Individuals Of Different Age Groups Research Articles

Sialylation of dietary mucin modulate its digestibility and the gut microbiota of elderly individuals

Food-derived mucins are glycoproteins rich in sialic acid, but their digestive properties and potential health benefits for humans have been scarcely investigated. In this work, ovomucin (OVM, rich in N-acetylneuraminic acid, about 3 %), porcine small intestinal mucin (PSIM, rich in N-glycolylneuraminic acid, about 1 %), the desialylated OVM (AOVM) and the desialylated PSIM (APSIM) were selected to examine their digestion and their impact on the gut microbiota of elderly individuals. The results shown that, the proportion of low-molecular-weight proteins increased after simulated digestion of these four mucins, with concomitant comparable antioxidant activity observed. Desialylation markedly increased the degradation and digestion rate of mucins. In vitro fecal fermentation was conducted with these mucins using fecal samples from individuals of different age groups: young, low-age and high-age elderly. Fecal fermentation with mucin digestive solution stimulated the production of organic acids in the group with fecal sample of the elderly individuals. Among them, the OVM group demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. The OVM and APSIM groups elevated the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while diminishing the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella. Conversely, the probiotic effects of AOVM and PSIM were attenuated or even exhibited adverse effects. Hence, mucins originating from different sources and possessing distinct glycosylation patterns exhibit diverse biological functions. Our findings can offer valuable insights for developing a well-balanced and nutritious diet tailored to the elderly population.

Attitude towards mental help-seeking, motivation, and economic resources in connection with positive, negative, and general psychopathological symptoms of schizophrenia: a pilot study of a psychoeducation program.

Schizophrenia is typically treated with medication as the first approach, but additional strategies are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of this treatment for better outcomes. However, it is crucial to explore methods, alongside medication, that promote a positive attitude towards seeking mental health support and alleviate symptom severity among non-institutionalized individuals of different age groups in Pakistan. Thus, this pilot study aimed to utilize a psychoeducation program to enhance patients' motivation and attitudes toward seeking treatment, decrease symptom severity, and investigate the role of financial factors in their illness journey. In this preliminary investigation, our focus was on individuals who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and were receiving treatment from various hospitals and primary care clinics. Following a thorough screening process, 255 participants met the eligibility criteria, and 220 completed the psychoeducation program. The study included both male and female participants, with 143 (56.08%) being men and 112 (43.82%) being women. Regarding marital status, 123 (48.24%) were single, 98 (38.43%) were married, and 34 (13.33%) were divorced widowers or widows. The age range of the respondents varied from 18 to 52 years, with a mean age of 35.45 and a standard deviation of 10.27. The results indicated a decrease in symptom severity following a 16-week psychoeducation program. The psychoeducation program significantly reduced the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathological symptoms among patients. Similarly, significant improvement was observed in patients' motivation toward treatment and they actively participated in treatment after getting psychoeducation about the treatment. Similarly, after the psychoeducation program significant improvement was seen in patients' attitudes towards help-seeking and perceived mental health functioning. In summary, the findings suggest that our psychoeducation program has the potential to positively impact the motivation and help-seeking attitudes of schizophrenia patients towards treatment. Moreover, there is a need for further exploration of psychoeducation programs for schizophrenia, particularly in countries facing economic challenges. This study paves the way for the development of an indigenous psychoeducation program tailored to Pakistani schizophrenia patients, with potential applicability for Urdu-speaking individuals. https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210208003, identifier TCTR20210208003.

Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Social Media on Loneliness and Psychological Well-being

In the current era of continuous scientific and technological development and societal progress, the use of social media has a profound impact on individual development. The question of whether frequent use of social media affects individuals' sense of loneliness and subjective well-being is a contentious academic issue. The practical application and trends in the development of social media are also focal points of consideration and research in contemporary societal and technological advancements. Therefore, this paper analyzes the current state of social media development and explores its impact on individuals of different age groups. It examines the practical effects of social media on individuals' feelings of loneliness and psychological well-being, delving into how to use social media correctly to promote individual growth and development.

