Binary Regression Research Articles

Full-Time Employment: An Empirical Study of the Impact of Internet Use in Indonesia

The impact of digital transformation era by utilizing the internet has achieved job market outcomes. This study aims to analyze full-time employment probability as a result of using the internet in his work. The data used 8,436 samples from the February 2023 National Labor Force Survey microdl.hilata sorted by formal sector employment. With the analysis technique of the logistic binary regression model, several dominant determinants of the probability to work full-time were obtained. The use of the internet for promotion and marketplace affects labor market outcomes measured by working hours. Probability for workers as full-time workers by using these two things becomes greater. This study also shows that several economic variables such as income, pension security and attending training significantly have a greater effect on workers’ chances of working full-time (>40 h/week). In addition, the influence of demographic variables in the form of age, marital status and domicile of workers in Sumatra provides greater probability for full working hours.

Relationships Among Soda and Energy Drink Consumption, Substance Use, Mental Health and Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescents

Background/Objectives: Energy drink (ED) use is increasing among children and adolescents, but little is known about the impacts on health, including substance use and mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between soda and ED consumption and substance use, mental health, and risk taking in a nationally representative sample of high school students. Methods: We used data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) from New Jersey, Montana, and Florida to assess these relationships using binary and multinomial regression analyses to determine odds ratios, comparing non-consumers with daily consumers. The sample was 10,548 adolescents (51.6% female) between the ages of 13–19 years. Results: Daily soda and ED consumption were associated with greater odds of substance use (OR(95% CI): 5.8 (3.7, 6.9)/10.2 (6.4, 16.3)), poorer mental health (OR(95% CI): 2.6 (1.3, 4.8)/1.8 (1.2, 2.8), and higher odds of eating fast food (OR(95% CI): 17.2 (8.9, 33)/10.6 (5.6, 19.9). These effects were moderated by sex. Conclusions: These findings suggest that soda and ED use are associated with greater risk taking among adolescents and that these relationships are moderated by sex. Future studies should determine the directionality of these relationships and examine the impact of reduced soda and ED consumption on health behaviors in children and adolescents.

Parameter recovery of skew multidimensional multiple-group item response models (MGM-MIRT): a comparison of MCMC algorithms and assessment of effects of interest

Multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models are powerful tools to analyse item response data. Most of them rely on the assumption that the latent traits are normally distributed. However, when such assumption does not hold, the item and the latent traits estimates can be inaccurate. This paper deals, in a very detailed way, through simulation studies, with the utility of the class of the MIRT models developed by Padilla et al. [Multidimensional multiple-group IRT models with skew normal latent trait distributions. J Multivariate Anal 2018;167:250–268], where the multivariate skew-normal distribution under the centred parameterization is employed for modelling the latent traits. The impact of important factors of interest on the parameter recovery is investigated. Such factors are the number of subjects, number of items, number of groups and asymmetry level. In a general way, the results show that our approach outperforms some traditional models when the latent traits follow asymmetric distributions. In addition, different Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithms for parameter estimation are compared, by considering two schemes of data augmentation and a proposal to speed up their convergence, based on approaches found in the literature, for binary regression models. Guidelines are provided for the correct using of Bayesian inferential methods for the MIRT models.

Entrepreneurs and COVID-19 pandemic: Who are more likely to close their business in Latin America and the Caribbean?

The COVID-19 pandemic led entrepreneurs to close numerous businesses due to reduced demand. This article aims to determine the specific characteristics of business owners in Latin America and the Caribbean, who faced closures due to low demand during the pandemic, including factors such as age, gender, income, and contextual variables such as economic sector and stringency measures. To do so, we employ a binary response model to estimate the likelihood of business closure due to low demand. Various model specifications, including both individual and contextual variables, are used to better analyze these effects. Our findings reveal a profile of entrepreneurs who were at a higher risk of closing their businesses due to reduced demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, entrepreneurs without health insurance or emergency savings, operating within the wholesale and retail sector, were more susceptible to business closures.

