Balanced Set Research Articles

Effect of mixed protein supplementation on golf performance and muscle function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

As a relatively novel approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health, mixed protein supplementation has shown similar responses to whey protein. However, no previous studies have examined its impact on golf swing performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of mixed protein supplementation on the swing performance and muscle strength of casual golfers. Sixty participants with a handicap of less than 20 were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. The participants were divided into two groups: a mixed protein group (MG, n = 30), and a placebo control group (CG, n = 30). They were instructed to ingest either a supplement containing casein calcium, whey protein, and isolated pea protein, or a placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttests consisted of anthropometric measurements, muscle strength (isokinetic knee and trunk strength, and handgrip strength), 2-minute push-ups, balance, and golf swing performance using a driver and 7-iron. After the 8-week supplementation period, ANCOVA, using baseline values as covariates, revealed significant differences for driver distance (p = .004) and driver ball speed (p < .001). MG significantly increased driver distance by 5.17 ± 12.8 m (p = .046), driver ball speed by 1.36 ± 2.87 m/s (p = .021). Additionally, significantly improvements were observed in hand grip strength (+2.12 ± 3.47 kg, p = .004), two-minute push-ups (+4.89 ± 8.14 reps, p = .004), and balance score (-0.37 ± 0.69 min, p = .009). No significant differences were observed in body composition parameters (p > .05). The intake of a mixed protein containing both animal and plant proteins had positive effects on golf performance and muscle function. Therefore, mixed proteins may represent a safe and effective approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health in golf players.

Generalized Parametric Contrastive Learning.

In this paper, we propose the Generalized Parametric Contrastive Learning (GPaCo/PaCo) which works well on both imbalanced and balanced data. Based on theoretical analysis, we observe supervised contrastive loss tends to bias on high-frequency classes and thus increases the difficulty of imbalanced learning. We introduce a set of parametric class-wise learnable centers to rebalance from an optimization perspective. Further, we analyze our GPaCo/PaCo loss under a balanced setting. Our analysis demonstrates that GPaCo/PaCo can adaptively enhance the intensity of pushing samples of the same class close as more samples are pulled together with their corresponding centers and benefit hard example learning. Experiments on long-tailed benchmarks manifest the new state-of-the-art for long-tailed recognition. On full ImageNet, models from CNNs to vision transformers trained with GPaCo loss show better generalization performance and stronger robustness compared with MAE models. Moreover, GPaCo can be applied to semantic segmentation task and obvious improvements are observed on 4 most popular benchmarks.

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Social Infrastructure During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating the Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Pandemic Dynamics in Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected mental and physical well-being, leading to significant changes in daily habits and preferences. Given that pandemics require the tear down of most social ties and interactions to limit their inevitable spread, this study delved into the extent to which social infrastructures have been affected, focusing on behavioral shifts in essential services such as retail, recreation, groceries, pharmacies, public transport, parks and open spaces, workplaces, and residential areas. Notably, while most social infrastructures saw a decline in public usage, parks and open spaces experienced increased visitation despite public health measures aimed at minimizing social interactions. This striking increase in park and open space visitations has captured the interest of this study to observe the impact it had on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the underlying causes behind this trend. Since Europe was heavily affected by the pandemic, this study focused specifically on European countries over a two-year period (March 2020 to March 2022), covering the severe period of the pandemic. While parks and open spaces initially showed no direct influence on the pandemic trajectory, when closely observing visitation trends, both increases and declines, opposing insights were revealed. This study found that attempts to reduce park and open space visitation were significantly unsuccessful, leading to substantial increases in both the magnitude and duration of visits once restrictions were eased. This surge in park and open space attendance corresponded to notable spikes in new infections during periods of peak visitation. Therefore, urban planning and public health authorities must prioritize safely accommodating the increased park and open space demand while effectively minimizing virus transmission. This involves considering park sizes and proximity, along with implementing a balanced set of crucial public health strategies to support community well-being and resilience.

