High Levels Research Articles

Ultrasensitive integrated circuit sensors based on high-order non-Hermitian topological physics.

High-precision sensors are of fundamental importance in modern society and technology. Although numerous sensors have been developed, obtaining sensors with higher levels of sensitivity and stronger robustness has always been expected. Here, we propose theoretically and demonstrate experimentally an alternative class of sensors with superior performances based on exotic properties of high-order non-Hermitian topological physics. The frequency shift induced by perturbations for these sensors can show an exponential growth with respect to the size of the device, which can grow well beyond the limitations of conventional sensors. The fully integrated circuit chips have been designed and fabricated in a standard 65-nanometer complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process technology. Not only has the sensitivity of systems less than 10-3 femtofarad been experimentally verified, but these systems are also robust against disorders. Our proposed ultrasensitive integrated circuit sensors can have a wide range of applications in various fields and show an exciting prospect for next-generation sensing technologies.

Environmental contamination of arsenic: pathway analysis through water-soil-feed-livestock in Nadia District (India) and potential human health risk.

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64µg/L and 10.04µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10µg/kg. Liver (356.02µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10-3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10-6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption.

Relationship of paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 with routine laboratory tests and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objectives We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and paraoxonase-3 (PON3) levels and activities with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Also, we aimed to examine PON1 and PON3 levels and activities in these patients according to the HbA1c goal in diabetes treatment and PON1192 phenotypes. Methods One hundred forty-one volunteers diagnosed with T2DM participated in this study. Serum PON1 and PON3 levels and activities, total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. PON1192 phenotypes were determined by using PON1 activities. Also, HbA1c, serum fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile results, which were measured for routine examination on the same day as sample collection, were used for this study. Results There was a positive relationship between arylesterase and lactonase activities and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), between lactonase activity and TAS, and a negative relationship between PON1 level and TAS in patients with T2DM. Our study also showed that PON3/HDL-C was higher in patients with HbA1c levels ≥7 %. Lactonase activities were higher in patients with PON1Q192Q and PON1Q192R phenotypes than in patients with PON1R192R phenotypes. Conclusions PON1 and PON3 levels and activities alone could not be associated with immediate or long-term blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM. Higher PON3/HDL-C in patients with HbA1c levels ≥7 % may show a protective role of PON3 in defense against higher glucose levels. Also, we found that the PON1192 phenotype can affect serum lactonase activity.

Interactions between feed protein source and feeding frequency on growth performance and health status of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

In order to evaluate the effects of the interaction between different proteins and feeding frequency on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and to provide scientific guidance for the application of novel proteins and the corresponding optimal feeding strategy, a two-factorial design (5 × 3) with five protein feeds (fishmeal (FM), Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), Tenebrio molitor (TM), Chlorella meal (ChM), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC)), and three feeding frequency (1, 2, and 3 times/d; FF1, FF2, FF3) was designed in culturing largemouth bass (initial weight, 2.98 ± 0.22g/fish) for 8weeks. Z-score combined with cluster analysis was used to analyze and compare the effects of different treatments on different indicators, such as growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant capacity, and immune response to draw a general picture of the relationship among all these massive biomarkers. The results showed that different protein sources and feeding frequencies had significant interactive effects on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, body lipid, and health status of largemouth bass. Fish fed with ChM feed showed similar performance to that in FM group, implying its potential for complete replacement of fishmeal in largemouth bass. Fish fed with CAP, TM, and CPC feeds showed worse performance compared to FM and ChM groups, characterized by poor growth and feed utilization, enhanced stress, chronic inflammation, and varying symptoms of histological changes in the liver and intestine, which demonstrated the adverse effects of the complete replacement of fishmeal by these three proteins. In terms of feeding frequency, fish fed with FM feed in FF3 group led to liver hypertrophy, fat accumulation, and the risk of fatty liver, while inducing liver inflammation. In addition, the TM and CAP group had the higher expression levels of inflammatory factors at FF3 group, which displayed that the interactions between FM, CAP, TM feeds and feeding frequency at FF3 might aggravate the occurrence of liver inflammation and oxidative damage of hepatocytes. Overall, FF2 had higher feed efficiency, protein efficiency, antioxidant enzyme and lysozyme activities, lower MDA content, and lower gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and could be considered as the optimum feeding frequency for largemouth bass fed with different protein feeds.