Supplementation of sodium alginate-coated Clostridium butyricum after cottonseed protein concentrate replacement of fishmeal can improve growth, immunity, and intestinal health in Litopenaeus vannamei

The present study evaluated the effects of supplementation with sodium alginate-coated Clostridium butyricum (SACB) on growth, immune response, and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei following the replacement of fishmeal with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC). The freeze-drying method was used for bacterial agent preparation, with the optimal ratio of freeze-dried protectant being 15 % skimmed milk, 12 % β-cyclodextrin, 8 % glucose, and 0.5 % dipotassium hydrogen phosphate. Six isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated, with one serving as the control group (CG, 25 % fishmeal content). The remaining five diets were formulated as fishmeal replacement groups (CPC replacing 40 % of fishmeal). The content of SACB (5.1 × 108 CFU/g) in the alternative groups were 0 % (SACB0), 0.06 % (SACB1), 0.24 % (SACB2), 0.96 % (SACB3) and 3.84 % (SACB4), respectively. The results showed that SACB improved the growth performance (P > 0.05). Malondialdehyde content was significantly inhibited in hepatopancreas after SACB addition (P < 0.01). In the SACB3 group, intestinal trypsin, amylase, and lipase activities were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.05). The alpha diversity index was significantly higher in the SACB3 group (P < 0.001). LEfSe analysis showed that the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus_murinus, Lactobacillus_johnsonii_FI9785, and Ruminiclostridium_5 increased in the SACB3 group (P < 0.05). Propionic and butyric acid contents were significantly higher in the SACB3 group (P < 0.05). The relative expression of genes including phenoloxidase, relish, penaeidin-3a, and crustins was significantly upregulated in the SACB3 and SACB4 groups (P < 0.05). Contents of total essential amino acids, total non-essential amino acids, and total amino acids in muscles were significantly higher in SACB3 and SACB4 groups (P < 0.05). In summary, suitable SACB improved shrimp growth, immune response, intestinal short-chain fatty acids, and muscle amino acids. The optimum SACB addition of 1.96 % was determined through binary regression analysis of specific growth rate.

Bridging Financial Inclusion to Water and Sanitation: Insights from Indonesia

Lack of access to improved drinking water and sanitation has been a major worldwide challenge, especially in Indonesia. This study investigates the impact of financial inclusion on access to improved drinking water and sanitation among households in Indonesia. Using binary probit regression analysis complemented with dominance analysis, we assess the relative importance of various factors, including financial inclusion, socio-economic status, and residence, in determining access to improved drinking water and sanitation services. Our findings highlight the critical role of urban residence in facilitating access to improved drinking water and sanitation, with urban areas demonstrating significantly higher access rates. Furthermore, participation in savings emerges as a more influential factor compared to credit participation, particularly in improving access to sanitation facilities. This suggests that while both savings and credit contribute to improved access, savings play a more pronounced role in addressing the higher upfront costs associated with sanitation infrastructure. Additionally, socio-economic factors such as household expenditure and education level are found to significantly influence access to improved water and sanitation, underscoring the importance of addressing broader socio-economic disparities. Overall, our study provides valuable insights and emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies for policymakers to enhance essential access to clean water and sanitation.

Models and Rating Systems for Head-to-Head Competition

One of the most important tasks in sports analytics is the development of binary response models for head-to-head game outcomes to estimate team and player strength. We discuss commonly used probability models for game outcomes, including the Bradley–Terry and Thurstone–Mosteller models, as well as extensions to ties as a third outcome and to the inclusion of a home-field advantage. We consider dynamic extensions to these models to account for the evolution of competitor strengths over time. Full likelihood-based analyses of these time-varying models can be simplified into rating systems, such as the Elo and Glicko rating systems. We present other modern rating systems, including popular methods for online gaming, and novel systems that have been implemented for online chess and Go. The discussion of the analytic methods are accompanied by examples of where these approaches have been implemented for various gaming organizations, as well as a detailed application to National Basketball Association game outcomes.