Relationship between oxidative balance score and post-stroke depression: insights from the NHANES 2005–2018 cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) represents an integrated measure of oxidative-reductive homeostasis. Despite the established role of oxidative stress in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD), the association between OBS and PSD in the general population remains unclear. This study aims to explore this relationship using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005–2018.MethodsThe OBS was calculated using validated methods that incorporate dietary and lifestyle factors, whereas PSD status was determined using self-reported data and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the associations of total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS with PSD prevalence, adjusting for potential confounders. Dose–response relationships were further assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS).ResultsAmong the 26,668 participants included in the analysis, 201 were diagnosed with PSD. After adjusting for confounding variables, higher total OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were each significantly associated with reduced odds of PSD. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.31 (95% CI: 0.15–0.67) for total OBS, 0.45 (0.27–0.73) for dietary OBS, and 0.28 (0.13–0.60) for lifestyle OBS. RCS analyses indicated a linear dose–response relationship for all three OBS categories with PSD risk. In sex-stratified analyses, significant inverse associations were observed between all OBS categories and PSD in females, whereas only lifestyle OBS was significantly associated with PSD in males.ConclusionHigher OBS was associated with reduced odds of PSD, with a particularly pronounced effect in females. These findings suggest that adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle may mitigate PSD risk.

The Effect of Exercise on Improving Respiratory Function and Physical Activity in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has been associated with various physical and psychological effects. The role of exercise in strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation has already been proven. Moderate levels of exercise can enhance overall immunity. Exercise can improve intracellular metabolism and increase cell defense activity by improving inflammatory cytokines, immature B cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, exercise is known as a defense strategy against respiratory infections. Here the role of exercise in improving respiratory function and physical activity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was evaluated. Methods: The present study was performed as a randomized clinical trial on 90 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Both groups received all routine treatments (medication, invasive or non-invasive ventilation, physiotherapy). Then, in the experimental group, standard exercises were provided to improve the patients’ physical condition and exercise capacity. After two weeks and one month later, all indices were measured again in two groups. Results: The results of the present study showed that exercise causes significant changes in indicators such as 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (p=0.001), balance score (p=0.02), and Sf1 score (p=0.05) in two time periods before and after rehabilitation in two groups. Conclusion: Performing standard and defined exercise exercises for patients with the new coronavirus improves the physical activity and respiratory function of patients.

Strategic Management Practices and Climate Change Mitigation of Total Energies Kenya Limited

Climate change is a major challenge to humanity’s existence as it leads to potential shift of weather patterns accelerating the vulnerability of the ecosystems. Realization of Climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives requires effective strategic management practices. Successful strategic management practices guarantee effective reduction of climate change impact and improved environmental sustainability. Failure to incorporate strategic management in the company’s short and long-term goals may result in lack of vision and failure to meet set environmental sustainability objectives within the set timelines. The aim of this study was to determine how strategic management practices has influenced the climate change mitigation within the oil sector in Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories; Triple Bottom Line Theory, Resource Based View Theory, Strategic Leadership Theory and Balanced Score Card Model. Descriptive research design was used for this study with a target populations of 360 employees of TEMK. Proportionate random sampling design was applied with 20% target sample size. Structured questionnaires with close ended question questions was employed as data collection instruments. Cronbach’s alpha measure was used to gauge the reliability of the questionnaire with result above 0.7 considered acceptable. The collected data was analyzed through coding of the questionnaire in SPSS. Multicollinearity test was done to show the occurrence of relationships among two or three independent variables. Variance Inflation (VIF) score was used for multicollinearity test and Normality test was done to ascertain the normality of error terms. A multiple regression equation was developed to show the connection between dependent and independent variables. Further analysis was done through percentages, means, standards deviations, regression and correlations. The analyzed data was presented through graphs, bar charts, histograms, pie charts and tables for easy and quick understanding. The study found out that climate financing, technological investments and climate change policies implementation have significant positive impact on the mitigation of climate change within the oil sector. The study concludes that factors such as climate financing, technological investments and climate change policies implementation have positive impact on the mitigation of climate change in the oil sector in Kenya. The study recommends that, in order to enhance climate financing, the government should establish enabling economic conditions through favorable tax regimes on projects related to climate change mitigation. Also, the study recommends that the oil sector should lobby for green financing by local banks to support investments on climate change. Further, the study recommends that in order to exploit the use of technological investments, the oil sector should enhance investment in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

Association of oxidative balance score with blood pressure, all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among hypertensive patients: a prospective study

Objective: The oxidative balance score (OBS) has emerged as a novel marker for assessing oxidative stress status. This study aimed to investigate the association of OBS with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), all-cause, and cardiovascular disease mortality in hypertensive patients. Methods: We conducted an analysis of data from 7602 hypertensive patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Multiple linear regression, Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, restricted cubic spline, and subgroup analysis were used to examine the association between OBS and SBP, DBP, estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), and mortality risk. Results: The results showed that individuals in the highest OBS quartile (27 ≤ OBS ≤ 40) had a significant 2.41 mmHg reduction in SBP compared to the lowest quartile (5 ≤ OBS ≤ 15) (P trend &lt; 0.001). Compared to the lowest quartile, individuals in the highest OBS quartile had a 29% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 44% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality (P trend &lt; 0.001). This inverse association persisted irrespective of antihypertensive medication use. OBS is inversely associated with SBP, all-cause, and cardiovascular disease mortality in hypertensive patients. Conclusion: This finding provides new evidence and suggestions for those with poor blood pressure control and low OBS (&lt;15) to adjust their diet and lifestyle reasonably.

The associations between oxidative balance score and serum Klotho level in the U.S. population aged 40–79 years

The relationship between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and the serum Klotho level has yet to be defined. We sought to investigate the potential relationship between OBS and the serum Klotho level in the U.S. population aged 40–79 years. This study included 8,145 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) database spanning from 2007 to 2016. The OBS consisted of the dietary OBS and the lifestyle OBS, based on 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle components. Weighted multiple linear regressions were performed to explore the association between OBS and serum Klotho level. Furthermore, nonlinear relationships were analyzed through the application of restricted cubic splines (RCS). In the multivariate linear regression model with adjustment for such as demographics, economic income and dietary intake, a higher OBS was associated with a higher serum Klotho, with the beta estimate and 95%CI of 2.85 (1.03–4.68, p < 0.01). Compared with the lowest tertile group, the highest group was associated with a higher Klotho level (30.35, 3.43–57.28, p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS were similarly associated with higher Klotho level (beta (95%CI): 1.27 (0.79–3.32); 14.23 (9.53–18.92), respectively). The RCS exhibited a linear dose-response association between OBS, dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS with serum Klotho concentration (Pnon−linearity>0.05). The association between OBS and serum Klotho level was consistent across age, sex, education, marital status, energy intake and poverty income ratio (PIR) (Pinteraction>0.05). The study reported significant association between OBS and klotho, indicating that adherence to antioxidant behaviors may be linked to slower aging and better health.

Role of Perceived Social Support in Facilitating Work Life Balance among Female Professionals

The current research intends is to explore the predictive liaison concerning perceived social support and work-family balance in working females. After reviewing the literature, it remained hypothesized that, 1) Work-family balance would be significantly predicted by perceived social support in working females.; 2) There would be significant differences in the scores of work family balance and perceived social support in married and unmarried working females; and 3) There would be significant differences in the scores of work-family balance and perceived social support in working females living in nuclear and joint family systems. The sample comprised of 288 participants, which includes doctors, teachers, and registered nurses, with age ranges between 21-40 years. The sample was recruited from various hospitals and educational institutions of Hazara division, Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa, Pakistan, by using a purposive sampling technique. Participants were assessed by using the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS,(Zimet et al., 1990) and Work-Family Balance Scale (WFBS, (Zhang et al., 2012)followed by the administration of demographic information form. SPSS; V-25 is used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographic information, whereas, regression analysis and t-test were used to make inferences regarding investigation of hypotheses. Results showed significant predictive association between perceived social support and work-family balance [r=.130 ; R2=.017, F= (4.93); p&lt;.05; work-family enrichment .143, p&lt;.05 &amp; work-family conflict .106, p&gt;.05). The results of the current study concludes that perceived social support helps in strengthening work family balance, enhancing the work-family enrichment and reducing work-family conflict among female employees.

Association between oxidative balance score and cardiovascular diseases: mediating analysis of methylmalonic acid based on the NHANES database.

To explore the association between oxidative balance score (OBS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with hypertension, and further clarify the mediating role of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the relationship between OBS and CVD risk. We included 4,137 participants with hypertension from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohort. The study endpoint was the incidence of CVD in patients with hypertension. OBS was calculated based on 16 dietary and 4 lifestyle components. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were adopted to assess the associations between OBS and CVD risk, OBS and MMA levels, and MMA levels and CVD risk. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. We used distribution-of-product method to test for mediation effect, with a presence of mediation indicated by 95% CI that does not include 0 for the distribution-of-product method and 95% CI that does not include 1 for the indirect effect. Totally 812 developed CVD. In weighted multivariable logistic regression models, lower OBS category (OBS < 15.72) was associated with increased odds of CVD (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.17-2.01) and MMA levels (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.65), respectively, compared with higher OBS category as reference. A positive relationship between higher MMA levels (≥154.90 nmol/L) and CVD risk was observed (OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.07-1.68). Importantly, according to the distribution-of-product test, a potential mediating effect of MMA on the relationship between OBS and CVD was found (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.19), with a 95% CI for distribution-of-product of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01-0.17). The mediated proportion was 17.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed a mediating effect of MMA in individuals with dyslipidemia, with a mediated proportion of 14.9%. MMA plays a critical mediating role in the pathway between OBS and CVD risk.

A retrospective analysis of a clinician-initiated high-intensity locomotor training implementation project in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy's Intensity Matters campaign recommends the implementation of high-intensity locomotor training for all patients with neurologic dysfunction with goals to improve walking. Retrospectively determine the effectiveness of a clinician-initiated implementation project on the adoption, reach, and fidelity of high-intensity locomotor training for patients with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation and, determine whether the project led to changes in patient outcomes. Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 1 year before and after the project. Patients admitted with a stroke diagnosis were included. Demographic information, the number of high-intensity sessions, the percentage of time spent in the target heart rate zone, standardized assessment scores for motor function, functional mobility, balance, gait speed and endurance, and discharge destination were extracted for descriptive and linear mixed model analysis. Clinician reach was 75%, and adoption of high-intensity training varied between clinicians from 47.1% and 83.3%. Of eligible patients, 55% received the target intervention at least once, reflecting the patient reach. Implementation fidelity was 18.84%. Linear mixed effects modeling revealed a statistically significant effect of time (p < .001) but not group allocation or group × time interaction. Although statistically significant differences in patient outcomes compared to pre-implementation were not found, results highlight the limitations associated with adopting high-intensity locomotor training for patients post-stroke in this setting .It remains unclear whether the implementation fidelity achieved was sufficient to impact patient outcomes. Further research is needed to establish fidelity targets and identify barriers to successful implementation projects by clinicians.

Association between the oxidative balance score with metabolic syndrome traits in US adults

ObjectiveTo explore the association between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), which represents the balance of multiple oxidative stress-related dietary and lifestyle exposures, and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study design was adopted and 16,850 participants in NHANES database were included in the statistics analysis stage. The OBS was constructed by combining information from 20 a priori selected pro- and antioxidant factors. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to estimate the association between OBS and MetS.ResultsParticipants in the highest OBS quartile, indicating low oxidative stress (OS) levels, exhibited a significantly lower risk of MetS (odds Ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence Interval [CI]: 0.47–0.64) compared to the lowest quartile. Specifically, higher OBS was inversely associated with abdominal obesity (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54–0.69), hypertension (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58–0.83), elevated triglycerides (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.82), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.70) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62–0.88). The observed inverse association between OBS and hypertension or FBG levels appeared to primarily influenced by BMI. The association between dietary OBS intervals and elevated FBG levels was not statistically significant in men, whereas the risk was lower by 25% in women.ConclusionsA higher OBS, representing a balance of multiple oxidative stress-related dietary and lifestyle exposures, is associated with a lower risk of MetS. Therefore, adhering to an antioxidant diet and lifestyle may help prevent the occurrence of metabolic disorders.

Balanced Training Sets Improve Deep Learning-Based Prediction of CRISPR sgRNA Activity.

CRISPR-Cas systems have transformed the field of synthetic biology by providing a versatile method for genome editing. The efficiency of CRISPR systems is largely dependent on the sequence of the constituent sgRNA, necessitating the development of computational methods for designing active sgRNAs. While deep learning-based models have shown promise in predicting sgRNA activity, the accuracy of prediction is primarily governed by the data set used in model training. Here, we trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) model and a large language model (LLM) on balanced and imbalanced data sets generated from CRISPR-Cas12a screening data for the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and evaluated their ability to predict high- and low-activity sgRNAs. We further tested whether prediction performance can be improved by training on imbalanced data sets augmented with synthetic sgRNAs. Lastly, we demonstrated that adding synthetic sgRNAs to inherently imbalanced CRISPR-Cas9 data sets from Y. lipolytica and Komagataella phaffii leads to improved performance in predicting sgRNA activity, thus underscoring the importance of employing balanced training sets for accurate sgRNA activity prediction.

Association of oxidative balance score with hyperuricemia and gout: NHANES 2009-2018.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hyperuricemia/gout. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and hyperuricemia/gout. The study utilized complete data from adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2009 to 2018. OBS, composed of scores for 20 dietary and lifestyle factors, served as the exposure variable. Multivariable linear regression model was applied to evaluate the association between OBS and uric acid (UA). Multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were conducted to explore the relationship between OBS and hyperuricemia/gout. A total of 18,998 participants were included. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartiles of OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were negatively correlated with UA (β=-0.31 (-0.36,-0.25), β=-0.18 (-0.24,-0.12), and β=-0.64 (-0.69,-0.59), respectively) and hyperuricemia (OR=0.63 (0.55,0.71), OR=0.76 (0.67,0.86), OR=0.37 (0.33,0.42), respectively). Moreover, the highest quartiles of OBS and lifestyle OBS exhibited a negative correlation with gout (OR=0.72(0.58,0.91), OR=0.54 (0.43,0.67), respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in the negative association between OBS and hyperuricemia concerning hypertension (p for interaction =0.002) and diabetes (p for interaction= 0.004), while gender-related disparities were observed in the negative association between OBS and gout (p for interaction =0.008). RCS analysis demonstrated a linear negative association between hyperuricemia and OBS (p for non-linearity >0.05), while gout exhibited a non-linear negative association (p for non-linearity<0.05). The study found that a higher OBS was associated with a decreased risk of developing hyperuricemia/gout, underscoring its potential in the prevention and management of these conditions.

Television viewing, oxidative stress, and kidney stone risk in males: a cross-sectional study with mediation analysis of the NHANES data (2011-2018 years).

To explore the association between television viewing time (TV-hours) and dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS) with the kidney stone risk in males. We analyzed age, poverty to income ratio, race, education, hypertension, diabetes, smoke, alcohol use, triglycerides, TV-hours, and DOBS data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was uesd to evaluate the associations between TV-hours, lifestyle OBS (LOBS), DOBS, Total OBS (TOBS), and the risk of kidney stones. Interaction terms between subgroup measures were used to test for effect modification across subgroups. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the mediating effect of DOBS on the association between TV-hours and kidney stones. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to describe dose-response relationships between TV-hours and risk of kidney stones as well. The study included 4167 males aged 20 and older, including 417 patients with kidney stones. The results showed that five or more TV-hours a day was associated with a higher risk of kidney stones [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, (95% CI: 1.04-1.29), p = 0.01], and higher DOBS level was associated with a lower risk of kidney stones [OR = 0.97, (95% CI: 0.95-0.99), p = 0.004]. This association was remarkably consistent across TV-hours subgroups by age, race, alcohol use, hypertension and diabetes. According to the mediation analysis results, prolonged TV-hours is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones, this association is not mediated by DOBS. In other words, the impact of TV-hours on kidney stones risk is mainly a direct effect. When TV-hours is more than 2hours, the odds ratio began to be greater than 1. Overall, TV-hours was positively associated with kidney stones in males, whereas low DOBS was associated with kidney stones in males. This study suggests that an antioxidant diet and reduced television viewing time may be effective measures to prevent kidney stones in males.

Indicators for monitoring and evaluating research-for-development: A critical review of a system in use

Research-for-development (R4D) refers to research activities specifically designed to address critical social, environmental, and economic challenges and improve human well-being. It is essential to have well-designed indicators to monitor and evaluate progress, guide decision-making, and support learning and improvement. This paper reviews and compares two sets of indicators in use by a large international research consortium: i) ad hoc indicators developed by and for individual (non-pooled) projects, and ii) a standard set of indicators designed as part of a common results framework for a new portfolio of research initiatives. We assess both sets of indicators against the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) criteria, identify common errors in indicator formulation, compare the thematic coverage of the two sets of indicators, and derive lessons for improved indicator formulation. A large proportion of the non-pooled indicators fail to meet the SMART criteria. The indicators in the standard set are stronger, but with scope for improvement, especially in terms of relationship to the result of interest, specification of the indicator, measurability, standardization of outcome indicators, and impact indicators. We recommend having a balanced set of indicators of key outputs, outcomes, and impacts, based on clear and well-defined result statements.

The effect of covert visual attention on pupil size during perceptual fading

Pupil size is modulated by various cognitive factors such as attention, working memory, mental imagery, and subjective perception. Previous studies examining cognitive effects on pupil size mainly focused on inducing or enhancing a subjective experience of brightness or darkness (for example by asking participants to attend to/memorize a bright or dark stimulus), and then showing that this affects pupil size. Surprisingly, the inverse has never been done; that is, it is still unknown what happens when a subjective experience of brightness or darkness is eliminated or strongly reduced even though bright or dark stimuli are physically present. Here, we aim to answer this question by using perceptual fading, a phenomenon where a visual stimulus gradually fades from visual awareness despite its continuous presentation. The study contains two blocks: Fading and Non-Fading. In the Fading block, participants were presented with black and white patches with a fuzzy outline that were presented at the same location throughout the block, thus inducing strong perceptual fading. In contrast, in the Non-Fading block, the patches switched sides on each trial, thus preventing perceptual fading. Participants covertly attended to one of the two patches, indicated by a cue, and reported the offset of one of a set of circles that are displayed on top. We hypothesized that pupil size will be modulated by covert visual attention in the Non-Fading block, but that this effect will not (or to a lesser extent) arise in the Fading block. We found that covert visual attention to bright/dark does modulate pupil size even during perceptual fading (Fading block), but to a lesser extent than when the perceptual experience of brightness/darkness is preserved (Non-Fading block). This implies that pupil size is always modulated by covert attention, but that the effect decreases as subjective experience of brightness or darkness decreases. In broader terms, this suggests that cognitive modulations of pupil size reflect a mixture of high-level and lower-level visual processing.

The influence of healthy eating index on cognitive function in older adults: chain mediation by psychological balance and depressive symptoms

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the relationships between the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI), psychological balance, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in the rural older population. Additionally, it examines the impact of CHEI on cognitive function and the potential chain mediating roles of psychological balance and depressive symptoms.MethodsThe study utilized data from 2,552 rural older adults aged 65 and above, drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). The CHEI was self-reported, with scores ranging from 0 to 50, representing adherence to healthy eating habits. Psychological balance was assessed using status and personality-emotion characteristics recorded in the database, with scores ranging from 6 to 30. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with scores ranging from 0 to 30; higher scores indicated better cognitive function. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10), with scores ranging from 0 to 30, where higher scores reflected more severe depressive symptoms.ResultsThe median CHEI score was 40.0 (IQR: 34.0–45.0), reflecting moderate adherence to healthy dietary practices. The median Psychological Balance score was 19.0 (IQR: 17.0–21.0), and the median Depressive Symptoms score was 13.0 (IQR: 10.0–15.0), indicating mild depressive symptoms among participants. Additionally, the median Cognitive Function score was 28.0 (IQR: 27.0–29.0), suggesting relatively stable cognitive abilities within the sample. Correlational analysis revealed the following: (1) Depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with both cognitive function (rs = -0.100, p < 0.001) and CHEI (rs = -0.206, p < 0.001), as well as with psychological balance (rs = -0.142, p < 0.001). (2) CHEI was positively correlated with both cognitive function (rs = 0.144, p < 0.001) and psychological balance (rs = 0.131, p < 0.001). (3) Cognitive function was also positively correlated with psychological balance (rs = 0.096, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrated that both psychological balance and depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between CHEI and cognitive function, forming a chain-mediating effect.ConclusionThe Chinese Healthy Eating Index was found to have a direct positive impact on cognitive function in rural older adults. Furthermore, it exerted an indirect effect through the independent and chain-mediating roles of psychological balance and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that dietary adherence can influence cognitive health not only directly but also by improving psychological well-being and reducing depressive symptoms.

Taiwanese reference values for the Short Physical Performance Battery in community-dwelling older adults

ObjectivesTo establish reference values for SPPB score as well as test performances among Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults. MethodsParticipants included 847 older adults. The total scores and three subtest scores for the SPPB and the registered time to complete the walk and five-repetition sit-to-stand (STS) tests were determined and compared between sex and age (65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years) groups. ResultsThe mean SPPB total score was 10.9 in women and 10.5 in men. SPPB scores did not differ by sex, regardless of age group. However, the walk test (p = .030) and STS test (p = .008) timings were longer for men than for women in the 65–74-year-old group. The ≥85-year-old men achieved a lower balance score than did the 65–74-year-old men (p = .027). ConclusionsPopulation-specific SPPB reference values contribute to assessments of physical function and facilitate cross-cultural comparisons of physical performance.