Composite Scale Research Articles

Circadian Typology and Physical Activity in Young Adults with Gaming Disorder

Background and Objectives: Exploring daily lifestyle characteristics in individuals with gaming disorder (GD) might identify underlying causes and intervention points. However, integrative and subjective assessments are lacking in studies on this topic. This study aimed to assess circadian typology and physical activity in young adults with GD. Materials and Methods: We recruited 60 participants with GD and 120 age- and sex-matched controls. GD and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) were diagnosed through structured interviews. Physical activity and sleep patterns were measured using actigraphy. Self-reported measures were chronotype and insomnia by using composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the Pittsburg insomnia rating scale (PIRS). Results: We found that DSPS and eveningness chronotype was more prevalent in the GD group than in the control group. The GD group also contained more participants with insomnia with higher PIRS and a longer time to fall asleep compared with the control group. The GD group had lower physical activity levels for daily calorie expenditure, daily steps, and daily walking distance compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed in body weight and sleep duration between these groups. Conclusions: Individuals with GD, compared to HC, exhibit an eveningness chronotype, poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity, and higher obesity risk, suggesting that lifestyle adjustments like increased exercise and earlier sleep might help modify habitual behaviors and potentially further provide a way to treat GD.

A composite scaling network of EfficientNet for improving spatial domain identification performance

Spatial Transcriptomics leverages gene expression profiling while preserving spatial location and histological images. However, processing the vast and noisy image data in spatial transcriptomics (ST) for precise recognition of spatial domains remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a method of EfNST for recognizing spatial domains, which employs an efficient composite scaling network of EfficientNet to learn multi-scale image features. Compared with other relevant algorithms on six data sets from three sequencing platforms, EfNST exhibits higher accuracy in discerning fine tissue structures, highlighting its strong scalability to data and operational efficiency. Under limited computing resources, the testing results on multiple data sets show that the EfNST algorithm runs faster while maintaining accuracy. The ablation studies of EfNST model demonstrate the significant effectiveness of the EfficientNet. Within the annotated data sets, EfNST showcases the ability to finely identify subregions within tissue structure and discover corresponding marker genes. In the unannotated data sets, EfNST successfully identifies minute regions within complex tissues and elucidated their spatial expression patterns in biological processes. In summary, EfNST presents a novel approach to inferring cellular spatial organization from discrete data spots with significant implications for the exploration of tissue structure and function.

Evaluation of Recovery Time and Quality After Two Different Post-Operative Doses of Medetomidine in Spanish Purebred Horses Anaesthetized with Medetomidine-Isoflurane Partial Intravenous Anaesthesia.

Recovery from general anaesthesia is risky in horses. Alpha2-agonist administration after anaesthesia enhances the quality of recovery but may prolong this phase. Recovery time and quality were investigated after medetomidine administration at the end of general anaesthesia in a prospective, randomised, masked and clinical study. Horses underwent medetomidine-isoflurane partial intravenous anaesthesia. Medetomidine (0.5 or 1 µg/kg) IV was administered just after isoflurane was discontinued. The duration of different recovery phases and the number of attempts were recorded. A composite scale (from 1-excellent to 6-accident) was used for quality assessment. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed (p < 0.05). Twenty-seven horses per group were included. Results for 0.5 and 1 µg/kg groups were as follows: lateral recumbency time: 35 (24-45) and 43 (35-55) minutes; sternal recumbency time: 6 (3-15) and 5 (2-15) minutes; total recovery time: 47 (40-59) and 49 (42-62) minutes; number of attempts to sternal: 1 (1-1) and 1 (1-2) and to standing: 1 (1-3) and 1 (1-2); and, quality: 2 (1-2) and 2 (1-2), respectively. No significant differences between the groups were found. Medetomidine 0.5 µg/kg dose did not decrease the recovery time but maintained the recovery quality.