Prevalence of valgus and varus foot deformities in 2784 children with cerebral palsy, a register-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundFoot deformities, such as valgus and varus in the coronal plane and equinus in the sagittal plane, are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of coronal plane foot deformities and their association with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, age, CP subtype, and equinus in children with CP.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed of 2784 children (1644 boys, 1140 girls), mean age 10 years, 2 months (standard deviation, 4.83), from the Swedish CP Follow-up Program and registry for 2021–2023. Single and multiple binary regression analyses estimated the association between coronal plane foot deformities (valgus or varus) and sex, age, GMFCS level, CP subtype, and equinus.ResultsMore than half (58%) the children with CP had valgus feet and 6% had varus feet. Valgus feet were more common in young children with high GMFCS levels, whereas the number of varus feet remained consistently low across all GMFCS levels. The prevalence of valgus feet was lower in older children at GMFCS I and II, but remained high in older children at GMFCS III–V. Coronal plane foot deformities were associated with higher GMFCS levels (odds ratio [OR] 11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8–15 for GMFCS V), lower age (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7), and equinus (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5).ConclusionsMost children with CP have a coronal plane foot deformity. Valgus is most commonly associated with higher GMFCS levels and lower age. These findings contribute to a mapping of the children with an increased risk of foot deformities and also highlight the need for continuous follow-up of foot deformities in children with CP.

Effects of supplementation with freeze-dried Clostridium butyricum powder after replacement of fishmeal with cottonseed protein concentrate on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation with freeze-dried Clostridium butyricum (CB) powder on the growth, immune function and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei after replacing fishmeal in the diet with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC). Six treatment groups were designed, namely the control group (CON, 25% fish meal) and five alternative groups (CPC replacing 40% fishmeal protein in the control group). Based on the alternative group, 0%, 0.065%, 0.26%, 1.04%, and 4.16% of freeze-dried CB bacterial powder (4.6 × 108 CFU/g) were added, recorded as CB 0, CB 0.065, CB 0.26, CB 1.04, and CB 4.16, respectively. Each treatment had 3 replicates of 40 shrimps (0.29 ± 0.01 g) each and breeding for 8 weeks. After the experiment, serum enzyme activities, muscle amino acids, and intestinal parameters (short-chain fatty acids, digestive enzymes, gene expression, and microbiota) were tested to explore the effects of freeze-dried CB powder in shrimp aquaculture. The results showed that the CB1.04 group had the highest final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth ratio (P > 0.05). Freeze-dried CB powder increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, complement 3, and complement 4. Muscle tyrosine, proline, and total essential amino acids were remarkably increased in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.05). Propionic acid levels were elevated in the CB 1.04 and CB4.16 groups (P < 0.001). The relative expression of Dorsal, Relish, and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) genes was significantly increased in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.01). Actinobacteria and Demequina abundance was significantly higher in the CB 1.04 group (P < 0.01). The results of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge test showed the highest cumulative mortality rate (43.33%) in the CB0 group and the lowest cumulative mortality rate (20%) in the CB1.04 group. This study confirmed that freeze-dried CB powder alleviated the negative effects of CPC replacement of fish meal protein in Litopenaeus vannamei, and the optimum additive level was 2.11% (9.71 × 109 CFU/kg) as indicated by binary regression analysis of specific growth ratio.

