Measurement Of Variables Research Articles

Design and Analysis of a Liftfan for eVTOL Aircraft

Abstract Ducted liftfans provide greater hovering efficiency to eVTOL aircraft than open propellers of equal disk area. Liftfans are designed with minimised length to limit propulsor weight added and drag incurred during forward flight. Three challenges posed by the liftfan propulsor configuration are addressed in this paper. First, instead of a single-row propeller, liftfans require the design of a fully integrated stage. To maximise the hovering figure of merit, a non-dimensional measure of power consumption, the preliminary and 3D design variables of the rotor and splittered-diffuser stator rows are optimised simultaneously using 3D CFD. The resulting prototype liftfan design is validated through experimental testing. Second, despite efficiency improvements during hover, liftfans sustain additional inlet distortion and drag during forward flight due to their surrounding nacelles. A low-order model is developed to investigate the maximum range for different fan designs with varying diffuser area ratios and forward flight tilt angles. Design selections are validated using full annulus 3D CFD and experimental wind tunnel tests. Third, as the electric motors of liftfans are mounted within the hub, fan-driven active cooling is necessary to prevent overheating. The stagnation pressure losses incurred by cooling airflow must be minimised without impeding heat transfer. Low-order models are developed to predict motor heat transfer and loss and to guide the design of a mixed-flow cooling fan. Experimental testing and 3D CFD simulations confirm that the addition of forward sweep and adoption of a high blade count can reduce cooling fan losses.

Observer design for discrete T-S fuzzy time-delay singular systems

In this paper, we investigate the design of observers tailored for discrete T-S fuzzy time-delay singular systems, considering the presence of process disturbances and measurable premise variables. An observer with more design degrees of freedom than the commonly used Luenberger observer is designed. By constructing an asymmetric Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a criterion ensuring the existence of the fuzzy state observer is provided, which eliminates the limitations of the positive definiteness and symmetry of the previous functional matrix. In the process of solving the inequality, the relaxation matrix is incorporated to acquire additional flexibility and alleviate the conservatism of parameter design. Ultimately, two numerical instances are provided to thoroughly validate the rationale and efficacy of the approach.

The nexus between female CEOs, government subsidies and green innovation: probing board diversity dynamics

The scant literature on the role of female CEOs (FCEOs) has attracted the attention of all stakeholders. Therefore, the study addresses several knowledge gaps by empirically exploring the nexus between FCEOs, government subsidies (GS), board gender diversity (BGD), and green innovation (GI). To empirically validate our contentions, we employed a robust methodology using a dataset of Chinese-listed non-financial firms. Our in-depth analysis indicates that FCEOs are associated with lower GI, while GS is associated with higher GI. Interestingly, we also find that BGD helps align the interests of all stakeholders and positively moderates the relationship between (i) FCEOs & GI and (ii) GS & GI. Our further sub-sample analysis reveals that the influence of BGD is more pronounced in high-profitability firms and firms that operate in environmentally sensitive industries. The overall findings emphasize the significant role of FCEOs, GS, and BGD in driving GI that ultimately promotes quality management and brings excellence to the businesses within Chinese non-financial listed firms. Further, the unique results are consistent even after employing multiple statistical techniques, using several measurements of key variables, and controlling for the possible endogeneity issue.

Amino Acid Supplementation May Help Prevent Muscle Wasting After Orthopedic Surgery, but Additional Studies Are Warranted: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation, including conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation, has been suggested as a mechanism to optimize patient outcomes by counteracting the atrophy associated with orthopedic procedures. Purpose: We sought to investigate the effect of EAA supplementation in the perioperative period on patients undergoing orthopedic and spine surgery, specifically whether it is associated with (1) reductions in postoperative muscle atrophy and (2) improved postoperative function including range of motion, strength, and mobility. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used, and the protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023447774). Studies of interest were prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 2002 and 2023 evaluating the impact of EAA supplementation on patients undergoing orthopedic and spine surgery. Results: Ten RCTs evaluating EAA supplementation in trauma, adult reconstruction, and spine surgery were identified; half of these focused on adult reconstruction. The EAA supplementation dose (3.4-20 g), frequency (daily to 3 times per day), and duration (14-49 days) varied widely across studies. Seven studies reported parameters relating to muscle size and/or composition, with 3 studies reporting superior muscle size/composition in patients receiving perioperative EAA supplementation, when compared with controls. Three studies reported favorable mobility outcomes for patients receiving EAA. Meta-analysis was prohibited by variation in measurement and outcome variables across the studies. Conclusions: Pooled data from level I studies supports the use of EAA, BCAA, and CEAA supplementations across several orthopedic subspecialties. However, significant heterogeneity exists in the quantity, duration, and content of EAA administered. Further prospective studies are needed to determine optimal/standardized parameters for supplementation.