A Relationship Between Human Microbiota and Diabetes and Effective Strategies Influencing the Features of Gut Microbiota

: The human body provides an environment in which trillions of microorganisms called “microbiome” exist. The diversity, composition, and function of these organisms depend on their body sites. The gut microbiota, a dense microbial community in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is thought to contain 100 times more genes than the human genome. Therefore, there should be a significant bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and the human body. Normal gut microbiota performs several functions, keeping our body in a balanced situation, including immune system training, well-digesting nutrients, modulating the gut barrier, and producing essential molecules, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and vitamins. Diabetes mellitus, a growing crisis, has involved many individuals in different age groups all around the world and has been significantly affected by these GI inhabitants' dysbiosis. Since some determining factors causing changes in the profile of gut microbiota are prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, there have been considered a novel strategy for balancing these microorganisms and yet preventing metabolic diseases, one of which is diabetes. Scrutinizing the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, old methods of treating diabetes, such as acarbose, repaglinide, insulin pump therapy (IPT), and multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy, have been studied and optimized to be patient-based, resulting in a better yet effective treatment. In this review, key elements affecting the profile of gut microbiota, the etiology of diabetes, and the connection between human microbiota and diabetes, different indications of old and new strategies, and a few clinical types of research on changes occurring in diabetic patients in comparison to non-diabetic individuals have been elucidated.

Kronik Bel Ağrısı Olan Farklı Yaş Gruplarındaki Bireylerin Ağrı Algıları ve Ağrı İnançları ile Semptom Şiddeti̇ Arasındaki̇ İli̇şki̇ni̇n İncelenmesi̇

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is theoretically low back pain experienced for more than 12 weeks or 3 months. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pain perceptions, beliefs and symptom severity of individuals in different age groups with CLBP. The study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 with 210 individuals. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to age; 18-39, 40-56, 57-79. The Demographic Information Form, Pain Beliefs Scale (PBQ), Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) questionare were used to record the personal information and to measure participant’s pain beliefs pain perceptions, and the severity of pain experienced. One-Way MANOVA was used to evaluate the difference between age groups. NRS-11 was found significantly different between age groups of 18-39/40-56 and 18-39/57-79 (p

Ocular surface lesions in clinical grades of Bell's phenomenon.

Bell's phenomenon, also known as the palpebral oculogyric reflex, is a critical reflex that protects the cornea. We developed an innovative, simple, and practical grading scale for Bell's phenomenon that includes the inverse Bell's phenomenon. Using this scale, we investigated the characteristics of Bell's phenomenon among asymptomatic individuals in different age groups and examined the frequency of ocular surface lesions in asymptomatic and symptomatic participants with different grades. In this cross-sectional study, we randomly included 330 eyes of 165 asymptomatic, healthy, White Turkish individuals who attended the outpatient eye clinic, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4, in the control group. These were categorized into four age groups: 4 - 20 years, 21 - 40 years, 41 - 60 years, and > 60 years. Eighty eyes from 40 patients with ocular surface lesions and absence of grade + 2 Bell's phenomenon were included in the symptomatic group. Bell's phenomenon was classified into five grades: grade + 2 (strong positive), grade + 1 (weak positive), grade 0 (no Bell's phenomenon, no eye movement), grade -1 (weak inverse), and grade -2 (strong inverse). We detected higher frequencies of grade + 2, + 1, and 0 in individuals aged 4 - 40, 41 - 60, and > 60 years, respectively. There was a significant difference between age groups in the frequencies of different grades (P < 0.001). Pairwise analysis revealed a significantly lower frequency of grade + 2 in the age group > 60 years compared with the 4 - 20 and 21 - 40 year groups (both P < 0.05). Grade + 2 was the most frequent in both sexes. We detected grade 0 in 27.1% of men and 22.1% of women in the control group, with no significant difference in the frequencies of different grades between sexes (P > 0.05). We observed significant differences between grades with respect to the frequency of ocular surface lesions (P < 0.001). Pairwise analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of ocular surface lesions in asymptomatic individuals with grade 0 and all four other grades (all P < 0.001). However, the frequency of ocular surface lesions was comparable between sexes (P > 0.05). Of the 40 symptomatic individuals, 28 (70%), 5 (12.5%), 4 (10%), and 3 (7.5%) had grade 0, + 1, -1, and -2, respectively. The number of symptomatic patients was higher in grade 0 (n = 28) than in other grades (grade + 1, -1, and -2: n = 12 patients), and these individuals had a higher frequency of ocular surface lesions (n = 38 lesions) than others (grade + 1, -1, and -2: 7 lesions). Using a simple, practical grading scale for Bell's phenomenon that includes inverse Bell's phenomenon, we observed that inverse Bell's phenomenon is a reflex that may be present in healthy individuals and could have a protective effect on the eye, although not to such a degree as a strong Bell's phenomenon. Our observations imply that bilateral conjunctival calcifications/Vogt's limbal girdle may be associated with grades 0 and + 1 Bell's phenomenon. Further large-scale studies are needed to determine the frequency of Bell's phenomenon in the general population using this innovative, simple, practical grading scale, and to identify the protective or injurious effect of each grade on the ocular surface.