Exploring the Motives Behind the Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Farmers in the Czech Republic

Climate change threatens agriculture in the EU and is a primary issue discussed in the European Green Deal within the Common Agricultural Policy. Central and Eastern European countries are particularly prone to climate change effects, such as droughts and extreme weather. Therefore, agriculture in Central and Eastern Europe is expected to be increasingly affected by shifting climatic patterns. This study examines the motivation for adopting adaptation strategies derived from climate-smart agriculture among farmers in the Czech Republic. We drew particular attention to analyzing the influence of farm-level and information source variables on the adaptation behavior of Czech farmers. The dataset comprises 358 respondents who were asked about climate change adaptation through a quantitative survey. We analyzed the collected data via descriptive statistics and binary logit regression models. The analysis results reveal a high degree of awareness and a diversified usage of climate change adaptation strategies among the respondents. The close linkage between perceived profitability and the willingness to adapt to climate change requires policymakers to communicate economic benefits within this context further. Information sources, such as topic-specific journals, research institutions, and field training, positively influenced the adaptation rates among the sample. Therefore, we recommend focusing on these media channels to communicate targets set within the European Green Deal.

Delayed return of gastrointestinal function after partial hepatectomy: a single-center cross-sectional study.

Introduction Partial hepatectomy (PH) remains associated with complication rates around 30-50%. Delayed return of gastrointestinal function (DRGF) has been reported in 10-20%. This study aimed to assess DRGF predictors after PH. Aim This retrospective study aimed to assess DRGF predictors after PH. Methods All patients who underwent PH between 01/2010 and 12/2019 were included. DRGF was defined as need of postoperative nasogastric tube (NGT). Independent DRGF predictors were identified with multivariable logistic binary regression. Results Overall, 501 patients were included. DRGF occurred in 82 patients (16%). A hundred-and-twelve patients (22%) underwent a minimally invasive approach and DRGF incidence was significantly lower in this group (p <0.001). DRGF was more frequent after major PH (p<0.001). DRGF occurred more often in patients with preoperative embolization (p<0.001), biliary anastomosis (p<0.001) and extrahepatic resection (p<0.001). Patients with DRGF had longer median operation duration (p<0.001), more biliary leaks/bilomas (p<0.001) and higher median blood loss (p<0.001). DRGF patients developed more pneumonias (p<0.001) and had longer median length of stay (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, operation duration (p<0.001), major hepatectomy (p<0.001) and postoperative biloma/biliary leak (p<0.001) were independently associated with DRGF occurrence. Conclusion Postoperative DRGF occurred in 16% of the patients and was associated with longer length of stay. Surgery duration, major PH and postoperative biloma/biliary leak were found as independent predictors of DRGF.

Selfies, narcissism and oral health a cross - sectional study among adolescents and young adults in Mangaluru - India.

Selfies have been defined as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, and are a continuing growing trend among Millennials and Gen Z". Narcissism refers to a personality trait of an extraordinary self-awareness and adoration. Studies have shown a close relationship between selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health. Hence, a study was conducted with aim of assessing correlations between perceived health, perceived oral health, selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health behavior in an adolescent population. An analytical cross-sectional questionnaire study was designed using relevant literature for collating information on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of dental visits, selfie-taking behavior and perceived oral health. Oral health examination was performed to assess decay and plaque using DMFT index and Plaque index. Narcissism was assessed using The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Short Form. The study included a sample of 163 participants. The associations between selfies taken per day and perceived oral health was statistically significant (p value 0.047*). Binary logistic regression models were constructed, which were significant for perceived oral health and grandiose fantasy. Plaque Scores showed significant corelations between indifference, manipulativeness, thrill seeking and age. Step forward binary regression demonstrated a significant odds ratio for grandiose narcissism followed by selfie-taking behavior. This study revealed a correlation between perceived oral health and selfie-taking behaviour. Further studies are required to assess selfie-taking behaviour and oral health.

