total score (r = - 0.456, p < 0.001) and UPDRS-III score (r = - 0.497, p < 0.001). No correlation was observed in the groups of H-Y stages 1.5, 2, and 2.5. In the groups of H-Y stage ≥ 3, the initial-SN + area was positively correlated with the UPDRS total score and UPDRS-III score, with strongest correlation in the H-Y stage 5 group (all p values < 0.05). Moreover, the larger SN + area and average SN + area showed a similar evolutionary trend of correlation with UPDRS total score and UPDRS-III score. Our study indicated a U-shaped correlation between the SN + area with the UPDRS total score and UPDRS-III score as H-Y stage progressed. The evolution of the correlation may reflect the evolution of underlying pathological mechanisms related to iron deposition in the substantia nigra.

Fatigue and related variables in bladder cancer treatment – Longitudinal pilot study

Fatigue is a significant problem in patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy. This pilot study evaluated fatigue and related variables during a treatment period. Four measurements were made, the first 1 month after the cystectomy, and the next three at an interval of about 3 months each (at 4 months, 7 months, and 10 months after the surgery). In addition to the author's questionnaire (sociodemographic variables and a question about the impact of the disease on the patient's life), the FACIT-F Fatigue (to measure fatigue), NCCN/FACT FBISI-18, version 2 (symptoms, general condition of the patient), HADS (depression, anxiety, and irritability) measures were used. In this study, 21 patients participated in all four measurement periods. The fatigue intensity increased significantly between the first and second measurements and gradually decreased between the third and fourth measurements.As the severity of fatigue increases, can be observed an increase in the sense of the impact of the disease on the patient's life in all except the first measurement.The study revealed statistically significant correlations between fatigue and experiencing symptoms of cancer and treatment at each stage of the study, with the strongest correlations in the second and fourth measurements regarding symptoms of cancer and a stronger correlation in the second compared to the first measurement regarding side effects. At each stage of measurement, the experience of dizziness, lack of appetite, feeling of being sick, and feeling of annoyance from treatment side effects were statistically significantly correlated with fatigue. The intensity of fatigue correlated with the feeling of experiencing difficulties in meeting the needs of the family due to the physical condition in the first measurement (Rho = 0.76), a sense of weakness (Rho = 0.92) and sleepiness (Rho = 0.72) in the second measurement, pain in the third (Rho = 0.77). The greatest number of correlates of fatigue were described in the fourth measurement (all symptoms of cancer and side effects except losing weight).Stress, anxiety, depression and irritability were correlated with fatigue at each of the stages of research except the first one (without differences between the correlation coefficients in the second, third and fourth measurements). Significantly lower levels of fatigue characterised patients who survived over 6 months after the end of the study compared to the first three measurements.

Associations between sleep disorders and clinical outcomes of patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by a range of symptoms, including sleep disturbances. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders and the associations between sleep disorders and clinical outcomes in PBC. We enrolled 177 patients with PBC and 165 healthy controls (age- and sex-matched). Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Demographic and clinical data were collected from comprehensive clinical records to investigate whether sleep disorder was correlated with disease severity, therapeutic response and liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with PBC (50.8%) was significantly higher than healthy controls (18.2%). Patients with sleep disorders presented with higher levels of laboratory parameters including globulin (GLO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), as well as higher ratio of poor therapeutic response and liver cirrhosis (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between global PSQI score and AST, ALP, GGT, TBIL, DBIL and IgM in patients with PBC. Patients with poor therapeutic response and liver cirrhosis in PBC had a higher proportion of sleep disorders and more chaotic sleep patterns, whereas a stronger correlation between sleep quality and laboratory parameters was found in patients with liver cirrhosis. Sleep disorders were prevalent and manifested as adverse effects in PBC. Assessment of sleep quality and intervention were essential to the overall clinical management of patients with PBC.