Regression Coefficient Beta Research Articles

Epigenome-wide association study of plasma lipids in West Africans: the RODAM study.

DNA-methylation has been associated with plasma lipid concentration in populations of diverse ethnic backgrounds, but epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in West-Africans are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify DNA-methylation loci associated with plasma lipids in Ghanaians. We conducted an EWAS using Illumina 450k DNA-methylation array profiles of extracted DNA from 663 Ghanaian participants. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were examined for association with plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and technical covariates. Findings were replicated in independent cohorts of different ethnicities. We identified one significantly associated DMP with triglycerides (cg19693031 annotated to TXNIP, regression coefficient beta-0.26, false discovery rate adjusted p-value 0.001), which replicated in-silico in South African Batswana, African American, and European populations. From the top five DMPs with the lowest nominal p-values, two additional DMPs for triglycerides (CPT1A, ABCG1), two DMPs for LDL-cholesterol (EPSTI1, cg13781819), and one for TC (TXNIP) replicated. With the exception of EPSTI1, these loci are involved in lipid transport/metabolism or are known GWAS-associated loci. The top 5 DMPs per lipid trait explained 9.5% in the variance of TC, 8.3% in LDL-cholesterol, 6.1% in HDL-cholesterol, and 11.0% in triglycerides. The top DMPs identified in this study are in loci that play a role in lipid metabolism across populations, including West-Africans. Future studies including larger sample size, longitudinal study design and translational research is needed to increase our understanding on the epigenetic regulation of lipid metabolism among West-African populations. European Commission under the Framework Programme (grant number: 278901).

Citra Merek, Kualitas Produk, Persepsi Harga, dan Promosi terhadap Keputusan Pembelian

This study aims to analyze the influence of brand image, product quality, price perception, promotion on the purchase decision of Xiaomi smartphones in the city of Semarang. This research method is descriptive qualitative by obtaining primary data obtained directly from the source by using a questionnaire. The population of this study is consumers who have made purchasing decisions for Xiaomi smartphones in the city of Semarang. In this research using a purposive sampling method with a sample used in this study as many as 100 respondents. Data analysis used validity test, reliability test, multiple linear regression analysis test, F test, coefficient of determination test (R²) and t test (hypothesis), then by testing the data in this study using SPSS version 22. The results showed, a) the brand image variable is obtained from the regression coefficient (beta) of 0.297 with a significant level of 0.04 which means less than 0.05; b) the product quality variable is obtained from the regression coefficient (beta) of 0.255 with a significant level of 0.01 which means less than 0.05; c) the price perception variable is obtained from the regression coefficient (beta) of 0.283 with a significant level of 0.02 which means less than 0.05. In conclusion, brand image, product quality, price perception, and promotion found that these variables have apositive and significant effect on the decision to purchase a Xiaomi smartphone in the city of Semarang.
 Keywords: Brand Image, Product Quality, Perceived Price, Promotion

The association between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, circulating leukocytes, and low-grade inflammation: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Experimental studies have linked triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) to inflammation, but the extent of this phenomenon in vivo has not been completely elucidated. We investigated the association between TRL subparticles and inflammatory markers (circulating leukocytes, plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and GlycA) in the general population. This was a cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). TRLs (number of particles per unit volume) and GlycA were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The association between TRLs and inflammatory markers was determined by multiple linear regression models adjusted for demographic data, metabolic conditions, and lifestyle factors. Standardized regression coefficients (beta) with 95% confidence intervals are reported. The study population comprised 4,001 individuals (54% females, age 50±9 years). TRLs, especially medium and large subparticles, were associated with GlycA (beta 0.202 [0.168, 0.235], p<0.001 for total TRLs). There was no association between TRLs and hs-CRP (beta 0.022 [-0.011, 0.056], p=0.190). Medium, large, and very large TRLs were associated with leukocytes, with stronger connections with neutrophils and lymphocytes than monocytes. When TRL subclasses were analyzed as the proportion of the total pool of TRL particles, medium and large TRLs were positively related to leukocytes and GlycA, whereas smaller particles were inversely associated. There are different patterns of association between TRL subparticles and inflammatory markers. The findings support the hypothesis that TRLs (especially medium and larger subparticles) may induce a low-grade inflammatory environment that involves leukocyte activation and is captured by GlycA, but not hs-CRP.

