Cross-sectional Examination Research Articles

Combining the role of urbanization and renewable energy in sustainable development: testing the EKC hypothesis for Africa.

The pressing necessity to curb greenhouse gas emissions due to climate change has sparked significant scientific interest in comprehending the factors behind CO2 emissions, particularly concerning environmental sustainability challenges. Nonetheless, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of how the process of urbanization interacts with the utilization of renewable energy to impact CO2 emissions. This research endeavor seeks to evaluate the complex interplay among urbanization, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions across 46 African nations spanning from 1990 to 2019. To accomplish this objective, a variety of econometric methodologies are employed, including Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, IV-GMM, and method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) panel estimations to address issues like cross-sectional dependencies, endogeneity, heterogeneity, and panel Granger causality examination. The empirical results suggest that urbanization leads to an increase in CO2 emissions, whereas the consumption of renewable energy plays a role in enhancing environmental quality by reducing CO2 emissions. A significant outcome of the study is the revelation that a combination of urbanization and renewable energy leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is validated. Lastly, through the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test, it is uncovered that urbanization and renewable energy consumption exhibit a bidirectional relationship with CO2 emissions. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb CO2 emissions, policymakers should promote renewable energy usage in urban areas.

The Communication Conundrum: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Descriptive Examination of Family Nurse Perspectives Surrounding Patient Information Exchange During Interfacility Patient Transfers in Montana.

Background: Interfacility patient transfers are fraught with issues such as missed or ineffective communication in Montana given wide geographic distance between facilities and variance in resources. Inaccurate, absent, or delayed patient details may negatively affect patient outcomes and further result in duplicative testing and medication errors. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the process of patient information communication during interfacility transfers as perceived by nurses practicing in Montana. Methods: The study design was a pilot cross-sectional descriptive approach. An online Qualtrics survey included demographic questions, two exploratory communication competence instruments, and four open-ended questions regarding communicating interfacility transfer patient information. Results: A total of 33 nurses completed the study, with the majority practicing at a critical access hospital (n = 15, 47%). Communication competence mean scores increased with dyad conversations, and a lack of standardized handoff tools was noted as a challenge. Nurses identified the following as barriers in the interfacility transfer handoff: incivility, amount of paperwork, interoperability issues, incomplete or outdated information, time, and resources. Implications for Practice: There is wide variability in current communication practices, ranging from verbal to electronic document transfers. The rural healthcare space is prime to continue examinations surrounding workflow optimization, accuracy, and consistency in shared information exchange at the time of interfacility transfer. There is an opportunity for potential training and education surrounding effective communication, interpersonal behaviors that support cross-organizational interactions, and the development of a standardized handoff tool contextual for interfacility transfer patients.

Clinical Physician Assistant Students’ Perceptions of Evidence-Based Medicine Resources: A Cross-Sectional Examination

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) instruction is required for physician assistant (PA) students. As a follow-up to an initial didactic year survey, this study seeks to understand which attributes of EBM resources clinical PA students find most and least useful, their self-efficacy utilizing medical literature, and their usage of EBM tools in the clinic. Results indicate that students preferred UpToDate and PubMed. PA students valued ease of use, which can inform instructors and librarians. Respondents utilized EBM tools daily or a few days a week, underscoring the importance of EBM tools in real-world scenarios. After their clinical year, students felt moderately confident utilizing the medical literature, emphasizing EBM training.

Investigation of the effect of SiC additions on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of combustion-synthesized MoSi2

In this study, the effect of the weight percentage of SiC on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of MoSi2-Xwt. % SiC composite (X = 0, 10, 20, 30) was studied. The composites were produced from elemental powder compacts of molybdenum, silicon and carbon (where applicable) by combustion synthesis and subsequent sintering method. Additionally, a series of each synthesized powder was mixed with 5 wt% bentonite and consequently sintered. The sintered specimens were then subjected to oxidation at 1100 °C. Microstructure and phase analysis of the oxidized samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Surface and cross-sectional examinations of the samples after oxidation revealed that all samples possessed good oxidation resistance in the way that no spallation was observed between the oxide layer and the substrate. The highest oxidation resistance at 1100 °C was observed in the sample with MoSi2 (without SiC) containing bentonite (AB0). This sample showed only 0.75% weight gain after 50 h of oxidation, which is probably due to the effective role of bentonite in decreasing the open porosities, and further reducing the oxygen penetration path during the oxidation process.

