International Questionnaire Research Articles

Особенности секреции интерлейкина-6 и скорость окисления жиров у детей с конституционально-экзогенным ожирением с различным уровнем физической активности

Physical inactivity is accompanied by a decrease of skeletal muscle mass and is one of the main reasons for obesity. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) acts as a paracrine and endocrine regulator of the intensity of carbohydrate and fat metabolism during exercises. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the fat oxidation rate and serum IL-6 in children with simple obesity depending on the level of daily physical activity (PA). Methods used: a cross-sectional, single-center sampling study that included 53 children aged 12 to 18 y/o (27 boys/26 girls) with obesity (SDS BMI 3.0 [2.6;3.3]) divided into two groups depending on the level of daily PA was conducted. The maximal fat oxidation (MFO) was assessed during ergometric stress testing with gas analysis. The IL-6 was assessed by ELISA at baseline and after a single physical activity. The level of daily PA was determined using the IPAQ international questionnaire Results: basal IL-6 level in children with obesity and low PA was 1.18 [0.42;1.55] pg/ml and was statistically significantly increased compared to the group of children without physical inactivity, 0.57 [0.22;0.8] pg/ml (p=0.029). The values of IL-6 after physical activity in both boys and girls with obesity and physical inactivity were statistically significantly increased compared with the group of children with obesity and moderate/high PA (p=0.032 and p=0.012 for boys and girls, respectively). The MFO in children with a low level of PA was 0.33 [0.22;0.41] g/min and did not significantly differ statistically from the group of peers with moderate or high PA (0.31 [0.25;0.36] g/min; p=0.431). Conclusion: a sedentary lifestyle in obese children leads to an increase in both basal and stimulated IL-6 secretion and is not accompanied by a decrease in maximal fat oxidation.

The performance of physical activity and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: This study aimed to describe self-reported PA performance and determine predictors regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected using a questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, illness-related factors, self-report health status (SRHS) questionnaire, international PA questionnaire, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire. Subsequently, data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The mean age for the total participants of 180 HF patients was 59.92 ± 11.90 years, with 60% being male, and the mean HRQOL score was 42.96 ± 20.47. HRQOL had significant correlations with HF medication (r= 0.20, p< 0.01), health status (HS) (r= 0.35, p< 0.01), PA (r= -0.52, p< 0.01), and HRQOL was associated with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (F= 94.57, p< 0.001). Meanwhile, age, gender, job, marital status, religion, level of education, hemoglobin, body mass index, length of diagnostic HF, and comorbidities did not have a significant relationship with HRQOL. Three variables were significant predictors of HRQOL, namely HS (β= 0.21, p< 0.01), NYHA Class III (β= 0.15, p< 0.05), and PA (β= -0.31, p< 0.001). Conclusions: Regular PA is crucial in improving HRQOL of HF patients. In addition, HS, HF medication, and NYHA Class should be considered in providing care for HF patients aimed at improving HRQOL.

Understanding barriers to the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in construction projects: perspectives of construction practitioners

Purpose Traditional paper-based contracts are document-intensive, insecure, susceptible to forgery and errors, detrimental to productivity improvement and require multiple intermediaries. Addressing these challenges requires computerised construction to modernise the way modern construction projects are procured with blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Smart contracts could replace paper-based contracts by improving transparency and security and automating contractual terms, processes and transacting activities. However, smart contracts are an emerging technology with limited adoption in construction projects, and the issues influencing its widespread adoption remain unclear and unexplored. Hence, this study aims at exploring and understanding the important obstacles to adoption of smart contracts in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachUsing an international questionnaire survey, the study draws on experienced construction practitioners with direct involvement and knowledge in blockchain technology and smart contract initiatives and activities. Descriptive statistics and fuzzy logic techniques were used to analyse and model the quantitative survey data to establish the critical barriers to smart contracts adoption.Findings Organisational and external characteristics, personal characteristics and technology characteristics constitute major obstacles to the successful adoption of smart contracts. Construction practitioners’ limited knowledge of smart contracts, resistance to technology change, insufficiently digitalised construction industry and lack of or weak governmental support are critical to smart contracts adoption.Originality/value The research contributes to the body of knowledge on diffusing cutting-edge technology by advancing the understanding of practitioners’ perspectives on the primary obstacles to smart contracts adoption. Understanding the obstacles provides industry stakeholders (policymakers, leaders and practitioners) with underpinning knowledge with which to develop and implement corrective actions.