Association of Unmet Social Needs With Level of Capability in People With Persistent Knee Pain.

Musculoskeletal providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of social factors and their association with health outcomes as they aim to develop more comprehensive models of care delivery. Such factors may account for some of the unexplained variation between pathophysiology and level of pain intensity and incapability experienced by people with common conditions, such as persistent nontraumatic knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis (OA). Although the association of one's social position (for example, income, employment, or education) with levels of pain and capability are often assessed in OA research, the relationship between aspects of social context (or unmet social needs) and such symptomatic and functional outcomes in persistent knee pain are less clear. (1) Are unmet social needs associated with the level of capability in patients experiencing persistently painful nontraumatic knee conditions, accounting for sociodemographic factors? (2) Do unmet health-related social needs correlate with self-reported quality of life? We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study between January 2021 and August 2021 at a university academic medical center providing comprehensive care for patients with persistent lower extremity joint pain secondary to nontraumatic conditions such as age-related knee OA. A final 125 patients were included (mean age 62 ± 10 years, 65% [81 of 125] women, 47% [59 of 125] identifying as White race, 36% [45 of 125] as Hispanic or Latino, and 48% [60 of 125] with safety-net insurance or Medicaid). We measured patient-reported outcomes of knee capability (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement), quality of life (Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System [PROMIS] Global Physical Health and PROMIS Global Mental Health), and unmet social needs (Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Survey, accounting for insufficiencies related to housing, food, transportation, utilities, and interpersonal violence), as well as demographic factors. After controlling for demographic factors such as insurance status, education attained, and household income, we found that reduced knee-specific capability was moderately associated with experiencing unmet social needs (including food insecurity, housing instability, transportation needs, utility needs, or interpersonal safety) (standardized beta regression coefficient [β] = -4.8 [95% confidence interval -7.9 to -1.7]; p = 0.002 and substantially associated with unemployment (β = -13 [95% CI -23 to -3.8]; p = 0.006); better knee-specific capability was substantially associated with having Medicare insurance (β = 12 [95% CI 0.78 to 23]; p = 0.04). After accounting for factors such as insurance status, education attained, and household income, we found that older age was associated with better general mental health (β = 0.20 [95% CI 0.0031 to 0.39]; p = 0.047) and with better physical health (β = 0.004 [95% CI 0.0001 to 0.008]; p = 0.04), but effect sizes were small to negligible, respectively. There is an association of unmet social needs with level of capability and unemployment in patients with persistent nontraumatic knee pain. This finding signals a need for comprehensive care delivery for patients with persistent knee pain that screens for and responds to potentially modifiable social risk factors, including those based on one's social circumstances and context, to achieve better outcomes. Level II, prognostic study.

The Influence of Employee Commitment, Organizational Culture and Employee Spirit on Employee Performance MAXI Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian in New Normal Living

This study aims to determine the effect of employee commitment, organizational culture and the spirit on employee performance at Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian. Questionnaires are distributed to 94 respondents who are all members of the population. This study uses regression analysis techniques with hypothesis testing using T test and F test. The results of the T test shows that employee commitment has a positive and significant effect on employee performance at Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian. This is proof by the results of the analysis showing the value of the regression coefficient X1(b1) tcount = 4.694 &gt; ttable (0.05:89) = 1.66 and sig t = 0.002 (p &lt; 0.05). Organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on employee performance at Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian. This is proof by the results of the analysis showing the value of the regression coefficient X2(b2) tcount = 9.984 &gt; ttable (0.05:89) = 1.66 and sig t = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). Morale has a positive and significant effect on the performance of Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian employees. This is proof by the results of the analysis showing the value of the regression coefficient X3(b3) tcount = 11.987 &gt; ttable (0.05:89) = 1.66 and sig t = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). Employee commitment, organizational culture and their morale have a positive and significant impact on the performance of Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian employees. This is proof by the results of the analysis showing the regression coefficient value Fcount = 180,487 &gt; Ftable (0.05:2:89) = 3.10 and sig F = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). The work spirit has variable on greatly influences the performance of Maxi Hotel Restaurant and Spa Legian employees with the largest Beta regression coefficient among other independent variables, namely 0.540, organizational culture variable with a value of 0.477 and employee commitment variable with a value of 0.320. Keywords: Employee Commitment, Organizational Culture, Work Spirit Employeeperformance

