Chi-square Test Research Articles

Horse Owners' Knowledge of Fundamental Care and their Perceptions on the Implementation of a Mandatory Certificate of Knowledge.

The aims of this study were to first determine the extent of owners' fundamental knowledge of equine care, second, gain their opinions on the implementation of a mandatory certificate of knowledge and third, to investigate the association of certification on horse owner knowledge. An online survey comprising 23 questions (18 closed, 5 open) was distributed worldwide via snowball sampling, and completed by 1847 horse owners who were all ≥18 years old from 17 different countries. Almost all (96%, n = 1781) completed surveys were usable. Just over half (52%) of participants held a current equine knowledge certification, and 59% believed a mandatory certificate of knowledge should be necessary to buy, own, or sell a horse. Horse owners with an equine certificate of knowledge were more likely to be in favor of a mandatory certificate (Pearson's Chi-squared = 50.79, df = 1, p < 0.0001). The mean correctly answered knowledge questions was 68%, indicating that approximately 1/3 of horse owners lacked fundamental horse care knowledge. Further examination indicated that participating horse owners showed the least understanding in the behavioral interactions domain (ANOVA F(4, 24) = 4.98, p < 0.01), specifically in relation to pain recognition and learning theory terminology. Arguably, this deficit in knowledge and likely correct application increases the risk of owners using misinformed or inappropriate techniques to manage horse behavior and training, predisposing the horse to experiencing a sub-optimal quality of life. Overall no significant difference was found between the total correct scores of horse owners with or without a certificate (ANOVA F(1, 56) = 0.78, p > 0.05); however, a series of Chi-squared tests revealed that for the more complex questions, horse owners with a certificate scored better than those without (all p < 0.05). Further work is needed to develop an evidence-based assessment framework if mandatory certification of horse owners is to become an effective tool for improving horse welfare and quality of life.

Outcomes after right-sided colon surgery in Crohn's disease versus cancer.

Surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) is considered to have more complications due to the underlying inflammation, immunosuppression, and malnutrition.We sought to study the outcomes of right-sided colonic resection in patients with CD and patients with cancer at a high-volume tertiary center utilizing a standardized perioperative protocol. This is a retrospective study of outcomes for all patients with CD or patients undergoing ileocolic resection or right hemicolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis at a single institution from 2013 to 2022. Patients were excluded if they simultaneously underwent another procedure or ostomy creation. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-squared tests for univariate analyses, and logistic and linear regressions for multivariate analyses. In total 141 patients with CD and 589 patients with cancer were included. Patients with CD were significantly younger with lower body mass index and less likely to have comorbidities, including diabetes and hypertension. Patients with CD were less likely to have a smoking history or prior abdominal surgery, but more likely to be on steroids. Both groups had similar rates of laparoscopy, intraoperative complications, and blood loss. Despite the preoperative and intraoperative differences, both patients with CD and patients with cancer had similar lengths of stay (LOS), readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates.None of the surgical outcomes differed significantly between the two groups.On multivariate analysis, CD diagnosis was not associated with reoperation, readmission, mortality, or LOS while controlling for other characteristics. With the use of standardized perioperative protocols, surgery for CD at a high-volume center with expertise in CD can be performed with comparable results to other indications like cancer.

CDC-Funded HIV Testing Services Outcomes in Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) and Non-EHE Jurisdictions, 2021.

Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) aims to end the HIV epidemic by focusing on 57 jurisdictions most impacted by HIV. Using 2021 data from the National HIV Prevention Program Monitoring and Evaluation system, we calculated distributions of CDC-funded HIV tests and HIV testing services outcomes in EHE and non-EHE jurisdictions. We conducted chi-square tests and robust Poisson regression to compare differences in outcomes. Of the 1,753,873 tests conducted, a greater proportion were conducted in EHE (65.7%) versus non-EHE (34.3%) jurisdictions (p<0.001). Greater number of persons newly diagnosed were identified in EHE (n=5,861) versus non-EHE (n=2,329) jurisdictions; newly diagnosed positivity was higher in EHE (0.5%) versus non-EHE (0.4%; PR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.25-1.38) jurisdictions. Among persons newly diagnosed, there were no differences in proportion of linkage to care within 30 days in EHE jurisdictions (77.9%) versus non-EHE jurisdictions (77.1%; PR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.95-1.07). Proportion of persons newly diagnosed interviewed for partner services was lower in EHE (69.0%) versus non-EHE (84.8%; PR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.76-0.87) jurisdictions. CDC-funded HIV testing services in EHE jurisdictions conducted more HIV testing and diagnosed more persons. Jurisdictions can further expand HIV testing and related services to continue striving toward EHE goals.