Changes in functional status during and after pregnancy in people with cerebral palsy: An international observational study.

There is limited information surrounding physical changes people with cerebral palsy (CP) experience during pregnancy. This is a subgroup analysis of an international online questionnaire, developed with input from individuals with CP. Data collection included demographics, baseline functional status, and functional status changes during pregnancy. Descriptive analysis was used. 158 participants from 15 countries participated of which 30 had a total of 49 pregnancies resulting in birth. Worsened strength, spasticity, bladder function and fatigue occurred in 56.5% (13/23), 47.8% (11/23), 56.5% (13/23) and 87.0% (20/23) of participants. 9/23 (40.9%) required new mobility devices. Worsening of fatigue, strength, spasticity and need for a new mobility device was reported by all groups regardless of functional status. People with CP may experience significant functional changes during pregnancy, even those who mobilized independently prior to pregnancy. These findings may inform obstetricians, nurses, neurologists and physiatrists, and contribute to preconception counselling.

The strategic choice of organizational technologies preventing burning out of general practitioners in the system of patient-oriented medicine

The general medical practice in modernized primary health care units of Moscow medical organizations by its generalized statistical indicators takes the leading place in rating of health care organizations of the Subjects of the Russian Federation. The research study revealed problems in achieving target indicator - level of patient satisfaction with quality of medical care provided by general practitioners/family doctors made up to 54.3%. One of the causes was higher degree of physician burnout (34.1%). To elaborate efficient prevention program,a set of organizational technologies to prevent burnout was developed and tested. The purpose of the study was approbation of developed organizational technologies preventing burnout of general practitioners in the pilot project. The methodology of pairwise survey permitting to simultaneously obtain answers of respondents - patients and general practitioners - to objectify results of the study, characterizing factors under study at fixed period of time - the last 12 months. The sociological survey was applied on the basis of two international questionnaires - EUROPEP (to study patient satisfaction) and COSPOQ III to evaluate psycho-social state of general practitioners). The developed organizational technologies of burnout prevention permitted to increase index of patients' satisfaction with medical care up to 30.33%, and cumulative efficiency on blocks of questionnaire up to 26.97%. Conclusion. The efficiency of preventive measures reached 27.28%.

The International Spinal Cord Injury Survey in Iran (InSCI-IR)

Background and Aim: Spinal cord injury patients are faced with many neglected side effects that threaten the health, wealth, and life of the patients and their families. For this purpose, the international spinal cord injury survey (InSCI) was conducted in 2017 by adding 22 countries to follow up the patients facing spinal cord injury. Iran as a developing country was added to the survey in 2022 focusing on the catastrophic health expenditures of spinal cord injury patients. The survey is named: The International spinal cord injury survey in Iran (InSCI -IR). Methods and Materials/Patients: This study will be performed in Guilan Province, Iran and the primary data of the patients will be gathered from the Poursina Hospital of Rasht and the Iranian National Registry of Spinal Cord Injury Patients. InSCI-IR contains two parts; the general questionnaire which gathers the data for the InSCI and the specific questionnaire which gathers data for calculating catastrophic expenditures. Results: It is estimated that 600 patients will participate in the study and more than 200 cases are faced with paraplegia or tetraplegia. The international questionnaire contains 11 sections on the living situation of patients with SCI, sociodemographic questions, injury characteristics, mental and physical health, feeling and work conditions, environmental factors, and access to health services. The catastrophic expenditure part contains questions about the cost of treatment, medication, caregiving, transportation, and household income loss related to spinal cord injury, wealth index, and household total income. Both parts will be edited in psychometrics processes.