Manganese‐Based Composite‐Structure Cathode Materials for Sustainable Batteries

AbstractManganese‐based cathode materials have garnered extensive interest because of their high capacity, superior energy density, and tunable crystal structures. Despite their cost‐effectiveness, challenges like Mn dissolution and gas evolution originating from the irreversible structural degradation pose risks to stability and prolonged electrochemical behaviors, ultimately constraining their practical applications and market prospects. While the material characteristics and redox mechanisms of Mn‐based cathodes are extensively investigated, a systematic iterative approach to material design that balances performance and application demands remains both necessary and urgent. Recent strategies for enhancing cathode performances emphasize the innovative introduction and customization of composite structures in Mn‐based cathode materials to address the challenges above. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of composite‐structure construction methodologies and offers practical guidelines for effectively designing high‐stability Mn‐based composite‐structure cathode materials. This encompasses the classifications of composite scales, the discussions for the extent of composite‐structure construction inside and outside of the cathode grains, and an exploration of the development potential of these materials, especially for grid‐scale applications.

Investigation on oxidation behavior and mechanical properties of FeCoNiNbAlCrTa high entropy alloy at 900 °C

In recent years, eutectic high entropy alloys have been found to have excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance; however, the simultaneous achievement of these mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation resistance still constitutes a tough challenge. In this study, Ta and Cr elements are added to (FeCoNiNb)98Al2 high-entropy alloy to improve oxidation resistance, and the changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of (FeCoNiNb)98-2x(TaCr)xAl2 as well as the oxidation behaviors at 900 °C are systematically investigated. The results show that the addition of Ta and Cr elements promotes the increase and growth of the laves phase in the alloy, which improves the oxidation resistance of the alloy and maintains the excellent mechanical properties of (FeCoNiNb)98Al2. The formation of CrTaO4, CrNbO4, and Cr2O3 composite oxide scales can not only prevent the diffusion of O into the alloy, but also inhibit the external diffusion of matrix elements. This result provide experimental data and theoretical support for the optimal design of the high-entropy alloy compositions to improve their antioxidant properties while maintaining excellent mechanical properties.

Effects of a synergic interaction between magnesium sulphate and ketamine on the perioperative nociception in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: a pilot study.

Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) is commonly used in human medicine for the management of perioperative pain in different types of procedures. However, in veterinary medicine, the use of MgSO4 has not been evaluated for its analgesic efficacy in dogs, which has generated conflicts of opinion in this area of veterinary anesthesiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative analgesic efficacy of MgSO4 in combination with Ketamine in dogs undergoing Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO). Our hypothesis is that MgSO4 plus ketamine have a synergistic action in the management of intra-and postoperative pain. Twenty adult mixed breed dogs with average age 5.9 ± 2.6 years and weight 27.8 ± 9.2 kg were included in this prospective, clinical, randomized study. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. The MK group received ketamine (0.5 mg/kg as starting bolus followed by continuous infusion rate at 1 mg/kg/h). At the end of the ketamine bolus, MgSO4 (50 mg/kg over 15 min) was administered by the same route, followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) at 15 mg/kg/h, IV. K group received a bolus of ketamine followed by a CRI at the same dosage described in MK group. Main cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded 10 min before the start of surgery (BASE), after the ketamine bolus (T1) and the MgSO4 bolus (T2), during the skin incision (SKIN), the osteotomy (OSTEOTOMY) and skin suturing (SUTURE). In the postoperative period, the short form of Glasgow Composite Pain scale (SF-CMPS) was used to assess pain at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after extubation (Post30, Post60, Post120, and Post180, respectively). The main blood electrolytes (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, K+) were analyzed at BASE, T2, OSTEOTOMY, SUTURE and T3 (one hour after stopping MgSO4 infusion). Number of rescue analgesia and administration times were recorded both in the intra-and postoperative period. In K group 7 out of 10 dogs required intraoperatory rescue analgesia compared to MK group (3/10). Furthermore, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were significantly higher at OSTEOTOMY compared to BASE time in both groups. In the postoperative period, at T120, ICMPS-SF score was higher in K group than MK group. The administration of MgSO4 could guarantee better analgesia in the perioperative period in dogs undergoing TPLO, performing a synergistic action with ketamine.