COVID-19 impact in sourcing in Global Value Chains

This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on Global Value Chains (GVCs) using the Eurostat dataset, focusing on trade barriers and the difficulty of sourcing raw materials or intermediate goods from local and international suppliers. Using a contingency table grouped by country, we can see how raw material constraints and COVID-19’s GVCs affect many countries. The study uses Chi-square test to determine if these factors have a significant association. The data imply that foreign sourcing presents less challenges for suppliers than domestic sourcing, stressing the need of examining the consumer behaviour under uncertainties to develop GVCs resilience. The findings show a statistically significant link between barriers related to raw material and the effect level of COVID-19 in global value chains across all countries analysed. Suggesting that it is unlikely to have happened by random chance alone, highlighting the importance of addressing trade barriers and adapting to the impact of COVID-19 within global value chains.

Associations of School-Level Factors and School Sport Facility Parameters with Overweight and Obesity among Children and Adolescents in Pakistan: An Empirical Cross-Sectional Study

Childhood overweight and obesity are increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, posing significant public health challenges. This study explores the associations of school-level factors and school sports facility parameters with overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study across seven random districts in Punjab province, Pakistan, was conducted using a representative multistage random cluster sample. Underweight (BMI &lt; 5th percentile), overweight (85th ≤ BMI &lt; 95th percentile), and obese (95th percentile ≤ BMI) were defined using the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2000 criteria. Statistical analyses including the Chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression were performed to investigate predictive characteristics. Logistic regression analysis assessed the simultaneous impact of several covariates on dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) computed and a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. The study included 4108 Pakistani school children aged 9 to 17 years (mean age = 13.92 years, 59.3% boys) from 62 schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.4% and 10.7%, respectively. Findings revealed a concerning lack of physical education activities (60% reported 0 sessions per week), morning exercise (60%), and classroom exercises (66%) among school-aged children. Leadership attitudes toward physical education (β = 0.04, p = 0.006) and students’ satisfaction with the playground (β = 0.05, p = 0.015) showed significant associations with body weight status. Conversely, provision of physical education facilities, effective fund utilization for physical education, meeting school sports facility requirements, and weekend opening of school sports grounds did not significantly impact weight status. Satisfaction with the playground was significantly associated with a lower risk of overweight (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.95, p &lt; 0.05), indicating reduced overweight likelihood among students satisfied with school playgrounds. The study underscores significant gaps in promoting physical activity within school environments and highlights the urgent need for interventions to enhance physical education resources and sports facilities, aiming to create healthier school environments and reduce overweight and obesity prevalence among students. Further research and interventions are crucial for promoting lifelong physical activity habits and improving student health and well-being.

Gestational weight gain trajectories in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study.

Aims/Background Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common pregnancy complication that affects approximately 14% of pregnancies worldwide and can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the trajectories of gestational weight gain among gestational diabetes mellitus patients and to inform the development of effective weight management strategies. Methods Demographic and antenatal examination data from 1421 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus were retrospectively analysed. Quantitative data comparisons were performed using Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Group-based trajectory modelling was employed to identify the trajectories of gestational weight gain among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Results This study revealed that pre-pregnancy body mass index and types of gestational diabetes mellitus significantly influence gestational weight gain (p < 0.05). Group-based trajectory modelling identified three distinct gestational weight gain trajectories. Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus demonstrated a continuous weight gain throughout pregnancy, while women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy were more likely to follow a low-speed growth trajectory. Women in the rapid growth trajectory group were more inclined to deliver by caesarean section and were more likely to give birth to macrosomic infants. Conclusion Our research underscores the importance of identifying and distinguishing between different gestational weight gain trajectories in pregnant women, thereby identifying high-risk groups, which is crucial for improving the health conditions of both mothers and newborns.

