Identity Link Function Research Articles

Influences of tea consumption on self-rated health and life satisfaction among older adults: Evidence from the CLHLS.

The benefits of tea consumption as a special diet for health and life satisfaction have attracted considerable attention; however, it is not clear whether the effect of tea consumption on self-rated health (SRH) and self-rated life satisfaction (SRL) is equal among all types of tea, and it is unclear whether these associations are impacted by gender and age in older adults. This study aimed to examine the associations between tea consumption, SRH and SRL in older adults and to explore the role of gender and age. Participants aged 65-105 (N = 78,345) were interviewed in the years 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2018 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). Generalized estimation equations (GEE) with the identity link function were adopted to estimate the cross-sectional associations of tea consumption with SRH and SRL. GEE with the logic link function were used to explore the longitudinal associations of tea consumption with SRH decline and SRL decline. Drinking tea at present, especially scented tea, was significantly associated with better SRH and SRL for older adults. Male participants benefited more from tea consumption than females, and the protective effect of green tea consumption on improving SRH and SRL in males was evident. Older adults aged 90-105 with current tea consumption daily had better SRH and reduced risk of SRL decline.

Cytokine trajectory over time in men and women with HIV on long-term ART

Objective: Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses viral replication and reduces inflammation, it does not lead to the normalization of cytokines. The long-term effects of ART beyond viral suppression have not been studied and are mostly limited to cross-sectional research. Design: The impact of long-term ART on the trajectory of 40 cytokines/chemokines in 31 men and 59 women who maintained viral suppression over a median period of 6 years (317 visits ranging 24 to 384 weeks post ART initiation) were measured by Luminex. Methods: We used a generalized additive model with a Gaussian distribution and identity link function to model concentrations over time and investigate sex and race differences. Results: While most cytokine/chemokine trajectories remained stable, the trajectory of 9 markers of monocyte/macrophage activation (IP-10, I-TAC, MIG, sCD163, sCD14, MCP-1, MIP-3β, CXCL13, TNF-α) decreased over time (adj. p < 0.05). Despite continuous viral suppression, M-CSF, IL-15, and LBP increased over time (adj. p < 0.05). sCD14 was the only cytokine whose trajectory differed by sex (adj. p = 0.033). Overall, women had lower mean levels of IL-18 but higher levels of sCD14 than did men (adj. p < 0.05). GROα, LBP and sCD14 showed significant differences between races (adj. p < 0.05). No association between cytokines and cellular HIV DNA/RNA was found. Conclusions: Our study reveals a continuous decline in markers of monocyte/macrophage activation over six years of suppressive ART, indicating that long-term treatment may mitigate inflammaging and cardiovascular-related outcomes. The higher levels of sCD14 observed in women are consistent with them having greater innate immune activation than men do.

Safety, Efficacy, and Feasibility of Nebulized Long-Acting Bronchodilators vs Short-Acting Bronchodilators in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Phase IV, Randomized, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial

BackgroundLong-acting bronchodilators are preferred over short-acting bronchodilators in patients with stable COPD, but prospective studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of nebulized long-acting bronchodilators in hospitalized patients with exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD). MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, parallel-group study comparing a nebulized formoterol/revefenacin combination with an albuterol/ipratropium combination among n = 60 hospitalized patients (n = 30 in each group) with ECOPD who tested negative for COVID-19. Treatments were administered q12 to 24 hrs (formoterol/revefenacin), or q6 hrs (albuterol/ipratropium) by jet nebulizers for up to 7 days. Safety and efficacy assessments were recorded on days 1, 3, and 7, or at hospital discharge. Assessment of dyspnea by the Modified Borg dyspnea scale was the primary outcome. Data were analyzed with parametric or non-parametric statistical tests, and generalized estimating equations with an identity link function were used to analyze differences in the two groups. Statistical significance was assumed at an unadjusted two-sided alpha value of 0.05. ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 63.2 (SD 9.30) years, and 39 (65.0%) were current smokers. Patients' age, sex, race, smoking history, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, supplemental oxygen requirements, and length of hospital stay were similar in the two groups (p>0.05 for all). Patients receiving formoterol/revefenacin had similar Modified Borg dyspnea scores (p = 0.95) and required fewer total drug doses (P<0.001), but there was a non-significant trend for more frequent rescue treatments (p=0.08) compared to those receiving albuterol/ipratropium. There were no serious adverse events or treatment failures in either group. ConclusionIn non-ventilated hospitalized patients with ECOPD, the institution of nebulized formoterol/revefenacin in combination within 24 to 36 hours of hospital admission provided convenient dosing and required fewer drug doses to achieve comparable efficacy and safety with the standard short-acting nebulized albuterol/ipratropium combination.

