Independent Sample T-test Research Articles

Physical fitness and body build parameters of children and adolescents participating in the physical activity promotion programme “Athletics for all!”

BackgroundThis study attempts to analyse physical fitness and basic anthropometric parameters of children and adolescents participating in the nationwide physical activity promotion programme “Athletics for All!” (AFA). The programme aims to establish a national system for diagnosing, selecting, recruiting, and identifying talents in youth training. It also aims to build a career development path for athletics, forming the basis of a new structure for youth training in Poland. The primary goal of this study was to assess physical fitness of AFA participants over the years of its implementation (2015–2022) and to identify the leading motor ability with consideration for age, gender, and body build parameters determined with Body Mass Index and Ponderal Index.MethodsNationwide measurements of basic anthropometric parameters as well as physical fitness tests were conducted among 31,790 girls (F) and 22,260 boys (M) participating in the AFA programme. Physical fitness assessments were performed using the OSF test (3 × 10 m shuttle run, standing broad jump, 1 kg medicine ball throw, 4-minute run). Comparative analysis of OSF test results, considering gender, was conducted using the independent samples T-test. The strength and direction of correlations between variables were calculated using the rho-Spearman coefficient.ResultsOSF test results were converted into points, considering age and gender. Gender was found to be a significantly differentiating factor in physical fitness of AFA participants. Among twelve- and fifteen-year-olds, statistically significant differences were observed in all analysed variables, i.e. in each of the four tests and the overall score. It was noted that the examined girls aged 11 to 17 exhibited higher levels of strength compared to their male counterparts. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between OSF test results and the age and body build indicators, with the strength of the correlations being negligible in most cases.ConclusionsParticipants of the nationwide programme “Athletics for All!” demonstrate a high level of physical fitness, with endurance being a fundamental motor ability. Physical fitness levels show significant correlations with the anthropometric parameters of children and adolescents. The study results confirm the need and justification for implementing physical activity promotion programmes for the younger generation.

Prognosis impact and clinical findings in renal cancer patients: comparative analysis between public and private health coverage in a cross-sectional and multicenter context.

Research on disparities in prognosis and clinical characteristics between public and private healthcare sectors in developing countries remains limited. The study aimed to determine whether patients with public health coverage (1) have a greater mean tumor size at diagnosis compared to those with private health coverage; (2) exhibit differences in clinical staging and TNM classification between groups; and (3) show variations in demographic, clinical characteristics, histopathological findings, and surgical approaches among cohorts. A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on 629 patients from both private and public healthcare sectors, all histologically confirmed and surgically treated for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), between 2011 and 2021 in high-volume hospitals in Monterrey, Mexico. To compare variables between groups, we employed independent samples t-tests, Mann Whitney U nonparametric test, along with Pearson's chi-square test complemented by post hoc analyses. Mean tumor size in the public group was 1.9cm greater than in the private group (7.39 vs. 5.51cm, p < 0.001). Patients in the public sector more frequently presented with larger tumors, a higher prevalence of risk factors (excluding BMI and hypertension), advanced disease (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.43-3.16, p < 0.001), presence of symptoms, elevated TNM, lymphovascular invasion and a lower prevalence of minimally invasive surgery. A male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1 was noted in the private coverage group. This study highlights a notable association between public health coverage and a higher prevalence of advanced RCC, with tumors in private coverage patients being smaller yet larger than commonly reported. There is a crucial need to develop new health policies for early detection of renal cancer in developing countries.