Does individuals' age matter? A comparative study of generation X and generation Y on green housing purchase intention

PurposeThis comparative research examines the factors influencing individuals' purchase intention toward green housing. By examining these factors, this study provides fruitful insights into the purchase intentions and behaviors for greenhouses among individuals of different age groups in India.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from Generation (Gen) X (313) and Generation (Gen) Y (297) using self-administered questionnaires. The “partial least squares structural equation modeling” was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe outcome shows that attitude and green trust substantially impact the green purchase intention of Gen X and Y. More specifically, environmental knowledge insignificantly influences the green purchase intention of Gen X while significantly influencing Gen Y. However, perceived risk insignificantly affects the purchase intention of both Gen X and Y. Consequently, green purchase intention substantially impacts the green purchase behavior in both studies.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focuses primarily on India; future research may be conducted in different geographical contexts. This study could also be extended to all age groups individuals.Practical implicationsThe findings of this article facilitate policymakers, real estate developers and professional bodies in formulating strategies for sustainable nations in the future.Originality/valueThe current article is the initial empirical attempt to examine the home-buying decisions of individuals in India. Moreover, the role of Generation X and Generation Y in green housing purchase decisions will provide fruitful insights into how different age groups impact the decision-making process of green housing.

“Fiction is the reality”: A qualitative study on digital game addiction and reality perception in young adults

Digital game addiction is a serious issue for many individuals in different age groups. Although online games offer potential benefits for individuals, excessive engagement with digital games has negative consequences, including distortion of reality. The current study explored the experiences of people with game addiction to understand how digital games impact their perception of reality and how their game addiction affects their life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 people, and the data were analyzed by thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. The results revealed two main themes: satisfaction of psychosocial needs (with the subthemes of feeling good and friendship) and narratives of games (with the subthemes of game design, game storyline, and game characters). The results can guide experts working on addiction and provide suggestions for preventive and protective intervention programs that should be prepared in this field.

Cytocompatible and osteoconductive silicon oxycarbide glass scaffolds 3D printed by DLP: a potential material for bone tissue regeneration.

Bone lesions affect individuals of different age groups, compromising their daily activities and potentially leading to prolonged morbidity. Over the years, new compositions and manufacturing technologies were developed to offer customized solutions to replace injured tissue and stimulate tissue regeneration. This work used digital light processing (DPL) technology for three-dimensional (3D) printing of porous structures using pre-ceramic polymer, followed by pyrolysis to obtain SiOC vitreous scaffolds. The SiOC scaffolds produced had an amorphous structure (compatible with glass) with an average porosity of 72.69% ± 0.99, an average hardness of 935.1 ± 71.0HV, and an average maximum flexural stress of 7.8 ± 1.0MPa, similar to cancellous bone tissue. The scaffolds were not cytotoxic and allowed adult stem cell adhesion, growth, and expansion. After treatment with osteoinductive medium, adult stem cells in the SiOC scaffolds differentiated to osteoblasts, assuming a tissue-like structure, with organization in multiple layers and production of a dense fibrous matrix rich in hydroxyapatite. The in vitro analyses supported the hypothesis that the SiOC scaffolds produced in this work were suitable for use as a bone substitute for treating critically sized lesions, with the potential to stimulate the gradual process of regeneration of the native tissue. The data obtained stimulate the continuity of studies with the SiOC scaffolds developed in this work, paving the way for evaluating safety and biological activity in vivo.