The Role of Dosage and Family Profiles in a Child Welfare Home Visiting Program

Abstract Background Among the different modalities of family support, home visiting programs have proved to be one of the most effective secondary prevention models for families involved in child welfare services. Despite the promising outcomes and the extensive available literature, further research is needed to investigate target population characteristics and implementation factors that may explain the heterogeneity in the outcomes of these programs for families receiving child welfare services. Objective This longitudinal study explored the role of dosage and family characteristics related to the effectiveness of the Family Intervention Program (FIP), which is a home-based Spanish child welfare service for supporting families at psychosocial risk. Method To this end, a quasi-experimental design was followed, including a time-series evaluation of the 289 families receiving the FIP. In order to examine the impact of the FIP, the evolution of child well-being (CWB) was evaluated with Child Well-Being Scales every 6 months. Results The results showed that the highest average CWB score was observed after 39 months of intervention, observing no improvements in CWB from that point. Similarly, the results showed that the FIP was more effective for single parent families at higher socioeconomic levels. Conclusions This article provides new knowledge for the understanding of home visiting programs success, concluding that the programs are not equally effective for all family profiles, and that it is necessary to adjust each program to the specific characteristics of the target population.

Association of Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Levels of ALAS1 with the Risk of Anti‐Tuberculosis Drug‐Induced Liver Injury

AbstractThe accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in the liver caused by isoniazid and rifampicin through the disorder of heme biosynthesis was considered an important mechanism of anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (ATLI). Alanine synthase 1 (ALAS1) is a rate‐limiting enzyme in the process of heme synthesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between ALAS1 gene polymorphism, serum ALAS1 level, and the risk of ATLI. This study was a case‐control study including 58 ATLI cases and 192 controls. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ALAS1 gene were selected for genotyping and serum ALAS1 concentrations were detected using ELISA kits. There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of four SNPs between the ATLI cases and the controls under different genetic models. Patients carrying the GG genotype of SNP rs352163 in controls had higher baseline ALAS1 levels than those in ATLI cases (243.6 vs 290.2 ng/L, P = .034), and patients with baseline ALAS1 &lt; 337.85 ng/L had a higher risk of ATLI than those with ALAS1 ≥ 337.85 ng/L (HR = 2.679, 95% CI: 1.360‐5.278, P = .004). Our findings indicated that the serum ALAS1 concentrations in the ATLI cases were lower than those in the controls, and the lower baseline ALAS1 levels can be associated with higher ATLI risk.

Perceived stress and burnout syndrome in chiropractic students at a South African university during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Higher stress levels may be associated with decreased academic success and physical and psychological well-being in chiropractic students. This study aimed to determine the perceived stress and burnout of chiropractic students at the University of Johannesburg during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a quantitative, exploratory study utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to chiropractic students (n = 246) at the university. The questionnaire consisted of 3 main components: demographics, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS). Data were analyzed utilizing exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha for reliabilities, and descriptive statistics for mean scores being interpreted using subscales pertaining to the 2 survey tools. The response rate was 63.82% (n = 157) with the PSS-10 indicating participants obtained a total mean score of 25.08 (average stress). For the MBI-SS categories, participants scored 18.96 out of 30 for exhaustion, 10.31 out of 30 for cynicism, and 22.46 out of 36 for professional efficiency; higher scores of exhaustion and cynicism and lower scores of professional efficiency are indicative of higher degrees of burnout. Statistically significant differences for both tools were noted in relation to age and academic year with higher values indicated with increased age and progression in the program. The results indicate that chiropractic students experienced moderate levels of stress but higher burnout than other health sciences student populations when compared to current literature. Age and progression in the program appear to have a negative influence on both these factors.