Lecturers’ Awareness of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Teaching and Research in Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Nigeria

Technology integration into curriculum no doubt has so many benefits that lecturers in tertiary educational institutions can derive. This study examined lecturers’ awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for teaching and research at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri Nigeria. The AI tools examined in the study include ChatGPT, PowerPoint Speaker Coach Quillbot, Perplexity, Scholarcy, Gradescope, Mendeley Gemini, MATHia, ChatPDF, Consensus, Research Rabbit, Class Point and Scite. Three research questions and two research hypotheses guided the study. The population of study comprised lecturers in the university. Data for the study was collected using researchers developed questionnaire tagged Lecturers’ Awareness of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Teaching and Research Questionnaire (LAAITTRQ) on WhatsApp. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions while independent samples t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were employed to test the formulated hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings reveal that lecturers are aware of AI tools for teaching and research. Furthermore, it was discovered that there was no significant difference in awareness according to gender. However, significant differences in awareness exist according to teaching experience with the least experienced lecturers having awareness mean scores higher than the most experienced and the moderately experienced. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that workshops and training on the use of AI tools in teaching and research should be organized in the university to boost their knowledge and skills among others.

Teacher support in AI-assisted exams: an experimental study to inspect the effects on demotivation, anxiety management in exams, L2 learning experience, and academic success

Although AI technologies show great promise for education, their inclusion into assessment systems has generated debates regarding student motivation, anxiety, learning opportunities, and academic results. This study explored the influence of teacher support in AI-assisted exams on L2 learners’ demotivation, anxiety, L2 learning experience, and academic success. Conducted at a large university in Ethiopia, participants included 92 BA Management students from two intact classes, equally distributed by gender and ranging in age from 18 to 23. The two intact classes were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design, the study administered an Oxford Quick Placement Test, the Academic Motivation Scale, the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale, the L2 Learning Experience Scale, and a researcher-made test to assess academic success. The AI tools integrated into the exams included automated assessment and feedback systems to enhance learner engagement. Chi-square analyses and independent samples t-tests revealed significant positive effects of teacher support on reducing demotivation and anxiety, enhancing L2 learning experiences, and improving academic success in the experimental group compared to the control group, highlighting the benefits of combining AI tools with teacher support. These findings suggest that teacher support in AI-assisted exams can substantially benefit L2 learners. Additionally, the findings indicate that AI-assisted exams can considerably improve learning outcomes when paired with effective teacher involvement, highlighting implications for various stakeholders in L2 instruction. Implications of the study, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The quality of psychosocial health and psychosocial illness among women with and without shelter homes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundExisting research on the psychosocial wellbeing of sheltered women is primarily from Western contexts, with limited studies from collectivistic cultures like Pakistan. This study aims to compare the psychosocial health and illness of sheltered women in Pakistan with those of women living with their families.MethodsA total of 184 sheltered women and 207 women from the general population from four Pakistani cities participated in this study. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Psychosocial Health Evaluator and the Sukoon Psychosocial Illness Scale. The study employed independent sample t-tests, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation.ResultsThe study revealed significant differences between women residing in shelters and those in the general population. Sheltered women exhibited lower levels of psychosocial health and higher levels of psychosocial illness. Emotional, sexual, spiritual, and social health were notably lower among sheltered women. Sheltered women also reported elevated levels of psychosocial problems, including emotional, social, and professional difficulties. Additionally, the length of stay in shelters was negatively correlated with psychosocial health and positively correlated with psychosocial illness, while education showed a positive correlation with psychosocial health.ConclusionThe current research highlights the psychosocial vulnerability of women residing in shelter homes. Government, non-governmental organizations, and mental health professionals are advised to work together to uplift the psychosocial health of women residing in Pakistani shelter homes. Appointments of psychological counselors in shelter homes are highly recommended in this regard.

The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality applications (human anatomy) on self-directed learning competencies among undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study.