Difference-Cum-Exponential-type estimators for estimation of finite population mean in survey sampling.

Extensive research work has been done for the estimation of population mean using bivariate auxiliary information based on conventional measures. Conventional measures of the auxiliary variables provide suspicious results in the presence of outliers/extreme values. However, non-conventional measures of the auxiliary variables include quartile deviation, mid-range, inter-quartile range, quartile average, tri-mean, Hodge-Lehmann estimator etc. give efficient results in case of extreme values. Unfortunately, non-conventional measures are not used by survey practitioners to enhance the estimation of unknown population parameters using bivariate auxiliary information. In this article, difference-cum-exponential-type estimators for population mean utilizing bivariate auxiliary information based on non-conventional measures under simple and stratified random sampling schemes have been suggested. Mathematical properties such as bias and mean squared error are derived. To support theoretical findings, various real-life applications are used to confirm the superiority of the suggested estimators as compared to the competing estimators under study.

대학생의 부모애착이 사이버불링에 미치는 영향에서 도덕적 정체감과 피해자 정의민감성의 이중매개효과

Objectives This study analyzes the double mediating effects of moral identity and victim justice sensitivity in the relationship between parent’s attachment and cyberbullying in university students, reveals a path to find the causal variables of cyberbullying, and provides specific intervention and treatment in university student cyberbullying counseling and treatment. The purpose is to find a solution. Methods 300 university students across the country were selected as research subjects, and correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between measurement variables using the SPSS 23.0 program and AMOS to confirm the suitability of the research model and the path coefficients between latent variables. In addition, bootstrapping was used to verify the significance of the direct and indirect effects as well as the significance of the double mediating effect of moral identity and victim justice sensitivity. Results The research results are as follows. First, the significant mediating effect of moral identity was verified in the relationship between parent’s attachment and cyberbullying among university students. Second, the significant mediating effect of victim justice sensitivity in the relationship between university students‘ parent’s attachment and cyberbullying was tested. Lastly, a significant double mediating effect of moral identity and victim justice sensitivity was found in the relationship between university students‘ parent’s attachment and cyberbullying. Conclusions Through this study, we provide evidence that parent’s attachment, moral identity, and victim justice sensitivity have a significant impact on university students' cyberbullying, thereby reducing the cyberbullying victimization and victimization experiences of university students by providing parent education and education and counseling programs in various settings. It is significant in that it provided basic data for this purpose.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS AMONG LGB OLDER ADULTS: INTERSECTIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF RACE, ETHNICITY, AND EDUCATION

Abstract Objectives This paper assesses the intersection between sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity as they relate to CRP levels among middle-aged and older adults in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). It will also explore how educational attainment, a commonly used demographic correlate with socioeconomic status, may differently benefit racially, ethnically, and sexually diverse middle-age and older adults. Methods This study uses data from the 2016 Health and Retirement study. C-reactive protein levels, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, educational attainment, and covariate variables were collected using serum samples and survey responses from 1,426 older adults enrolled in the study. Individuals were included if they had reported measures for key independent and dependent variables. Multiple imputation was used to address missing values across control variables. Associations and moderators were assessed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Results This study found lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents had lower CRP levels when they had higher educational attainment compared to similarly educated straight respondents. Additionally, Black LGB respondents had less inflammation than Black and straight or White and LGB respondents. Discussion This study’s findings indicate educational attainment may differently benefit LGB older adults compared to straight older adults, and respondents who are Black and LGB experience greater protection from elevated CRP levels compared to only Black or LGB respondents. These findings suggest educational attainment may be differently used to protect against systemic inflammation among sexual minority populations. Furthermore, these results suggest additional nuance is necessary to understand how CRP levels impact diverse populations.