RADT-11. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCAL FAILURE AFTER STEREOTACTIC RADIATION TO THE SURGICAL BED OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WITH A SINGLE BRAIN METASTASIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Metastatic breast cancer is the second most common cancer associated with brain metastases (BCBM). In our study we evaluated variables that influence local control in this breast cancer patients with a single BCBM who underwent surgical resection and stereotactic radiation to resection cavity. METHODS After ethics approval, we conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of BCBM patients treated with stereotactic radiation for BCBM between 2011 to 2022. Only breast cancer patients with a single BCBM who underwent surgical resection and stereotactic radiation to the surgical cavity were included. Clinical and dosimetric variables were analyzed to evaluate their impact on local control. Statistical analysis included descriptive analyses. X2 test was used for categorical variables. Total dose, dose per fraction, biologically effective dose (BED), and planning target volumes were analyzed as both continuous and categorical variables at different thresholds. A binary regression model was applied to study variables shown to impact local control. RESULTS A total of 62 patients included local control was 70.9% at 12 months. HER-2 disease, luminal-B, size of BCBM, time from craniotomy, total dose, inclusion of corridor, and non-cystic lesion were significant for local control. CONCLUSION Our data supports previous publications about the importance of tumor bed delineation, dose and fractionation, and time from craniotomy as factors associated with better local control. Our study shows that the role of BCBM subtype and new systemic therapies in contributing to local and intracranial control should be further explored.

EFFECTS OF HEALTH EXPENDITURE ON FOOD SECURITY STATUS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the effect of health expenditure on the food security status of rural households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 rural households in the study area. Data was collected from the respondents with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire complemented with an interview guide. Descriptive statistics, food security index, cost of illness procedure and binary logit regression model were the analytical techniques used for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that majority (79.2%) of the respondent were male, married (90.8%), with a mean household size of 5 persons. Also, the mean age of the respondents was found to be 54 years with most of them involved in farming as their major occupation. Findings also revealed that majority of the rural households suffered from various illnesses such as malaria, waist/back pain, fever, high blood pressure, rheumatism and other illnesses with an average estimated cost of illness (₦45, 973.68 per month). The results of the food security status of the rural households revealed that a higher percentage (53.3%) of the rural households were food insecure. Factors found to significantly affect the food security status of the rural households were cost of illness (p&lt;0.1) and other socio-economic variables such as education (p&lt;0.1), income (p&lt;0.05) and sex of the household head (p&lt;0.01). Therefore, this study recommends that government should subsidize the cost of drugs and other medical expenses for poor households particularly those in the rural areas in order to reduce their financial burden on health care and increase their economic access to food.

E-cadherin Single Nucleotide Variants Are Associated with Increasing Susceptibility to Periodontitis.

To investigate the association of E-cadherin single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with periodontitis and the potential of these SNPs for identifying susceptibility to periodontitis. Periodontal clinical parameters were recorded followed by collecting venous blood for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify target segments of the E-cadherin gene. Determination of the genotype and allele frequencies was performed using Sanger sequencing. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism (version 9) using a statistically significant difference of p < 0.05. A total of 207 participants were recruited into two groups of healthy controls (n = 105) and cases diagnosed with periodontitis stage 2 or 3, grade B or C (n = 102). Analyses indicated that the genotypes and alleles of rs3743674 and rs5030625 E-cadherin SNPs were significantly associated with periodontitis. Results from a binary regression model suggested that the presence of these SNPs may indicate susceptibility to periodontitis and increase the rate of progression. Linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that E-cadherin variants rs3743674 and rs5030625, and rs10272115 and rs16260 were correlated in a nonrandom manner (r 2 = 0.638 and 0.495, respectively). E-cadherin gene variants, rs3743674 and rs5030625, were associated with the periodontitis phenotype. These biomarkers may identify individuals susceptible to periodontitis and the rate of disease progression.

COVID-19 vaccination-related delayed adverse events among people with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the international COVAD survey.