OPTIMIZING THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADULTS BY USING EMS FITNESS TECHNOLOGY IN LEISURE TIME MOTOR ACTIVITIES

EMS Fitness is an electrical muscle stimulation, a full-body training method that offers the combination of strength training and cardio training through a machine that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contraction. The aim of the study was to follow the effects of electrostimulation training on body composition, weight loss and muscle strength increase. Ten people, women and men, aged between 25 and 50, were studied. We want to demonstrate the hypothesis that the use of the EMS Fitness technique over a period of 90 days will lead to a decrease in body weight, optimisation of body mass index and increase in muscle strength. Participants in the exercise group performed 12 weeks of high-intensity training using specific EMS equipment in an Xbody. The objective of the experiment was to identify whether the use of EMS technology contributed to changes in body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat and visceral fat. All exercise sessions were constantly supervised; in addition, exercise intensity, volume and frequency were recorded in training logs. A body composition scale was used for testing, which provides accurate body analysis using BIA technology. The training scheme was used for 12 weeks, changing the dosage and intensity for each subject, with the first signs of weight loss appearing after the first week. Methods used in the research: experimental method, graph-tabel method, observation method, bibliographic study method. Our results support the hypothesis, as the use of the EMS Fitness technique over a period of 90 days led to decreased body mass, optimized body mass index and increased muscle strength. In conclusion, I believe that people in Romania should have a wider openness in practicing physical exercise in their free time in order to develop a healthy generation and decrease the possibility of reaching the stage of obesity and stopping diseases, and a good help in achieving this goal is presented by training using EMS Fitness technology.

A multi-scale uncertainty quantification model encompassing minimum-size unit cells for effective properties of plain woven composites

The uncertainty quantification is crucial to the high-precision prediction of composites’ effective properties. However, the unclear input uncertainties of multiscale parameters, complex uncertainty propagations of inter-scale correlations, and unaffordable computational cost of massive simulations are three primary problems at present. In this work, an innovative model with high accuracy and feasible cost for the mechanical property prediction of plain woven composites is developed encompassing minimum-size unit cells and multi-scale uncertainty quantification. For the accuracy holding, an uncertainty analysis process consists of the traceability description, inter-scale propagation and quantification is established. The uncertainties of geometry are described by uniform distributions for fiber, fiber bundle and composite scales, respectively; that of constituent properties is described by normal distributions for fiber and matrix, and its propagations to bundle and composite scales are realized by Nataf transformation methods with the consideration of parameter correlations. For the cost control, minimum-size unit cells are formulated by exhaustive analysis of structural symmetries to reduce the computational cost without accuracy compromising for the single simulation, and 1/8 and 1/16 unit cells compared with traditional full-size ones are obtained. The evolution convergence for statistical uncertainties of effective properties is finally obtained with totally reduced computational cost of 89%.

Comparison of intra and postoperative analgesia efficacy of intraperitoneal levobupivacaine alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy; a randomized, prospective, blinded, clinical trial

This study aimed to compare the analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of levobupivacaine with or without dexmedetomidine, in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. In this prospective, randomized, and blinded clinical trial, 24 healthy cats were recruited. Animals received either saline (S group; 2 mL NaCl), levobupivacaine alone (Lev; 0.35 mg/kg), or levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine (LevDex group; 0.004 mg/kg), which was infiltrated intraoperatively into the subcutaneous tissue at various incision sites, including the right and left ovarian pedicles and the caudal aspect of the uterine body. Intraoperative analgesia was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale, while postoperative analgesia was assessed at various time points: before surgery (Tb), and at 0 (T0), 1 (T1h), 2 (T2h), 4 (T4h), 8 (T8h), 12 (T12h), and 24 (T24h) hours after the procedure, using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS). Significant decreases in heart rate, respiratory rate, and mean arterial pressure were observed in LevDex group as compared to S and Lev groups (p < 0.05). The S group required significantly more rescue morphine doses than the LevDex group (p = 0.029), but the difference was not significant when compared to the Lev group (p = 0.123). At T1h and T2h, the S group had significantly higher MCPS scores than both the Lev and LevDex groups (p = 0.029). However, at T8h, no significant difference was found between the S and LevDex groups (p = 0.741). While adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine may slightly prolong postoperative analgesia, this combination does not provide significant additional benefit over levobupivacaine alone in terms of response to surgical stimulation.

