General Linear Model Analysis Research Articles

A study of oral health and quality of life in patients with dyslipidemia

Objectives: This study analyzed factors influencing oral health and quality of life in patients with dyslipidemia using raw data from the first year (2019) and third year (2021), where the quality of life was assessed using the HINT-8 tool from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Survey data. Methods: Frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, general linear model analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed on the collected data using SPSS program 26.0, and the data of 1,926 participants were analyzed. Results: The mean quality of life (HINT-8) score was 0.78 out of 1.00. Quality of life according to general characteristics, showed significant differences according to gender, age, household income, education level, lifetime smoking status, and lifetime alcohol consumption. In terms of oral health, it significantly differed according to chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, oral examination history, toothbrushing frequency, toothache history, untreated dental care needs, subjective oral health status and use of oral care products. The predictors of quality of life were gender, household income, education level, lifetime alcohol consumption, chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, toothache history, and untreated dental care needs. Conclusions: These results confirm that oral health influences the quality of life of patients with dyslipidemia and are expected to provide basic data for research on improving oral health and quality of life in these patients.

Gaze behaviors during free viewing revealed differences in visual salience processing across four major psychiatric disorders: a mega-analysis study of 1012 individuals.

Aberrant salience processing has been proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism underlying psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The gaze trajectories of individuals with schizophrenia have been reported to be abnormal when viewing an image, suggesting anomalous visual salience as one possible pathophysiological mechanism associated with psychiatric diseases. This study was designed to determine whether visual salience is affected in individuals with schizophrenia, and whether this abnormality is unique to patients with schizophrenia. We examined the gaze behaviors of 1012 participants recruited from seven institutes (550 healthy individuals and 238, 41, 50 and 133 individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder, respectively) when they looked at stationary images as they liked, i.e., free-viewing condition. We used an established computational model of salience maps derived from low-level visual features to measure the degree to which the gaze trajectories of individuals were guided by visual salience. The analysis revealed that the saliency at the gaze of individuals with schizophrenia were higher than healthy individuals, suggesting that patients' gazes were guided more by low-level image salience. Among the low-level image features, orientation salience was most affected. Furthermore, a general linear model analysis of the data for the four psychiatric disorders revealed a significant effect of disease. This abnormal salience processing depended on the disease and was strongest in patients with schizophrenia, followed by patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a link between abnormalities in salience processing and strength/frequency for psychosis of these disorders.

Enhancing mathematical problem-solving ability through project-based learning: A study of vocational high school student

This study aims to improve the mathematical problem-solving ability of students at Vocational High School (VHS) through implementing Project Based Learning (PjBL). The research method used was a quasi-experiment with a matching-only pretest-posttest control group design, with a sample of 64 students divided into two classes, namely experimental and control classes, each consisting of 32 students. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, where the sample was selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research objectives. Data were collected using tests of mathematical problem-solving ability administered before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the treatment. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and a two-way ANOVA test with univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis. The results showed a difference between the experimental and control groups before the treatment. However, after the treatment, the experimental group had higher mathematical problem-solving ability than the control group, including the improvement and interaction between PjBL implementation and the Early Mathematics Skills (EMS) category.

Evoked Component Analysis (ECA): Decomposing the Functional Ultrasound Signal With GLM-Regularization.

Analysis of functional neuroimaging data aims to unveil spatial and temporal patterns of interest. Existing analysis methods fall into two categories: fully data-driven approaches and those reliant on prior information, e.g. the stimulus time course. While using the stimulus signal directly can help identify the activated brain areas, it is known that the relationship between stimuli and the brain's response exhibits nonlinear and time-varying characteristics. As such, relying completely on the stimulus signal to describe the brain's temporal response leads to a restricted interpretation of the brain function. In this paper, we present a new technique called Evoked Component Analysis (ECA), which leverages prior information up to a defined extent. This is achieved by including the general linear model (GLM) design matrix as a regulatory term and estimating the factor matrices in both space and time through an alternating minimization approach. We apply ECA to 2D and swept-3D functional ultrasound (fUS) experiments conducted with mice. When decomposing 2D fUS data, we employ GLM regularization at various intensities to emphasize the role of prior information. Furthermore, we show that incorporating multiple hemodynamic response functions within the design matrix can provide valuable insights into region-specific characteristics of evoked activity. Finally, we use ECA to analyze swept-3D fUS data recorded from five mice engaged in two distinct visual tasks. Swept-3D fUS images the 3D brain sequentially using a moving probe, resulting in different slice acquisition time instants. We show that ECA can estimate factor matrices with a fine resolution at each slice acquisition time instant and yield higher t-statistics compared to GLM and correlation analysis for all subjects.