Technological developments have significantly impacted various aspects of life, most notably healthcare and education. A nursing education shift was required to prepare digital generation. Consequently, nurse educators must adopt innovative approaches to teaching and learning, like incorporating immersive virtual reality (VR) into human anatomy courses to improve students' learning. To examine the influence of immersive VR applications (human anatomy) on self-directed learning (SDL) competencies among undergraduate nursing students. A cross-sectional design was conducted in the health profession's faculty at Al-Quds University among the first year of the nursing program, who were enrolled in an anatomy course (N = 137). The Self-Directed Learning Instrument was used, and independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare the level of SDL among students who utilized the VR application (Human Anatomy VR). The results showed that 93.9% of the total were approximately 20 years old, and 85.4% were females. 90.5% of participants expressed satisfaction with using the VR application and that it would be beneficial in nursing courses. The average score of SDL for the whole group was 72.03 ± 13.07, and there is a positive significant relationship between SDL and students utilizing VR (p < 0.001), between SDL competencies and technological skills (p = 0.009), and type of digital tools (p = 0.049). The highest coefficient of correlation was related to planning and self-monitoring (r = 0.918), and the lowest was related to interpersonal communications (r = 0.865). VR is an additional tool for enhancing learning, and nursing students perceive immersive VR technologies positively and prefer using three-dimensional images in their anatomy courses. SDL assists students in identifying learning objectives, barriers, and outcomes through using VR technologies as teaching strategies.

The Biomechanical differences in maximum snatch weight between elite and sub-elite weightlifters: A one-dimensional statistical parameter mapping study

Background: Current research primarily relies on discrete data collected at specific time points to analyze the weightlifting process, often overlooking the impact of continuous temporal changes on athletic performance. Purpose: This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the one-dimensional kinematic patterns of maximum snatch weight actions in elite and sub-elite weightlifters using statistical parameter mapping (SPM). It explores kinematic differences in snatch actions between elite and sub-elite weightlifters, which assists in summarizing the technical characteristics of elite athletes. Methods: Two cameras recorded three successful maximum snatch attempts of 10 elite and 10 sub-elite weightlifters at the World Weightlifting Championships and Chinese Olympic selection competitions. Simi Motion 10.2 was used for kinematic analysis. SPM was employed for comparative analysis of snatch kinematics among different levels of weightlifters, and independent sample t-tests were used for phase duration proportions. Results: Elite weightlifters showed significant advantages in multiple movement phases: smaller knee joint angles in M1 phase (p &lt; 0.001, 35.82%–78.45%) and M3 phases (p = 0.047, 17.47%–24.74%; p = 0.036, 30.92%–49.38%; p = 0.040, 50.93%–65.85%); lower vertical body center of gravity (COG) height in M1 phase (p = 0.019, 0.00%–51.08%), M3 phase (p = 0.046, 48.27%–100.00%), and M5 phase (p = 0.045, 38.49%–59.54%); closer displacement between barbell COG and body COG in M1 phase (p = 0.006, 0%–38.18%; p = 0.048, 43.91%–48.94%) and M2 phase (p = 0.026, 0%–100%); greater barbell acceleration in M5 phase (p &lt; 0.001, 0%–94.61%); and slower barbell descent speed in M6 phase (p = 0.001, 0%–30.58%; p = 0.046, 44.57%–51.37%; p = 0.048, 67.16%–72.41%). Moreover, elite weightlifters exhibited significantly higher phase duration proportions in M1 phase (p = 0.034, d = 1.03) than sub-elite weightlifters. Conclusion: Elite weightlifters demonstrated longer distance and time exerting work on the barbell in M1 phase, less energy consumption in barbell ascent in M2 phase, and greater upward power gain for the barbell in M1 and M3 phases. They showed faster squat-to-barbell catching speed in M4 phase and excellent braking and precise squat-to-barbell catching capabilities in M5 and M6 phases.

To Study the Effect of Social Competence on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students of Private and Government Schools

This research employs a quantitative cross-sectional survey design to investigate the relationships between academic performance and social competence among 11th and 12th-grade students in both government and private institutions. The sample consists of 600 students, evenly divided between government and private schools, and selected using stratified random sampling to ensure adequate representation. The study includes students aged 16 to 18, excluding those with significant learning disabilities. Data collection instruments consist of a demographic questionnaire, students' Grade Point Average (GPA), the Social Competence Scale by Sharma, Shukla, and Shukla. Social competence is assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. The data collection procedure involved obtaining consent from students, parents, and school authorities, followed by administering the surveys and intelligence tests in a controlled environment. Students' GPAs were gathered from school records. The analysis includes descriptive statistics for demographic data, GPA &amp; social competence. Independent sample t-tests compare academic performance between government and private school students, while ANOVA examines differences in social competence by gender and intellectual ability by grade level. Pearson correlation coefficients explore relationships between GPA &amp; social competence, while a multiple regression model predicts GPA based on these factors, controlling for variables such as age, gender, school type, and parental education. The study hypothesizes no significant relationship between social competence and academic performance across different school types.