Assessment of conjunctival, episcleral and scleral thickness in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

To determine the thickness of the conjunctiva, episclera and sclera in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). We prospectively included 107 healthy individuals of different age groups (18-39 years, 40-54 years, 55-69 years and ≥70 years). For each eye, AS-OCT scans of four quadrants (temporal, nasal, superior and inferior) were acquired. The thickness of the conjunctiva, episclera and sclera was measured for each scan. In addition, the axial length of both eyes was measured, and general characteristics, including smoking, allergies and contact lens use, were collected. The mean conjunctival thickness was significantly different between the nasal and superior quadrants (87 ± 30 μm vs. 77 ± 16 μm; p < 0.001), as well as the superior and inferior quadrants (77 ± 16 μm vs. 86 ± 19 μm; p = 0.001). The mean episcleral thickness was larger in the superior (174 ± 54 μm) and inferior (141 ± 43 μm) quadrants, compared to the nasal (83 ± 38 μm) and temporal quadrants (90 ± 44 μm). The mean scleral thickness of the inferior quadrant was the largest (596 ± 64 μm), followed by the nasal (567 ± 76 μm), temporal (516 ± 67 μm) and superior (467 ± 52 μm) quadrants (all p < 0.001). The averaged scleral thickness increased 0.96 μm per age year (0.41-1.47 μm, p < 0.001). This study provides an assessment of the thickness of scleral and adjacent superficial layers in healthy individuals determined on AS-OCT, which could enable future research into the use of AS-OCT in diseases affecting the anterior eye wall.

INCIDENCE AND DEPENDENCE OF FUNCTIONAL RETINAL CHANGES IN RHEGMATOGENOUS DETACHMENT IN PATIENTS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Introduction. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment results from retinal rupture causing the accumulation of fluid with the separation of the neurosensory retina from the main pigment epithelium. This condition is known as the most common type of retinal detachment. Patients with newly developed retinal detachment typically experience a sudden loss of vision, accompanied by floating opacities and metamorphopsia, or a "dark veil," that interferes with vision. The annual incidence of retinal detachment has been estimated in different countries and regions for a long time and ranged from 6.9 to 26.2 cases per 100,000.&#x0D; Aim of this study is to investigate the incidence rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment among individuals of different age groups.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 240 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment operated during 2022-2023 were included in this retrospective study. The criteria for inclusion were the following: a case of retinal detachment with onset between January 2022 and October 2023. Exclusion criteria include: 1) traction-induced retinal detachment (eg, proliferative diabetic retinopathy), iatrogenic injury, or eye tumor; 2) subclinical RBS, which could be cured by one laser treatment of the retina; 4) a history of penetrating eye injury; 5) retinal detachment caused by a macular tear.&#x0D; Results and conclusions. Following the analysis of the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, it was observed that this condition predominantly occurs in men (62.5% of cases), particularly in the older age group (60-70 years). The average duration of detachment before surgical intervention is 18.4±2.4 days. Early detection of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment leads to a reduced risk of total retinal detachment with macular involvement, as evidenced in our study (63.3% macula-off in men compared to only 28.8% macula-off in women).

МНОЖЕСТВЕННАЯ МИЕЛОМА: ОСОБЕННОСТИ ТЕЧЕНИЯ И ОТВЕТА НА ТЕРАПИЮ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ РАЗНЫХ ВОЗРАСТНЫХ ГРУПП

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease with the development of relapses, sometimes with an uncontrolled course leading to death regardless of the age of the patient. The use of new schemes and methods of treatment has not only significantly improved outcomes in younger MM patients but also improved the quality of life and survival in people over 65 years of age. Objective: to determine the clinical features of the course of the disease and response to therapy in patients of different age groups with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Material and Methods: An analysis of the data of 139 patients with newly diagnosed MM was carried out. The median follow-up was 25 months, with a maximum of 58 months. Patients were divided into study groups depending on age at the time of diagnosis: the first group - age up to 65 years (n=65); the second group - age from 65 years and older (n=74). The material of the study was clinical and anamnestic data, the results of laboratory blood tests: biochemical analysis and immunochemical analysis. All the patients underwent the whole body CT scan, diffusely weighted whole body MRI and bone marrow aspiration biopsy with immunophenotypic study. As an induction therapy, according to international recommendations, courses of chemotherapy were used using various regimens containing bortezomib, depending on age and comorbidity. Results. The MM variant with IgA secretion occurred 1.76 times more often in the first group (p=0.128). In the first group hypercalcemia was somewhat more common (2.4 times, p=0.099) and an excess of LDH levels (2.9 times, p=0.072). In contrast, the presence of infectious complications (by 1.2 times, p=0.392), excess of the level of β2-microglobulin &gt; 3 mg/l (by 1.6 times, p=0.086) and kidney damage (by 1.45 times, p=0.037) were more common in the second group, and in the latter case the differences were statistically significant. Disease stage (p=0.0001), excess of β2 microglobulin level (p=0.004), excess of LDH level (p=0.03), presence of anemic syndrome (p=0.003), hypercalcemia (p=0.02), presence of infectious complications (p=0.01) at the time of diagnosis were predictors of worse survival in the general group of MM patients. Conclusion. The active use of new therapeutic strategies and regimens improves treatment outcomes not only in patients under 65 years of age, but also in older patients. New studies are needed to identify prognostic factors in individuals of different age groups in order to start personalized therapy and improve treatment outcomes.