Improving safe pedestrian behavior through virtual reality: an empirical study

INTRODUCTION. Over the last few years, the number of pedestrian fatalities on urban roads has increased, largely due to infractions associated with their behaviors (e.g., crossing when traffic lights are red). It is argued that these behaviors reflect a lack of risk perception. Road safety programs have tried to raise awareness through various methods, using quite often emotionally powerful experiences (e.g. testimonies of people who have experienced an accident themselves). Recently, Virtual Reality (VR) has been deployed with the aim of increasing the efficacy of these safety programs. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of VR to improve pedestrian safety, especially when it is accompanied bydebriefing and critical reflection. METHOD. A total of 43 participants (M = 24.5 years old; SD = 5.14; 65.12% female) were involved in an experimental study with a 2x2 factorial design and pre-post measures. They were randomly assigned to one of four groups (Experience a VR accident /Experience VR without an accident; having a debriefing after the VR experience/not having a debriefing after the VR experience). Pre-post measures were of two kinds, (a) self-report measures and (b)VR behavioral measures. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and general linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The main results revealed that (a) participants reported a general reduction in the number of rules violations, regardless of condition, and (b) there was a significant reduction in the number of violations committed in VR (i.e., crossing when the traffic light is red) in the condition where participants had previously experienced an accident. These results support the potential of using VR environments to improve pedestrian safety-related behavior. Implications for future research are delineated.

Associations between eating habits and mental health among adolescents in five nordic countries: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country.MethodsThe study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country.ResultsOverall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys.ConclusionEating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits.

Subjective visual sensitivity in neurotypical adults: insights from a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Altered subjective visual sensitivity manifests as feelings of discomfort or overload elicited by intense and irritative visual stimuli. This can result in a host of visual aberrations including visual distortions, elementary visual hallucinations and visceral responses like dizziness and nausea, collectively referred to as "pattern glare." Current knowledge of the underlying neural mechanisms has focused on overall excitability of the visual cortex, but the individual contribution of excitatory and inhibitory systems has not yet been quantified. In this study, we focus on the role of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as potential mediators of individual differences in subjective visual sensitivity, measured by a computerized Pattern Glare Test-a series of monochromatic square-wave gratings with three different spatial frequencies, while controlling for psychological variables related to sensory sensitivity with multiple questionnaires. Resting neurotransmitter concentrations in primary visual cortex (V1) and right anterior insula were studied in 160 healthy participants using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data showed significant differences in the perception of visual distortions (VD) and comfort scores between men and women, with women generally reporting more VD, and therefore the modulatory effect of sex was considered in a further examination. A general linear model analysis showed a negative effect of occipital glutamate on a number of reported visual distortions, but also a significant role of several background psychological traits. When assessing comfort scores in women, an important intervening variable was the menstrual cycle. Our findings do not support that baseline neurotransmitter levels have a significant role in overreactivity to aversive stimuli in neurotypical population. However, we demonstrated that biological sex can have a significant impact on subjective responses. Based on this additional finding, we suggest that future studies investigate aversive visual stimuli while examining the role of biological sex.

The effect of multiband sequences on statistical outcome measures in functional magnetic resonance imaging using a gustatory stimulus

Recent technical developments have led to the invention of multiband functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequences that allow for faster sampling rates. However, some studies have highlighted problems with these sequences, leading to a decreased temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR). In addition, this temporal noise may interfere with detecting reward-related responses in mesolimbic regions. The blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal utilized in the majority of fMRI measurements is relatively slow. Furthermore, the cerebral response to gustatory stimuli would also be relatively slow. Therefore, given the temporal noise issues with multiband sequences, it is unclear whether multiband sequences are necessary for fMRI studies using gustatory stimuli. We thus conducted an fMRI experiment using a gustatory stimulus to investigate the effects of multiband sequences and increased sampling rates on statistical outcome measures. A single-band sequence with a repetition time (TR) of 2 s of phantom fMRI data and gustatory fMRI data from the gustatory regions exhibited the highest tSNR, although the tSNR of this sequence of gustatory fMRI was not statistically different from tSNR of multiband sequences with a TR of 2 s in any of the selected region of interests. Conventional general linear model analysis of fMRI showed that single-band sequences are more advantageous than multiband sequences for detecting brain responses to gustatory stimuli in the primary gustatory cortex. In addition, a Bayesian data comparison showed that data derived from a single-band sequence with a TR of 2 s was optimal for inferring neuronal connectivity in gustatory processing. Therefore, a conventional single-band sequence with a TR of 2 s is more appropriate for fMRI with gustatory stimuli. Image acquisition sequences should be selected aligned with the study objectives and target brain regions.