The Effect Of Intensification of Rainfed Paddy Rice on the Production of Rainfed Paddy Rice in Martapura Sub-District, East OKU Regency

This study aims to analyze the effect of the intensification of rainfed lowland rice on rainfed lowland rice production in Martapura Sub-District, East OKU Regency. The type of research used in this study is a quantitative descriptive method. The data analysis used in this study is multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the rainfed lowland rice intensification program in Martapura Sub-District, East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency affected lowland rice production both partially and simultaneously. Variables use of high-yielding seeds (X1), use of dolomite (X2), use of urea fertilizer (X3), use of NPK fertilizer (X4), use of liquid organic fertilizer (X5), use of pesticides (X6) and labor (X7) have a positive effect and significant effect on lowland rice production in Martapura District, East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. The variable that has the most influence on lowland rice production in Martapura Sub-District, East Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, is the use of superior seeds with a standard value of the partial regression coefficient (beta coefficient) of 3.099.

Vitamin D Status Over Time and Cognitive Function in Norwegian Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort of the HUNT Study

BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence regarding the association between vitamin D status and cognitive function in population studies. The use of one-time vitamin D measurement in cognitive health studies may not reflect long-term vitamin D status in the body.ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the relationship of vitamin D status measured over time with the risk of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) in Norwegian older adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingRegional, Trøndelag Health Study.ParticipantsThis study followed a random cohort of 717 participants from HUNT2 (1995–97) and HUNT3 (2006–08) to HUNT4 70+ (2017–19). The mean age at HUNT4 70+ was 77.7 years.MethodsSeasonal-standardized serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in HUNT2 and HUNT3 were averaged and used as either a categorical variable (<50 and ≥50 nmol/L) or a continuous variable (per 25 nmol/L decrease). In the cohort aged 70 years or over (HUNT4 70+), NCDs consisting of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia were diagnosed by clinical experts according to the DSM-5 criteria. Logistic and linear regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and regression coefficients (beta) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between 25(OH) D levels and the risk of NCDs or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score.ResultsIn total, 347 (48.4%) had NCDs in HUNT4, with 33.3% having MCI and 15.1% having dementia. Compared with participants with serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L, those with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L had a similar risk of NCDs (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.46). No association was observed with the risk of MCI (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.44) or dementia (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.92), respectively. In a subsample of participants evaluated with the MoCA (n=662), a 25 nmol/L decrease in serum 25(OH)D was not associated with a change in MoCA score (beta 0.33, 95% CI −0.17 to 0.85).ConclusionVitamin D insufficiency defined by two times measurements of serum 25(OH)D with a 10-year interval was not associated with the risk of NCDs in a cohort of older Norwegian adults. Future studies utilizing multiple vitamin D measurements with a longer follow-up duration and larger sample size are warranted.

Diet and Nutrients Intakes during Infancy and Childhood in Relation to Early Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The onset of puberty has become earlier over the decades, and nutrients and diet are related to the timing of puberty onset. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between diet or nutrients in infancy, childhood and early puberty. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched systematically up to 15 April 2022. The pooled relative risks (RRs) or regression coefficients (beta) were estimated using the random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-two articles on diet or nutrients in childhood and six about breastfeeding in infancy were included. The prolonged breastfeeding duration in infancy could reduce the risk of early menarche (beta 0.31, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.60, p = 0.045). The high intake of yogurt was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of earlier menarche (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89, p = 0.008). Girls with severe food insecurity experienced later menarche (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.98, p = 0.027). Conversely, due to the high intake of protein, the risk of early menarche increased by 8% (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.016). High intake of yogurt, longer duration of breastfeeding, and food insecurity decreased the possibility of earlier menarche, while high intake of protein increased that risk. As a modifiable factor, diet and nutrients in infancy and childhood provide new insights into the future prevention of early puberty.

54 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TIME TO CLINICAL REMISSION IN PEDIATRIC LUMINAL CROHN'S DISEASE, A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Abstract Background The natural evolution of Crohn’s disease is incompletely understood in the pediatric population. Data on factors influencing time-to-remission are very limited in the literature. Objectives The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to describe the time to clinical remission in children with Crohn’s disease as well as changes over the past decade and to identify factors associated with time to clinical remission. Design/Methods Patients under 18 years old diagnosed between 2009 and 2019 were included. All data were collected from the patients’ medical records and the CHU Sainte-Justine inflammatory bowel disease registry. Survival analyses and linear regression models were used to assess the impact of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, histological and therapeutic factors on time to clinical remission. Results 654 patients were included in the study. There was no change in the time to clinical remission over the past decade. Female sex in adolescents (adjusted beta regression coefficient (aβ)= 31.8 days, p= 0.02), upper digestive tract involvement (aβ= 46.4 days, p= 0.04), perianal disease (aβ= 32.2 days, p= 0.04), presence of active inflammation on biopsies (aβ= 46.7 days, p= 0.01) and oral 5-ASA exposure (aβ=56.6 days, p= 0.002) were all associated with longer time to clinical remission. However, antibiotic exposure (aβ= -29.3 days, p=0.04), increased eosinophils on biopsies (aβ= -29.6 days, p=0.008) and combination of exclusive enteral nutrition and TNF- alpha inhibitors as induction therapy (aβ= -36.8, p=0.04) were associated with shorter time to clinical remission. Conclusion In children with newly diagnosed CD, time to clinical remission did not shorten during the decade. It was associated with baseline clinical and histological data and treatment strategies. Combination of enteral nutrition and TNF-alpha inhibitors was associated with faster clinical remission. Figure 1 : Kaplan-Meier curve representing time to clinical remission in patients 13 years old and older by sex. Figure 2 : Kaplan-Meier curve representing the time to clinical remission of patients according to the first induction treatment administered.

Intraocular Amphiregulin antibody and axial elongation in nonhuman primates.

To examine the effect of intraocularly applied amphiregulin antibody on physiological axial elongation in young nonhuman primates. The experimental study included six male 12-months-old macaque nonhuman primates (body weight:2.46 ± 0.25kg;range:2.20-2.90kg). In the experimental group (n=3 animals), three intravitreal injections of amphiregulin antibody (100μg/50μl) were applied to the left eyes at intervals of 4-6 weeks, and injections of phosphate buffered solution (50μl) were applied to the right eyes. Three other animals were assigned to a blank control group. During the study period of 23.6 weeks, axial length in the experimental group did not change in the left eyes (18.91 ± 0.37mm to 18.94 ± 0.67mm;P=0.90), while it linearly increased in the right eyes (18.87 ± 0.38mm to 19.24 ± 0.53mm;P=0.056) and in the control group (left eyes:19.15 ± 0.22mm to 19.48 ± 0.22mm;P=0.009; right eyes:19.17 ± 0.15 mm to 19.46 ± 0.23 mm;P=0.024). The interocular difference in axial elongation increased in the experimental group from -0.11 ± 0.12mm at 4 weeks after baseline to -0.34 ± 0.15mm at the study end, while in the control group, the interocular side difference did not change significantly (from 0.01 ± 0.10 mm to 0.03 ± 0.08 mm;P=0.38). The difference in the interocular difference in axial elongation between the two groups was significant at 8 weeks (P=0.01), 15 weeks (P=0.007), and at study end (P=0.02). The interocular difference in axial length correlated with the interocular difference in vitreous cavity length (standardized regression coefficient beta:0.85;P<0.001). The interocular axial length difference was inversely associated with the interocular refractive error difference (beta:-0.49;P<0.001). Intraocularly applied amphiregulin antibody (100μg) reduced the physiological ocular axial elongation in juvenile nonhuman primates.

Nation-wide validation of a multicenter risk model for implant loss following implant-based breast reconstruction

Implant loss following breast reconstruction is a devastating complication, which should be prevented as much as possible. This study aimed to validate a previously developed multicenter risk model for implant loss after implant-based breast reconstructions, using national data from the Dutch Breast Implant Registry (DBIR). The validation cohort consisted of patients who underwent a mastectomy followed by either a direct-to-implant (DTI) or two-stage breast reconstruction between September 2017 and January 2021 registered in the DBIR. Reconstructions with an autologous adjunctive and patients with missing data on the risk factors extracted from the multicenter risk model (obesity, smoking, nipple preserving procedure, DTI reconstruction) were excluded. The primary outcome was implant loss. The predicted probability of implant loss was calculated using beta regression coefficients extracted from the multicenter risk model and compared to the observed probability. The validation cohort consisted of 3769 reconstructions and implant loss occurred after 307 reconstructions (8.1%). Although the observed implant loss rate increased when the risk factors accumulated, the predicted and observed probabilities of implant loss did not match. Of the four risk factors in the multicenter risk model, only obesity and smoking were significantly associated to implant loss. The multicenter risk model could not be validated using nationwide data of the DBIR and is therefore not accurate in Dutch practice. In the future, the risk model should be improved by including other factors to provide a validated tool for the preoperative risk assessment of implant loss.

The Influence of Loyalty and Work Environment on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) (Case Study at PT Bangkobakti Perdana Trijaya Pekan Tolan Labuhanbatu Selatan North Sumatra

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of loyalty and work environment on organizational citizenship behavior at PT Bangkobakti Perdana Trijaya. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative with a sample of 80 respondents. Loyalty has a positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of PT Bangkobakti Perdana Trijaya employees. This can be proven from the test results obtained beta coefficient value (β) 0.413 (p &lt; 0.001). and the contribution of loyalty to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is (ΔR2) 0.163. The work environment has a positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of employees of PT Bangkobakti Perdana Trijaya. This can be proven from the test results obtained by the beta regression coefficient (β) 0.585 (p &lt; 0, 01) and the contribution of the influence of the work environment on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of (ΔR2) 0.337. Loyalty and work environment have a positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of PT Bangkobakti Perdana Trijaya employees. This is evidenced by the results of the loyalty beta coefficient (β) 0.189 (p &lt; 0.001) and the work environment (β) 0.504 (p &lt; 0.001). positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of employees and the contribution of the influence of loyalty and work environment on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) of (ΔR2) 0.365. So, the higher the loyalty of employees, supported by a good level of work environment, will bring up favorable OCB behaviors for the company/organization.

PENGARUH TINGKAT PDRB, UPAH TENAGA KERJA, DAN POLITICAL RISK TERHADAP FDI DI PROVINSI BALI

This study aims to analyze the simultaneous and partial effect of the level of GRDP, labor wages, and political risk on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bali Province. The data used is secondary data with panel data analysis to analyze 9 districts/cities in Bali Province in the 2010-2019 period. The analysis technique used is the random effect model (REM) to analyze multiple linear regression, using the classical assumption test, as well as the beta regression coefficient test simultaneously and partially. The results of this study indicate that the GRDP level variable has a positive and significant effect on the level of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Meanwhile, labor wages and political risk variables have a negative and significant effect on the level of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Based on the results of the study, it is suggested to the Government to optimize the potential of each region in order to overcome the gaps between regions. In addition, the government needs to evaluate and tighten crime regulations so that the crime rate can be reduced to a minimum.

Antibodies to the Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 at 4-13 Months after COVID-19.

Identification of factors behind the level and duration of persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood is assumed to set the direction for studying humoral immunity mechanisms against COVID-19, optimizing the strategy for vaccine use, antibody-based drugs, and epidemiological control of COVID-19. Objective: This study aimed to study the relationship between clinical and demographic characteristics and the level of IgG antibodies to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after COVID-19 in the long term. Residents of the Altai Region of Western Siberia of Russia, Caucasians, aged from 27 to 93 years (median 53.0 years), who recovered from COVID-19 between May 2020 and February 2021 (n = 44) took part in this prospective observational study. The titer of IgG antibodies to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was measured repeatedly in the blood at 4–13 months from the beginning of the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 via the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The antibody titer positively correlated with age (p = 0.013) and COVID-19 pneumonia (p = 0.002) at 20–40 and 20–24 weeks from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, respectively. Age was positively associated with antibody titer regardless of history of COVID-19 pneumonia (beta regression coefficient p = 0.009). The antibody titer decreased in 15 (34.1%) patients, increased in 10 (22.7%) patients, and did not change in 19 (43.2%) patients from the baseline to 48–49 weeks from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, with seropositivity persisting in all patients. Age and COVID-19 pneumonia are possibly associated with higher IgG antibodies to the spike protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 in the long term. Divergent trends of anti-RBD IgG levels in adults illustrate inter-individual differences at 4–13 months from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Development of Screening Tools to Predict Medication-Related Problems Across the Continuum of Emergency Department Care: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Background: Medication-related problems (MRPs) occur across the continuum of emergency department (ED) care: they may contribute to ED presentation, occur in the ED/short-stay unit (SSU), at hospital admission, or shortly after discharge to the community. This project aimed to determine predictors for MRPs across the continuum of ED care and incorporate these into screening tools (one for use at ED presentation and one at ED/SSU discharge), to identify patients at greatest risk, who could be targeted by ED pharmacists. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was undertaken in nine EDs, between July 2016 and August 2017. Blocks of ten consecutive adult patients presenting at pre-specified times were identified. Within 1 week of ED discharge, a pharmacist interviewed patients and undertook a medical record review to determine a medication history, patient understanding of treatment, risk factors for MRPs and to manage the MRPs. Logistic regression was undertaken to determine predictor variables. Multivariable regression beta coefficients were used to develop a scoring system for the two screening tools. Results: Of 1,238 patients meeting all inclusion criteria, 904 were recruited. Characteristics predicting MRPs related to ED presentation were: patient self-administers regular medications (OR = 7.95, 95%CI = 3.79–16.65), carer assists with medication administration (OR = 15.46, 95%CI = 6.52–36.67), or health-professional administers (OR = 5.01, 95%CI = 1.77–14.19); medication-related ED presentation (OR = 9.95, 95%CI = 4.92–20.10); age ≥80 years (OR = 3.63, 95%CI = 1.96–6.71), or age 65–79 years (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.17–3.46); potential medication adherence issue (OR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.38–3.73); medical specialist seen in past 6-months (OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.42–2.85); pharmaceutical benefit/pension/concession cardholder (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.28–2.78); inpatient in previous 4-weeks (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.02–2.52); being male (OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.05–2.10); and difficulties reading labels (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.40–0.99). Characteristics predicting MRPs related to ED discharge were: potential medication adherence issue (OR = 6.80, 95%CI = 3.97–11.64); stay in ED > 8 h (OR = 3.23, 95%CI = 1.47–7.78); difficulties reading labels (OR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.30–4.16); and medication regimen changed in ED (OR = 3.91, 95%CI = 2.43–6.30). For ED presentation, the model had a C-statistic of 0.84 (95% CI 0.81–0.86) (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 70%). For ED discharge, the model had a C-statistic of 0.78 (95% CI 0.73–0.83) (sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 57%). Conclusion: Predictors of MRPs are readily available at the bedside and may be used to screen for patients at greatest risk upon ED presentation and upon ED/SSU discharge to the community. These screening tools now require external validation and implementation studies to evaluate the impact of using such tools on patient care outcomes.