Clinico-epidemiological factors of pelvic inflammatory disease

Introduction: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most frequent serious infection in women between 16 and 25 years old. Early ages are the period of highest risk of occurrence due to the higher incidence of risk factors related to unsafe sexual behaviors. Methodological Design: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional research was carried out with the objective of reducing the incidence of PID risk factors in young patients diagnosed in Gynecology consultations of Primary Health Care, belonging to the Pedro Borras Astorga Polyclinic, in the period from January 2022 to March 2024. The universe consisted of 3655 women between 16 and 25 years of age from the aforementioned health area and a sample of 63 patients who met the inclusion criteria was used. Statistical method: Excel, Windows version 11 for automated processing and analysis, summary measures for qualitative variables: absolute frequencies and percentages.Results: It was found that most of the adolescents had unprotected sexual relations, began sexual relations before the age of 14, reported a history of induced abortions, 100 % requested attention for pelvic pain and in all of them the clinical response to the indicated medical treatment was evaluated, based on the decrease in the intensity of the pelvic pain and the changes in the initial ultrasound findings. The most effective combination was triple antibiotic therapy.

ESG rating declines and stock price crash risk

ABSTRACT This study examines the association between ESG rating declines and stock price crash risk. Using a sample of China’s A-share listed companies from 2011-2022 and the Hua Zheng index as ESG rating, we find that ESG rating declines increase stock price crash risk. Our main findings are robust to various tests, including replacing the measurement of independent and dependent variables, Heckman two-stage, and propensity score matching analysis. We find evidence that ESG rating declines influence crash risk through increasing agency costs and business risk. Furthermore, this relationship is more pronounced for firms audited by non-Big Four accounting firms, non-state-owned enterprises (SOEs), those with lower analyst coverage, lower information transparency, and those operating in heavy pollution industries. Our research shows how the market responds to non-financial indicators, highlighting the necessity for entities to transparently disclose their ESG performance and improve methods to mitigate stock price crash risk.

Violencia simbólica y agresión en adultos de la provincia de Lima

The study aims to investigate the relation between symbolic violence and aggression in adults from Lima province. This topic was chosen because of the need to delve into the origin of violence in Lima society, which has the highest levels of violence in the country. The research is quantitative with cross-sectional, non-experimental and correlational design, and it was applied to a sample of 259 adults living in Lima province. The measurement of variables was carried out with the Intra and Inter Gender Symbolic Violence Scale and the Aggression Questionnaire, both instruments shows valid psychometric properties. The results showed a weak positive significant correlation between the variables, which means that greater acceptance and assimilation of symbolic violence is related to higher levels of aggression in the study population.

Orienting attention to auditory and visual working memory in older adults with cochlear implants.

Cochlear implantation is a well-established method for restoring hearing sensation in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. It significantly improves verbal communication for many users, despite substantial variability in patients' reports and performance on speech perception tests and quality-of-life outcome measures. Such variability in outcome measures remains several years after implantation and could reflect difficulties in attentional regulation. The current study assessed the ability to use a cue to guide attention internally toward visual or auditory working memory (i.e., reflective attention) in cochlear implant (CI) users. Participants completed a cognitive task called the delayed match-to-sample task in which a visual gradient was presented on a computer screen and a piano tone was presented through speakers simultaneously. A visual cue (i.e., letter A or V) instructed participants to focus attention on the item held in auditory or visual working memory. After a delay following the cue presentation, participants were presented with a probe item and indicated by pressing a button whether it matched the cued item in working memory. CI users and age-matched normal hearing adults showed comparable benefit from having an informative cue relative to an uninformative cue (i.e., letter X). Although CI users have had a history of severe deafness and experience coarse sound information, they were able to retrospectively orient their attention to an item in auditory or visual working memory. These findings suggest that CI users with at least one year of CI experience can successfully regulate attention to a level that is comparable to that of normal hearing individuals.