Childhood trauma, substance use and depressive symptoms in people with HIV during COVID-19.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), substance use, depressive symptoms, and HIV outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) have not been comprehensively investigated within a single study. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and association of ACEs, substance use, depressive symptoms and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes in PLWHIV accessing HIV care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. District hospital HIV clinic in South Africa. A total of 196 PLWHIV completed a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire; an adapted World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; WHO ACEs International Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire. The most common ACEs were having one or no parent, parental separation or divorce (n = 131, 66.8%), exposure to collective (n = 57, 29.1%) and community violence (n = 55, 28.1%), with 40.3% (n = 79) experiencing ≥ 3 ACEs. The most commonly used substances were alcohol (n = 34, 17.3%), tobacco (n = 33, 16.8%), and cannabis (n =13, 6.6%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.4% (n = 38). Linear regression analyses indicated greater alcohol (adj β = 2.84, p < 0.01), tobacco (adj β = 3.64, p < 0.01) and cannabis use risk scores (adj β = 2.39, p < 0.01) were associated with ≥ 3 ACEs. Logistic regression indicated depressive risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 9.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.78-23.51) was associated with ≥ 3 ACEs. A high prevalence of ACEs, substance use and depressive symptoms exists among PLWHIV, along with an association between cumulative ACEs and both substance use and depressive symptoms. Enhanced screening and management services are recommended to address this triple burden in PLWHIV.

An international survey to better understand the current incidence, severity, and management of VOD/SOS.

This international questionnaire survey aimed to explore the current incidence, diagnostic policies, management, and outcomes of veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) among healthcare providers involved in the management of these patients. A questionnaire was e-mailed to practitioners with an interest in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Of the respondents, 144 of 215 (67.0%) felt that early detection or diagnosis of VOD/SOS was difficult. Regarding diagnostic criteria, 142 (66.1%) already declared using the 2023 EBMT refined criteria. Most respondents (163/215, 75.8%) found these recent refined EBMT criteria useful for diagnosis, and 193 (89.8%) found the severity criteria easy to use. The major risk factors identified for VOD/SOS were a second allo-HCT (41.4%), pre-existing liver disease (54.9%), and prior use of antibody-drug conjugates (49.8%). Preferences for starting VOD/SOS treatment varied, with 61 (28.4%) preferring initiating therapy at a mild stage, and 122 (56.7%) preferring the moderate stage. In summary, this survey provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of the identification and management of VOD/SOS. By improving current knowledge and increasing collaboration among healthcare professionals, early detection, management, and clinical outcomes for patients with this potentially serious complication can also be improved.

Behavioral observation and assessment protocol for language and social-emotional development study in children aged 0–6: the Chinese baby connectome project

BackgroundThe global rise in developmental delays underscores the critical need for a thorough understanding and timely interventions during early childhood. Addressing this issue, the Chinese Baby Connectome Project (CBCP)’s behavior branch is dedicated to examining language acquisition, social-emotional development, and environmental factors affecting Chinese children. The research framework is built around three primary objectives: developing a 0–6 Child Development Assessment Toolkit, implementing an Intelligent Coding System, and investigating environmental influence.MethodsUtilizing an accelerated longitudinal design, the CBCP aims to enlist a minimum of 1000 typically developing Chinese children aged 0–6. The data collected in this branch constitutes parental questionnaires, behavioral assessments, and observational experiments to capture their developmental milestones and environmental influences holistically. The parental questionnaires will gauge children’s developmental levels in language and social-emotional domains, alongside parental mental well-being, life events, parenting stress, parenting styles, and family relationships. Behavioral assessments will involve neurofunctional developmental evaluations using tools such as the Griffiths Development Scales and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Additionally, the assessments will encompass measuring children’s executive functions (e.g., Head-Toe-Knee-Shoulder), social cognitive abilities (e.g., theory of mind), and language development (e.g., Early Chinese Vocabulary Test). A series of behavior observation. experiments will be conducted targeting children of different age groups, focusing primarily on aspects such as behavioral inhibition, compliance, self-control, and social-emotional regulation. To achieve the objectives, established international questionnaires will be adapted to suit local contexts and devise customized metrics for evaluating children’s language and social-emotional development; deep learning algorithms will be developed in the observational experiments to enable automated behavioral analysis; and statistical models will be built to factor in various environmental variables to comprehensively outline developmental trajectories and relationships.DiscussionThis study’s integration of diverse assessments and AI technology will offer a detailed analysis of early childhood development in China, particularly in the realms of language acquisition and social-emotional skills. The development of a comprehensive assessment toolkit and coding system will enhance our ability to understand and support the development of Chinese children, contributing significantly to the field of early childhood development research.Trial registrationThis study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT05040542 on September 10, 2021.