This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination-related AEs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD)-2study. An online international cross-sectional survey captured self-reported data on COVID-19 vaccination-related adverse events (AEs) in people with RA, autoimmune diseases (AIDs; rheumatic [r] and non-rheumatic [nr]) and healthy controls (HCs). The survey was circulated by the COVAD study group, comprising 157 collaborators across 106 countries, from February to June 2022. Delayed AEs among RA were compared with other rAIDs, nrAIDs and HCs using multivariable binary regression. A total of 7203 participants were included (1423 [19.7%] RA, 2620 [36.4%] rAIDs, 426 [5.9%] nrAIDs, 2734 [38%] HCs), with 75% female. Compared to HCs, individuals with RA reported higher overall major AEs [OR 1.3 (1.0-1.7)], and an increased number of several minor AEs. Compared to nrAIDs, people with RA had several increased reported minor AEs including myalgia and joint pain. People with active RA had increased major AEs [OR 1.8 (1.1-3.0)] and hospitalisation [OR 4.1 (1.3 - 13.3)] compared to inactive RA. RA patients without autoimmune comorbidities had significantly fewer major and minor AEs than those with other rAIDs. A decreased incidence of hospitalisation was seen in patients taking methotrexate or TNF inhibitors compared to patients not taking these medications. COVID-19 vaccination is associated with minimal to no risks of delayed AEs in patients with RA compared to HCs, and fewer compared to other rAIDs. Active RA and presence of co-existing rAIDs were associated with an increased risk of delayed AEs.

Healthcare workers’ knowledge and preparedness for unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe recent unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak in Saudi Arabia necessitated an assessment of healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study assessed healthcare workers' knowledge regarding the transmission, contagiousness, presentation, and diagnosis of foodborne botulism, as well as their management practices, including contacting public health authorities, administering antitoxin, preparedness to respond to botulism cases and consulting generative Artificial Intelligent (AI)-chatbots, like ChatGPT. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey targeting Saudi HCWs was conducted from May 6–19, 2024, following the first foodborne botulism outbreak. The survey, developed by infectious disease and public health experts according to the Saudi Public Health Authority (SPHA) botulism guidelines, covered several sections: demographics, knowledge about foodborne botulism, attitudes and perceptions, intended practices, and worry level. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, multivariable linear regression to assess factors influencing knowledge, and multivariable logistic binary regression to evaluate factors affecting confidence in handling botulism. ResultsAmong the 1058 participants, the knowledge score was 9.69/20 (48.4 % correct ± 18 %), with higher scores among HCWs working in tertiary centers, older than 34 years, reading SPHA botulism protocol, and using scientific journals as main information sources. HCWs consulting ChatGPT had significantly lower knowledge scores (p-value < 0.001). HCWs displayed highly intended practices in managing botulism, with a mean score of 4.10/5. The self-rated management confidence was moderate (2.84 ± 1.05 out of 5-points). Multivariable logistic binary regression showed that previous experience with botulism and reading SPHA protocol were the most significant factors associated with a higher management confidence. ConclusionsThis study highlights significant HCWs’ knowledge gaps during unprecedented foodborne botulism outbreak. Previous experience with botulism cases and reading recent guidelines were associated with higher knowledge and confidence, while reliance on ChatGPT was linked to lower scores. This study emphasizes the importance of timely publishing local guidelines to favorably affect both knowledge and confidence to deal with infectious outbreaks. Future research should evaluate long-term effectiveness of educational interventions.

Strong association between sarcopenia and visceral fat in the long term after cholecystectomy: A cross-sectional study using the ISarcoPRM algorithm.