Using Situational Judgement Test to Assess The ‘Pancasila’ Student Profiles Construct: A Systematic Literature Review

The Situational Judgment Test (SJT) is very well known for measuring non-cognitive and non-academic attributes. Merdeka Curriculum contains the ‘Pancasila’ Student Profiles, those are global diversity, cooperation, critical reasoning, creativity and independence. This systematic literature review answers three basic questions, namely (1) in what fields is SJT used and for what purposes? (2) what dimensions in the Pancasila Student Profiles have been measured using the SJT method? , (3) how does technology influence the implementation of SJT? The Scopus database with the keyword Situational Judgment Test from 2013 to 2024 was explored and filtered using the PRISMA stages and measurement variables that were appropriate to the profile of Indonesian students. The results show that the medical sector uses SJT the most for student selection purposes. Indicators in the profile of Indonesian students namely collaboration, teamwork, empathy, cultural competence, understanding of ethnic diversity, decision-making skills, exploration, emotional management and emotional intelligence have appeared to be measured using the SJT method, and gamification, video and computer based test technology have been utilized in the implementation of SJT.

DETERMINANTS OF CASH HOLDINGS: EVIDENCE FROM SHARIAH-COMPLIANT FIRMS IN MALAYSIA

A firm that holds a higher level of cash may signify the presence of an agency conflict, as managers could use those resources based on their benefits and interests. Although previous studies discovered various factors that impact cash holdings, the literature on the findings for Shariah-Compliant Firms (SCFs) is still in its infancy. Hence, this study examines the determinants of cash holdings of SCFs listed in Bursa Malaysia to enrich the literature. The factors influencing corporate cash holdings are investigated using a static panel data regression. As the dataset has both firm fixed and time effects, this study further examines the robustness of the model by estimating standard errors clustered by firms while addressing the time effect. The results show that the significant determinants of cash holdings for SCFs are leverage, dividend, and cash flow. This result is robust using an alternative measurement of the dependent variable. Potential avenues for further research could involve investigating and contrasting the determinants of cash holdings between SCFs and Non-Shariah-Compliant Firms (NSCFs).

Maximal Fat Oxidation During Exercise in Healthy Individuals: Lack of Genetic Association with the FTO rs9939609 Polymorphism

Background/Objectives: Previous studies suggest that there is a genetically determined component of fat oxidation at rest and during exercise. To date, the FTO gene has been proposed as a candidate gene to affect fat oxidation during exercise because of the association of the “at-risk” A allele with different obesity-related factors such as increased body fat, higher appetite and elevated insulin and triglyceride levels. The A allele of the FTO gene may also be linked to obesity through a reduced capacity for fat oxidation during exercise, a topic that remains largely underexplored in the current literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism with the rate of fat oxidation during exercise and metabolic syndrome criteria in healthy participants. Methods: A total of 80 healthy participants (41 men and 39 women) underwent comprehensive assessments, including measurements of anthropometric variables, blood pressure and blood measures of fasting glucose, triglycerides, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c and HDL-c), insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Additionally, the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) were also measured during an incremental cycling test. FTO rs9939609 genotyping (TT, AT, AA) was performed using genomic DNA samples obtained from a buccal swab and measured with PCR. Results: There were 32 participants (40.0%) with the TT genotype; 31 (38.8%) with the AT genotype; and 17 (21.2%) with the AA genotype. Age, body characteristics, VO2peak, blood pressure and blood variables were similar across all three genotypes. However, serum insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were associated with the FTO rs9939609 genotype with higher values in AA with respect to AT and TT participants (p < 0.050). Still, MFO was similar in TT, AT and AA participants (0.35 ± 0.13, 0.37 ± 0.11, 0.33 ± 0.11 g/min, p = 0.702). In the dominant model, there was no statistical difference between TT and A allele carriers. However, the recessive model revealed that AA participants had higher values of body mass, body mass index, blood insulin concentration and HOMA-IR than T allele carriers (p < 0.050), with no differences in MFO. Conclusions: In our sample of healthy individuals, the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was associated with several phenotypes associated with obesity and insulin resistance, particularly under the AA vs. T allele/recessive model. However, the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was not associated with MFO during exercise as fat oxidation was similar across genotypes. This suggests that reduced fat oxidation during exercise is unlikely to be a cause of the obesogenic influence of the FTO AA genotype. Clinically, these findings suggest that the obesogenic effects of the FTO AA genotype are unlikely driven by impaired fat oxidation during exercise. Instead, attention should focus on mechanisms like appetite regulation and energy intake. Moreover, exercise interventions may still effectively mitigate obesity risk, as AA individuals retain normal fat oxidation capacity during exercise.