Contraception Used by People Assigned Female at Birth With Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectivesThere is limited data on contraception used by people assigned female at birth with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pregnancy in people with SCI can be medically complex, therefore access to contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies is essential. This study aimed to assess the availability of contraception from health care providers (HCPs) to people with SCI and the contraception methods used. MethodsAn online international questionnaire was distributed. Demographic data and reproductive histories were recorded. Overall, 780 responses were received from participants in 33 different countries. Most participants lived in North America and self-identified as White. In total, 75% had a traumatic SCI. Most SCIs were at cervical and thoracic levels and American Spinal Injury Association-A and American Spinal Injury Association-B. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used. ResultsThe recruitment rate was 85.4% and the completion rate was 73.8%. Overall, 93.6% of participants reported ever having been sexually active, while 60.7% reported sexual activity over the past year. Of people who were injured under the age of 50 years and who have been sexually active, 63.6% were offered birth control by an HCP. Condoms were used by 44.5% of participants, withdrawal by 20.1%, the combined oral contraceptive pill by 28.4% and intrauterine device by 20.1% of respondents. ConclusionsThis is the largest known study on SCI and contraception. Most people with SCI are sexually active. The withdrawal method and no contraception are used by many individuals, which may increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Increased use of highly effective contraception in this population may be achieved through HCP-initiated conversations about sexual health.

Development and validation of the caregiver-report version of the international grief questionnaire (IGQ-CG): Results from a Ukrainian sample of parents.

The International Grief Questionnaire (IGQ) is a self-report measure of ICD-11 Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in adults. This study sought to develop and validate a caregiver-report version of the IGQ for children and adolescents aged 7-17 years; the IGQ-Caregiver Version (IGQ-CG). 639 parents living in Ukraine provided data on themselves and one child in their household as part of the "The Mental Health of Parents and Children in Ukraine Study: 2023 Follow-up" study. The latent structure of the scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while convergent validity was assessed through associations with other mental health correlates. Prevalence rates of probable ICD-11 PGD were estimated. CFA results supported a correlated two-factor model ('core' and 'associated' symptoms) and the internal reliability of the scale scores were acceptable. Convergent validity was supported through significant correlations with internalizing symptoms, while contact with the deceased, time since bereavement, and parental PGD were associated with higher scores on the IGQ-CG latent variables. The prevalence of probable ICD-11 PGD was 1.4%, and amongst those with a lifetime bereavement, the conditional rate was 3.2%. The IGQ-CG produces reliable and valid scores for ICD-11 PGD symptoms in children and adolescents as reported by their caregivers.

Characteristics and Trends of Workplace Violence towards Frontline Health Workers under Comprehensive Interventions in a Chinese Infectious Disease Hospital.

