Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:Bivariate analysis of CD133 and nuclear beta-catenin was reported to be associated with decreased survival of patients due to ominous course of IIA colonic adenocarcinomas with coexpression of these both markers [24].
Category: