Moderate Association Research Articles

Lifestyles of university students: analyzing the role of social support and family dynamics

BackgroundYouth is a critical stage for developing healthy lifestyles, as the habits and behaviors formed during this period can persist into adulthood. Understanding the relationship between family factors and the lifestyles of university students can contribute to creating strategies to improve this important health determinant. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles in young university students. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.MethodsA probability sample of 530 young university students was analyzed. The main measurements included social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles. Descriptive analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables was performed. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for bivariate analysis, and Student’s t-test was used to analyze differences between male and female participants. Additionally, multivariate analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression.ResultsFor the total sample, a positive and moderate association was found between family dynamics (r = 0.28) and social support (r = 0.32) with the lifestyles of young individuals.ConclusionsOur results indicated that social support and family dynamics are possible protective factors that have a positive effect on the lifestyles of university students. The findings of this study highlight the importance of family and familial support in adopting healthy lifestyles among university students.

Monitoring In-Water and Dryland Interlimb Asymmetry of Young Competitive Swimmers: Insights Across a Training Macrocycle

This study aimed to monitor the in-water and dryland interlimb asymmetry of young competitive swimmers throughout a full training macrocycle and verify possible associations with performance. Twenty-three young competitive swimmers (12.13 ± 0.74 years) were evaluated before (M1) and after (M2) a 16-week training macrocycle. The swimmers were timed at a 25 m front crawl (T25) and then evaluated in anthropometrics, mean peak (Fpeak) in-water forces and the shoulder internal rotator’s strength (IR) of dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs. The symmetry index was computed for both in-water (SyIwater) and dryland (SyIland) environments followed by the rate of force transfer (RFT) estimation. While the swimmers have grown in height, arm span and hand surface area, accompanied by an improvement in T25, the other variables remained unchanged after the 16 weeks. A significant and moderate association was found between FpeakD (r = −0.47) or FpeakND (r = −0.41) and T25, as well as between the IRD (r = −0.51) or IRND (r = −0.57) and T25 in M1. In M2, the non-dominant side gained relevance mostly in FpeakND, showing a significant and high association with T25 (r = −0.68), like the FpeakD (r = −0.69) and IRD (r = −0.53). Most of the individual plots (>80%) were under 30% of SyIwater, with the faster swimmer values between 10 and 30%. It can be concluded that a 16-week training macrocycle is not enough to change the young swimmers’ in-water and dryland symmetry, but this does not seem to affect their front crawl sprint performance.

Are trauma-related beliefs associated with psychosis symptoms? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Trauma-related beliefs are theorized to contribute to the development and maintenance of psychosis symptoms. However, the evidence for this proposal has yet to be systematically reviewed. This article is the first to synthesize and meta-analyze studies examining associations between trauma-related beliefs and psychosis symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and negative symptoms. A systematic database search of Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science, CINHAL, and Cochrane identified a total of 15 articles that met the inclusion criteria for systematic review and 11 articles which met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Separate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for each psychosis symptom. Meta-analytic findings demonstrated a small to moderate association between trauma-related beliefs and hallucination severity (k = 7, r = 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.39), a moderate to large association with delusion severity (k = 8, r = 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.54), and large association with paranoia severity (k = 4, r = 0.58, 95% CI 0.49-0.66). Narrative synthesis findings indicate that evidence for an association between negative symptoms and trauma-related beliefs was inconclusive. The meta-analytic findings provide support for an association between trauma-related beliefs and positive psychosis symptoms. This provides evidence suggesting trauma therapies for psychosis that target these beliefs may improve distressing psychosis. However, further research adopting longitudinal designs and controlling for confounders is required to better establish causality, including mediation analysis of therapy trials.