This study investigated workplace violence (WPV) toward frontline health workers under comprehensive interventions to improve the occupational safety and health management system in a Chinese infectious disease hospital. The risk assessment of WPV using an international questionnaire was conducted in 2018 and 2021 to compare the perceived levels of exposure to WPV and intervention measures before and after the intensification of anti-violence measures in the hospital context. Additionally, qualitative data were collected in 2021 through semi-structured and unstructured interviews, providing complementary information about WPV toward frontline health workers (HWs). After establishing the occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), the total incidence rate of WPV decreased from 60.90% in 2018 to 34.44% in 2021. Psychological violence declined significantly from 60.90% in 2018 to 33.89% in 2021. The endorsement of precautionary measures increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, including patient screening recognition, patient protocol, shift or rota changes, etc. A thematic analysis of several subthemes shows that HWs had an in-depth understanding of WPV, recognizing its multifaceted consequences in the context of complex risk factors. This study demonstrates a significant decrease in WPV, psychological violence, verbal abuse, bullying/mobbing, and ethnic discrimination after implementing the comprehensive OSHMS.

ICD-11 adjustment disorder: Translation and validation of the Danish international adjustment disorder questionnaire among a working population of social educators

Adjustment disorder is frequently used as a diagnostic category for work-related stress disorders in Denmark. However, the diagnostic category is poorly delineated in ICD-10 which has hampered clinical practice as well as research studying the development of work-related adjustment disorders. In ICD-11, the diagnostic category of adjustment disorder has been refined and a new self-report measure is available to operationalize symptoms. The aim of the current study is to translate the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) to Danish and test the psychometric properties of the scale in a sample of social educators. A total of 609 social educators in current employment participated in an online survey including the IADQ and data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings suggested that a two-factor model reflecting the distinction between preoccupation and failure to adapt as part of the diagnostic criterion fitted the data best, although strong factor correlations and one cross-factor loading suggests that differentiating between the dimensions of preoccupation and failure to adapt is difficult. Relationships to burnout, posttraumatic stress and general distress support the validity of the Danish translation of the IADQ. Further research should explore the structure of adjustment disorder among other working populations.

Psychometric properties of the farsi version of the international trauma questionnaire -child and adolescent version (ITQ-CA) in a sample of iranian children and adolescents exposed to trauma

BackgroundThe International Trauma Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent Version (ITQ-CA) is a self-report measure for post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), corresponding to the diagnostic criteria in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). While in the meantime the original English version of the ITQ-CA is available in different languages such as traditional and simplified Chinese, German, or Spanish, the Farsi was missing so far. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Farsi International Trauma Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent version (ITQ-CA) in a sample of Iranian children and adolescents objectively exposed to a traumatic event. MethodA total of 130 participants completed the Farsi form of the ITQ-CA and the Farsi Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) for comparison. For the psychometric evaluation, we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bivariate correlations. ResultsThe Farsi version of ITQ-CA self-report form yielded scores with robust reliability (internal consistency ranging from 0.83 to 0.91, and the Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) varied from 0.74 to 0.92 with moderate, good, and excellent results) and adequate convergent validity (correlations with the CATS ranging from 0.49 to 0.77). CFA supported ICD-11 CPTSD symptom structure as a two-factor higher order model with PTSD. We found that the two-factor model fit the data better than the other measurement models (χ2/df = 43.492/37=1.175, RMSEA = 0.038, CFI = 0.994, TLI = 0.989, SRMR = 0.04.( ConclusionThe Farsi version of the ITQ-CA showed very good and satisfactory psychometric properties. As such, the Farsi ITQ-CA appears to be a valid and reliable self-rating measure to assess PTSD and DSO in Farsi-speaking children and adolescents exposed to traumas.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and its relationship with medical and social factors

Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and its relationship with medical and social factors and their combination. Material and methods. To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, 3077 employees (average age 46.9 ± 9.39 years) were examined within the framework of a single-stage study based on the Saratov Hygiene Medical Research Center of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies. This group consisted of 66.5 % men and of 33.4 % women (Adult Treatment Panel III program). To study the relationship of metabolic syndrome with medical and social factors, the place of residence, education, professional affiliation and physical activity (International Questionnaire on Physical Activity) of the study participants were taken into account. Results. According to Adult Treatment Panel III in 2001 and 2005, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region was 18.2 % and 21.2 %, respectively. At the same time, it significantly prevailed among urban residents (22.2 %) compared with rural residents (16.3 %) (p = 0.003), among the study participants with secondary education (22.6 %) compared with the group of people with higher education (17.9 %) (p = 0.002), among employees (26.5 %) compared with workers (17.3 %) (p &lt; 0.001), in individuals with low physical activity (29.3 %) compared with the group of individuals with normal physical activity (18.7 %) (p &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among urban residents was statistically significantly higher in the group of employees compared with workers (p &lt; 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the corresponding groups among the rural population (p &lt; 0.073). As a result of the logistic regression building, it was found that the following medical and social factors contribute to an increase in the developing metabolic syndrome probability: gender, age, body mass index more than 30 kg/m2 , profession (employees), living in the city. Limitation of the study. The conducted research is limited to the working population of the Saratov region. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the working population of the Saratov region and allow us to obtain a generalized picture of its relationship with the main medical and social factors (gender, age, body mass index more than 30 kg/m2 , profession (employees), living in the city), as well as lifestyle factors (low level of physical activity, lack of sports activities).

Study of factors influencing psychosocial and professional characteristics of general practitioners (family doctors): validation of the international questionnaire COPSOQ III (Long version)

Introduction. Professional activity of physicians is associated with high psychological tension, which leads to the development of emotional and physical burnout. The management of factors of potential impact on psychosocial and indirectly on professional characteristics of medical workers in health policy is an important part of providing quality of the medical care to the population. The purpose of the study. Identification of psychosocial predictors forming burnout syndrome in the professional activity of general practitioners (GPs), family doctors (FDs) with using the psychosocial questionnaire COPSOQ III (Long version). Materials and methods. The methods of questionnaire survey, statistical analysis, and generalization of three hundred forty respondents’ answers were applied. The survey was conducted from May to November 2022 using the electronic Russian version of the international questionnaire COPSOQ III (Long version), available on the website of the N.A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health. General practitioners (family doctors) of the outpatient and polyclinic level of Moscow health care institutions participated in the survey. Results. Factor analysis of new predictors of psychosocial tension in the work of GPS (FDs), was carried out on a considerable volume of statistical material, which formed a high level of professional burnout — 233.01 ± 82.39 (224.23; 241.80, p = 0.05) points. Research limitations. The study was limited to a representative sample of GPS (FDs) working in healthcare facilities in Moscow within the framework of testing the reliability and construct validity of the full Russian-language version of COPSOQ III (Long version). The results of the study as a whole are not interpolated to the problem area of working conditions of GPs (FDs) in the health care system of the Russian Federation, further research is required. Conclusion. The research has revealed new factors of the development of professional burnout of GPS (FDs) on the basis of their interview with the help of adapted psychosocial international questionnaire COPSOQ III (Long version).

Association between disturbance of self-organization and irritable bowel syndrome in Japanese population using the international trauma questionnaire

Disturbance of self-organization (DSO) is defined by affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships. Along with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), DSO is a part of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which often results from childhood trauma and has life-long consequences. We investigated the association between CPTSD, PTSD, DSO, childhood adversity, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Individuals with IBS exhibited markedly higher prevalences of DSO, CPTSD, and PTSD symptoms and higher trauma scores compared with healthy individuals. The odds of having IBS were 3.718 and 1.924 times greater for those with DSO symptoms (p < .001) and CPTSD symptoms (p = .005), respectively. IBS severity was highest in the DSO group, followed by the CPTSD, PTSD, and non-DSO/CPTSD/PTSD groups. DSO symptoms mediate the impact of childhood adversity on IBS symptoms, explaining half of this effect, whereas PTSD symptoms do not. These findings suggest a significant role of DSO in the development of IBS.