VALIDAÇÃO DE WEBSITE PARA IMPLANTAÇÃO DO PROTOCOLO PERIOPERATÓRIO NA PROFILAXIA DE TROMBOEMBOLISMO VENOSO

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the leading cause of preventable postoperative deaths. Identifying risk factors based on Virchow’s Triad (blood stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury) is crucial. Approximately 20% of surgical patients develop VTE, with 7% resulting in fatal PE. The Caprini risk score, used to assess VTE risk, is complex and has limited adherence despite its validation across various specialties. Methodology: The applied research developed the application of a perioperative protocol for VTE prophylaxis in the Vascular Surgery ward of the Hospital Municipal de Marabá. The descriptive and quantitative study was structured via website. The 2013 version of the Caprini score was adopted for risk stratification. Validation of the tool involved 16 experts with inclusion criteria focused on doctors and nurses with experience in the area, where everyone responded to the Likert scale that evaluated 2 major domains of the tool: usability and functionality. Results: Among the 16 evaluators, 56,3% were male and 43,8% female, with an average age of 32,4 years and 7,6 years of experience. The system’s functionality received 97,5% approval, 96,3% of reliability, and 91,3% regarding interface and usability. The utility was well-rated, with 98,8% approving the professional facilitation. Chi-square tests indicated that functionality perception did not vary between physicians and nurses, but utility was significantly influenced by profession. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicated high internal consistency: 0,85 for functionality and 0,77 for utility. Discussion: The diverse profiles of the evaluators enriched the website’s validation. Functionality was consistently positively rated, while utility varied by professional role. High internal consistency suggests that the questionnaire is reliable for measuring website performance perceptions. Conclusion: The inclusion of the Caprini protocol in the Tupan Health website demonstrated good performance and high reliability among professionals, facilitating protocol adherence and the prevention of perioperative complications.

Student's Priorities When Selecting Web Conferencing Tools in Sri Lankan Tertiary Education

A properly selected web conferencing tool can significantly enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in online education. Hence, this study aims to produce a framework ordering the key features and associated sub-factors of web conferencing tools that Sri Lankan tertiary sector students prioritize for their online learning experience. A quantitative research method is deployed to get the student's opinions on the factors discovered in a previous study on “Expert opinion on selecting a web conferencing tool for synchronous online tertiary education in Sri Lanka”. The research hypothesis was tested using the Pearson Chi-square test, followed by exploratory and second-order factor analysis to rank the importance of sub-factors and main characteristics. The findings revealed that students prioritize collaboration features the most, followed by online event features, pricing, user-friendliness, customer support, security, online evaluation, performance, and screen-sharing. This framework offers valuable insights for Sri Lankan tertiary institutions to select web conferencing tools that truly align with student preferences. By incorporating these student-centric considerations, institutions can optimize the online learning experience, leading to improved engagement, learning outcomes, and ultimately, greater student satisfaction.

Availability of self-care products for sexual and reproductive health provided by community pharmacists in Rwanda: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Access to and use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remain a global public health concern, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to understand the attitudes and perceptions of pharmacists in Rwandan community pharmacies and to assess the availability of sexual and reproductive health products in these pharmacies. In a cross-sectional study conducted in Rwanda from 1 September 2023 to 30 November 2023, registered and licensed pharmacists from 864 community pharmacies were surveyed, employing a quantitative research approach. Systematic sampling was used to collect the data. A chi-square test was conducted for relationships between variables. SRH products for self-care were widely available in Rwandan community pharmacies, ranging from 82.3% to 97.3%, except for ovulation tests (28.4%). Chi-square tests indicated that married pharmacists were more likely to provide educational guidance on SRH products (χ 2 = 8.81, P-value = 0.012). Community pharmacists had positive attitudes and self-reported confidence in dispensing and providing education to pharmacy-based SRH users. The Rwandan community pharmacies had extensive availability of SRH products for self-care use. Pharmacists in these pharmacies had positive attitudes and self-reported confidence in dispensing and guiding the community on SRH products. Continuous professional training is recommended to enhance the quality and standards of SRH.