The impact of imagery training on achievement motivation among young swimmers aged 10-15 years

Achievement motivation is a critical factor in the performance and development of young athletes. It drives them to set and pursue goals, overcome obstacles, and succeed in sports. Understanding and enhancing achievement motivation can significantly impact young athletes' progress and performance. This study aims to examine the effect of imagery training on the achievement motivation of young swimmers to achieve, especially in commitment, goal setting, self-confidence, and engagement. The research design uses one group pre-test and post-test. A sample of 20 young swimmers participated in the study. Achievement motivation was assessed using standardized pre-test and post-test measures. The independent sample t-test revealed a highly significant difference between pre-test and post-test means (t = -26.937, p = 0.000), confirming the effectiveness of imagery training. These improvements suggest that imagery training can improve swimmers' commitment, goal-setting ability, self-confidence, and engagement in training. Although this study has several limitations, such as limited sample size and short training duration, the results confirm the importance of imagery training as an effective method in supporting mental development and performance improvement in young swimmers. Further research is recommended to address these limitations and explore the long-term effects of imagery training.

The Influencing Factors of Knowledge Hiding Among Employees in the Construction Industry: A Psychological Contract Perspective

This study explores the factors influencing employee knowledge hiding in construction industry organizations. Utilizing quantitative methods, the research examines the impact of demographic factors, including gender, age, educational level, marital status, and duration of service, as well as psychological contract breaches on employee knowledge hiding. An independent samples t-test and multiple comparisons using the least significant difference (LSD) test were conducted to analyze the demographic factors. At the same time, a simple linear regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between psychological contract breach and knowledge hiding. The results indicate that demographic factors significantly affect employee knowledge hiding, with females, older employees, those with lower educational levels, divorced or widowed individuals, and employees with longer service durations tending to hide knowledge more frequently. Furthermore, psychological contract breach is found to have a strong and positive relationship with employee knowledge hiding, suggesting that employees are more likely to engage in knowledge-hiding behaviors when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract. The findings have important managerial implications, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address knowledge hiding among different employee groups and maintaining a strong psychological contract with employees to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation.

Continuous work-related sitting time and its association with perceived workplace support for health among workers in the Greater Accra Municipality: a cross-sectional analysis with sensitivity analyses

BackgroundResearch to date has shown that work-related sitting time can be a major occupational health risk. This understanding has encouraged several workplace health promotion efforts. Even so, some domains of work-related sitting time and their associations with Perceived Workplace Support for Health (PWSH) have not been considered in research. This study aims to compare domains of work-related sitting time between employee characteristics (e.g., gender and age) and assess their associations with PWSH.MethodsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design with a sensitivity analysis against confounding and measures against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public firms in Accra, Ghana. In all, 1000 employees participated in the study. The hierarchical linear regression analysis and the independent samples t-test were used to present the results.ResultsEmployees working in service firms, compared with those working in manufacturing firms, reported longer sitting time for lunchtime. After adjusting for physical function, we found a negative association between PWSH and the sum of continuous sitting time as well as its domains (p < 0.001), except for ‘sitting with a desk’ (p > 0.05).ConclusionWork-related sitting time was associated with employee characteristics and was lower at higher PWSH. This study reinforces the importance of workplace support for health and its role in work-related sitting.