Features of the quality of life of first graders taking into account gender differences and cognitive abilities

The purpose of the study: To study the features of the quality of life of first-graders, taking into account gender differences and cognitive abilities. Design: An open prospective non-randomized comparative clinical trial. Materials and methods: 631 children were examined, students of the first grades of secondary schools without a specialized bias № 110, 83, 75, 67, 9 Rostov-on-Don using the international questionnaire PedsQL 4.0 – Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. To assess the cognitive development of children, the D. Wexler scale was used with the determination of the intellectual coefficient. Results: First-graders with a high level of cognitive development have reduced indicators of physical and emotional functioning, as well as the overall quality of life score. Girls with a high intellectual coefficient, in comparison with boys, have lower physical, emotional, school functioning and higher indicators of social functioning. The indicators of quality of life in children with a high level of cognitive development do not reflect the same in children who do "excellent". Conclusion: The revealed features of the quality of life of first-graders with different levels of cognitive development require differentiated medical, psychological and pedagogical support of children in this age period and further study of their health.

Adverse childhood experiences and risky behaviors in Oman: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which refer to potentially traumatic events occurring during childhood, have been consistently linked to detrimental effects on high-risk behaviors through various studies. Nonetheless, such an association has rarely been examined in the context of Arab culture. This study aimed to investigate the association between ACE levels and high-risk behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, high-risk sexual behavior, and physical inactivity) among Omani adults. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. The participants were recruited from a university-affiliated medical facility in Oman. Data were collected in 2022. They were asked to complete the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) ResultsThe study included 1648 Omani adults. Analyses revealed that the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for engaging in some of the identified high-risk behaviors increased as the level of ACEs increased. Specifically, individuals with an ACE level of 4 exhibited higher odds of smoking (OR: 2.6), alcohol consumption (OR: 2.9), and risky sexual behavior (OR: 32) than those without ACEs. ConclusionThe findings of this study underscore a notable association between ACEs and high-risk behaviors among Omani adults. Consequently, there is a pressing need for intensified efforts to prevent ACEs when possible and to alleviate their adverse effects, emphasizing the importance of public health initiatives and interventions in Oman.

Evaluation of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg versus 0.8 mg in Management of Patients Suffering from Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract Introduction Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common among older men. Beside watchful waiting and surgery, medical therapy includes alpha adrenergic blockers, 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, and phytotherapy. Alpha blockers are considered to be the main treatment for BPH-associated LUTS depending on the evidence that prostatic smooth muscle contraction is responsible for bladder outlet obstruction via alpha adrenergic receptor- mediated mechanism. Tamsulosin is a super selective alpha blocker. Improvement of LUTS can be assessed by maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qavg), post void residual (PVR) urine volume and international prostate symptom score questionnaire (IPSS). Objectives To compare the efficacy and the safety of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day and 0.8 mg/day in patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients and Methods A Prospective Interventional, double-blinded, controlled study was carried out on 93 patients who met the criteria and divided randomly into 2 groups; group A for Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day and group B for Tamsulosin 0.8 mg/day. International prostate symptom score, Post void residual urine volume, and maximum flow rate of urine were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results Both study groups showed a significant reduction in storage sub-score but only frequency was significantly reduced in group B (P &amp;lt; 0.001). On the other hand, Tamsulosin 0.8 mg was superior to Tamsulosin 0.4 mg regarding voiding sub score except for straining (P = 0.325). Accordingly, the total international prostate symptom score was significantly improved in group B (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Furthermore, maximum flow rate and post-void residual urine volume were notably improved with Tamsulosin 0.8 mg compared to Tamsulosin 0.4 mg (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Although the adverse events; such as headache, orthostatic hypotension, and retrograde ejaculation were more frequent, but not significant, to occur with Tamsulosin 0.8 mg, only dizziness was noted to be significant. Conclusion Tamsulosin 0.8 mg has shown better outcomes in treating patients who suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia than Tamsulosin 0.4 mg, and besides that, it is well tolerated.