The Potential of Spirulina Powder as Feed Additive on Hepatic Histomorphometry in Peking Ducks (<i>Anas platyrhynchos</i>)

Providing standard feed to support and improve the growth, productivity, health, and digestibility of livestock still requires feed additives, one of which is the natural feed additive spirulina flour. Spirulina flour was one of the natural feed additives chosen because it contained bioactive compounds, had no side effects on livestock, and substitute for antibiotics for livestock, so it could increase the growth, productivity, health, and digestibility of Peking ducks. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of spirulina flour feed additive on Peking duck liver histomorphometry. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 types of spirulina flour concentration treatments (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and 5 replications including 5 ducks in each replication. The treatment groups included P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4. Measurement variables included liver weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte and central vein diameter, and sinusoid width. The data obtained were analyzed by the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the addition of spirulina flour as a feed additive had no effect on liver weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte diameter, central vein diameter, and sinusoid width. The conclusion of this research was that added spirulina flour (Spirulina sp.) feed additive potentially maintained the histomorphometry of the Peking duck liver organ.

A Rapid Systematic Review Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Self-Management in Workers with Long-Term Health Conditions and Disabilities.

The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence assessing the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions that promote self-management of multiple long-term conditions or disabilities, e.g., type I and II diabetes, asthma, musculoskeletal injury/disorder, cancer, and mental ill-health. A prospectively registered rapid systematic review was conducted. Both academic and grey literature databases were searched for papers published within the last 10 years, reflecting the most contemporary legislation and policy. The outcomes included work productivity, work engagement, self-management, work ability, quality of life, psychological wellbeing, workplace fatigue, job satisfaction, work-based attendance, work self-efficacy, and condition-specific health status. Five randomised controlled trials were included, and all assessed a chronic disease self-management programme consisting of six weekly facilitator-led group sessions. Due to the small number of studies and the variability in outcome measures employed, meta-analyses were not feasible. However, a narrative synthesis indicated that work engagement, self-management and wellbeing improved in the intervention compared to the control groups. All of the other outcomes showed mixed results. The findings highlight the need to develop less resource-intensive workplace-based self-management interventions that cater to both workers and employer stakeholders, to examine intervention implementation processes as well as effectiveness, and to draw on a common set of outcome measures to enable comparative analysis to better inform public health policy and practice.

Antecedents For the Adoption of Telemedicine in India: Scale development and validation

Background: Telemedicine is increasingly recognized as a promising solution to healthcare challenges in India, particularly in remote areas. However, the country's vast population and geographic diversity present significant obstacles to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to all citizens. By leveraging technology, telemedicine has the potential to bridge this gap and enable remote delivery of medical services. Objective: This study aims to develop and validate a scale that assesses the factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine in the Indian context. Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying key drivers and barriers to telemedicine adoption in India. Design: Quantitative methods were employed for scale development. The instrument development process involved several stages: factor identification, item generation, pre-testing, pilot testing, and scale validation. A structured questionnaire was administered to healthcare professionals, industry experts, and patients who have used or intend to use telemedicine. Setting: Confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent tests, such as reliability and validity tests were conducted to establish the internal consistency of the scales. These statistical analyses aimed to identify underlying factors and ensure accurate measurement of latent variables that affect the adoption of telemedicine. Results: The study established a robust scale to assess the five key factors, which are the vital explanatory variables in telemedicine adoption in India. These meticulously validated scales, encompassing technology, government policy, user attitudes, societal demand, and healthcare professional perspectives, demonstrate high reliability and validity in understanding the adoption dynamics of telemedicine in the context of India. Conclusion: This research offers a validated scale for assessing telemedicine adoption in India, crucial for healthcare service providers, policy makers, and researchers in this field. It enables informed decisions in implementing telemedicine, addressing unique challenges and opportunities, and significantly contributing to optimizing healthcare delivery across India's diverse socio-economic and geographical landscape.