423 Comparative post-weaning performance characteristics of four breeds of rabbit in hot humid climate of Nigeria

Abstract Rabbits are one of the most popular livestock breeds raised for their meat, fur, and companionship. Rabbit meat is fast gaining prominence as a healthier meat compared with beef, mutton, pork and chevon, which are mostly consumed in Nigeria. This study investigated breed differences in mortality, survival rates and post-weaning growth rate of rabbits reared under inimical environmental conditions. The animals were fed commercially compounded feed with 18% crude protein and 2300Kcal metabolizable energy with intermittent feeding of Panicum sp and Tridax sp. The study area, located at latitude 6.5867° N and longitude 3.9700° E, had an average daily temperature of 35°C and relative humidity of 64%, which negatively impacted the adaptation, survival rates and growth performance of the rabbits. A total of 48 weaner rabbits 8 wk of age, comprising 12 each (9 does and 3 bucks) of Checkered, Chestnut, Dutch and Hyla breeds were reared for 10 wk post-weaning. Mortality was recorded across the breeds and the body weights (BW) of the rabbits were also recorded on a weekly basis for the entire 10-wk period. The study evaluated survival rates across breeds and sex and BW gain. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Minitab software for Chi Squared test of independence for counts and descriptive statistics and general linear model analysis of variance for bodyweight gain. The statistical model describing the analysis was Yijk = µ + αi + (α:β)ij + eijk where αi is the ith fixed effect of breed and βj is the jth fixed effect of sex. The model accounted for 67.03% variation in total weight gain. Further mean separation was done using the Tukey’s multiple comparison procedure. Mortality rates across breeds on the average was 56.25%, with Checkered, Chestnut, Dutch and Hyla respectively recording 66.67%, 41.67%, 50.00% and 66.67% mortality, respectively. Mortality rate across sexes was 63.89% for does and 33.33% for bucks; however, mortality rates were independent (P > 0.05) of both breed and sex with a Chi-Squared value of 2.285 and 3.41, respectively, despite the numerical differences in mortality rates across breeds and sexes. Average total BW gain during the study period across the breeds and within breeds is as presented in Table 1. The nesting of sex within breed revealed that the only significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed between the Hyla buck and Chestnut doe, while other means were not statistically different (P > 0.05). The Chestnut breed with the least BW gain adapted well in the environment with greatest survival rate, while the Hyla breed had the greatest BW gain and least survival rate throughout the study. This study indicated a negative relationship between survival rates and BW gain, that lighter breeds of rabbit tend to have greater survival rates than the heavier breeds.

Gender differences in adolescents' life satisfaction: A replication study in Kazakhstan.

Whether adolescents' life satisfaction varies with gender is unclear. In a recently published study, Brisson et al. found unadjusted mean scores of life satisfaction to be higher in boys than in girls in Luxembourg, a country ranking high in gender-equality indexes. However, gender was no longer predictive of life satisfaction when well-identified predictors of life satisfaction were included in the model. The present work aimed to replicate Brisson et al.'s study in Kazakhstan, a less gender-equal country than Luxembourg, and test the gender-equality-paradox hypothesis. We used cross-sectional data from the Health-Behavior in School-aged Children study conducted in 2022 to mirror Brisson et al.'s study design. We relied on a nationally representative sample of 7369 school attendees in Kazakhstan (MAGE = 13.4; SDAGE = 1.7; 52.3% female). We performed general linear modeling analyses to achieve our research goals. In keeping with Brisson et al.'s study, we found unadjusted mean scores of life satisfaction to be higher in boys than in girls. The magnitude of the gender gap was lower in Kazakhstan than in Luxembourg. In contrast to Brisson et al.'s study, controlling for well-identified predictors of life satisfaction did not annul the gap in question but changed its sign. This result suggests that, ceteris paribus, girls were more satisfied with their life than boys. Overall, our replication study supports the gender-equality-paradox hypothesis. Future studies may investigate whether this paradox stems from gendered criteria of life satisfaction assessment and/or sociobiological differences in health profiles.