The level of dental fear and anxiety is higher in children with both severe Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation and active dental caries lesions compared to children without these conditions

PurposeTo assess levels of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children with and without Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and dental caries lesions.MethodsIn this cross-sectional observational study, 159 children between 8 and 12 years of age were included. For the evaluation of DFA, children responded to the validated version of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. MIH was assessed using the MIH Index. To evaluate the activity of dental caries lesions and dental caries experience, the Nyvad criterion and the dmft/DMFT index were used, respectively. Dental hypersensitivity was evaluated using air stimulation and a Visual Analogue Scale. The association between MIH and dental caries with DFA was assessed using the generalised linear model with Poisson family, identity link function and robust variance estimation. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsThe mean DFA score was 28.3 (SD = 13.4) with scores ranging from 15 to 64. Amongst children presenting both MIH and dental caries, the perception of DFA was notably higher compared to those with either MIH or dental caries alone. The activity of caries lesion in patients with MIH also influenced DFA levels (diff: 18.6; 95% CI: 12.0–25.2; p < 0.001). Dental caries experience in the primary dentition also demonstrated statistical significance concerning DFA (95% CI: 0.8–13.3; p value = 0.027).ConclusionChildren with MIH exhibit higher levels of DFA than children without MIH. The experience of dental caries and the activity of caries lesions significantly influence the perception of DFA in children with MIH.

Distribution and determinants of healthcare costs for self-care behaviours among patients with type 2 diabetes across low-resource communities in Nepal

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health problem, imposing significant financial burden on its’ management and care. Patients’ self-care behaviours can help to reduce the financial burden on healthcare resources. However, no studies have examined the distribution of healthcare costs related to self-care behaviours in low and lower middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the distribution and associated determinants of healthcare expenses incurred on self-care behaviours among patients with T2DM in low-resource communities in Nepal.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study, collecting data from 481 patients with T2DM across low-resource communities in the Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. We applied micro-costing with a bottom-up approach to estimate the healthcare costs for 6 month periods. Self-care behaviours were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. The relationship between healthcare expenses and self-care behaviours was modelled by using a generalised linear model with an identity-link function and 10,000 bootstrapping resampling techniques.ResultsThe average healthcare cost for managing T2DM is US $22.87 per patient for 6 months. Patients who engaged in footcare had the highest total expenses at US $71.98, followed by those who regularly conducted glucose monitoring (US $29.55), met physical activity recommendations (US $23.68), adhered to prescribed medication intake (US $23.59) and adhered to recommended dietary habits (US $22.98). Those patients who met the physical activity guidelines, regularly conducted glucose monitoring, and engaged in footcare had 18%, 32%, and 102% higher expenses respectively, compared to their counterparts.ConclusionsFootcare was the most expensive and least practised component of self-care behaviour for managing T2DM, followed by glucose monitoring and physical activity, underscoring the significance of making these behaviours affordable and accessible in diabetes management. This provides valuable insight for decision-makers to prioritise and ensure these behaviours are affordable for patients with diabetes.Graphical

Association Between Immigration Status and Ambulatory Secondary Stroke Preventive Care in Ontario, Canada.