Quaking the stock market: Event study evidence on the Turkey-Syria earthquake

This study delves into the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on 06 February 2023, claiming more than 50000 lives. Applying the event study method, with the market model estimation over days (−255, −1) and (0,+5) event window, to the daily returns of 382 listed firms, we show that the Turkey-Syria earthquake significantly affected the stock returns. The average abnormal return decreased from −0.79% on event day (t) to −11.04% on t+2. The cumulative impact on all the sectors (Energy (−15.98%), Utilities (−15.36%), Financials (14.92%), Consumer non-cyclicals (−14.46%), Technology (−14.38%), Industrials (−12.40%), Consumer cyclicals (−12.12%), Real Estate (−11.51%), Health Care (−11.18%)), except Basic Materials (4.63%), has been negative. The cross-sectional examination negates the size anomaly that small firms outperform large firms. Larger firms and those with less volatile stocks tend to be more resilient, whereas riskier firms experience more significant losses. These findings suggest that firms diversify their portfolios to include less risky assets or take steps to reduce volatility in their stock prices.

Associations among thyroid hormone levels and mean corpuscular volume in adults in the US: A cross-sectional examination of the NHANES 2007-2012 dataset.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is an important indicator used to determine the etiology of anemia and is associated with a variety of diseases. However, the link between thyroid function and MCV has yet to be clarified. This study was thus developed to assess relationships between thyroid function and MCV in a population of adults in the US. Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study performed from 2007 to 2012 were used to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. Key thyroid-related variables included in this analysis were thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), antithyroglobulin, thyroglobulin, and antithyroid peroxidase levels. Generalized linear regression models were employed when estimating associations between MCV quartiles and thyroid parameters in 8104 adults 18 + years of age. In these participants, the weighted mean (SD) MCV was 89.36 (0.16) fL, with thyroid-stimulating hormone levels of 1.86 (0.03) mIU/mL, FT3 levels of 3.20 (0.01) pg/mL, FT4 levels of 0.80 (0.01) ng/dL, TT3 levels of 115.09 (0.64) ng/dL, and TT4 levels of 7.81 (0.04) μg/dL. When analyses were not adjusted, higher MCV values were related to reduced serum levels of FT3, TT3, or TT4. Following adjustment for possible confounding variables, this significant negative correlation between MCV and levels of FT3, TT3, and TT4 remained, and subgroup analysis revealed that this negative correlation was present in the male group and in the age group >50 years, but not in the female group and in the age group less than or equal to 50 years. These results suggest a significant negative correlation between MCV and FT3, TT3, and TT4, and this negative correlation originated more from the male population and those older than 50 years of age. The underlying mechanisms warrant additional investigation.

Multinational External Validation of Autonomous Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children, with significant disparities in outcomes between high-income and low-income countries, due in part to insufficient access to ROP screening. To evaluate how well autonomous artificial intelligence (AI)-based ROP screening can detect more-than-mild ROP (mtmROP) and type 1 ROP. This diagnostic study evaluated the performance of an AI algorithm, trained and calibrated using 2530 examinations from 843 infants in the Imaging and Informatics in Retinopathy of Prematurity (i-ROP) study, on 2 external datasets (6245 examinations from 1545 infants in the Stanford University Network for Diagnosis of ROP [SUNDROP] and 5635 examinations from 2699 infants in the Aravind Eye Care Systems [AECS] telemedicine programs). Data were taken from 11 and 48 neonatal care units in the US and India, respectively. Data were collected from January 2012 to July 2021, and data were analyzed from July to December 2023. An imaging processing pipeline was created using deep learning to autonomously identify mtmROP and type 1 ROP in eye examinations performed via telemedicine. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) as well as sensitivity and specificity for detection of mtmROP and type 1 ROP at the eye examination and patient levels. The prevalence of mtmROP and type 1 ROP were 5.9% (91 of 1545) and 1.2% (18 of 1545), respectively, in the SUNDROP dataset and 6.2% (168 of 2699) and 2.5% (68 of 2699) in the AECS dataset. Examination-level AUROCs for mtmROP and type 1 ROP were 0.896 and 0.985, respectively, in the SUNDROP dataset and 0.920 and 0.982 in the AECS dataset. At the cross-sectional examination level, mtmROP detection had high sensitivity (SUNDROP: mtmROP, 83.5%; 95% CI, 76.6-87.7; type 1 ROP, 82.2%; 95% CI, 81.2-83.1; AECS: mtmROP, 80.8%; 95% CI, 76.2-84.9; type 1 ROP, 87.8%; 95% CI, 86.8-88.7). At the patient level, all infants who developed type 1 ROP screened positive (SUNDROP: 100%; 95% CI, 81.4-100; AECS: 100%; 95% CI, 94.7-100) prior to diagnosis. Where and when ROP telemedicine programs can be implemented, autonomous ROP screening may be an effective force multiplier for secondary prevention of ROP.