Uric acid and alterations of purine recycling disorders in Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional study

The relationship between reduced serum uric acid (UA) levels and Parkinson’s disease (PD), particularly purine metabolic pathways, is not fully understood. Our study compared serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and UA in PD patients and healthy controls. We analyzed 132 samples (serum, 45 PD, and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy controls; CSF, 39 PD, and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed significantly lower serum and CSF UA levels in PD patients than in controls (p < 0.0001; effect size r = 0.5007 in serum, p = 0.0046; r = 0.3720 in CSF). Decreased serum hypoxanthine levels were observed (p = 0.0002; r = 0.4338) in PD patients compared to controls with decreased CSF inosine and hypoxanthine levels (p < 0.0001, r = 0.5396: p = 0.0276, r = 0.2893). A general linear model analysis indicated that the reduced UA levels were mainly due to external factors such as sex and weight in serum and age and weight in CSF unrelated to the purine metabolic pathway. Our findings highlight that decreased UA levels in PD are influenced by factors beyond purine metabolism, including external factors such as sex, weight, and age, emphasizing the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches.

A comprehensive study of CYP2E1 and its role in carcass characteristics and chemical lamb meat quality in different Indonesian sheep breeds.

The role of CYP2E1 in oxidation is essential for its effects on meat quality. This study used 200 Indonesian sheep (Ovis aries) to determine the SNP g allele frequencies. g. 50658168 T>C of CYP2E1 gene located in 3´-UTR region and their genetic association with lamb quality traits, including carcass characteristics, retail cut carcass, physicochemical lamb, fatty acid, cholesterol, flavor and odor, and mineral content. Further, the level of CYP2E1 mRNA and CYP2E1 protein expression in muscle were determined and correlated with lamb quality traits. CYP2E1 gene polymorphisms were identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The CYP2E1 mRNA expression levels in phenotypically divergent sheep populations were analyzed using Quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining analysis used three samples each in the high and low lamb quality groups based on pH value and tenderness. An association study of CYP2E1 gene polymorphisms was performed using General Linear Model (GLM) analysis. The genetic association between the CC, CT, and TT genotypes at the SNP g. 50658168 T>C CYP2E1 gene and lamb quality traits were significant (P<0.05), including carcass characteristics, retail cut carcass, fatty acid, cholesterol, flavor, and odor. Lambs with the CT genotype had a higher mRNA and protein expression in high lamb quality traits. The highest CYP2E1 protein expression was localized in the longissimus dorsi. The group sample with high lamb quality had a higher area and perimeter of muscle cells. CYP2E1 can be used as a genetic marker for selecting sheep with high meat quality.

Effects of Supplementation with a Microalgae Extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Containing Fucoxanthin on Cognition and Markers of Health in Older Individuals with Perceptions of Cognitive Decline.

Forty-three males and females (64.3 ± 6.0 years, 79.8 ± 16.0 kg, 27.0 ± 4.0 kg/m2) with perceptions of cognitive and memory decline completed the double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled intervention clinical trial. Participants were counterbalanced by sex and BMI and randomly allocated to their respective 12-week supplementation interventions, which were either the placebo (PL) or 1100 mg/day of PT containing 8.8 mg of fucoxanthin (FX). Fasting blood samples were collected, and cognitive assessments were performed during the testing session at 0, 4, and 12 weeks of intervention. The data were analyzed by multivariate and univariate general linear model (GLM) analyses with repeated measures, pairwise comparisons, and mean changes from baseline analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the clinical significance of the findings. FX supplementation significantly affected (p < 0.05) or exhibited tendencies toward significance (p > 0.05 to p < 0.10 with effect sizes ranging from medium to large) for word recall, picture recognition reaction time, Stroop color-word test, choice reaction time, and digit vigilance test variables. Additionally, FX supplementation promoted a more consistent clinical improvement from baseline values when examining mean changes with 95% CIs, although most differences were seen over time rather than between groups. The results demonstrate some evidence that FX supplementation can improve working and secondary memory, vigilance, attention, accuracy, and executive function. There was also evidence that FX promoted more positive effects on insulin sensitivity and perceptions about sleep quality with no negative effects on clinical blood panels or perceived side effects. Additional research should investigate how FX may affect cognition in individuals perceiving memory and cognitive decline. Registered clinical trial #NCT05759910.

A cross-sectional study of low birth satisfaction during the COVID-19 epidemics' fifth wave.