Secondary stroke preventive care includes evaluation and control of vascular risk factors to prevent stroke recurrence. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of ambulatory stroke preventive care and its variation by immigration status in adult stroke survivors in Ontario, Canada. We conducted a population-based administrative database-derived retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. Using immigration records, we defined immigrants as those immigrating after 1985 and long-term residents as those arriving before 1985 or those born in Canada. We included community-dwelling stroke survivors 40 years and older with a first-ever stroke between 2011 and 2017. In the year following their stroke, we evaluated the following metrics of stroke prevention: testing for hyperlipidemia and diabetes; among those with the condition, control of diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≤7%) and hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein <2 mmol/L); medication use to control hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation; and visit to a family physician and a specialist (neurologist, cardiologist, or geriatrician). We determined age and sex-adjusted absolute prevalence difference (APD) between immigrants and long-term residents for each metric using generalized linear models with binomial distribution and an identity link function. We included 34,947 stroke survivors (median age 70 years, 46.9% women) of whom 12.4% were immigrants. The receipt of each metric ranged from 68% to 90%. Compared with long-term residents, after adjusting for age and sex, immigrants were slightly more likely to receive screening for hyperlipidemia (APD 5.58%; 95% CI 4.18-6.96) and diabetes (5.49%; 3.76-7.23), have visits to family physicians (1.19%; 0.49-1.90), receive a prescription for antihypertensive (3.12%; 1.76-4.49) and antihyperglycemic medications (9.51%; 6.46-12.57), and achieve control of hyperlipidemia (3.82%; 1.01-6.63). By contrast, they were less likely to achieve diabetes control (-4.79%; -7.86 to -1.72) or have visits to a specialist (-1.68%; -3.12 to -0.24). There was minimal variation by region of origin or time since immigration in immigrants. Compared with long-term residents, many metrics of secondary stroke preventive care were better in immigrants, albeit with small absolute differences. However, future work is needed to identify and mitigate the factors associated with the suboptimal quality of stroke preventive care for all stroke survivors.

Storm Gust Prediction with the Integration of Machine Learning Algorithms and WRF Model Variables for the Northeast United States

Abstract Wind gusts are often associated with severe hazards and can cause structural and environmental damages, making gust prediction a crucial element of weather forecasting services. In this study, we explored the utilization of machine learning (ML) algorithms integrated with numerical weather prediction outputs from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, to align the estimation of wind gust potential with observed gusts. We have used two ML algorithms, namely, random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGB), along with two statistical techniques: generalized linear model with identity link function (GLM-Identity) and generalized linear model with log link function (GLM-Log), to predict storm wind gusts for the northeast (NE) United States. We used 61 simulated extratropical and tropical storms that occurred between 2005 and 2020 to develop and validate the ML and statistical models. To assess the ML model performance, we compared our results with postprocessed gust potential from WRF. Our findings showed that ML models, especially XGB, performed significantly better than statistical models and Unified Post Processor for the WRF (WRF-UPP) Model and were able to better align predicted with observed gusts across all storms. The ML models faced challenges capturing the upper tail of the gust distribution, and the learning curves suggested that XGB was more effective than RF in generating better predictions with fewer storms.

Association between meteorological variations and the superspreading potential of SARS-CoV-2 infections

BackgroundWhile many investigations examined the association between environmental covariates and COVID-19 incidence, none have examined their relationship with superspreading, a characteristic describing very few individuals disproportionally infecting a large number of people. MethodsContact tracing data of all the laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong from February 16, 2020 to April 30, 2021 were used to form the infection clusters for estimating the time-varying dispersion parameter (kt), a measure of superspreading potential. Generalized additive models with identity link function were used to examine the association between negative-log kt (larger means higher superspreading potential) and the environmental covariates, adjusted with mobility metrics that account for the effect of social distancing measures. ResultsA total of 6,645 clusters covering 11,717 cases were reported over the study period. After centering at the median temperature, a lower ambient temperature at 10th percentile (18.2 °C) was significantly associated with a lower estimate of negative-log kt (adjusted expected change: −0.239 [95 % CI: −0.431 to −0.048]). While a U-shaped relationship between relative humidity and negative-log kt was observed, an inverted U-shaped relationship with actual vapour pressure was found. A higher total rainfall was significantly associated with lower estimates of negative-log kt. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a link between meteorological factors and the superspreading potential of COVID-19. We speculated that cold weather and rainy days reduced the social activities of individuals minimizing the interaction with others and the risk of spreading the diseases in high-risk facilities or large clusters, while the extremities of relative humidity may favor the stability and survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The role of geophagy and artisanal gold mining as risk factors for elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women in northwestern Tanzania.

Neither artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) or geophagy practices have received substantial attention related to blood lead levels despite the well documented deleterious effects of lead. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to document the risk of lead exposure from geophagy and mining-related occupational activities for pregnant women. The study recruited 1056 pregnant women (883 in an ASGM area and 173 in a non-ASGM area) between April 2015 -April 2017. Generalized Linear Model with an identity link function was used to model the association between blood lead levels (BLLs) and geophagy practices and involvement in gold mining. The prevalence of geophagy was 36.2% (95% CI: 33.6, 39.4%) and 6.3% engaged in mining as a primary occupation. Practicing geophagy increased BLLs by 22% (β = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.116, 1.309, p<0.0001). Living in a gold mining area increased BLLs by 33.4% (β = 1.334, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.483, p<0.0001). Having mining as a primary occupation increased BLLs by 1.3% β = 1.013, 95% CI: 0.872, 1.176, p = 0.869) even though the association was not statistically significant. Socioeconomic wealth quantile (β = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.021, 1.054, p<0.001) increased blood lead levels by 3.7%. Developing a comprehensive inventory capturing sources of community-level lead exposure is essential. Further, increasing public health campaigns and education are crucial to limit geophagy practices and to minimize work in gold mining activities during pregnancy.