The Influence of Product Quality on Positive Word-of-mouth Communication, Case Study at Kedai Wak Edoy Malang

Product quality is a very important element in marketing, especially in the aim of generating positive word-of-mouth communication. The number of businesses in the culinary field has resulted in rampant competition, entrepreneurs in the culinary field compete with each other to benefit both local and foreign entrepreneurs because at this time many culinary businesses in Indonesia are owned and run by foreigners. Circumstances like the above are a challenge for local culinary entrepreneurs so they don't lose competitiveness and lose consumers, therefore local entrepreneurs must make new innovations so they don't lose consumers. This research on the effect of product quality on word-of-mouth was conducted to determine whether the quality of products sold at Kedai Wak Edoy Malang can directly move word-of-mouth and whether product quality has an effect on making consumers recommend each other to buy at Kedai Wak Edoy Malang. This study uses a quantitative approach, the data collection technique uses a questionnaire/questionnaire technique, the analytical tool used is multiple linear regression with t test and f test. The case study in this research is that Kedai Wak Edoy Malang can directly move word-of-mouth and whether product quality has an effect. In addition, data collection was carried out on consumers of Kedai Wak Edoy Malang. Where for the taste variable has a t count (4.416) &gt; t table (1.987) and a significant value (0.000) &lt; 0.05. for the Hygienic Product variable has a t count (2.406) &gt; t table (1.987) and a significant value (0.018) &lt; 0.05. for Variation Product variable has t count (2.198) &gt; t table (1.987) and significant value (0.031) &lt; 0.05. for the size variable, it has t count (2.413) &gt; t table (1.987) and significant value (0.018) &lt; 0.05. for the variable Size has t count (2.247) &gt; t table (1.987) and significant value (0.027) &lt; 0.05. The results of the t test also show that the most dominant variable influencing the emergence of positive WOM communication is the taste variable with a regression coefficient (beta) of 0.376.

Associations of urinary and dietary cadmium with urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine and blood biochemical parameters

Cadmium is a heavy metal with established adverse effects on human health, namely on bone, liver and kidney function and the cardiovascular system. We assessed cadmium exposure and its correlation with biomarkers of toxicity. We recruited 137 non-smoking blood donors without a history of chronic disease or cancer who resided in the Northern Italy province of Reggio Emilia (mean age 47 years, range 30–60 years) in the 2017–2019 period. We used a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to estimate dietary cadmium intake and urine samples to assess concentrations of urinary cadmium and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG). Median urinary cadmium and 8-oxodG concentrations were 0.21 μg/L (interquartile range (IQR): 0.11–0.34 μg/L) and 3.21 μg/g creatinine (IQR: 2.21–4.80 μg/g creatinine), respectively, while median dietary cadmium intake was 6.16 μg/day (IQR: 5.22–7.93 μg/day). We used multivariable linear and spline regression models to estimate mean differences exposure concentrations. Dietary and urinary cadmium were positively correlated, and both were positively and linearly correlated with 8-oxodG. We found a positive association of urinary cadmium with blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. We also observed a positive association with triglycerides, in both linear (beta regression coefficient = 77.03, 95% confidence interval 32.27–121.78) and non-linear spline regression analyses. Despite the positive correlation between dietary and urinary cadmium estimates, dietary cadmium intake showed inconsistent results with the study endpoints and generally weaker associations, suggesting a decreased capacity to reflect actual cadmium exposure. Overall, these findings suggest that even low levels of cadmium exposure may adversely alter hematological and biochemical variables and induce oxidative stress.

Demographics, attitudes and emotions as predictors of support for bear management

Context The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was mandated by legislation to develop management plans for American Black Bears and needed Illinois residents’ preferences for bear management strategies. Aims The aim of this article was to examine how demographics, emotions and attitudes were related to support for three American black bear management strategies (active reintroduction, natural recolonisation, having breeding populations of black bears). Researchers have repeatedly suggested that these predictors are related to support for management actions. Methods Data were obtained from a mail survey sent to two populations of stakeholder groups. A total of 896 agricultural producers completed the questionnaire (response rate = 36%); 904 hunters completed the questionnaire (response rate = 36%). Five demographic variables were used in the analyses: (1) agricultural producer; (2) hunter; (3) age; (4) sex; and (5) residence growing up. Positive and negative emotional dispositions were operationalised with eight items. General attitude toward bears was measured with four items. All three management questions were asked for ‘in Illinois’ and ‘in my county’. Reliability analyses supported combining the psychological variables into indices for each construct. Key results Findings indicated that demographic and psychological characteristics are related to support for bear management strategies, but that these relationships are complex for a number of reasons. First, the regression beta coefficients for the demographic regression models were ‘minimal’ (M = 0.13), whereas the coefficients for psychological variables were ‘typical’ (M = 0.30). Second, not all of the demographic and psychological variables affected support for agency actions in the same way. Third, the average R2 for the three demographic models was only 16%, whereas the average R2 for the three psychological characteristics models was 53%. Conclusions Given the weak relationships between demographics and support for bear management, managers may not need to always target specific groups based on their demographics. Implications Certain situations may warrant specific messages to target audiences; weak demographic relationships suggest that managers should be cautious when using these characteristics to target communication messages to specific groups.