Effectiveness of Eco-Engineering Structures in Salt Marsh Restoration: Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Success

Salt marshes are vital coastal ecosystems, increasingly threatened by rising sea level and human pressures, that provide essential services, including coastal protection, habitat support, and carbon sequestration. This study examines the effectiveness of different eco-engineering structures in restoring salt marshes in the Mondego Estuary, Portugal, by assessing their impacts on benthic macroinvertebrate communities as bioindicators of ecosystem health. The experimental design included five experimental cells: wood palisade (Fence), geotextile fabric (Geotextile), geotextile bags filled with sand (Bags), a cell with autochthonous vegetation (Plants), and a Control cell with bare soil. Monitoring took place from 2019 to 2021, with both before and after intervention sampling to evaluate species composition, biomass, and density. Key ecological indices, such as the AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), Shannon-Wiener Diversity, and Pielou’s Evenness, were calculated alongside measurements of environmental variables. The results indicated minimal impacts on biodiversity, with observed variations primarily attributed to seasonal dynamics. While the wood palisade enhanced species richness and density, geotextile provided better community stability. The findings emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable use of materials to optimize restoration efforts and better inform coastal management strategies in the face of climate change.

Perioperative complications and cervical malalignment requiring revision following cervical C3 laminectomy and C4-6 laminoplasty.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is one of the most common causes of spinal cord dysfunction. Cervical laminoplasty is an excellent surgical procedure that address the underlying pathology along with motion preservation with various advantages over other surgical options. While the advantages are intuitive and are being proven in multiple recent studies, concerns regarding failure still remains precluding wider utilization despite evidence to the contrary. This study evaluated perioperative complication rate, one-year radiographic outcomes, and necessity for revision surgery for radiographic failure following Cervical C3 Laminectomy and C4-6 Laminoplasty. A retrospective review was conducted on adult patients who underwent Cervical C3 Laminectomy and C4-6 Laminoplasty from 2016 to 2023 at a high-volume institution. Exclusion criteria included cervical spine surgeries or neuromuscular disorders. Demographics and radiographic measurements were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between pre- and post-operative cervical measurement variables and revisions. The study included 46 patients, predominantly male (69.6 %), with an average age of 63.1 years. Comorbidities included diabetes (8.7 %) and smoking (13 %). The average BMI was 27.5. Two cases (4.3 %) required revision surgeries: one for postlaminoplasty kyphosis and the other for persistent spinal cord compression. No significant differences were found between pre- and post-operative C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis, C1-C2 lordosis, and C7 slope (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between pre- and post-operative C2-C7 lordosis (p = 0.036). A univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that pre- and post-operative radiographic measurements had no significant association with revisions (p > 0.05). Cervical C3 Laminectomy and C4-6 Laminoplasty demonstrated excellent perioperative safety, maintenance of sagittal alignment, and low revision rates at one-year follow-up with proper patient selection. This study further supports the routine use of laminoplasty as a reliable, less restrictive surgical option for treating cervical myelopathy in appropriately selected patients.

Physiological measures variability and risks of heart disease and stroke: evidence from three cohort studies

BackgroundThe overall effect of long-term variability in physiological measures on cardiovascular health of older adults and the underlying mechanic pathway remain uncertain.MethodsWe constructed a composite score (0 ~ 3) of variability in physiological measures, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and body mass index, in older adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011 ~ 2015, the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2006/2008 ~ 2014/2016, and the UK Biobank 2006 ~ 2019. The associations of the composite score with incident risks of heart disease and stroke were assessed. The mediation roles of several biomarkers were explored.ResultsA higher composite score was related to increased incident risk of heart disease in older adults from the US and the UK and increased incident risk of stroke in all three cohorts. Upon pooling the results, each 1-point increment in the composite score was associated with a 19% (hazard ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 1.30) and a 23% (1.23; 1.12, 1.35) increments in incident risks of heart disease and stroke, respectively. The composite score also exhibited an inverse relationship with grip strength while displaying positive associations with C-reactive protein, glycosylated hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc), and cystatin C. Reduced grip strength, elevated HbAlc, and elevated cystatin C significantly mediated the composite score-associated elevated risks of heart disease and stroke.ConclusionsLong-term variability in physiological measures was associated with increased incident risks of heart disease and stroke, and the associations were partially mediated through deteriorated biomarkers of muscle strength, hyperglycemia, and kidney function.