Study on thermal comfort of elderly in community parks: An exploration from the perspectives of different activities and ages

Community parks are significant green spaces for outdoor activities among the elderly in urban areas, further serving as crucial environments for their social interaction and mental restoration. This study comprehensively investigated outdoor thermal perception among the elderly in community parks during the winter in Huangshan, utilizing meteorological measurements, questionnaires, interviews and activity observations. It delved into the relationship between the elderly's outdoor thermal perception, age, and activities. Findings are as follows: 1) Ta and Tg were the primary factors influencing thermal perception in the elderly, with RH also being an important factor. Additionally, thermal sensation among individuals aged 80 and above was influenced by wind speed. 2) The NPET was 5.84 °C, with NPETR of 0.22–11.46 °C. The 80% TAR was 3.32–28.91 °C. Outdoor thermal benchmarks varied significantly among elderly individuals in different age groups. 3) The intensity and content of activities significantly influenced the elderly's outdoor thermal perception from physiological and psychological perspectives. Moreover, spatial satisfaction, thermal experience, and thermal adaptation behavior also influence outdoor thermal perception among the elderly. 4) Planning and design strategies for urban public spaces were proposed to enhance elderly residents' outdoor thermal comfort. The findings can guide community park designers in meeting the specific needs of elderly individuals and promoting healthy aging.

Association of dyslipidemia with single nucleotide polymorphisms of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene and cardiovascular disease risk factors in a highly admixed population

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are major causes of mortality worldwide, leading to premature deaths, loss of quality of life, and extensive socioeconomic impacts. Alterations in normal plasma lipid concentrations comprise important risk factors associated with CVD due to mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Genetic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are known to be associated with lipid metabolism, including variants in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene. Thus, the study's objective was to assess the relationship among lipid profile, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, health status, inflammatory biomarkers, and CETP genetic variants in individuals living in a highly admixed population. The study comprises an analysis of observational cross-sectional data representative at the population level from a highly admixed population, encompassing 901 individuals from three age groups (adolescents, adults, and older adults). Socioeconomic, demographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, biochemical markers and lipid profiles were obtained from individuals' blood samples. After DNA extraction, genotyping, and quality control according to Affymetrix's guidelines, information on 15 SNPs in the CETP gene was available for 707 individuals. Lipid profile and CVD risk factors were evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA), and associations between lipid traits and those factors were assessed through multiple linear regression and logistic regression. There were low linear correlations between lipid profile and other individuals' characteristics. Two principal components were responsible for 80.8% of the total variance, and there were minor differences in lipid profiles among individuals in different age groups. Non-HDL-c, total cholesterol, and LDL-c had the highest loadings in the first PC, and triacylglycerols, VLDL-c and HDL-c were responsible for a major part of the loading in the second PC;, whilst HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c ratio were significant in the third PC. In addition, there were minor differences between groups of individuals with or without dyslipidemia regarding inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL- 6, IL-10, TNF-α, CRP, and MCP-1). Being overweight, insulin resistance, and lifestyle characteristics (calories from solid fat, added sugar, alcohol and sodium, leisure physical activity, and smoking) were strong predictors of lipid traits, especially HDL-c and dyslipidemia (p<0.05). The CETP SNPs rs7499892 and rs12691052, rs291044, and rs80180245 were significantly associated with HDL-c (p<0.05), and their inclusion in the multiple linear regression model increased its accuracy (adjusted R2 rose from 0.12 to 0.18). This study identified correlations between lipid traits and other CVD risk factors. In addition, similar lipid and inflammatory profiles across age groups in the population suggested that adolescents might already present a significant risk for developing cardiovascular diseases in the population. The risk can be primarily attributed to decreased HDL-c concentrations, which appear to be influenced by genetic factors, as evidenced by associations between SNPs in the CETP gene and HDL-c concentrations, as well as potential gene-diet interactions. Our findings underscore the significant impact of genetic and lifestyle factors on lipid profile within admixed populations in developing countries.