A Novel Classification of Migrated Lumbar Disk Herniation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Algorithm Recommendations for Full-Endoscopic Discectomy.

Retrospective clinical study. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel classification of migrated lumbar disk herniation (LDH) based on magnetic resonance imaging and provide appropriate treatment strategies for each type through algorithms. Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a surgical technique that has been developed rapidly in recent years. For migrated LDH, few surgeons currently classify it with multiplanar positioning, and there is no consensus on the choice of treatment strategy. Therefore, we established a new multiplanar classification criteria that can localize the lesions more accurately than previous studies. A total of 263 eligible patients from March 2017 to March 2022 were included. Protrusions for each patient were located based on our classification and the surgical approach was selected according to our algorithms. The clinical symptoms of all patients before surgery, and at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery were collected. Evaluations were performed using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. We used the chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test to compare perioperative results and postoperative 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up results. VAS (low back pain) scores were reduced from 5.33 ± 2.67 to 0.73 ± 0.77 (p < 0.001), and VAS (leg pain) scores were reduced from 7.44 ± 2.21 to 0.37 ± 0.51 (p < 0.001). ODI scores improved from 58.46 ± 8.04 to 12.57 ± 2.51 (p < 0.001). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate reached 92.78% at the 12-month follow-up. Twenty-six patients developed complications, all of which improved after treatment. Recurrence occurred in 13 patients, and four of them underwent secondary surgery. This is an innovative classification method using multi-plane positioning, and the algorithm used with it can help surgeons make appropriate choices when using endoscopic technology to treat migrated LDH. Statistical analysis of follow-up data confirmed that this is a safe and effective strategy.

Pharmacists at the Forefront: Identifying and Addressing Prescription Errors in Outpatient Settings of Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan

Objective: The study sought to quantify the frequency and categorize the types of prescribing errors occurring in outpatient settings while evaluating the efficacy of pharmacist interventions in mitigating such errors. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional, retrospective interventional study conducted over a one-year period from September 1, 2017, to August 31, 2018, at the outpatient departments of one government and one private tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan. A total of 2,552 outpatient prescriptions were randomly collected and evaluated by the researchers to identify prescribing errors, using the British National Formulary (BNF) as a reference guide. The study rigorously adhered to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines, ensuring comprehensive reporting, transparency in methodology, analysis, and interpretation of the observational research findings Results: The collected data were analyzed using chi-square tests in SPSS version 25 to assess statistical significance. Among the 2,552 outpatient prescriptions examined, 12,501 (40.4%) prescribing errors were identified. The error rate was higher in the government hospital (6,672; 42.8%) compared to the private hospital (5,829; 38.0%). The most prevalent errors occurred during the subscription stage (2,302; 45.1%), with 1,245 (48.1%) and 1,057 (42.0%) errors in the government and private hospitals, respectively. This was followed by errors in the inscription (3,447; 45.0%), superscription (5,156; 40.4%), and transcription (1,596; 31.3%) stages. Common interventions during the subscription stage addressed incomplete patient information (age, weight, etc.), missing consultant signatures, and stamps. For the inscription stage, frequent interventions involved incorrect drug doses and strengths.Typical interventions for the subscription and inscription stages included adding missing therapy durations and usage instructions, respectively. Pharmacist interventions were accepted at a higher rate in private hospitals (3,669; 62.9%) compared to government hospitals (3,675; 55.1%), with a total of 7,344 (58.7%) interventions accepted. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of prescribing errors across all stages of the outpatient prescription process, with the subscription stage being the most error-prone. The findings highlight the critical role of pharmacist-led prescription interventions in mitigating prescribing errors, thereby enhancing prescribing practices, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, and safeguarding patient safety.