Changes to Dorsal Thalamic Metabolites and Thalamocortical Tract Fiber Injury in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

This study aims to assess thalamocortical tract fiber injury using diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and to characterize metabolic alterations in the dorsal thalamus with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A prospective study involved 98 CSM patients and 66 age-matched controls without neurological disease, recruited from May 2021 to December 2021. Neurological function was evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. DTI and MRS were analyzed by 2 experienced radiologists, with statistical analysis performed via SPSS (v.26), including t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlation. DTI revealed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher radial and axial diffusivity in the bilateral postcentral gyrus of CSM patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). MRS showed decreased ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatinine (Cr), choline (Cho)/Cr, and myo-inositol (mI)/Cr in the dorsal thalamus of CSM patients (P < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated a moderate association between mJOA scores and NAA/Cr and mI/Cr ratios, and a weaker correlation with FA and Cho/Cr. CSM patients exhibit significant thalamocortical disruptions and metabolic changes in the dorsal thalamus, correlating with clinical severity. These findings suggest that DTI and MRS could provide valuable insights into the extent of neural damage in CSM.

The Influence of Lower-Limb Strength and Power on the Speed and Heat Results of Professional Brazilian Surfers.

To correlate speed and heat scores with anthropometric variables and lower-limb strength and power in professional surfers. A total of 19 men participated in simulated competitions on different days. All surfed waves were scored, and each athlete's best 2 were used for their total heat score. Speed values were extracted by global positioning system and adjusted by Z score. Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump were executed. Anthropometric variables and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squat were measured. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyze the relationships. Height had a significant (P < .05) inverse association with speed indicators (r = -.36 to - .68), and body mass index had a moderate association with maximum wave speed of the highest score. Significant correlations with moderate to large magnitudes were found between maximum speed and vertical jumps (r = .46 to .56), average speed and vertical jumps (r = .48 to .59), and both maximum and average speed with 1RM (r = .52-.53). Athletes' best score and total heat score showed moderate to large associations with vertical jumps and 1RM (r = .48-.64), whereas second scores were correlated with the reactive strength index of the drop jump (r = .48) and 1RM (r = .51). Shorter surfers with lower center of gravity and those with superior lower-limb strength and power achieved greater speed and higher scores. Accordingly, surf coaches may consider prescribing dynamic strength and balance training based on an athlete's profile to improve performance.

The Ukrainian version of the Perceived Injustice Questionnaire: A psychometric evaluation.

Perceived injustice is increasingly recognized as a key factor influencing mental health in war survivors. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian translation of the Perceived Injustice Questionnaire (PIQ) among individuals directly exposed to the war in Ukraine. 170 war-exposed Ukrainians completed the Ukrainian PIQ and measures of post-traumatic tress disorder (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and potentially traumatic life events (LEC-5). Internal consistency, factor structure, and criterion validity were assessed. While the factor structure of the English version could not be reproduced, indicating an issue with factor validity in the Ukrainian version, the Ukrainian PIQ demonstrated strong correlations with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (r = .71, p <.01), moderate associations with depression (r = .62, p <.01) and generalized anxiety disorder (r = .61, p <.01), and a weaker link with potentially traumatic life events (PTLEs, r = .35, p <.01). It significantly predicted PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms beyond PTLE exposure, explaining 33% of variance in depression, 31% in GAD, and 45% in PTSD These findings provide evidence supporting the construct validity of the PIQ in terms of its relationships with mental health outcomes. The Ukrainian PIQ also demonstrated excellent overall reliability (α = .90), with factor reliabilities ranging from α = .74 to α = .81. The Ukrainian version of the PIQ demonstrates promising psychometric properties and emerges as a highly significant correlate of mental health outcomes. This underscores its potential utility in clinical practice for assessing the treatment needs of Ukrainians affected by the consequences of war. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of developing therapy modules specifically tailored to address perceived injustice. Further research is warranted to investigate the cross-cultural adaptability and comparability of the PIQ.

Relationship Between Severity of Ischemia and Coronary Artery Disease for Different Stress Test Modalities in the ISCHEMIA Trial

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the extent and severity of stress-induced ischemia and the extent and severity of anatomic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with obstructive CAD is multifactorial and includes the intensity of stress achieved, type of testing used, presence and extent of prior infarction, collateral blood flow, plaque characteristics, microvascular disease, coronary vasomotor tone, and genetic factors. Among chronic coronary disease participants with site-determined moderate or severe ischemia, we investigated associations between ischemia severity on stress testing and the extent of CAD on coronary computed tomography angiography. METHODS: Clinically indicated stress testing included nuclear imaging, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or nonimaging exercise tolerance test. Among those with preserved renal function who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography, we examined relationships between ischemia and CAD by coronary computed tomography angiography, overall, and by stress test modality, regardless of subsequent randomization. Core laboratories categorized ischemia as severe, moderate, mild, or none, while the extent and severity of anatomic CAD were categorized based on the modified Duke prognostic index. RESULTS: Among 3601 participants with interpretable stress tests and coronary computed tomography angiography, ischemia severity was weakly associated with CAD extent/severity (r=0.27), with modest variability in strength of association by modality: nuclear (n=1532; r=0.40), echocardiography (n=827; r=0.15), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (n=108; r=0.31), and exercise tolerance test (n=1134; r=0.18). The extent of infarction on nuclear imaging and echocardiography was weakly associated with CAD extent/severity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ischemia severity on stress testing showed weak to moderate associations with the anatomic extent of CAD in this cohort with moderate or severe ischemia on local interpretation and controlled symptoms. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Lifelong impact of elevated blood pressure from childhood to adulthood.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) during childhood and adolescence is increasingly being recognized as a precursor to adult hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review examines the existing evidence of the relationship between early BP elevations and long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Previous studies demonstrated a moderate association between childhood BP and adult hypertension, with early BP elevations contributing to subclinical CV changes such as left ventricular hypertrophy and increased carotid intima-media thickness as well as major premature CVD events in adulthood. However, evidence also indicates that BP normalization before adulthood may mitigate these risks, suggesting a critical interventional window before irreversible CV changes occur. Multiple modifiable and nonmodifiable factors contribute to early-life BP elevations, including genetic predisposition, a high sodium intake, obesity, sedentary behavior, and sleep disturbances. Although establishing a direct causal association between childhood BP and adult hypertension or CVD remains challenging owing to the need for long-term follow-up and large sample sizes, further research is essential to addressing the existing knowledge gaps in pediatric hypertension prevention, detection, impact, and treatment. This review highlights the importance of preventing BP elevations early in life to reduce the long-term burden of hypertension and CVD. Promoting healthy behaviors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing one's sodium intake, engaging in physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep, is essential for managing BP at an early age. These efforts reduce individual CV risk and help alleviate the broader future public health burden of hypertension and CVD.

Exploring Chinese secondary students’ behaviors towards online homework based on the UX model: Does homework completion relate to academic performance?

The benefits of online homework are widely acknowledged for student learning. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the notion that the completion of an adequate amount of traditional homework is associated with enhanced academic success. However, there are inconsistent conclusions on the effect of homework completion on academic performance among the students who were exposed to online homework, particularly in China. In order to explore the behaviors of Chinese secondary students towards online homework, a correlational analysis is employed to determine the relationship between homework completion and academic performance among 103 students from China. Findings suggest a positive yet moderate association between online homework completion and academic performance. A follow-up qualitative interview with 10 purposefully selected students, based on the UX model by Topolewski, Krawczyk, Pallot & Huotari (2020), reveals that the cognitive and emotional factors are most influential on their behaviors towards online homework. Further studies are recommended to delve into the factors influencing students’ intention to engage with online homework. Additionally, limitations of this study are outlined.

Evaluating Factors Affecting Mean Glandular Dose in Mammography: Insights from a Retrospective Study in Dubai.

This study evaluates the mean glandular dose (MGD) in mammography screening for women aged 40-69 in Dubai, based on a retrospective analysis of a dose survey involving 2599 participants. MGD was calculated using the Dance formula. The average MGD was 0.96 ± 0.39 mGy for mediolateral oblique (MLO) views and 0.81 ± 0.33 mGy for craniocaudal (CC) views. Weak inverse correlations were found between age and organ dose (OD) for both views, while a direct relationship was observed between breast thickness and entrance skin dose (ESD). In adjusted models, ESD was strongly associated with MGD (β = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.09), while OD showed a moderate association (β = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.49). Significant variations in ESD, OD, and MGD were noted across age groups and breast thicknesses. Lower MGD indicates reduced radiation exposure risk, while higher MGD in MLO views suggests improved imaging quality. Monitoring and optimizing MGD are essential for enhancing patient safety and screening efficacy.

Electrolyte Design via Cation-Anion Association Regulation for High-Rate and Dendrite-Free Zinc Metal Batteries at Low Temperature.

Low-temperature zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) are highly challenged by Zn dendrite growth, especially at high current density. Here, starting from the intermolecular insights, we report a cation-anion association modulation strategy by matching different dielectric constant solvents and unveil the relationship between cation-anion association strength and Zn plating/stripping performance at low temperatures. The combination of comprehensive characterizations and theoretical calculations indicates that moderate ion association electrolytes with high ionic conductivity (12.09 mS cm-1 at -40 °C) and a stable anion-derived solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) jointly account for highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping behavior, resulting in high-rate and ultrastable cycle performance at low temperature. As a result, at -40 °C, Zn//Zn cells can stably cycle over 400 h at 5 mA cm-2 and 10 mAh cm-2 and Zn//Cu cells exhibit an exceptional average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.91% for 1800 cycles at 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2. Benefiting from enhanced low-temperature Zn plating/stripping performance, Zn//PANI full cells stably operate for 12,000 cycles at 0.5A g-1 and 35,000 cycles at 5 A g-1. Impressively, at -60 °C, Zn//Cu cells still display a high average CE of 99.68% for 2000 cycles. This work underscores the crucial effect of cation-anion association regulation for high-rate and dendrite-free Zn metal anodes, deepening the understanding of intermolecular interaction insights for low-temperature electrolyte design.

Knowledge and attitudes towards electroconvulsive therapy for psychiatric conditions in a single-center Jordanian hospital: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundKnowledge and attitude toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) play crucial roles in determining the acceptance of ECT as a viable and effective treatment option.ResultsThis study involved 400 participants (57.3% female), aged 18–25 years (36.8%) and predominantly single (49.8%), with a bachelor’s degree or higher (78.8%). Only 1.8% had undergone ECT before. While 32.0% relied on social media for ECT information, only 9.5% had a family history of psychiatric illness, and 5.8% had previous psychiatric visits. Knowledge about ECT was moderate (4.51 ± 1.76). Attitudes were less favorable (2.45 ± 2.47), with concerns about ECT as punishment or inhumane treatment. Public stigma towards mental illness was moderate (mean score: 17.77 ± 6.89), with some disagreement on stereotypes. Significant differences were observed in the knowledge scale based on residing governorates and sources of information (p = 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, significant differences in the attitude scale were reported for sources of information (p = 0.002), and significant differences in public stigma were found among age groups (p = 0.023). Spearman’s correlation revealed moderate positive associations between knowledge and attitudes (0.314, p < 0.001) and weak positive associations between knowledge and public stigma (0.185, p < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with stigma and poor knowledge of ECT may affect their choice in undergoing or advising family members to take on ECT if medically prescribed.

Is Alcohol Consumption Pattern Dependent on Prenatal Sex-Steroids? A Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Study Among University Students.

There is evidence that alcohol consumption is influenced by prenatal sex steroids (as measured by digit ratio [2D:4D]). Here, we clarify the effect size of the relationship in a student (rather than a patient) population. There were 258 (169 women) participants. Digit length was measured directly with calipers. Alcohol use was evaluated by the Polish version of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and operationalized as total AUDIT scores and grams of alcohol/week. Digit ratios were sexually dimorphic (males < females). There were negative correlations between right 2D:4D and Dr-l (right 2D:4D minus left 2D:4D) and AUDIT scores and grams of alcohol/week in both sexes. Relationships varied from small (r = -0.29) to large (r = -0.69) and they were stronger in males in comparison to females and for right 2D:4D in comparison to Dr-l. In males only, there were small (r = 0.21) to moderate (r = 0.31) positive associations with body size (height, weight, and mean right digit length) and alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analyses showed relationships between digit ratios remained significant but those for body size did not. Alcohol consumption was negatively related to 2D:4D, suggesting high prenatal testosterone and low prenatal estrogen are linked to its consumption. Correlations varied in strength from small to large with the strongest found for right 2D:4D and for males. Positive relationships between body size and alcohol were small to moderate, confined to males, and were not independent of digit ratios. Prenatal androgenization may influence alcohol drinking patterns in non-clinical individuals.

Chinese translation and validation of the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) for medical college students

BackgroundPsychological flexibility (PF) is defined as the ability to pursue valuable life goals despite the existence of distress. The Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) is a new measure of psychological flexibility that can address existing deficiencies. This study aimed to translate and validate the psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of the PPFI among medical college students.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PPFI according to guidelines recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Phase 2 was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 945 medical college students in China. The psychometric performances of the scale were assessed using construct validity, divergent validity, criterion validity, incremental validity, internal consistency, and test-rest reliability.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n1 = 440) showed that the Chinese version of the PPFI consisted of 3 factors, with a total of 15 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n2 = 440) showed that the three-factor structure fit well (χ2/df\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$df$$\\end{document}=2.469, SRMR = 0.051, RMSEA = 0.058, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.985). The total Chinese PPFI score had a moderate positive association with the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CompACT, r = 0.344) and a negative association with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II, r = -0.334). Furthermore, the Chinese PPFI demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.817, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe 15-item Chinese version of the PPFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring PF in Chinese medical students. However, additional studies are needed to validate its psychometric properties in more generalizable samples and other contexts.

The vague language use scale: Clinical utility and psychometrics from adults with traumatic brain injury.

Pragmatic communication difficulties encompass many distinct behaviours, including the use of vague and/or insufficient language, a common characteristic following traumatic brain injury (TBI) that negatively impacts psychosocial outcomes. Existing assessments evaluate pragmatic communication broadly, often with only one or two items capturing each behaviour, thus limiting sensitivity and precision to variations within each behaviour. Given that greater nuance is needed to detect subtle pragmatic communication differences and investigate underlying cognitive mechanisms, a more refined measure is critical to improve psychosocial outcomes. The Vague scale was developed to address those needs. To provide preliminary evidence supporting the novel Vague language use (Vague) scale's reliability, validity and clinical utility. The Vague scale rates each discourse sample utterance for vague language use on a 3-point scale; the measure's Vague score represents the mean of utterance-level ratings. Using the Vague scale, two raters naïve to diagnosis evaluated Cinderella narratives of 46 adults with severe TBI and 46 controls with no brain injury, providing reliability, construct validity and classification accuracy evidence. Vague scores were also compared to other clinical measures to gather criterion-related validity evidence. Interrater agreement across all transcripts was moderate. Construct validity was supported by expected group differences and criterion validation, including significant relationships with increased violations of Grice's maxim of quantity and measures of lexical variation; significant relationships with psychosocial outcomes, supporting clinical utility; and nonsignificant relationships with measures of syntax and overall pragmatic communication. Classification accuracy expectedly did not support using Vague scores in isolation for diagnosis, due to unacceptable sensitivity (0.696). Evidence supported the Vague scores' psychometric properties. Thus, the Vague scale shows promise as a measure of one distinct pragmatic communication behaviour: vague language use. Future research should apply the Vague scale to determine its sensitivity in individuals with subtle social communication challenges (e.g., mild TBI), explore its utility with more naturalistic discourse samples as part of a pragmatic communication battery, longitudinally examine changes in Vague scores, and investigate cognitive mechanisms underlying this specific pragmatic communication behaviour. What is already known on this subject Use of vague language is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may contribute to negative psychosocial outcomes related to employment and relationships. However, existing measures of vague language lack sensitivity and precision, limiting their utility for identifying subtle performance variations or determining the cognitive mechanisms underlying this specific pragmatic communication behaviour. What this study adds to existing knowledge The current study gathered promising reliability, validity and clinical utility evidence to support using the novel Vague language use (Vague) scale, which was developed to address these limitations. Based on complex (Cinderella) stories of adults with and without TBI, Vague scores demonstrated moderate interrater agreement and promising construct validity based on expected group differences and criterion validation, including moderate associations with related constructs and weak associations with unrelated constructs. Because pragmatic communication profiles post-TBI can vary, classification accuracy expectedly indicated that Vague scores should not be used alone to identify communication differences post-TBI. What are the clinical implications of this work? Vague scores show promise for documenting clients' use of vague language and planning intervention to address associated discourse-level challenges. Future research should investigate applying the Vague scale to naturalistic discourse samples (1) as part of a battery that sensitively and precisely identifies pragmatic communication differences and (2) as a tool for investigating cognitive mechanisms underlying vague language use, with the goal of improving interventions that support pragmatic communication and enhance psychosocial outcomes.