Treatment Outcomes in Awake Endoscopy With Advanced Programming in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is a treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. In the post-implant period, awake endoscopy with advanced programming (AEAP) can be employed to improve apnea hypopnea index (AHI) reduction and/or patient comfort. This study describes response patterns to HNS after AEAP as well as patient-specific patterns in our patient population. Retrospective evaluation of 17 consecutive patients who underwent AEAP between June 2019 and December 2022. Post-AEAP AHIs were used to create 2 response groups, which facilitated analysis of patient-based characteristics. AHI reporting, deemed non-titration AHI (NT-AHI), is the whole-night AHI resulting from non-titration studies. Chi-squared, Pearson correlation coefficient, and independent samples t-test were used to determine significance deemed as P < .05. Fifteen of 17 patients (88.2%) presented for failed NT-AHI reduction, and 2/17 (11.8%) presented for comfort measures. Eleven patients (65%) showed an improvement in post-AEAP NT-AHI; 6 (35%) patients failed to improve. Four patients with either lateral wall collapse or concentric wall collapse at the tongue base failed to improve NT-AHI compared to a single patient who showed an improved NT-AHI (P = .017). Of the 2 patients who presented with discomfort, patient 1/2 demonstrated improvement in device usage, and patient 2/2 reported improved comfort while maintaining average device usage. AEAP is a powerful tool that offers the ability to identify settings conducive to increased therapy efficacy and improved treatment tolerability. Airway phenotypes are closely correlated with treatment efficacy, and as such, careful anatomical consideration of the upper airway must be performed when titrating therapy. Amongst the different treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, hypoglossal nerve stimulation has been shown to be effective in positive-airway-pressure intolerant patients. This article explores response patterns to AEAP and highlights the importance of careful anatomical considerations of the upper airway. Level 3.

Teacher Educators’ Mental Stress towards Online Teaching in West Bengal, India

The study aimed to find out the mental stress of teacher educators towards online teaching in respect to their gender and type of institutions. Descriptive survey method was employed for the study. 200 teacher educators were selected as sample by random sampling from 29 different universities and colleges of West Bengal, including government and private institutions. Among the selected samples, 120 were male and 80 were female, while 103 teacher educators were from government institutions and 97 from self-financed institutions. Data were collected using “ICT Scale on Mental Stress”. Data were analyzed by percentage analysis and independent samples t-test. Results revealed that 40% teacher educators faced high mental stress towards using ICT in online teaching. Further the results revealed that female teacher educators faced more mental stress than their male counterparts. Teacher educators of private colleges showed more mental stress than the teacher educators of government institutions. Therefore, rigorous training on online teaching can be recommended for teacher educators.

Key Factors Influencing Leadership Effectiveness in Diverse Workplaces in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China

he cultural and economic landscape of Fuzhou City in Fujian Province, China, is rich and diverse. Management effectiveness and emotional intelligence in diverse workplaces in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, have been the subject of related research. The significance of emotional intelligence in fostering a productive workplace is a hot topic, as it allows individuals to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and those of others (Kargeti, 2023). Additionally, leadership effectiveness is influenced by emotional intelligence dimensions such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills (Tian, 2022). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing Leadership Effectiveness based on 5 aspects: Demographic Factors, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Diversity in Organization, Communication Strategies, and Leadership Styles. The quantitative method is applied. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent frequency, the arithmetic mean, and the standard deviation are used to analyze the data collected from questionnaires. Suitable Inferential Statistical Methods are used to test the hypothesis, particularly the Independent Samples t-test, the One-way ANOVA, and the Multiple linear Regression Analysis. The results obtained from the study indicate that differences in Marital Status, Age, Educational Level, Monthly Income, and Working Experiences generate differences in Leadership Effectiveness. Based on the Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, all aspects of Emotional Intelligence (Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and Social Skills), Cultural Diversity in Organization (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Communication Strategies (Awareness and Understanding, Communication Quality, Accessibility, and Employee Engagement), and Leadership Styles (Decision-making Leadership Styles, Everyday Leadership Styles, Beyond Everyday-work Leadership Styles, Values-based Leadership Styles) are found out to have a positive impact on Leadership Effectiveness.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Cognitive Restructuring Techniques in Group Settings to Reduce Smoking Behavior in Adolescents