Exploring social and computer science students’ perceptions of AI integration in (foreign) language instruction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained acceptance in the field of education. Nevertheless, existing research on AI in education, particularly in foreign language (FL) learning and teaching, is notably limited in scope and depth. In the present study, we addressed this research gap by investigating social and computer science students' perceptions of the integration and use of AI-based technologies in education, focusing specifically on foreign language teaching. Using an online questionnaire, we analysed factors such as students' field of study, gender differences, and the type of AI used. The questionnaire included statements categorised into thematic clusters, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and Cohen's d, revealed that individuals studying computer science, males, and supporters of generative AI are more likely to use AI tools for educational purposes. They perceive fewer barriers to the integration of AI into FL education. Social science students and women are less likely to use AI tools in FL education and express scepticism about their potential to improve academic outcomes. They tend to be more critical or cautious regarding the role of AI in FL education. They view AI as a valuable tool that enhances the learning experience but, at the same time, recognise the irreplaceable role of human teachers. The study highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to address gender and disciplinary gaps in AI adoption, promote informed discussions on AI in education, and develop balanced AI integration strategies to improve FL learning. These findings suggest educators and policymakers should implement comprehensive AI training programs and ethical guidelines for responsible AI use in (FL) education.

The Effect of Attending Major Wards on the Burnout and Boredom of Medical Interns during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of attending major wards on the level of burnout and boredom of medical interns in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive research on all medical interns at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences of Iran who entered the major wards for the first time. Demographic questionnaires, Maslach and Jackson job burnout, and Multidimensional Boredom Scale (MSBS) were completed at the entrance and after two months. The mean scores (with the Wilcoxon test) were compared with each other, and their relationship (with Pearson Chi-squared test and Kendall's tau B) was investigated. Results: Investigations showed that emotional exhaustion significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001), but Depersonalization significantly reduced after 2 months. The mean scores of individual dysfunction were not obvious (p&gt;0.05). In addition, the fact that the intern is attending which ward (internal, surgery, or obstetrics and gynecology) did not affect the amount of burnout (p&gt;0.05). The mean of the boredom scores increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: It is necessary to take serious measures to reduce emotional exhaustion in interns, especially in epidemic or pandemic conditions.

Evaluation of YouTube as an Information Source for Use of Laser in Root Canal Treatment

Objective: At the present time patients in developed countries widely use online resources to access medical information. YouTube is a widely used website to get knowledge. In the past, medical and dental data were accessed only by doctor and dentist examinations. This research was aimed to assess the quality and quantity of the knowledge content in popular YouTube™ videos about laser root canal treatment (LRCT). Method: Google Trends showed that "laser root canal treatment" was the most searched keyword on the topic. Included videos were assessed as the video's name, universal resource locators, the number of video display, time of adding in website, total numbers of likes, dislikes and comments and total video time. Each video was classed into the 3 groups according to their information source as dentist, commercial, dental clinic. This video was classified according to the quality of information content as ‘good’, ‘poor’, or ‘bad’. In the evaluation of the data, the distribution of variables was examined with the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, the intergroup comparison of variables that did not show a normal distribution was examined with the Kruskal Wallis test. Comparison of subgroups was examined with Dunn's multiple comparison test and comparison of qualitative data was analyzed with Chi-square test. The results were evaluated at the significance level of p

The Relationship Between Workers' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the Incidence of Work Accidents in Production Workers of PT Inka (Persero) Madiun

Occupational safety and health (OHS) is one of the company's maintenance programs. The implementation of OHS programs for employees is very important to create an OHS system that includes elements of management, employment and working conditions and an integrated work environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between workers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with the incidence of work accidents in PT INKA (Persero) Madiun production workers. This study used a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were all production workers of assembly PT INKA (Persero) Madiun. The sample was taken using simple random sampling technique, with a sample size of 68 respondents. Data collection was done through questionnaires. Data analysis using the Chi-square test. Analysis result show that there is a relationship between the independent variables, namely knowledge (p-value = 0,003) and attitude (p-value = 0,001) and the dependent variable of work accidents. The conclusion in this study is that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards the use of PPE with the incidence of work accidents. Suggestions are expected that workers have high awareness and discipline in the behavior of using PPE so as to reduce the occurrence of work accidents.