Count Data Regression Modelling: An Application to Monkeypox Confirmed Cases

Introduction: With the presence of COVID 19, some countries also faced an increase in number of cases due to Monkeypox virus. The main aim of this research was to investigate whether it is possible to fit count data regression models to predict the daily incidence of Monkeypox confirmed cases.&#x0D; Methods: In this study we have used two types of traditional count regression models like Poisson regression model and Negative binomial regression model using identity and logarithmic link function. Since our data was overdispersed, Negative binomial regression model with logarithmic link function fitted well as compared to other models. The parameters were estimated using SPSS, version 23.0.&#x0D; Results: The Negative Binomial Regression model with logarithm function fits well to the data related to Monkeypox cases. Therefore, the model shows that majority of the countries like Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom and United States of America shows significant decrease in number of cases with respect to time. The prediction line was plotted using this model where the line predicts well about the daily Monkeypox cases reported by different countries.&#x0D; Conclusion: From our study, we concluded that the count data regression model can be used widely to predict the incidence of any disease. The countries like Canada and Brazil have largest and smallest slope coefficient which shows maximum and minimum decrease in expected number of cases confirmed each day respectively.

Does Public Spending Reflect the Need for Health: A Cross-sectional Analysis at District Level in India.

There is mixed evidence on the extent of association between the allocation of public revenue for healthcare and its indicators of need. In this study, we examined the relationship between allocations through state health financing (SHF) and the Central Government with infant mortality. District-wise infant mortality rate (IMR) was computed using National Family Health Survey-4 data. State-wise data for health budgets through SHF and National Health Mission (NHM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme), were obtained for the year 2015-16. We used a multivariable analysis through generalized linear model method using identity-link function. We found per capita SHF (₹3169) to be more than 12 times that of public health spending per capita through NHM (₹261). IMR was lower in districts with higher SHF allocation, although statistically insignificant. The allocation through NHM was higher in districts with higher IMR, which is statistically significant. Every unit percentage increase in per capita net state domestic product and female literacy led to 0.31% and 0.54% decline, while a 1% increase in under-five diarrhoea prevalence led to 0.17% increase in IMR. The NHM has contributed to enhancing vertical equity in health-care financing. The States' need to be more responsive to the differences in districts while allocating health-care resources. There needs to be a focus on spending on social determinants, which should be the cornerstone for any universal health coverage strategy.

Prenatal arsenic and mercury levels among women practicing geophagy in areas with artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities, Northwestern Tanzania

BackgroundArtisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas potentially pose increased exposure to arsenic and mercury through community contamination, occupations at gold mines, and/or geophagy when soil is locally sourced. This study examined the effects of geophagy, a deliberate soil eating practice, along with community and occupational exposures in ASGM areas on urinary arsenic and blood mercury levels among pregnant women in the Mining and Health Longitudinal Cohort in northwestern Tanzania.MethodsData on maternal arsenic and mercury levels were captured for 1056 pregnant women using an unprovoked morning urine samples and dried blood spots respectively. We used a step-wise generalized linear regression model to retain the most relevant covariates for the model. A generalized linear regression model with identity link function was used to predict the effect of geophagy practices on arsenic and mercury levels separately. The model was adjusted using sociodemographic correlates, including maternal age, education level, whether respondents lived in mining or non-mining area, years of residence, marital status, maternal occupation, individual partner’s education, and occupational, and socioeconomic status.ResultsIn the adjusted regression model, eating soil during pregnancy increased arsenic concentration by almost 23% (β = 1.229, 95% CI: 1.094, 1.38, p < 0.001) and living in mining areas had a 21.2% (β = 1.212; 95% CI: 1.039,1.414, p = 0.014) increased risk. Geophagy significantly increased mercury levels by 13.3% (β = 1.133, 95% CI: 1.022, 1.257, p = 0.018). Living in areas with ASGM activities was associated with a 142% (β = 2.422, 95% CI: 2.111, 2.776, p < 0.0001) increase in blood mercury.ConclusionGeophagy practices increased urinary arsenic and blood mercury levels in pregnant women, which was especially true for arsenic when living in areas with ASGM activities. Working in mining = increased risk for blood mercury levels. Community-based environmental health policies should address reductions in occupational and community exposures, along with strategic geophagy reduction interventions.