To investigate predictors of low birth satisfaction in a sample of Iranian postpartum women during the COVID-19 epidemics' fifth wave. A cross-sectional study. This study was conducted on 676 postpartum women admitted to postpartum wards of Mobini maternity hospital using a convenience sampling method between 2 Aug and 18 September 2021 in Iran. We used the general linear model and multiple linear regression analyses to determine predictors of birth satisfaction. The mean and standard deviation values of age and education were 28.7 ± 6.6 and 11.1 ± 4.1 (years), respectively. The mean scores of the three scales were as follows: FVC-19S (14.7 ± 7.5), WHO-5 (67.5 ± 13.0) and BSS-R (28.6 ± 7.3). Sixty-five point nine percent (65.9%) of the participants were multiparous. Overall predictors of low birth satisfaction were emergency caesarean, instrumental birth, episiotomy, Entonox analgesia, low level of well-being score < 50, fear of COVID-19, low satisfaction with pregnancy and low satisfaction with spouse's support. The overall proportion of the variance in birth satisfaction explained by all variables is 17.4%. Labor and birth variables explained 12.2% of the variance in birth satisfaction. None.

A comparison of fMRI presurgical mapping techniques with intraoperative brain mapping-based validation

Abstract Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) could enable preoperative risk assessment and intraoperative guidance for patients who cannot undergo task-based fMRI (tbfMRI). To ascertain rsfMRI’s applicability, we investigated differences in accuracy between tbfMRI with a voxel size of 1.8 x 1.8 x 3.2 mm³ and rsfMRI acquired with single-echo (sTE) with a voxel size of 2 x 2 x 2.2 mm³ and multiecho (mTE) with a voxel size of 3 x 3 x 3 mm³ using intraoperative mapping with direct electrical stimulations (DES) as the ground truth. Functional sensory-motor mapping results of hands and feet were spatially compared relative to positive (pDES, functional effect) and negative (nDES, no functional effect) coordinates in 16 preoperative patients. A general linear model analysis was used for tbfMRI, and seed-based analysis (SBA) for rsfMRI. Minimum Euclidean distances between fMRI and DES were calculated and compared between fMRI methods. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare accuracy and determine distance cutoffs for fMRI agreement with DES, and binary agreement rates were compared at different cutoffs. Two-part mixed-effects linear models were used to compare fMRI methods while accounting for unequal intersubject DES repetition. Only minor differences were found between fMRI methods in unthresholded distances (mean differences ~2 mm). ROCs and binary agreement measures showed comparable accuracy for tbfMRI and sTE-rsfMRI at 2 mm, but mildly worse for sTE-rsfMRI at 3 mm and mTE-rsfMRI. However, differences in relative accuracy between sTE-rsfMRI and mTE-rsfMRI were minor when the same distance cutoff was applied to all methods. This was also reflected in comparing binary agreement rates and confirmed by the two-part linear models, which showed no significant differences between fMRI methods and a significant effect of DES response. A similar accuracy for SBA rsfMRI functional sensory-motor mapping compared with tbfMRI for the hands and feet indicates that rsfMRI may be suitable for presurgical mapping. The differences in relative accuracy between sTE-rsfMRI and mTE-rsfMRI warrant further investigation in a larger sample.

Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in subjects with diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled hypertension in China

PurposeTo assess the interactive relationship between blood pressure status and diabetic mellitus (DM) with ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in elderly individuals in rural China.MethodsParticipants aged 50 years and older in a rural area of Daxing District, Beijing, were recruited in this study from October 2018 to November 2018. All subjects underwent a comprehensive systemic and ocular examination. Blood pressure status was graded as normotension, controlled hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension according to blood pressure measurements and the use of any medication for hypertension treatment. GCC parameters were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Generalized linear models (GLM) adjusted for related potential confounders were used to assess the interaction between DM and blood pressure status.ResultsAmong 1415 screened subjects (2830 eyes), a total of 1117 eyes were enrolled in the final analysis. GLM analysis showed a significant interactive relationship between DM with uncontrolled hypertension status (β = 3.868, p = 0.011). GCC thickness would decrease 0.255 μm per year as the age increased (β=-0.255, p < 0.001). In a subgroup of 574 subjects with uncontrolled hypertension, DM was associated with an increased average of GCC thickness (β = 1.929, p = 0.022).ConclusionsThe present results revealed a significant interactive relationship between blood pressure status and DM. The average GCC thickness increased in individuals with DM combined with uncontrolled hypertension, which should be considered in the measurement of GCC. Further studies are warranted to explore ganglion cells changes as a non-invasive method to detect neuron alterations in individuals with DM and uncontrolled hypertension.Trail registrationThe registration number of the present trial in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry is ChiCTR2000037944.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals regarding dengue fever in high-risk regions of southeastern Iran