Hematology and Blood Chemistry Reference Intervals for Antillean Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Colombia

Hematology and blood chemistry tests constitute an easy-to-apply veterinary tool that evaluates an organism’s systemic functioning and disease process by comparing the level of specific analytes against species norms. Such analyses help monitor marine mammals’ health and nutritional status. Although reference values have been published for a few manatee populations, there are none for Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Colombia. We aim to establish the reference values for hematology and serum chemistries for these manatees and determine if there are variations between individuals of different age groups and sex. Thus, we obtained whole blood and serum samples from 45 rehabilitated manatees from Colombia between 1992 and 2021. Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel values were calculated, and differences between age groups and sex were determined. Results were compared with published reference intervals of other Antillean manatee populations, Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil. We determined the reference intervals of hematology and serum chemistry for manatees in Colombia for different age and sex categories. No relevant clinical variations were found in hematological parameters due to sex. Marked differences were found between age groups, mainly among young animals with an expected faster metabolism. There were significant variations between hematological and blood chemistry values when the Colombian manatees were compared to manatees from Puerto Rico and Amazonian manatees from Brazil. Such variations are likely influenced by evolutionary history and environmental factors associated with differences in habitat salinity and diet. We recommend that future studies correlate these blood tests with specific panels. We further recommend conducting wild manatee health assessments as this information will yield essential data for species management schemes needed due to the multiple anthropogenic and environmental threats that manatees face today which put the Colombian manatee’s health and ultimate survival at risk.

Using Hormone Data and Age to Pinpoint Cycle Day within the Menstrual Cycle.

Background and Objectives: Menstrual cycle tracking is essential for reproductive health and overall well-being. However, there is still an over-reliance on estimations that standard cycles are 28 days long, divided evenly between the follicular and luteal phases. Due to the variability of cycle length and cycle phase lengths, common methods of identifying where an individual is in their cycle are often inaccurate. This study used daily hormone monitoring obtained through a remote hormone-monitoring platform to evaluate hormone levels across a menstrual cycle to identify nuances in the follicular and luteal phases in individuals of different age groups. Materials and Methods: This study used a remote fertility testing system that quantitatively tracks luteinizing hormone (LH) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) through urine tests read by an AI-powered smartphone app. The study analyzed cycle data from 1233 users with a total of 4123 evaluated cycles. Daily levels for LH and PdG were monitored across multiple cycles. Results: This study determined that calculated cycle lengths tended to be shorter than user-reported cycle lengths. Significant differences were observed in cycle phase lengths between age groups, indicating that follicular phase length declines with age while luteal phase length increases. Finally, the study found that if an individual's age, first cycle day, and current hormone levels are known, population-level hormone data can be used to pinpoint which cycle phase and cycle day they are in with 95% confidence. Conclusions: At-home hormone monitoring technologies can allow patients and clinicians to track their cycles with greater precision than when relying on textbook estimations. The study's findings have implications for fertility planning, clinical management, and general health monitoring. Prior to this study, no standard existed for pinpointing where a person was in their cycle through only one measure of LH and PdG. These findings have the potential to fill significant gaps within reproductive healthcare and beyond.

Criteria of Formation of Fatty Liver Disease in Individuals of Different Age Groups in the Long-Term Period after Minimally Invasive Cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION: Despite the technical advance in medicine and the use of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, complications of cholecystectomy considerably reduce the quality of life of the operated patients. Development of the most common and severe complication fatty liver disease (FLD) is difficult to predict due to numerous factors that influence its formation.&#x0D; AIM: To identify prognostic criteria of formation of FLD in the long-term period after cholecystectomy and to scientifically substantiate their significance.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify prognostic criteria of formation of FLD in the long-term period after minimally invasive cholecystectomy, 330 patients (159 men and 171 women) who underwent surgical treatment, were examined. Anthropometric data, hemodynamic parameters were evaluated, autonomic index was calculated. US evaluation of choledoch and Elastography of the liver, magnetic resonance tomography of the liver and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were performed. Using chromatography-mass-spectrometry, microbial markers of parietal microbiome of the intestine were determined.&#x0D; RESULTS: Parameters of body mass index indicate the interrelation between the formation of FLD and increased body mass in patients of older age. In the first group with FLD, sympathetic status prevailed, and in the control group of the same age, parasympathicotonia was predominating. At the older age, in the second and third subgroup, the autonomic regulation did not influence the formation of FLD. The choledoch diameter in men and women with FLD of the first age subgroup was greater relative to patients of the control group and of the preoperative period and also relative to older patients of the same group. In the long-term period after cholecystectomy in the group with fatty liver disease, the opportunistic microflora prevailed over essential one, and aerobic microflora over anaerobic one. Besides, increased amount of fungi and viruses was noted, as well as a change in the distribution of obligate microflora due to decrease in the content of eubacteria and predomination of lactobacteria over bifidobacteria in the parietal layer of the intestine. In the individuals of older age, reduction of the obligate and increase in the opportunistic microflora including aerobic one, was noted.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Age, autonomic regulation and body mass have a significant influence on the formation of FLD in the long-term period after cholecystectomy. In the group of older patients, the influence of the autonomic regulation is lower, and increase in body mass is higher than in younger individuals.