There are numerous factors that drive adolescents to smoke, one of which is the presence of negative or irrational thoughts related to smoking behavior itself. Such thoughts include beliefs that smoking makes them appear more masculine, more accepted within their social circles, among other irrational perceptions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) using cognitive restructuring techniques in a group setting to reduce smoking frequency in adolescents by addressing their irrational thought patterns. A quantitative experimental method was employed, using a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 8 students were randomly assigned to two groups. Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistical tests, specifically the independent sample t-test and the correlated/paired sample t-test. The results indicate that cognitive restructuring techniques applied in group setting significantly reduce smoking behavior among adolescents.

Determining the relationship between gynecologic cancer awareness and health literacy among women of reproductive age: a descriptive study.

To determine the relationship between gynecologic cancer awareness and health literacy among women of reproductive age. This study was conducted in a descriptive design and involved 510 women. Data collection utilized the "Personal Information Form", "Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS)" and "Health Literacy Scale (HLS)", gathered. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance and post hoc analyses were employed for data analysis. Effect sizes were calculated using eta-squared (η2) coefficients. The mean total score of women on the GCAS was 154.42 ± 18.27, while the mean total score on the HLS was 57.07 ± 7.86. Significant differences were observed in women's GCAS total scores concerning age, perceived income status, and history of gynecological examination, whereas significant differences were noted in HLS total scores concerning age, educational status, marital status, and perceived income status. A weak positive correlation was detected betwixt women's GCAS and HLS total scores. It was determined that 20.8% of the total variation in gynecologic cancer awareness level was explained by health literacy. Women exhibit an above-average level of awareness regarding gynecologic cancers. Health literacy level contributes to an increase in gynecologic cancer awareness.

Self-care practices of foundation year doctors in Malta.

Several studies have shown high rates of mental health problems amongst doctors in training worldwide. Self-care has been shown to be protective against burnout and increases subjective wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the self-care practices of foundation year doctors (FYs) in Malta. All doctors enrolled in Foundation Programme Malta in 2022 were invited to participate in an online questionnaire containing the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 6-factor model described in literature. The independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to check for relationships between total scores and variables of interest and means and medians for each group were compared. A total of 122 doctors answered the questionnaire out of 264 (46%). The median score for our FY cohort was 68, indicating moderate levels of self-care. Almost 40% of participants rarely or never experienced a sense of meaning at work. Working for long hours under stressful conditions means that self-care must be one of the top priorities for new doctors. However, very few FYs working in Malta regularly care for their physical and mental health. Strategies to improve trainee wellbeing must first focus on systemic factors to allow the individual factors to be addressed.

Educator's role in preventing ageism.

This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the educator's role in imparting knowledge to healthcare students regarding ageism in Slovenia. Educators in Slovenian secondary nursing schools and in medical and health science faculties were asked to evaluate their practical experience in working with older people, their knowledge of gerontology and working with older people, and their attitude toward working with older people using an online questionnaire. They were also asked to rate their opinion about ageism on a Likert scale, along with reasons for ageism, skills that would help reduce ageism, their opinion about trainees' attitudes toward older people, and their assessment of certain facts about planning training. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's alpha. The Kruskal‒Wallis test, Mann‒Whitney U test, and independent samples t-test were used to determine differences between the groups. The participants fully agree that the knowledge imparted could contribute to reducing age discrimination among healthcare students. Those that responded that their gerontological knowledge is good had significantly higher ranked responses regarding the reasons for ageism. On average, they agreed with the statements about planning their teaching activities and facilitating the acquisition of knowledge. Ageism is a challenge for modern society that requires a comprehensive approach to prevent and combat this form of discrimination. Awareness-raising, education, and policy change can create a fairer and more respectful society for all generations. Educators are insufficiently aware of their role in preventing ageism. Practitioners recognize it when they work directly with students. There are opportunities to update curricula and teaching methods.