Detrimental relevance of Helicobacter pylori infection with sarcopenia

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Gram negative microaerophilic bacteria, is a well-known pathogen of many gastrointestinal diseases. But several emerging evidences suggest it role in numerous other extra-gastric diseases. The current study investigates the relationship between H. pylori infection and sarcopenia, a clinical condition characterized by the loss of mass and function of skeletal muscle. A total of 3453 eligible participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), the United States, were enrolled. Based on the serum laboratory results, subjects were categorized into three groups: normal (without evidence of any H. pylori infection), anti-H. pylori IgG positive [H. pylori (+)], and concurrent anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-cytotoxin-associated gene A IgG positive [CagA (+)]. Sarcopenia was determined as having a skeletal muscle index (SMI) value that is more than 1 standard deviation away from the mean value of sex-specific, healthy young adults between 20 and 39 years old. Risk of sarcopenia and its components are compared between subgroups.ResultsOdds ratios (OR) for confirmed diagnosis of sarcopenia were higher in H. pylori (+) (OR = 2.052, 95% CI 1.697–2.481, p < 0.001) and CagA (+) (OR = 1.585, 95% CI 1.278–1.965, p < 0.001) groups. Moreover, negative beta regression coefficient of SMI were shown in H. pylori (+) (β: − 0.023, p < 0.001) and CagA (+) (β: − 0.017, p < 0.001). Sub-analyses which categorized participants by gender revealed that absolute value of beta regression coefficient for SMI were higher in female in H. pylori (+) subgroup (β: − 1.745 in male and − 2.942 in female, p were both < 0.001), and the CagA (+) subgroup (β: − 1.407 in male and − 2.159 in female, p were both < 0.001).ConclusionsPositive serum H. pylori infectious markers including anti-H. pylori antibody and CagA seropositivity are correlated with sarcopenia and low muscle quantity. Therefore, H. pylori eradication therapy may bring benefits to sarcopenia patients with concurrent active H. pylori infection.

The Influence of Demographic Factors and Social Class on Customers' Decisions to Choose Islamic Banks

This study discusses the influence of demographic and social class factors on customers' decisions to choose Islamic banks in Palopo City. On the customer's decision to choose an Islamic bank in the city of Palopo and prove the influence of these factors simultaneously. To provide answers to the problems stated above, the authors use a quantitative research approach with the variables used in this study are the independent variables, namely education, income, employment, dependents, and age as well as the dependent variable in the form of a customer's decision to choose an Islamic bank. This study took 100 respondents using the Non-Probability Sampling method as the sample. Data collection in this study used a questionnaire with regression analysis techniques through the F-test and t-test using the Software Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 19.0. The results of the study show that education, income, employment, and age have a significant effect on the customer's decision to choose an Islamic bank in Palopo City. This is evidenced by obtaining a significance value of 0.000 or less than 5% (0.05). The results of the partial statistical test also show that the variables of education, income and employment have a significant positive effect, while the age variable has a significant negative effect on the customer's decision to choose an Islamic bank in Palopo City. Based on the beta regression coefficient, the highest coefficient value is the income variable of 7,060 with a significance level of 0.000. These findings indicate that income is the variable that has the most influence on the customer's decision to choose Islamic Banking among the other four variables. Based on the results of the simultaneous test it was concluded that the independent variables simultaneously represented by the variables of education, income, employment, dependents, and age have a significant effect on the dependent variable on customer decisions.