Religious Cultural Approach Group Counseling

This study explores the importance of religion-based group counseling for individuals in different age groups in Indonesia as they progress through various stages of religious development. Religion significantly influences social and cultural diversity, and religious practices are integral to Indonesia's cultural heritage. Religion-based counseling prioritizes individuals with a religious background, utilizing their faith's values, norms, and teachings as a foundational framework. With the majority of Indonesians being Muslims, the Islamic counseling approach holds a strategic position. Religion-based group counseling serves as a viable solution to support individuals of all ages in their religious growth. Conducted as a literature review, this research collects and analyzes data from diverse sources to elucidate the significance of religion-based group counseling. The study contributes to a deeper understanding and practical application of religion-based group counseling in Indonesia, raising awareness of its necessity and benefits in facilitating optimal religious development across different stages of life.

Penilaian Hasil Penyuluhan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut Pada Komunitas Alumni Abang None Jakarta Selatan

It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to take into account their dental and oral health to enhance their overall well-being. Dentists have the responsibility of educating the public on proper dental and oral care in order to attain the best possible dental and oral health. Nevertheless, there are still numerous individuals who do not prioritize their dental and oral health. With the aim of fulfilling the Tridharma mission in Community Service, the Faculty of Dentistry at Trisakti University has implemented Public Health Services tha provide counseling on oral and dental health for families, staring with the elderly, general dental health, childrens dental health, and safe medications for families. Through the use of a questionnaire, an increase in knowledge was observed among individuals of different age groups regarding oral health care.

Impact of opinion dynamics on the public health damage inflicted by COVID-19 in the presence of societal heterogeneities.

Certain behavioral practices, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and accepting vaccines, play a crucial role in impeding the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the severity of symptoms. Opinions regarding whether to observe such behavioral practices evolve over time through interactions via networks that overlap with but are not identical to the physical interaction networks over which the disease progresses. This necessitates the joint study of the dynamics of COVID-19 and opinion evolution. We develop a mathematical model that can be easily adapted to a wide range of behavioral practices and captures in a computationally tractable manner the joint evolution of the disease and relevant opinions in populations of large sizes. Populations of large sizes are typically heterogeneous in that they comprise individuals of different age groups, genders, races, and underlying health conditions. Such groups have different propensities to imbibe severe forms of the disease, different physical contact, and social interaction patterns and rates. These lead to different disease and opinion dynamics in them. Our model is designed to effectively capture such diversities. Computations using our model reveal that opinion dynamics have a strong impact on fatality and hospitalization counts and the number of man-days lost due to symptoms both in the regular form of the disease and the extended forms, more commonly known as long COVID. We show that opinion dynamics in certain groups have a disproportionate impact on the overall public health attributes because they have high physical interaction rates, even when they have the lowest propensity to imbibe severe forms of the disease. This identifies a social vulnerability that malactors can utilize to inflict heavy public health damages through opinion campaigns targeting specific segments. Once such vulnerabilities are identified, which we accomplish, adequate precautions may be designed to enhance resilience to such targeted attacks and better protect public health. By recognizing and understanding the vulnerabilities, appropriate precautions can be developed to enhance resilience against targeted attacks and safeguard public health. Our study underscores the importance of considering opinion evolution alongside disease dynamics, providing insights into the interplay between behavioral practices, opinions, and disease outcomes. We believe that our model is a valuable tool for understanding the joint dynamics of COVID-19 and opinions. We hope that our findings will help to inform public health policy and facilitate evidence-based decision-making for public health interventions.