BackgroundDengue fever (DF) is one of the most prevalent arboviral infections worldwide. In Iran, the dengue-positive serological cases as well as the presence of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti have raised health concerns, highlighting the need to enhance the dengue surveillance system. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding dengue fever in a large and high-risk region of southeastern Iran.MethodsA total of 492 HCPs were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method from May 2022 to July 2023. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-factor and multi-factor general linear models, and simple and multiple regression models.ResultsAbout two-thirds (71%) of the participants did not receive any training on DF. A small percentage of participants were familiar with ovitrap (32.6%) and only 21.7% knew that destroying larval breeding sites could not eliminate the dengue vector. The knowledge of disease symptoms among HCPs was found to be lower in border areas compared to non-border areas (P = 0.018). However, the practice situation in HCPs working in border areas was better than in non-borders (P = 0.003). According to the multiple regression model, the most influential factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice were the type of healthcare facility and passing the DF training course. Additionally, education level, work experience, and gender were identified as other factors associated with it, respectively. Significant correlations were found between knowledge and practice (P < 0.001), indicating that higher knowledge led to better practice. Similarly, a positive attitude was significantly linked to better practice (P < 0.001).ConclusionRegular, targeted, and continuous training courses are necessary to improve the knowledge level of HCPs, particularly those with lower education levels working in low-level health centers. Utilizing comprehensive dengue KAP studies to evaluate the status and impact of health education programs and identify gaps between knowledge and practice should be a research priority.

External Load Evaluation in Elite Futsal: Influence of Match Results and Game Location with IMU Technology.

The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players' external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away (p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.

Single neuron responses to perceptual difficulty in the mouse auditory cortex.

Perceptual learning leads to improvement in behavioral performance, yet how the brain supports challenging perceptual demands is unknown. We used two photon imaging in the mouse primary auditory cortex during behavior in a Go-NoGo task designed to test perceptual difficulty. Using general linear model analysis, we found a subset of neurons that increased their responses during high perceptual demands. Single neurons increased their responses to both Go and NoGo sounds when mice were engaged in the more difficult perceptual discrimination. This increased responsiveness contributes to enhanced cortical network discriminability for the learned sounds. Under passive listening conditions, the same neurons responded weaker to the more similar sound pairs of the difficult task, and the training protocol by itself induced specific suppression to the learned sounds. Our findings identify how neuronal activity in auditory cortex is modulated during high perceptual demands, which is a fundamental feature associated with perceptual improvement.

Surgical treatment for medium-sized cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus: Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation provides better clinical outcomes than bone marrow stimulation when cysts are deeper than 6 mm.

To compare clinical outcomes of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation versus bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for medium-sized (100-150 mm2) cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and assess the correlation between patient demographics and outcomes. It was hypothesised that autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation would provide better clinical outcomes than BMS for medium-sized cystic OLTs. Patients who underwent autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation or BMS for medium-sized cystic OLTs between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. According to their characteristics, a 1:1 propensity-score matching was performed and 33 pairs of patients were matched. The visual analogue scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Ankle Activity Score were collected preoperatively and at the last follow-up. In addition, a general linear model analysis was performed between patient demographics and clinical outcomes in two groups separately to detect potential risk factors. Finally, 28 patients in the grafted group and 27 patients in the BMS group completed the follow-up and were enrolled with a mean follow-up period of 63.5 ± 13.9 months. Both groups showed significant improvement in all patient-reported outcomes (p < 0.01). At the final follow-up, no significant differences between groups were found in all postoperative scores except FAOS Pain (p = 0.02). Correlation analysis showed a moderate correlation between cyst depth and the postoperative AOFAS score in the BMS group (r = -0.48, p = 0.01). Based on the regression line, the patients in the BMS group with a cyst deeper than 6 mm showed a lower AOFAS score than the mean score (88.7 ± 9.5) of the grafted group. Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation and BMS are both safe and effective for medium-sized cystic OLTs. However, autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation is expected to provide better clinical outcomes than BMS when the cysts are deeper than 6 mm. Level III.