Evaluation of serum irisin level and severity of erectile dysfunction in diabetic males: a cross sectional prospective study

BackgroundIrisin is an exercise-induced myokine that alleviates endothelial dysfunction and reduces insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study aimed to assess the serum level of irisin in T2DM men with erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to T2DM patients with normal erectile function and healthy controls, as well as investigate the association between serum irisin level and the severity of ED in T2DM patients.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 males, divided into three groups: 32 T2DM patients with ED, 24 T2DM patients without ED, and 34 healthy controls. Socio-demographic characteristics and scores of the validated Arabic version of the international Index of Erectile Function-5 (ArIIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were obtained. Furthermore, routine laboratory tests employed for diabetes monitoring and serum levels of total testosterone and irisin were assessed within these groups.ResultsT2DM men with ED had significantly lower serum levels of irisin and testosterone, as well as a lower ArIIEF-5 score, but their GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were significantly higher than those without ED or controls (p < 0.001). Among T2DM men, serum irisin levels positively associated with ArIIEF-5 scores and serum testosterone (r = 0.413, p = 0.002; r = 0.936, p < 0.001, respectively) but negatively associated with glycosylated hemoglobin levels (r = -0.377, p = 0.004). Multivariate regression analysis to predict ED in T2DM patients found that GAD-7 score was the only most significant predictor for ED (ꞵ = − 1.176, standard error = 0.062, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe current study had demonstrated that irisin positively correlated with the ArIIEF-5 and serum testosterone but negatively correlated with HbA1c in T2DM men. Nevertheless, further validation of these findings is necessary through cohort studies.

Clinical Comparison of Stain Removal Efficacy between Glycine Powder Air Polishing System and Ultrasonic Scaling in Removing Dental Plaque and Stains: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Introduction: Glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) has emerged as a less invasive option for periodontal maintenance therapy. This study aims at comparing the efficacy of GPAP in removing plaque and stains as compared to conventional ultrasonic scaling (USS). Materials and Methods: The present split-mouth randomised clinical trial recruited 20 adults with healthy gingiva or mild gingivitis. Removal of plaque and stains was performed by USS in one maxillary quadrant and by GPAP in the other. Clinical parameters assessed included stain scores by Lobene Stain Index, plaque level by Silness-Loe plaque Index, and pain scores using the Visual Analog Scale. The assessments were performed before and after the treatment and at a 15-day follow-up visit. Results: Significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) levels of plaque and stains were achieved by both interventions as compared to those before the treatment. While immediate postoperative plaque levels were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower following USS, the difference failed to reach statistical significance (P &gt; 0.05) 1 week after the treatment. On the contrary, the stain scores were significantly lower after treatment and at the 7th-day follow-up after GPAP as compared to USS. A significantly greater number of patients (P &lt; 0.05) reported pain to be absent or only mild following GPAP, while those treated with USS experienced pain of severe intensity. Conclusion: Both GPAP and USS are effective in stain and plaque removal. However, GPAP achieved superior stain removal outcomes and was associated with significantly lower pain scores, suggesting it was more comfortable for patients compared to USS.

The potential benefit of artificial intelligence regarding clinical decision-making in the treatment of wrist trauma patients

PurposeThe implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care is gaining popularity. Many publications describe powerful AI-enabled algorithms. Yet there’s only scarce evidence for measurable value in terms of patient outcomes, clinical decision-making or socio-economic impact. Our aim was to investigate the significance of AI in the emergency treatment of wrist trauma patients.MethodTwo groups of physicians were confronted with twenty realistic cases of wrist trauma patients and had to find the correct diagnosis and provide a treatment recommendation. One group was assisted by an AI-enabled application which detects and localizes distal radius fractures (DRF) with near-to-perfect precision while the other group had no help. Primary outcome measurement was diagnostic accuracy. Secondary outcome measurements were required time, number of added CT scans and senior consultations, correctness of the treatment, subjective and objective stress levels.ResultsThe AI-supported group was able to make a diagnosis without support (no additional CT, no senior consultation) in significantly more of the cases than the control group (75% vs. 52%, p = 0.003). The AI-enhanced group detected DRF with superior sensitivity (1.00 vs. 0.96, p = 0.06) and specificity (0.99 vs. 0.93, p = 0.17), used significantly less additional CT scans to reach the correct diagnosis (14% vs. 28%, p = 0.02) and was subjectively significantly less stressed (p = 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that physicians can diagnose wrist trauma more accurately and faster when aided by an AI-tool that lessens the need for extra diagnostic procedures. The AI-tool also seems to lower physicians' stress levels while examining cases. We anticipate that these benefits will be amplified in larger studies as skepticism towards the new technology diminishes.

Posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: The mediating roles of posttraumatic stress symptoms and self‐efficacy

AbstractPosttraumatic growth (PTG) is a possible common reaction to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about correlates of PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines associations between combat exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), general self‐efficacy (GSE), and PTG among Israeli female veterans. This is a cross‐sectional studyA volunteer sample of female Israeli combat veterans (n = 616) and non‐combat veterans (n = 484) responded to self‐report questionnaires. Combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure, PTSS, GSE, and PTG, as compared to non‐combat veterans. Among combat veterans, combat exposure and GSE were associated with greater PTG. Importantly, PTSS and GSE mediated the link between combat exposure and PTG. The study's findings are among the first to report about possible psychological growth outcomes among Israeli combat veterans. Clinicians treating female veterans coping with combat trauma should be aware of the heterogeneity of reactions to military service challenges and the importance of enhancing veterans' GSE to facilitate PTG.

Psychological distress in registered nurses and the role of the workplace: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the impact of workplace factors on psychological distress in New Zealand registered nurses. Background: Nurses are often faced with challenging work environments, with long work hours, high patient ratios, and emotionally charged situations that cause stress. Despite the well-established links between the nurse work environment and well-being, there remains a gap in the literature around the role of workplace factors on psychological distress in nurses. Study design and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with registered nurses in New Zealand. Depression, anxiety, and stress were self-reported using the DASS-21, while difficult practice environments and negative workplace acts were self-reported using PES-NWI and NAQ-R. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken using SPSS. STROBE guidelines were used to report the study. Results: 480 RNs completed the survey. On average, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were 6.08 (SD=7.06, Normal), 4.87 (SD=6.05, Normal), and 9.50 (SD=7.30, Normal), respectively. The Average PES-NWI score was 2.70 (SD=0.54), while the average total NAQ-R score was 34.27 (SD=12.67). Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were positively associated with NAQ-R scores, and negatively associated with PES-NWI scores (p-values &lt;0.05). PES-NWI score was negatively associated with NAQ-R score (p&lt;0.05). PES-NWI and NAQ-R explained 28.8%, 15.6%, and 26.1% of the variation in depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly associated with intention to leave (p-values &lt;0.05). Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with ethnicity (p-values &lt;0.05). Age was negatively associated with anxiety and stress (p-values &lt;0.05). Years employed as a nurse were also negatively associated with anxiety (p&lt;0.05). Discussion: This study addresses a knowledge gap by demonstrating that workplace factors are associated with psychological distress in nurses. Conclusion: Psychological distress in nurses is significantly associated with the work environment and with intention to leave the profession. Given that most countries are facing nurse shortages and are actively recruiting nurses from diverse countries and ethnic backgrounds, targeted and individualised support needs to be provided to preserve nurses’ mental health and subsequent retention in the workforce. Implications for research, policy, and practice: Healthcare providers must prioritise modifying the work environment to address the factors contributing to nurses’ psychological distress. This includes providing culturally tailored mental health resources and support for nurses with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Future research should examine how organisational-level strategies can reduce psychological distress in nurses. What is already known about the topic? Psychological distress is common in nurses. Indicators of psychological distress include non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Psychological distress is associated with challenging working conditions. What this paper adds: Vulnerable groups, such as nurses from specific ethnic backgrounds and less experience, report higher levels of psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The quality of the practice environment is associated with psychological distress in registered nurses. Negative acts in the workplace (i.e., bullying and harassment) are positively associated with psychological distress in registered nurses.

Cumulative risk and adolescent emotional distress: A longitudinal moderated mediation analysis focusing on perceived stress and social support.

This study provides insights into the roles played by perceived stress and social support in the relationship between cumulative risk exposure (CRE) and adolescent emotional distress. Preregistered longitudinal moderated mediation analyses were used to test hypotheses relating to the association between CRE and later emotional distress; the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between CRE and later emotional distress; and, the moderating effects of peer and adult-level family support on the relationship between CRE and later perceived stress, among N = 19,159 adolescents over three annual waves (at ages 11/12, 12/13, 13/14). Analyses revealed that CRE significantly predicted later adolescent emotional distress. This relationship was partially mediated by perceived stress. Both peer and adult-level family support significantly moderated the impact of CRE on later perceived stress (i.e., adolescents reporting higher levels of support perceived significantly lower levels of stress resulting from CRE compared to those reporting lower levels of support). These findings provide critical empirical evidence of the roles played by perceived stress and social support in the relationship between CRE and adolescent emotional distress, with consequent implications for intervention.