A cross-sectional examination of race, gender, and intersectionality on protective behavioral strategies and alcohol outcomes among Black and White college students.

College students consistently report problematic alcohol use (e.g., excessive drinking). Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are behaviors for reducing alcohol use and/or problems and are negatively associated with alcohol misuse among college students. Studies suggest PBS are used more often and/or more effectively by female individuals. Additionally, examinations specifically between Black and White students have yielded mixed findings and are typically underpowered. Scant studies have investigated the intersectionality between race and gender or examined perceived effectiveness of PBS use related to alcohol outcomes. The current cross-sectional study examined if (a) race, (b) gender, and (c) their interaction moderate the associations between perceived effectiveness of PBS use on PBS use (a path) and between PBS use on alcohol outcomes (i.e., alcohol quantity, peak drinks, and problems; b path). A sample size of N = 528 college drinkers ages 18-24 years old (Mage = 19.85; 52.5%, Black, 40.3% White) completed an online survey and were used for analyses. A series of moderated mediation models were conducted. Race did not moderate the a or b paths. The positive association for the a path as well as the indirect effect of PBS perceived effectiveness on lower alcohol outcomes through PBS use were stronger for female students than male students. The intersectionality examination indicated a stronger association between more PBS use and lower consumption, specifically for White male students, and lower problems for Black female students. More attention is needed toward considering intersectionality when identifying at-risk groups and tailoring alcohol intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cross-sectional examination of current and future trends and attributes of the presidents of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons societies

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to analyze the academic attributes of the presidents of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) over the past four decades to elucidate the trajectories of these societies' leaderships. MethodsForty-three AANS and 43 CNS presidents of the past four decades were identified. Demographic and research productivity data were collected from publicly available sources. ResultsCompared to AANS presidents, CNS presidents were younger (median = 48 years vs. 59.5 years; p < 0.001), had fewer years of practice prior to their election (15 years vs. 28 years; p < 0.001), had higher NIH funding rate (37.2% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.01), and higher rate of practicing at academic institutions (93% vs. 74.4%; p = 0.04). The CNS presidents had a comparable median number of publications at election (AANS: 72 vs. CNS: 94 publications, p = 0.78) but a higher median h-index scores (AANS: 28 vs. CNS: 59; p = 0.04). In the multiple linear regression analysis, vascular subspecialty (β = 0.21 [95% CI: 0.09–0.34]; p = 0.002) and practicing in a non-academic institution (β = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.08–0.39]; p = 0.007) were predictors for later election for AANS presidency. ConclusionsWe characterized the attributes of AANS and CNS presidents to serve as useful references for career trajectories for junior neurosurgeons and trainees. Research and academic presence seem to be associated with early election to both societies.

Investigating the mortality trend of gastrointestinal cancers in Babol, North Iran (2013–2021)

Background and aimThis study aims to examine the mortality rate and trend of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric cancer, as the leading cause of death among cancers in northern Iran over a 9-year period. In light of the changing incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Iran and around the world, the importance of these diseases in people’s lives, and the necessity of updating and monitoring the trend of cancer mortality, we have decided to report on the mortality trend of gastrointestinal cancers, based on crude and age-standardized rates.MethodThis study is a cross-sectional examination of deaths caused by gastrointestinal cancers in Babol city, Iran, between 2013 and 2021. Data was collected from the cause of death registration and classification system of Babol University of Medical Sciences. Population estimation was obtained from the latest census reports. The crude and age-standardized mortality rates and trends of the cancers were calculated.ResultsOverall, there were 1345 deaths from gastrointestinal cancers with an average age of 69.11 ± 14.25 years. The crude and age-standardized rates of these cancers rose from 24.1 to 20.1 per hundred thousand people in 2012 to 29.5 and 25.5 per hundred thousand people, respectively. This trend became more prevalent significantly with the increase of each decade of age for both men (P-value Trend = 0.002) and women (P-value Trend = 0.012). An analysis of gastrointestinal cancers revealed a decreasing trend for cancers of the small intestine, an increasing trend for cancers of the colon, pancreas, and gallbladder, and a stable trend for the remaining cancers over the study period.ConclusionThe age-standardized rate and the number of gastrointestinal cancers is rising, highlighting the importance of preventative measures such as screening, increasing public awareness, and appropriate diagnostic methods.