Evaluation of clinical, laboratory, radiographical and histopathological characteristics in patients with spinal tuberculosis in the context of HIV infection: An analysis of 52 patients from a South African tertiary hospital.

South Africa (SA) has the highest prevalence of people with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV coinfection globally. People living with HIV have an increased risk of TB infection, and are more likely to develop extrapulmonary TB. Approximately 10 - 20% of extrapulmonary TB accounts for skeletal TB, with spinal involvement in 50 - 60% of instances. Previous studies have shown highly heterogenic results regarding the effect of HIV status on clinical and laboratory characteristics in patients with spinal TB (STB). To describe the clinical, laboratory, radiographical and histopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with STB stratified by HIV status. Data from patients who were treated for STB at the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, SA, between 2013 and 2016 were analysed. We compared clinical, laboratory, radiographical and histopathological parameters of STB patients with HIV infection to those without HIV infection. To assess differences in means between the two groups, an independent samples t-test was used for normally distributed continuous data, and a χ2 test for categorical data. To assess correlations between continuous data groups, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used. We assessed 52 patients with STB (mean (standard deviation (SD) age 38 (15.2) years, range 17 - 80 years), of whom 55.8% were female, and 59.6% HIV infected. Five (9.6%) patients were identified with multidrug-resistant TB of the spine, with four (19.0%) in the HIV-infected cohort and one in the HIV-uninfected cohort (p=0.058). Significantly more STB patients without HIV infection presented with neurogenic symptoms (29%, p=0.029). The mean (SD) overall erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 69.3 (35.9) mm/h, with no significant difference between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients (p=0.086). The rate of vertebral collapse was higher in the HIV-infected cohort (39% v. 67%, p=0.048). HIV-infected patients showed a higher count of involved vertebrae (mean 3.0 v. 3.85; p=0.034). There was no correlation between CD4 count and the number of involved vertebrae. The mean (SD) number of granulomata per low-power field was 10 (12.6), with no difference between the two cohorts. However, we found a positive correlation between granuloma count and CD4 cell count in HIV-infected STB patients (Pearson 0.503, p=0.02), with significantly higher formation of granulomata at a CD4 cell count >400 cells/μL (p=0.045). In our cohort, HIV-infected patients with STB were more likely to present with vertebral collapse, and more vertebrae on average were diseased compared with HIV-uninfected patients with STB. CD4 cell count may affect granuloma formation, and it seems that HIV infection has a negative effect on cellular immunoresponse in STB, which emphasises the need for early antiretroviral therapy initiation.

Injuries from border wall falls after 2018 are more severe: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe U.S.-Mexico “border wall” between El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico was raised and extended beginning in 2018 in accordance with Presidential Executive Order 13,767. We hypothesized that these changes resulted in increased incidence and severity of injuries of individuals attempting to cross the border wall in the El Paso region.MethodsA retrospective cohort review was conducted of University Medical Center of El Paso Trauma Registry charts from 2001 to 2022. Year of injury, gender, age, Injury Severity Score, hospital length-of-stay, ICU length-of-stay, ventilator days, and survival were analyzed by Chi-square analysis with Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and Independent Samples T-test for continuous variables. An independent samples Mann Whitney U Test was used to compare border wall fall injuries before and after 2018.ResultsOf the 842 patients reviewed, 69 patients presented before 2018 and 773 presented from 2018 to 2022. Statistically significant differences were identified in the mean Injury Severity Score which increased from 6.3 (SD ± 3.8) to 8.3 (SD ± 5.5, p < .001) and the mean hospital length-of-stay which increased from 6.7 days (SD ± 5.5) to 9.5 days (SD ± 8.0, p < .005).ConclusionThe incidence, severity, and hospital length-of-stay related to injuries crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have increased with changes in height of the border wall since 2018. Additional resources should be allocated to Emergency Departments and Trauma Centers along the Southwest Border to serve this unique patient population. Additional consideration should be given to the cost of the border wall.