Dynamic Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance and Financial Market Development on Forests and Timber in China: Economic and Social Perspective

This study investigates how digital inclusive finance, financial development, and technology influenced forest and timber outputs across 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021. The findings, derived from panel quantile regression analysis, indicate that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances forest economic output, particularly in regions with lower economic activity, by improving access to critical financial resources such as credit and investment. However, the positive effects diminish at higher levels of economic activity, suggesting potential diminishing returns. Through the marketization of credit distribution and diverse financial instruments, financial development is essential for promoting sustainable forestry practices and adopting new technologies. Based on the findings, the study suggests expanding digital financial services in areas with low forest activity to help people access credit and investments, boosting forest productivity. It also recommends improving financial markets and investing in new forestry technologies to support better forest management and timber production.

Factors associated with completion of intensive adherence counseling among people living with HIV at a large referral hospital in Uganda: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundAmong people living with HIV(PHIV) with unsuppressed viral load after six or more months of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), three intensive adherence counseling sessions (IAC) sessions are recommended. However, there is limited information about IAC completion rates. We investigated the factors associated with IAC completion among PLHIV with an unsuppressed viral load on first and second-line ART in mid-western Uganda.MethodsIn this retrospective review of medical records, we abstracted routine HIV data between January 2018 and September 2019 at the Fort Portal Regional Hospital. IAC completion was the primary outcome measured as the receipt of ≥ 3 consecutive good ART adherence scores of ≥ 95.0% during the IAC sessions, spaced one month apart within three months. The modified Poisson regression analysis with robust standard errors was used to determine factors associated with the outcome, reported as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsWe studied 420 participants of whom 204 (48.6%) were aged 20–39 years (mean age, 33.6 ± 13.3 years) and 243 (57.9%) were female. 282 (67.1%) participants completed their IAC sessions. Secondary or higher levels of education (Adjusted RR (aRR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.98), no follow-up for IAC (aRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.87), malnutrition (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.99) were associated with a lower likelihood of IAC completion while being in a separated/widowed or divorced relationship (aRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.49) was associated with a higher likelihood of IAC completion.ConclusionsWe found a low IAC completion rate compared to the desired target of 100%. Nutritional support for malnourished PLHIV receiving IAC, follow-ups, and targeted health education on the importance of IAC are needed to improve the IAC completion rate.

Work-related stress and sleep quality—the mediating role of rumination: a longitudinal analysis

Abstract Objective This study investigates the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between work-related stress and sleep quality. Sleep quality is a critical component of mental health and wellbeing. Work-related stress is a potential risk factor for poor sleep quality, and this research focuses on how the constructs of rumination—affective rumination, detachment, and problem-solving rumination—may mediate this association. Methods Data from the Dresden Burnout Study were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally over three timepoints. The sample included 360 full- and parttime employees. Work-related stress was assessed using the effort–reward Imbalance Questionnaire, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and rumination using the Work-Related Rumination Questionnaire. Results The study found that work-related stress was positively correlated with reduced sleep quality, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. In addition, work-related stress predicted increased levels of affective rumination and detachment but not of problem-solving rumination. Affective rumination and detachment partially mediated the relationship between work-related stress and sleep quality, suggesting that individuals who experience higher levels of work-related stress are more likely to engage in ruminative thoughts about their work experiences, which, in turn, leads to reduced sleep quality. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive processes such as rumination when addressing sleep disturbance related to work stress. Future research should include objective measures of sleep quality and consider shorter intervals to capture immediate changes in stress and sleep patterns. By addressing these factors, healthcare professionals can better support those suffering from sleep disturbance due to work-related stress. Ultimately, this may have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and productivity at work.