Pre-hardening water quenching effect on the wear resistance of TiCN coated 4140 steels

In this comprehensive study, we investigated the mechanical and wear characteristics of AISI 4140 steel specimens subjected to quench hardening and coated with Titanium Carbo Nitride (TiCN) using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. Our analysis encompassed microstructure characterization, cross-sectional examination of the coating layer, phase analysis, microhardness evaluation, and wear behavior assessment, aiming to discern the combined impact of TiCN coating and pre-hardening treatment. The surface imaging and characterization of the coating layer were conducted employing Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) assisted Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Hardness measurements were performed utilizing a microhardness testing apparatus. Furthermore, wear assessments were executed employing a ball-on-disc tribometer, employing two distinct loads of 20 and 40 N. Results revealed that the pre-hardening process led to a remarkable coating surface hardness of 2473 HV, surpassing the 2230 HV recorded in AISI 4140 steel without pre-hardening. Pre-hardening notably improved coating thickness and hardness, and substantially reduced wear rates, especially when combined with TiCN coating. In conclusion, the combined approach of pre-hardening and TiCN coating emerges as a highly effective strategy for enhancing the mechanical and wear properties of this steel alloy.

Earthquake victims in focus: a cross-sectional examination of trauma and management in intensive care unit

BackgroundAfter the Kahramanmaras earthquake of February 6, 2023, the disaster of the century, a significant number of victims were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). In this study, we aimed to share the characteristics and management of critical earthquake victims and shed light on our experiences as intensivists in future earthquakes.MethodsThe study included 62 earthquake victims in two tertiary ICUs. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics, trauma and disease severity scores, treatments administered to patients, and the clinical course of the patients were recorded retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, survivors and nonsurvivors, according to 7-day mortality and into two groups according to the duration of their stay under the rubble: those who remained under the rubble for 72 hours or less and those who remained under the rubble for more than 72 hours. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value for the ‘Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech’ (CRAMS) score.ResultsThe median age of the 62 patients included in the study was 35.5 (23-53) years. The median length of stay under the rubble for the patients was 30.5 (12-64.5) hours. The patient was transferred to the ward with a maximum duration of 222 hours under the rubble. The limb (75.8%) was the most common location of trauma in patients admitted to the ICU. Crush syndrome developed in 96.8% of the patients. There was a positive correlation between the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and myoglobin, serum lactate, and uric acid levels (r = 0.372, p = 0.003; r = 0.307, p = 0.016; r = 0.428, p = 0.001, respectively). The best cutoff of the CRAMS score to predict in-7-day mortality was < 4.5 with 0.94 area under the curve (AUC); application of this threshold resulted in 75% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity.ConclusionSearch and rescue operations should continue for at least ten days after an earthquake. The CRAMS score can be used to assess trauma severity and predict mortality in critically ill earthquake victims.

Understanding the Role of Empathy and Gender on EMS Clinician Occupational Stress and Mental Health Outcomes