Hybrid synthetic/natural fiber-reinforced strain-hardening magnesia-based composites

Synthetic fiber-reinforced strain-hardening magnesia (MgO)-based composites (SHMC) are an emerging group of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) with ultra-high ductility and CO2 sequestration potential. However, the size of SHMC members is limited by the inadequate carbonation depth of the MgO matrix. In this work, hybrid synthetic/natural fiber-reinforced SHMC are developed containing different contents of PVA fibers (0–2 vol%) and sisal fibers (0–4 vol%). The new Hybrid-SHMC were experimentally studied on micro-scale and composite scale. On the micro-scale, the effect of cement matrix carbonation on the PVA/sisal fiber-to-matrix interfacial bonds and the matrix moduli were studied by single-fiber pullout test and local nano-indentation. On the composite scale, the effect of fiber dosage on the compressive/tensile behavior and carbonation profile of SHMC were studied. The effects of the carbonation-induced micromechanical enhancements on the composite behaviors were validated by a micromechanics-based fiber-bridging model. The results demonstrated that the new hybrid SHMC could achieve ultra-high tensile ductility (> 2.5 %) and uniform carbonation simultaneously (≥ 0.25 g CO2/g MgO at different depths). In Hybrid-SHMC, the PVA fibers mainly contributed to the mechanical crack-bridging and thus strain-hardening, while sisal fibers with porous microstructure improved the carbonation depth and thus the fiber-matrix interfacial bonds, composite compressive, and tensile performances.

Relation Between Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Postpartum Mother Psychological Wellbeing

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) may be physical violence, psychological or sexual abuse by a current or former intimate partner. It is an avoidable global public health problem. IPV in pregnancy, despite being a common problem but remains a neglected condition (1). The severity of violence from a partner during pregnancy was reported to be greater than violence before pregnancy due to possibly change in a couple’s relationship and lifestyle accompanying pregnancy (2).Numerous studies revealed that experiencing IPV during pregnancy negatively affects both mothers and infants during the post- partum period(3).Objectives: to assess prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety and assess possible relation between partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum psychological health. Design: prospective cohort study Method: This study was carried out on 176 pregnant women attending antenatal care to explore the possible relation between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression and anxiety. The assessment was done during the second trimester by screening the sociodemographic factors, screening of intimate partner violence was done using the Arabic version of the Composite Abuse Scale. Postpartum assessment by screening of maternal depression was done by the Arabic version of the Edinburgh post-partum depression scale, and screening of anxiety using the Arabic version of Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale. Results: the prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 19.3%. Near half of participants suffered from postpartum depressive illness and around one quarter suffered from possible depression. More than half of participants suffered from mild to moderate postpartum anxiety. Partner violence had also significant relation with depression during pregnancy and post-partum with p-value &lt;0.001 for both. Conclusions: intimate partner violence may be a risk factor for postpartum depression and anxiety.so, we should screen for it and learn how to deal with this problem.

Transversus Abdominis plane block to manage post operative pain in canine mastectomy

The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane block as part of a multimodal anaesthetic protocol in controlling perioperative nociception/ pain in dogs that underwent mammary tumour excision. The study included twelve dogs belonging to different breeds and ages. The dogs were classified according to the American Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) classification of physical status, based on their pre-anaesthetic evaluations and were divided into two groups: I and II, each with six dogs. Dogs in both groups received dexmedetomidine for premedication and diazepam-propofol for induction. Group I dogs were subjected to Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and Group II dogs were given butorphanol. Pain score was assessed using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS-SF) at one hour post-operatively. The pain score was significantly lower in Group I. None of the dogs in Group I required rescue analgesia. TAP block proved beneficial in mitigating nociception and postoperative pain in dogs undergoing mammary tumour excision. Keywords: Mammary tumour resection, TAP block, post-operative pain