Investigation on Factors Affecting Cognitive Skills in Detection of Driving Fatigue

Road safety is a worldwide concern where a high number of fatalities and injuries are caused by traffic accidents. One major issue contributing to these incidents is driving while fatigued, which has been recognized as a contributing factor to accidents in many countries. Being tired while driving is a state that encompasses both physical and mental exhaustion and can greatly impair a person's ability to drive safely. Fatigue negatively affects a driver's cognitive abilities, resulting in decreased performance behind the wheel. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of driving duration, body mass index (BMI), types of roads and gender factor in causing fatigue while driving. Cognitive skills of drivers while driving was measured through the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal gathered from Emotiv EPOC device to measure brain activity. Relationship between cognitive skills and fatigue signalling is then analysed using regression analysis in Design-Expert software. Results indicated that as mental fatigue increases, there is a noticeable decrease in the relative power of beta rhythm, supporting previous research findings. Results on correlation show that the longer the drivers drove, the wearier they become. Obese people experience more fatigue when driving than those with a normal or overweight BMI. Driving on straight roads resulted in greater fatigue compared to driving on winding ones, with female participants indicating higher levels of tiredness than male participants. These insights are crucial for road safety authorities to tailor their supervision methods based on individual characteristics and to design effective driver fatigue warnings.

Pathways from education to mortality, mediated through income.

Lower levels of education are associated with higher mortality. Lower levels of education are also associated with lower income, which is also associated with higher mortality. We investigate the impact of education on mortality and the extent to which this is mediated through income over the life course. We account for both selective educational attainment and selective income over the life course, through inverse propensity weighting (IPW) of the mortality hazard. We decompose the educational gain, that is, the decrease in mortality from more education, in the hazard into an indirect effect of education, running through changes in income and a direct effect of education, running through other factors. We use Swedish conscription data (men only), linked to parental information and individual annual income for the period 1968 till 2012. Our empirical results indicate large educational gains in mortality. We also find that this educational gradient runs through changes in income, especially for the more educated, and does not run through other factors related to education. We conduct several robustness and sensitivity checks that indicate that the results are robust.

Bisexual minority stress as a risk factor for sexual violence-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among bisexual+ women: A multilevel analysis.

Bisexual+ (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer) women experience higher rates of sexual violence (SV) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than heterosexual and lesbian women, as well as unique identity-related minority stress. We examined between- and within-person associations between bisexual minority stress and PTSD symptoms related to SV in a sample of young bisexual+ women (N = 133) who reported adult SV (Mage = 22.0 years, range: 18-25 years; 85.0% White; 99.3% cisgender). We analyzed data from four waves of data collection (baseline to 3-month follow-up) using multilevel models. Controlling for SV severity, there was a significant within-person effect of antibisexual stigma from lesbian/gay people on PTSD, β =.17, p =.010, suggesting that at waves when women experienced more stigma, they also reported higher PTSD symptom levels. At the between-person level, women who reported higher levels of antibisexual stigma from heterosexual people, β =.26, p =.043, and anticipated binegativity, β =.29, p =.005, on average across study waves also reported higher average levels of PTSD. Additionally, anticipated binegativity explained the association between average antibisexual stigma and PTSD, β =.15, p =.014, 95% CI [0.45, 4.61]. Bisexual minority stress may be associated with higher PTSD symptom severity following SV among young bisexual+ women, and the anticipation of binegativity may be a target mechanism in this association. Study findings highlight the importance of examining the joint contributions of SV and minority stress to identify novel targets for future research and practice to address PTSD symptoms.

Artificial intelligence in the anterior segment of eye diseases.

Ophthalmology is a subject that highly depends on imaging examination. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has great potential in medical imaging analysis, including image diagnosis, classification, grading, guiding treatment and evaluating prognosis. The combination of the two can realize mass screening of grass-roots eye health, making it possible to seek medical treatment in the mode of "first treatment at the grass-roots level, two-way referral, emergency and slow treatment, and linkage between the upper and lower levels". On the basis of summarizing the AI technology carried out by scholars and their teams all over the world in the field of ophthalmology, quite a lot of studies have confirmed that machine learning can assist in diagnosis, grading, providing optimal treatment plans and evaluating prognosis in corneal and conjunctival diseases, ametropia, lens diseases, glaucoma, iris diseases, etc. This paper systematically shows the application and progress of AI technology in common anterior segment ocular diseases, the current limitations, and prospects for the future.