Cholecystectomy generally has no adverse effects on health. Studies demonstrating the association between metabolic diseases and long-term effects of cholecystectomy are increasing. preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT) is an important indicator of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for sarcopenia. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between cholecystectomy and sarcopenia-visceral fat using the ISarcoPRM algorithm, which is an easy, reliable, and inexpensive method based on ultrasound measurement, to evaluate sarcopenia in patients with long-term previous cholecystectomy. This cross-sectional study included participants who had undergone cholecystectomy at least 5 years ago and a control group with similar characteristics. Sarcopenia was assessed using the ISarcoPRM algorithm, incorporating the sonographic thigh adjustment ratio (STAR), grip strength, and chair stand test (CST). Together with low STAR values (<1.0 for females and <1.4 for males), ow grip strength (<19 kg for females or <32 kg for males), and/or prolonged CST duration (≥12 seconds) were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Ultrasound was used to measure the visceral fat thickness. The investigation of sarcopenia and PFT values between individuals with and without cholecystectomy was planned. A total of 158 participants were included, including 89 post-cholecystectomy patients and 69 controls. Binary regression analysis revealed that cholecystectomy was positively associated with sarcopenia (OR = 2.788, 95% CI: 1.054-7.375, P = .039). However, when PFT was included, it was independently associated with sarcopenia (OR = 1.157, 95% CI: 1.067-1.254, P < .001), and the relationship with cholecystectomy disappeared (P > .05). PFT values of 10.0 mm or higher were associated with 5.875 times (95% CI: 2.035-16.961, P = .001) increased odds of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was 2.8 times more frequent in patients who had undergone cholecystectomy than in those who had not, but this relationship was mediated by increased PFT. The risk of sarcopenia increased up to 5.875 times when the PFT exceeded 10 mm.

Are Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Reliable Part of Multimarker Panel in Female Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are the key features of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). However, studies that explored redox homeostasis parameters in relation to T2D show discrepant results. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the potential reliability of oxidative stress biomarkers [i.e., determined by malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and catalase (CAT)] in addition to traditional cardiometabolic parameters in relation to T2D in female cohort. Methods: A total of 214 women (of them 40.6% T2D) were consecutively recruited in the study. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed to determine the adequate number of factors consisting of anthropometric, traditional cardiometabolic and redox status markers. Results: MDA and AOPP concentrations were lower, but CAT activity was higher in T2D group as compared with controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P < 0.001). Traditional markers related factor (i.e., with positive loading of waist circumference, triglycerides, uric acid, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and negative loadings of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) was found to be independently related with T2D in multivariate binary regression analysis, whereas oxidative stress related factor (i.e., with positive loading of MDA and AOPP) lost its independent prediction after adjustment for confounding factors (i.e., age, menopausal status, antihypertensive, and hypolipemic therapies). Increased Traditional markers related factor was associated with more than three times higher probability for T2D onset (OR = 3.319, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Oxidative stress biomarkers, i.e., MDA, AOPP, and CAT are not superior over traditional cardiometabolic markers in relation to T2D in female population. Future studies with both gender included are needed to confirm such results.

Optimizing Irrigation and Nitrogen Application to Enhance Millet Yield, Improve Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Inorganic Nitrogen Accumulation in Northeast China.

Enhancing irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application has become a vital strategy for ensuring food security in the face of population growth and resource scarcity. A 2-year experiment was conducted to determine to investigate the effects of different irrigation lower limits and nitrogen fertilizer application amounts on millet growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), N utilization, and inorganic nitrogen accumulation in the soil in 2021 and 2022. The experiment was designed with four irrigation lower limits, corresponding to 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of the field capacity (FC), referred to as I50, I60, I70, and I80. Four nitrogen fertilizer application were also included: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·hm-2 (designated as F00, F50, F100, and F150), resulting in a total of 16 treatments. Binary quadratic regression equations were established to optimize the irrigation and nitrogen application. The results demonstrated that the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, yield, spike diameter, spike length, spike weight, WUE, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency for millet initially increased before subsequently decreasing as the irrigation lower limit and nitrogen fertilizer application increased. Their maximum values were observed in the I70F100. However, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) exhibited a gradual decline with increasing nitrogen application, reaching its peak at F50. Additionally, PFPN displayed a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease with rising irrigation lower limits. The accumulation of NO3--N and NH4+-N in the 0~60 cm soil layer increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer application in both years, while they tended to decrease as the irrigation lower limit increased. An optimal irrigation lower limit of 64% FC to 74% FC and nitrogen fertilizer application of 80 to 100 kg ha-1 was recommended for millet based on the regression equation. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing a drip irrigation and fertilizer application for millet cultivation in Northeast China.