Nutrition Education and Nutritional Status of Chronic Lack of Energy Pregnant Women in PUSKESMAS Work Areas Throughout Kupang City

One of the indirect causes of preventable maternal and child mortality is the health status of pregnant women. Pregnant women with SEZ conditions are at risk of experiencing decreased muscle strength, which is needed in the process of labor so that it can result in fetal death, premature birth, birth defects, low birth weight babies, short birth babies and even infant death. The design used is quantitative with a cross sectional approach with univariate and bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test. The population of this study were all pregnant women who did pregnancy checks at the Puskesmas in Kupang City in 2022. Sample technique using purposive sampling technique. This study was conducted from January to December 2022. The results showed that of all pregnant women who were given nutrition education in the form of counseling and provision of additional food, most experienced weight gain. In contrast to the increase in LiLA, although there is a change in the size of LiLA after being given education, there are still pregnant women who do not experience changes in LiLA. The statistical test results obtained a p-value &lt;0.005, which means that there is a relationship between the provision of nutrition education and the improvement of the nutritional status of pregnant women with SEZ. It is expected for health workers to carry out special monitoring of pregnant women at risk of SEZ in conducting health checks and consuming additional nutritionally balanced foods.

Perceptions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Among Pharmacy Faculty by Racial and Ethnic Identity

To compare perceptions of underrepresented minority (URM), non-URM people of color (POC), and non-minoritized pharmacy faculty in academia in relation to workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism landscape in the United States. This study utilized the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (DEIA) Faculty Perceptions of College Climate (FPCC) scale, which was developed and validated by the authors. The FPCC scale was used to investigate perceptions of pharmacy faculty from the AACP membership directory regarding DEIA within their respective academic pharmacy institutions. Demographic differences were examined using a Pearson Chi-Square test, while response disparities in FPCC questions were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA. A total of 846 respondents met the inclusion criteria for the study and were included in the analysis. Results indicate disparities in perceptions within all four DEIA domains of the FPCC survey among the three demographic groups. This study uncovers significant differences in how pharmacy faculty perceive DEIA within pharmacy education, with non-minoritized faculty expressing more positive views compared to their URM and non-URM minoritized counterparts. These results emphasize the need for focused interventions and institutional support to bridge DEIA disparities, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive academic environment to enhance faculty well-being and empower the pharmacy profession to meet diverse needs more effectively.

Association of Young-Onset Dementia with Pre-Existing Peripheral Vestibular Disorders.

The relationship between young-onset dementia and peripheral vestibular disorders remained largely unknown although this association was observed in the older population. This case-control study aims to investigate the association of young-onset dementia with a pre-existing diagnosis of peripheral vestibular disorders using a population-based data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2010. This study included 989 patients with young-onset dementia and 2967 propensity-score-matching controls. Differences in baseline characteristic between patients with young-onset dementia and controls were investigated using chi-square tests or t-tests. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess the association of young-onset dementia (outcome) with pre-existing peripheral vestibular disorders (predictor). Compared to patients without young-onset dementia, those affected by this condition exhibited a statistically significantly higher rate of peripheral vestibular disorders (18.3% versus 8.2%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, our analysis found notable between-group disparities in the rates of Meniere's Disease (3.5% versus 2.0%, p= 0.015), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (2.4% versus 1.1%, p= 0.006), and vestibular neuritis (2.4% versus 1.1%, p= 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of prior peripheral vestibular disorders increased the odds of young-onset dementia [2.603 (95% CI = 2.105∼3.220)] after adjusting for age, sex, monthly income, geographic location, urbanization level, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hearing loss, and hypertension. The study findings demonstrate a notable association between young-onset dementia and pre-existing peripheral vestibular disorders, suggesting that vestibular malfunction could play a role in the development of young-onset dementia.

An assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity levels in dentists: Across-sectional study.

Dentistry is a physically and mentally demanding profession that involves long periods of muscle imbalance and asymmetrical postures when performing delicate procedures. This can lead to a high incidence of work-related diseases. However, physical activity may prevent or minimize the incidence of musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. The present study aimed to determine the association between musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity levels in dentists practicing in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2023 with dentists from Turkey actively practicing dentistry. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine dentists' physical activity levels, and the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders. IBM SPSS 20 software was used for statistical analysis. Data were presented as mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum, percentage, and number. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, One-Sample Chi-Square tests, and an ordinal logistic regression test were used. The statistical significance level was taken as p < 0.05. A total of 116 dentists (63 females 53 males) between the ages of 24 and 60 (36.37±7.32) were included in the study. Forty-eight participants had a low level of physical activity, 56 had a moderate level of physical activity (MLPA), and 12 had a high level of physical activity (HLPA). There was no significant difference between the gender (p = 0.224) and age (p = 0.469) of the participants and levels of physical activity. Musculoskeletal discomfort was reported by 93.1% (n = 108) of the participants in one or more body parts (p < 0.001) and 55.6% (n = 60) of them were female. The number of dentists with neck (p < 0.001) and shoulder (p = 0.05) problems was significantly higher. There was no significant effect of gender (p > 0.05) on musculoskeletal conditions. However, the relationship between musculoskeletal conditions and physical activity levels was inconsistent. The HLPA group reported the lowest discomfort for all body parts, except the elbows and knees (p < 0.05). The MLPA group reported higher discomfort in the neck, shoulder, upper back, wrists/hands, lower back, and knees. The group with the lowest physical activity exhibited the highest discomfort in the elbow and ankle/feet regions. This study found that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was high among dentists, many of whom reported either low or moderate physical activity levels. The results of this study may enhance dentists' understanding of work-related musculoskeletal diseases and promote their participation in physical activities.

The Relationship Between Nodal Metastases and Primary Location in Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

IntroductionThis study examines the relationship between location of the primary tumor and specific nodal metastases in clinical stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing lobectomy. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all lobectomies performed at a single institution, between January 2005 and December 2019, for clinical stage I NSCLC patients. Patients selected for this study were clinically node negative (cN0) by positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan and selectively by endobronchial ultrasound or mediastinoscopy. Cases of postoperative pathologic nodal upstaging were identified among these patients. For each patient upstaged, the specific lymph node stations found to be positive were recorded. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact test were utilized to identify independent risk factors for upstaging to specific N1 and N2 lymph node stations. All clinical and pathologic staging information was retrospectively normalized to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 8th Edition TNM Classification. ResultsThe research cohort included 645 patients. The mean age was 68 years (standard deviation ± 9.2), 54% were female, and 88% were White, 11% Black, and 1% other. Twelve percent (n = 75) were upstaged from cN0 to pN1 or pN2 upon final pathologic examination: 41 to pN1 (54.7%) and 34 to pN2 (45.3%). The primary tumor location with the highest rate of nodal upstaging was the left upper lobe (LUL) (12.8%). Tumors in the right middle lobe had the lowest rate of unsuspected nodal metastases (8.8%). Out of all upstaged patients, there were no positive level eight lymph nodes, and only 1 patient with a positive level nine lymph node. Lymph node levels five and six were only positive in LUL primary tumors, a relationship that approached statistical significance (P = 0.0797). No patients with a LUL primary tumor had a positive level seven lymph node. Upstaging at station 12 was significantly associated with the location of the primary tumor, occurring less often in tumors originating in the right upper lobe in comparison to other lobes (P = 0.0288). ConclusionsWe identified relationships between the location of a primary tumor and specific nodal upstaging in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who undergo lobectomy. We found the following: 1) only 1 patient had a positive level eight or nine lymph node out of 645 patients; 2) only LUL primary tumors demonstrated upstaging to level five or six lymph nodes; and 3) right upper lobe tumors were significantly less likely to be associated with a positive level 12 lymph node.