Background Emergency Medical Service (EMS) clinicians experience high levels of occupational stress due to long hours, short staffing, and patient deaths, among other factors. While gender has been partially examined, little is known regarding the role of empathy on occupational stress and mental health (MH) outcomes among EMS clinicians. Therefore, the current study examines the moderating role of empathy and, separately, gender on associations between occupational stress and mental health. Methods A cross-sectional examination of EMS clinician occupational and personal wellbeing was conducted via an anonymous, electronic survey. Information on clinician demographics, and validated measures of occupational stress, burnout, and MH outcomes were collected. Empathy was assessed using the Toronto Empathy Scale (TEQ). Descriptive/bivariate statistics were conducted for variables of interest. Separate multivariable regression models evaluated associations between occupational stress and mental health outcomes. Empathy and gender were examined as potential moderators using interactions. Results A total of 568 EMS clinicians completed the survey. High levels of mental health difficulties were reported (34.0% anxiety, 29.2% depression, 48.6% burnout). Increased occupational stress was associated with increased anxiety (OR =1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.10), depression (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.10), and burnout (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12). No moderation analyses were significant. Greater resilience was associated with lower depression, anxiety, and burnout. Conclusion EMS clinicians, much like other first responders, experience considerable occupational stress, of which is associated with mental health difficulties and burnout. Findings underscore the need for intervention programs aimed at reducing the impact of occupational stress and the promotion of resilience. Continuing to understand the full scope of EMS mental health, including the role of resilience, is imperative, particularly in light of future public emergencies.

Assessment of the status of presentation and management of tuberculosis patients in central India

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a notable public health issue not just within India but on a worldwide scale. Analyzing the causes of presentation, management, and treatment delays of tuberculosis can offer valuable understanding into local trends and aid in crafting specific approaches for the successful management of TB. This research involves a cross-sectional examination conducted among TB patients residing in the regions served by the District Tuberculosis Centre, Wardha, and the directly observed treatment short course center in Sawangi. Information will be collected using a standardized questionnaire endorsed by the World Health Organization.

Vitamin D Levels Assessment among the Neonates with and without Seizures: A Single Center Cross-Sectional Study.

The impact that vitamin D (vit D) has on a variety of medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular, oncological, and central nervous system disorders has been a topic of interest for many years now. It is well-known that vit D deficiency is substantially more common in epileptics than in healthy subjects. The current research was piloted to analyse the vit D levels of the blood in newborns with seizures, as well as mothers' vit D status included subjects. A cross-sectional examination was piloted at a tertiary care center, which had a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The subjects were neonates and their mothers. The levels of vit D were measured in term and late preterm newborns who had been brought to the NICU with convulsions. Term or late preterm infants who were healthy and hospitalized in the same hospital's postnatal unit as their mothers served as the controls for the study. Demographics, as well as the vit D levels of both the neonate and the mother, were estimated and compared and evaluated for any significance, keeping significance at less than 0.05. Of the 72 neonates included, they were similarly distributed between the epileptic (37) and healthy subjects. (40) The mothersy subjects.cluded, they were sim D levels averaged 15.11 ded, they were similarly distributed b D levels of their newborns were 13.26 ± 5.12 ng/mL (P = 0.77). There was no significant variance between the healthy and epileptic neonates (P = 0.212). The current studyficant variance between the healthy and epileptic neonates (eptic with convulsions. Termserum vit D levels and epileptic activity in neonates. Nevertheless, the levels of the vitamin were < 20 ng/mL among all the neonates. Interventions to improve the vit D levels have to be implemented.

Association of hysterectomy with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among US women

BackgroundA postmenopausal rise in the rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in women. This study thus sought to further probe the association of hysterectomy with NAFLD.MethodsThe data utilized in this investigation were attained from the 2017-March 2020 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reflecting a strategic utilization of comprehensive health and nutrition information in the US population, to conduct a cross-sectional examination of the relationship between self-reported hysterectomy and NAFLD. Subjects included in this study were women aged 20 years or older. The multivariable logistic regression methodologies were utilized to determine the pertinent odds ratios (ORs) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf the 2,868 subjects enrolled in this study (mean age: 51.3 years, 95%CI: 50.0-52.6 years), 22.1% (95%CI: 19.7–24.7%) reported having undergone a hysterectomy, while 31.1% (95%CI: 28.1–34.1%) exhibited elastographic evidence of NAFLD, and 3.8% (95%CI: 2.6–5.6%) exhibited clinically significant fibrosis (CSF). Relative to women with no history of hysterectomy, those that had undergone hysterectomy exhibited a higher odd of NAFLD (OR:1.66, 95%CI: 1.24–2.21) in a multivariable model fully adjusted for age, ethnicity, body mass index, female hormone use, oophorectomy, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association among women who were not obese (OR:2.23, 95%CI:1.61–3.11), women who were not affected by diabetes (OR:1.76, 95%CI: 1.25–2.46), and without hyperlipidemia (OR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.10–3.16). No significant association of hysterectomy with NAFLD encompassing CSF was identified.ConclusionsThe results of the present nationally representative analysis suggested an association between hysterectomy and increased NAFLD prevalence among US women. Knowledge of this relationship may better aid clinical efforts to screen for and manage NAFLD.