Intratracheal budesonide mixed with surfactant to increase survival free of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm infants: statistical analysis plan for the international, multicenter, randomized PLUSS trial

BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), an inflammatory-mediated chronic lung disease, is common in extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks’ gestation and is associated with an increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental and respiratory outcomes in childhood. Effective and safe prophylactic therapies for BPD are urgently required. Systemic corticosteroids reduce rates of BPD in the short term but are associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes if given to ventilated infants in the first week after birth. Intratracheal administration of corticosteroid admixed with exogenous surfactant could overcome these concerns by minimizing systemic sequelae. Several small, randomized trials have found intratracheal budesonide in a surfactant vehicle to be a promising therapy to increase survival free of BPD. The primary objective of the PLUSS trial is to determine whether intratracheal budesonide mixed with surfactant increases survival free of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) in extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks’ gestation.MethodsAn international, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial of intratracheal budesonide (a corticosteroid) mixed with surfactant for extremely preterm infants to increase survival free of BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA; primary outcome). Extremely preterm infants aged < 48 h after birth are eligible if (1) they are mechanically ventilated, or (2) they are receiving non-invasive respiratory support and there is a clinical decision to treat with surfactant. The intervention is budesonide (0.25 mg/kg) mixed with poractant alfa (200 mg/kg first intervention, 100 mg/kg if second intervention), administered intratracheally via an endotracheal tube or thin catheter. The comparator is poractant alfa alone (at the same doses). Secondary outcomes include the components of the primary outcome (death, BPD prior to or at 36 weeks’ PMA), and potential systemic side effects of corticosteroids. Longer-term outcomes will be published separately, and include cost-effectiveness, early childhood health until 2 years of age, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age (corrected for prematurity).Statistical analysis planA sample size of 1038 infants (519 in each group) is required to provide 90% power to detect a relative increase in survival free of BPD of 20% (an absolute increase of 10%), from the anticipated event rate of 50% in the control arm to 60% in the intervention (budesonide) arm, alpha error 0.05. To allow for up to 2% of study withdrawals or losses to follow-up, PLUSS aimed to enroll a total of 1060 infants (530 in each arm). The binary primary outcome will be reported as the number and percentage of infants who were alive without BPD at 36 weeks’ PMA for each randomization group. To estimate the difference in risk (with 95% CI), between the treatment and control arms, binary regression (a generalized linear multivariable model with an identity link function and binomial distribution) will be used. Along with the primary outcome, the individual components of the primary outcome (death, and physiological BPD at 36 weeks’ PMA), will be reported by randomization group and, again, binary regression will be used to estimate the risk difference between the two treatment groups for survival and physiological BPD at 36 weeks’ PMA.

Association of new obesity markers with symptoms of depression: Analysis of a 4-year Peruvian national survey

IntroductionAlthough body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are the most commonly used obesity markers in clinical practice regarding depression, some studies suggest that other obesity markers such as waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and conicity index (CI) may be more accurate in identifying patients with depression. ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between different markers of obesity and the presence of symptoms of depression. MethodsAnalytical cross-sectional study. A secondary analysis was conducted on the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) from 2018 to 2021. The main variable of the present study was the depression score. Numerical variables were presented as mean and confidence interval at 95 % (CI 95 %). A generalized linear model of the Gaussian family and Identity link function was performed to evaluate the strength of association between the variables of interest. ResultsThe average depression score in the study population was 2.61 (95 % CI 2.56–2.65). In the multivariable analysis, the depression score increased for each unit that increased the BMI by 0.011 points (β = 0.011; 95 % CI 0.002–0.020), the WHtR by 0.207 points (β = 0.207; 95 % CI 0.145–0.267), the ABSI by 0.158 points (β = 0.158; IC95% 0.047–0.269), the BRI by 0.096 points (β = 0.096; IC95% 0.069–0.122), and the CI by 0.010 points (β = 0.010; IC95% 0.004–0.016). There was no statistically significant association for WC. ConclusionsThe WHtR may be a better marker of obesity for identifying patients with depressive symptoms compared to other markers.