Evaluation of preoperative intraperitoneal injection of bupivacaine for intraoperative antinociception in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo determine if preoperative intraperitoneal bupivacaine can minimize intra- and postoperative nociception/pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Study designProspective, randomized, investigator-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. AnimalsForty-seven, intact female cats. MethodsCats were anesthetized using a standard protocol and randomized to receive ultrasound-guided intraperitoneal 0.9 % saline (US-S) or 0.25 % bupivacaine (US-IPLA) before ovariohysterectomy. On recovery, US-S cats received 2 mg/kg robenacoxib subcutaneously and US-IPLA cats received equivalent volume of 0.9 % saline subcutaneously. Intraoperative outcome variables included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), and vaporizer setting associated with relevant surgical events characterized by manipulation of each ovarian pedicle (OP1, OP2) and the uterine body (UB). The postoperative outcome variable was need for rescue analgesia, determined using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale during 6 h after tracheal extubation. Intraoperative data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Šidák's multiple comparisons test. The probability of postoperative rescue analgesia was analyzed using the Gehan–Breslow–Wilcoxon test. Significance was p < 0.05. ResultsCompared to baseline, all surgical events caused significant increases in HR and SAP in both groups, fR increased in US-IPLA but not in US-S, vaporizer settings remained unchanged during OP1, OP2 and UB in group US-IPLA, and were significantly higher only during OP1 in group US-S. There were no significant between-group differences in intraoperative variables and postoperative need for rescue analgesia. Conclusions and clinical relevancePreoperative intraperitoneal bupivacaine had minimal effects on intraoperative indicators of nociception. The need for rescue analgesia was not significantly different between groups.

Structural dynamics of individual plant fibres: a contribution to the understanding of damping properties of bio-based composites

The field of bio-based composites faces challenges in understanding the physical mechanisms providing excellent compromise between stiffness and damping. Potential sources of damping, including the matrix, the fibre, and the interfaces (fibres/fibres and fibres/matrix) are identified in the literature. To better understand damping at the composite scale, it is necessary to understand the dissipation causes at each scale of the material. However, the mechanical characteristics of individual plant fibres, such as modulus and damping, can be uncertain due to the complexity of measuring their properties at such small scale (10 µm diameter, a few mm long). To address this knowledge gap, this work proposes a method based on dynamic response of individual plant fibres. By exciting the fibre with a piezoelectric actuator and using high-speed camera image processing to evaluate displacements along the fibre, it becomes possible to determine intrinsic dynamic properties such as the loss factor and storage modulus. Controlled environment tests are conducted to investigate the influence of external parameters such as temperature and pressure on the measurement results. By utilizing this method, the aim is to obtain a better understanding of the damping properties of plant fibres and ultimately improve design choices for bio-based composite materials.

Use of butorphanol as a local anaesthetic for pain management in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of butorphanol and lidocaine, alone or in combination, in calves undergoing surgical repair of umbilical hernia. The study was conducted in 60 calves of different breeds. Xylazine 0.3 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly to all animals in the study. The animals were then divided into three groups (n = 20) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4.5 mg/kg and butorphanol at 0.02 mg/kg. The L group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally, the B group received butorphanol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally, and finally the LB group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and butorphanol intraperitoneally. Heart and respiratory rates, haemoglobin oxygen saturation, non-invasive blood pressure and temperature were recorded during surgery. Response to the surgical stimulus was scored on a cumulative numerical scale that included percentage changes in HR, RR and SAP. Postoperative pain was assessed by three independent observers, blinded to treatment, using the UNESP-Botucatu Unidimensional Composite Pain Scale (UNESP-Botucatu UCPS-IV) for the assessment of postoperative pain in cattle. The course of physiological variables was appropriate for patients under anaesthesia. No subject required rescue intraoperative analgesia. In group L, 4 subjects at 40 m and 5 subjects at 50 m required postoperative rescue analgesia. Both butorphanol alone and the combination of butorphanol and lidocaine showed excellent intraoperative and postoperative scores. Furthermore, this combination did not cause any cardiopulmonary or other adverse effects. Based on the results of this study, both butorphanol alone and the co-administration of butorphanol and lidocaine administered locally proved to be safe and effective in providing adequate and long-lasting analgesia in calves, helping to reduce postoperative discomfort and maintaining adequate animal welfare.