A cross-sectional examination of ontario graduate students’ levels of resilience and health related quality of life during the covid-19 pandemic: The CARE study

A cross-sectional examination of ontario graduate students’ levels of resilience and health related quality of life during the covid-19 pandemic: The CARE study

Hypertension in non-obese children and BMI in adulthood: the Bogalusa heart study

ObjectiveThis study explored the association between hypertension(HTN) in non-obese children body mass index (BMI) in adulthood.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 1111 participants from the Bogalusa Heart Study was conducted, in which data on hypertension history during childhood in non-obese children, anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors and other indicators from cross-sectional examinations in adulthood were collected. BMI was used as both a continuous and a categorical variable, and multivariate linear regression modelling and logistic regression modelling were used.ResultsOf the 1111 participants finally enrolled, 40 (3.60%) had HTN during childhood. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, lipid, glucose and insulin levels in childhood, and smoking status, alcohol intake, and disease history as adults, HTN among non-obese children was positively associated with BMI in adulthood (β = 2.64 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.88–4.40, P = 0.0033), and the odds of being overweight or obese was 3.71 times higher in the group with a history of hypertension in childhood than those without a history of HTN(95% CI: 1.11–12.46, P = 0.0337).ConclusionAmong non-obese children, hypertension is at risk for higher levels of BMI in adulthood. Identifying and controlling blood pressure and childhood may aid in the prevention of adult obesity.

Cross-sectional examination of correlates of sexual victimization disclosure via #MeToo

ABSTRACT Background: Sexual victimization is a serious public health problem, with a range of negative impacts on mental and physical health. Responses that individuals get to disclosure of sexual victimization play an important role in recovery. With the increased use of social media, more survivors are talking about their experiences of sexual victimization online. Research is needed to document the correlates of online disclosure of sexual victimization. Objective: The current study examined the role of demographic characteristics, assault severity, coping strategies, and social isolation as putative correlates of disclosing sexual victimization online via the hashtag #MeToo. Methods: A sample of 637 adults recruited via social media who reported a history of sexual victimization since the age of 14 completed self-report surveys using online survey software to assess disclosure of sexual victimization, assault severity, coping strategies, and social isolation. Results: Multivariate analyses suggest that levels of emotion-focused coping were positively associated with the disclosure of sexual victimization online via #MeToo. Further, individuals who had experienced completed rape by verbal coercion were less likely to disclose via #MeToo, compared to individuals who experienced other forms of assault. Conclusion: Coping strategies and assault severity play an important role in determining whether survivors disclose sexual victimization online via #MeToo. Findings suggest that individuals may disclose via #MeToo to seek support or express their emotions. Further, individuals whose sexual victimization experiences do not conform to ‘typical’ sexual victimization experiences are less likely to disclose via #MeToo.

Resting muscle tension and trigger points in elite junior short-track athletes and healthy non-athletes: a cross-sectional examination.

Short-track speed skating (short track) is an Olympic sport characterized by a specific body position and counterclockwise movement on the track. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that athlete body positions employed in this sport could lead to asymmetric overuse disorders of the left lower limb muscles. An increased number of latent trigger points (LTrPs) was confirmed in individual muscles of the overloaded left limb of short-track athletes. This study aimed to compare the number of LTrPs and the level of resting muscle tone between elite junior short-track athletes and healthy non-athletes. The experimental (EXP) group comprised 15 elite short-track junior athletes from the Polish national team and the control (CON) group comprised 15 healthy young volunteers. In both groups, the left leg was tested for (i) the presence of LTrPs and (ii) resting muscle tone (RMT), assessed using surface electromyography in six muscles. The EXP group showed a higher number of LTrPs in the left lower limb, compared with the CON group. The muscle that was most significantly affected in the athletes was the vastus lateralis obliquus [χ 2 (1, N = 30), p < 0.001, V Cramer = 0.71]. This muscle also differed significantly between the groups in terms of the RMT (p = 0.033, Cohen's d = 0.87). Elite short-track junior athletes presented with increased RMT and an increased number of LTrPs in the vastus lateralis oblique muscle, compared with healthy non-athletes.