Association of changes in self-reported vision and hearing impairments with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from a nationwide longitudinal study in China

ObjectiveThis study assessed the longitudinal relationship between changes in self-reported vision impairment (VI) and hearing impairment (HI), and depressive symptoms in adults aged ≥45 years. MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study for 2015 and 2018 were used, with a sample size of 10,050. VI and HI were self-reported. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Total scores and clinically significant depressive symptoms (CES-D10 scores ≥ 10) were used as outcomes and analyzed using generalized estimating equations with identity link and logit link functions. ResultsOf all changes in HI with good vision, only persistent HI was associated with higher CES-D10 scores (OR 95% CI: 1.09–3.30). Both new-onset and persistent VI with good hearing were associated with CES-D10 scores (OR 95% CI, new-onset: 1.70–3.52; persistent: 1.58–2.78) and clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR 95% CI, new-onset: 1.41–2.56; persistent: 1.36–2.27). Persistent dual sensory impairment (DSI) was associated with the highest CES-D10 scores (OR 95% CI: 3.63–5.97) and the highest risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR 95% CI: 1.78–2.85). Those who self-reported improvements in vision and hearing still had higher CES-D10 scores (OR 95% CI: 1.35–2.83) and a higher risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR 95% CI: 1.03–2.02) than those maintaining good vision and hearing. ConclusionSelf-reported VI and DSI are closely associated with depressive symptoms. Because VI and DSI are modifiable, interventions for them could also prevent depressive symptoms.

Circadian Rhythm of Voided Volume, Maximum Flow Rate, and Voiding Time Evaluated by Toilet Uroflowmetry in Hospitalized Women With Nocturia

To clarify the circadian rhythm of urination in hospitalized women with nocturia measured by toilet uroflowmetry and its age-related change. We evaluated 2602 urinations of 58 female patients (age, 68.4±15.2 years) who were hospitalized in our institution for urological disease. We assessed voided volume (VV) as averages of every hour by generalized linear mixed models with an identity link function to adjust for personal bias and age. Maximum flow rate and voiding time were analyzed by the same method after adjustment for age, personal bias, and VV. We also compared these circadian rhythms between women <70 and ≥70 years. VVs in the nighttime were significantly higher than that from 06:00-07:00 (205.6±11.7ml). Maximum flow rates in the afternoon were significantly higher than that from 06:00-07:00 (18.8±0.93ml/sec). Voiding time showed no statistically significant difference between the values at any time of day and that from 06:00-07:00. We also showed that the circadian rhythm of VV becomes less clear in the elderly women (P interaction=.0057). However, no significant difference was found in the maximum flow rate and voiding time regarding the pattern of the circadian rhythm between women <70 and ≥70 years old. The present study clearly showed a circadian rhythm of VV and maximum flow rate in hospitalized women with nocturia. In addition, the pattern of the circadian rhythm of VV was attenuated in women ≥70 years old.

The Fruit Intake-Adiposity Paradox: Findings from a Peruvian Cross-Sectional Study.

Due to the increase in obesity worldwide, international organizations have promoted the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, as part of which fruit consumption stands out. However, there are controversies regarding the role of fruit consumption in mitigating this disease. The objective of the present study was to analyze the association between fruit intake and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in a representative sample of Peruvians. This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Secondary data analysis was conducted using information from the Demographic and Health Survey of Peru (2019-2021). The outcome variables were BMI and WC. The exploratory variable was fruit intake, which was expressed in three different presentations: portion, salad, and juice. A generalized linear model of the Gaussian family and identity link function were performed to obtain the crude and adjusted beta coefficients. A total of 98,741 subjects were included in the study. Females comprised 54.4% of the sample. In the multivariate analysis, for each serving of fruit intake, the BMI decreased by 0.15 kg/m2 (β = -0.15; 95% CI -0.24 to -0.07), while the WC was reduced by 0.40 cm (β = -0.40; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.27). A negative association between fruit salad intake and WC was found (β = -0.28; 95% CI -0.56 to -0.01). No statistically significant association between fruit salad intake and BMI was found. In the case of fruit juice, for each glass of juice consumed, the BMI increased by 0.27 kg/m2 (β = 0.27; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.40), while the WC increased by 0.40 cm (β = 0.40; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.60). Fruit intake per serving is negatively related to general body adiposity and central fat distribution, while fruit salad intake is negatively related to central distribution adiposity. However, the consumption of fruit in the form of juices is positively associated with a significant increase in BMI and WC.

Comparing children's, teenagers' and young adults' subjective responses to myopia control contact lenses.

Myopia control (MC) studies in children link efficacy with subjective performance. There is little MC research in teenagers and young adults. This study compared subjective experience of MC contact lenses in different age groups. Data were retrospectively reviewed from two double-masked, bilateral wear, crossover contact lens clinical trials (myopia -0.75D to -3.50D and <1.00 DC; 9-35 years). Participants wore two novel lenses (MC lenses with relative peripheral plus [+1.50D and +2.50D]) and a single-vision (SV) control lens (Clariti® 1day) for 1 week each. All lenses were made from Somofilcon A material. Data collected included visual acuity (VA), wearing time, subjective ratings of comfort, distance and near vision clarity and overall vision. Generalised estimating equations with subject random intercepts and identity link functions were used in the analysis. A total of 31 participants (10 children, 11 teenagers and 10 adults) were included, with no difference between the age groups for VA with the dispensed lenses (p > 0.05). All groups could discriminate between the SV and MC lenses for vision (distance, near and overall) after 1 week (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups for comfort or distance and near vision. Children rated the overall vision quality higher than teenagers and adults for both SV and MC lenses (p < 0.05), but there was no difference relative to the SV lens between groups (p > 0.50). Daily wear time was lowest for children for all lens types (all p < 0.02). Wear time was positively associated with ratings of overall vision quality for children and young adults (both p < 0.05). All age groups rated SV lenses higher than MC lenses. Subjective ratings of MC lenses appear similar between age groups relative to SV lenses. Wear time was lowest in children and was correlated with overall vision quality ratings in children and young adults.

Influence of target industry growth on premiums in cross-border acquisitions

PurposeIn this paper, the knowledge-based view of the firm is applied to theoretically elucidate and empirically examine the influence of target industry growth on premium payments in cross-border acquisitions. This study aims to extend internally driven Mergers and Acquisitions research efforts of acquirers to industry contingencies of targets by analyzing cross-border acquirers located within the group of seven (G7) countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study’s investigation covers 209 cross-border acquisitions from 2012 to 2019 undertaken by firms located within the G7 countries. This paper used generalized estimation equations method to test the hypotheses applying Gaussian distribution for the dependent variable, an identity link function, exchangeable correlation structure and robust standard errors.FindingsThis study’s results reveal that target industry growth determines premiums. Furthermore, this study shows that acquirer industry growth, as well as acquirer slack, moderates this relationship. This study is built on the notion that industry contingencies influence premiums even when target firms are based in foreign countries.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, unlike other studies, this is the first to explicitly focus on premiums for multiple cross-border acquisitions by hand selecting nine years of industry sale figures for 53 industries separately in each of the G7 nation countries (leading to 371 separate downloads of data samples). This study contends that industry growth of cross-border targets matters for premium payments.

The Impact of Baseline Anxiety on Drug Placebo Separation and Drug/Placebo Response in an Acute Schizophrenia Clinical Trial-A Post-hoc Analysis.

We sought to evaluate the impact of baseline anxiety levels on drug placebo separation and drug and placebo response in acutely psychotic schizophrenic subjects. In this post-hoc analysis, modified intent-to-treat Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale data were obtained from a phase 2, multi-center, 5 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of KarXT in hospitalized adults with DSM-5 schizophrenia experiencing an acute exacerbation or relapse of symptoms. We investigated the impact of anxiety on drug placebo separation and drug and placebo response in 2 ways. In the first set of analyses, we dichotomized the data based on the absence or presence of anxiety symptoms. In the second set of analyses, we categorized subjects by levels of anxiety. All analyses were conducted using generalized linear models with normal distribution and identity link function. On average, subjects entering the trial were suffering from a moderate level of anxiety. Subjects with no baseline anxiety had a significant increase in placebo response, a decrease in drug response and did not separate drugs from placebo. With increasing levels of baseline anxiety, a larger drug placebo difference was observed. Our analyses identified that absence of anxiety at baseline was associated with a loss of signal at end of treatment between drug and placebo driven by a differential effect on placebo and treatment response. The effect observed was not related to the overall baseline symptom severity and was not mediated by improvement in anxiety itself. Interpretation of the results is caveated by the retrospective nature of the analyses.