Description and Outcomes of an Ultrasound-Guided Technique for Catheter Placement in the Canine Quadratus Lumborum Plane: A Cadaveric Tomographic Study and Clinical Case Series.

This study aimed to describe an ultrasound-guided technique for implanting catheters for local anesthetic administration into the quadratus lumborum (QL) inter-fascial plane in canine cadavers and assessing the spread along the vertebral bodies (VBs) by computed tomography (CT). Phase 1: eight canine cadavers received one catheter per hemiabdomen, followed by injection of contrast media solution [low volume (LV) 0.3 mL kg-1 or high volume (HV) 0.6 mL kg-1]. Phase 2: postoperative pain of five dogs was managed by injecting 0.3 mL kg-1 of ropivacaine 0.5% through QL catheters every eight hours, up to 72 h after abdominal surgery. Pain was assessed using the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, and methadone 0.2 mg kg-1 was administered intravenously when the pain score was ≥6. The number of VBs stained by the contrast solution between the QL and psoas minor muscles was significantly higher in group HV than group LV. The catheter tip was visualized in the retroperitoneal space in 1/16 and 2/10 hemiabdomens in phases 1 and 2, respectively. Rescue analgesia was required in 3/5 dogs during the postoperative period. The QL catheter placement technique appears feasible and may be included in a multimodal analgesic approach for dogs undergoing abdominal surgeries.

Development and Validation of SCACOMS, a Composite Scale for Assessing Disease Progression and Treatment Effects in Spinocerebellar Ataxia.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are rare inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive impairment of gait, balance, limb coordination, and speech. There is currently no composite scale that includes multiple aspects of the SCA experience to assess disease progression and treatment effects. Applying the method of partial least squares (PLS) regression, we developed the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Composite Scale (SCACOMS) from two SCA natural history datasets (NCT01060371, NCT02440763). PLS regression selected items based on their ability to detect clinical decline, with optimized weights based on the item's degree of progression. Following model validation, SCACOMS was leveraged to examine disease progression and treatment effects in a 48-week SCA clinical trial cohort (NCT03701399). Items from the Clinical Global Impression-Global Improvement Scale (CGI-I), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) - functional stage, and the Modified Functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA) were objectively selected with weightings based on their sensitivity to clinical decline. The resulting SCACOMS exhibited improved sensitivity to disease progression and greater treatment effects (compared to the original scales from which they were derived) in a 48-week clinical trial of a novel therapeutic agent. The trial analyses also provided a SCACOMS-derived estimate of the temporal delay in SCA disease progression. SCACOMS is a useful composite measure, effectively capturing disease progression and highlighting treatment effects in patients with SCA. SCACOMS will be a powerful tool in future studies given its sensitivity to clinical decline and ability to detect a meaningful clinical impact of disease-modifying treatments.

Myostatin as a Marker of Reduced Muscle Mass in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Liver Disease

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is defined as a decrease in muscle mass, and is a reliable marker of nutritional status of patients with chronic diseases. Multiple factors contribute to malnutrition in chronic liver disease (CLD), such as impaired absorption and/or digestion, increased metabolic demands, anorexia, and decreased oral intake. Changes due to liver cirrhosis are considered potential disruptors of the balance of protein anabolism and catabolism which is a characteristic feature of Sarcopenia. Aim of the Work to assess the muscle mass in CLD pediatric patients and evaluate myostatin as a biomarker of sarcopenia in CLD pediatric patients and its association with muscle mass. Patients and Methods The study was conducted at the hepatology and nutrition clinics, of Ain Shams Children`s Hospital. It included 42 (20 male and 22 female) CLD patients and 45(26 male and 19 female) healthy controls aging between 2 and 18 years during the period from August 2021 to January 2022. They were subjected to full history taking, clinical evaluation, anthropometric measurements including weight, height, mid upper arm circumference(MUAC) and body mass index(BMI), assessment of body composition and measurement of serum myostatin. Results The prevalence of malnutrition in the CLD patients was significantly higher than the controls with p value&amp;lt;0.001 and it was as follow: 50% had abnormal weight, 42.85%were stunted and 42.85% had abnormal BMI. Although the prevalence of malnutrition in the cases detected by MUAC (in age group 2-5years) was 33.33%, yet this was not statistically significant compared to healthy control with p value 0.329. As regards the lean muscle mass measured by body composition scale, we found that the prevalence of decreased lean muscle mass was 57.58% in the cases which was significantly higher than the controls with p value&amp;lt;0.001. Our study showed that CLD patients had significantly higher serum myostatin level with median of 757ng/mL and range of (450-825ng/mL) in comparison to median of 120ng/mL and range of (100-140ng/mL) in healthy controls. There was a negative but non-significant correlation between the serum myostatin and decreased lean muscle mass in the cases with p value 0.253 and r -0.205. Conclusion Malnutrition is prevalent in children with CLD and decreased lean muscle mass is significantly evident. Serum myostatin level is significantly higher in patients with CLD compared to healthy controls.

Body fat percentage, mid-upper arm circumference, and menstrual cycle in female students at x high school

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Irregular menstrual cycle in adolescent girls is an indicator of reproductive organ disorders. One of the risk factor for menstrual cycle disorders is nutritional status problem. Nutritional status can be measured using several anthropometric indicators such as body fat percentage and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between body fat percentage and MUAC with the menstrual cycle in girls of X High School Sidoarjo.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: The type of this research was cross-sectional. The sample used 66 students with stratified random sampling technique. Body fat percentage was obtained by using the Mi Body Composition Scale 2, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by using midline, and the menstrual cycle was obtained by using a menstrual cycle questionnaire for the last 3 months. Data were analyzed with Rank Spearman test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The results showed that average of body fat percentage was 26.8%, MUAC was 23.8 cm, and menstrual cycle was 35 days. Based on the test of the relationship between body fat percentage and the menstrual cycle, p-value 0.000 (r-value -0.875) were obtained, while MUAC and the menstrual cycle showed p-value 0.000 (r-value -0.916). The higher the body fat percentage, the shorter the menstrual cycle. The smaller the MUAC, the longer the menstrual cycle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: There was a significant relationship between body fat percentage and MUAC with the menstrual cycle within girls in X High School Sidoarjo. Adolescent girls are expected to maintain normal nutritional status in order to maintain the regularity of their menstrual cycle, so as to minimize the risk of infertility in the future.&lt;/p&gt;

Investigating Factors that Predict Japanese Science Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: Evidence from TIMSS 2019

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 data revealed that Grade 8 science teachers in several Asian countries (Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and South Korea) reported lower job satisfaction levels than the international average. For example, while Japanese Grade 8 students ranked among the highest in science achievement on the TIMSS 2019, their science teachers reported the lowest job satisfaction composite scale score compared to the other 63 participating countries. Using teacher questionnaire data from TIMSS 2019, we utilized correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to uncover the answers to this research question: Which factors contribute to Japanese Grade 8 science teachers’ job satisfaction? The results from the analysis indicate that working in a safe and orderly school environment was the strongest predictor of Japanese Grade 8 science teacher job satisfaction. The number of working hours, amount of perceived pressure exerted by their students’ parents, participation in professional development focused on science curriculum, and adopting a constructivist orientation to science teaching were the other significant factors that predicted job satisfaction. Findings from this study have implications for Japanese educational policy stakeholders, school administrators, mentor teachers, science department leadership, and those invested in science teachers’ professional development.