The 1-minute sit-to-stand test to evaluate fibrotic interstitial lung disease

IntroductionFibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of conditions. Progression criteria include clinical, imaging, and/or lung functional decline. Currently, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is considered the gold standard for assessing exercise-induced desaturation. The 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1STST) has the advantage of being easy to perform, making it feasible for use during clinical consultations. The aim of this study was to compare the 1STST with the 6MWT in patients with fibrotic ILD to detect exercise-induced desaturation. MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional involved patients with fibrotic ILDs from two centers. The 6MWT and 1STST were performed with a 30-minute rest period between the tests. The modified Borg scale was used to assess dyspnea and lower limb fatigue and continuous SpO2 and heart rate were monitored. Desaturation was defined as SpO2 < 90% or decline >3%. ResultsNinety patients were included. The median walking distance in the 6MWT was 432 meters and the median number of repetitions in the 1STST was 22, with a significant correlation (p<0.001, ρ=0.383). In addition, the minimum SpO2 and the desaturation levels recorded during the tests exhibited a moderate significant correlation (p<0.001, ρ=0.502 and p<0.001, ρ=0.537, respectively). There was a strong association between the increase in Borg score for dyspnea and a moderate association between the increase in Borg score for lower limb fatigue after both tests (p<0.001, ρ=0.706 and p<0.001, ρ=0.656, respectively). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a significant correlation between the 6MWT and the 1STST in detecting exercise-induced desaturation.

Neural Correlates Of Irritability And Potential Moderating Effects Of Inhibitory Control

BackgroundIrritability affects up to 20% of youth and is a primary reason for referral to pediatric mental health clinics. Irritability is thought to be associated with disruptions in processing of reward, threat, and cognitive control; however, empirical study of these associations at both the behavioral and neural level have yielded equivocal findings that may be driven by small Ns and differences in study design. Understudied are associations between irritability and brain connectivity between cognitive control and reward or threat-processing circuits. Further, better inhibitory control has been linked to lower irritability and differential neural functioning among irritable youth, suggesting that good inhibitory control may serve as a protective factor. MethodsWe hypothesized that higher irritability scores would be associated with less positive (or negative) connectivity between cognitive control and threat-processing circuits and between cognitive control and reward-processing circuits in the Healthy Brain Network dataset (Release 10.0; N=4135). We further hypothesized that these associations would be moderated by inhibitory control such that weaker associations between irritability and connectivity would be detected in youth with better versus worse inhibitory control. Regression models tested if associations between irritability and between-network connectivity were moderated by inhibitory control. ResultsCounter to our hypothesis, we detected higher irritability associated with reduced connectivity between threat- and reward-processing and cognitive control networks only in five to nine year-old boys. Inhibitory control did not moderate associations of irritability with between-network connectivity. ConclusionsExploratory findings indicate reduced between-network connectivity may underlie difficulty regulating negative emotions, leading to greater irritability.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between neglected tropical diseases and malnutrition: more research needed on diseases other than intestinal parasites, leishmaniasis and leprosy.

Background. According to the World Health Organization, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over two billion people worldwide. While the links between nutrition and many diseases have become clear over recent decades, NTDs have lagged behind and the linkage with nutrition is largely unknown. We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the current knowledge on the association between NTDs and malnutrition. Methodology. PubMed, Embase, Scopus and African Journals Online databases were searched using predefined search terms. We included all original articles with a case-control design and at least one NTD. The studies had to compare nutritional parameters between infected cases and control participants. Articles that did not report original data were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled estimates were conducted using the random effect model. The publication bias of the studies was determined by funnel plots. Q and I 2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Results. After screening 1294 articles, only 16 qualified for the systematic review and 12 for meta-analysis. These predominately had a focus on soil-transmitted helminthiasis (ascariasis, hookworm diseases and trichuriasis) and schistosomiasis, with a minority concerning leishmaniasis and leprosy. Pooled estimates showed an association between intestinal parasites and stunting in children [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.66, I 2 = 0%, tau2 = 0]. We also identified a moderate association established between serum iron deficiency (OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 1.91-11.44, tau2 = 0) and intestinal parasites. Conclusions/significance. Of the 20 NTDs, the links between diet and disease have been explored for only 4. There is a paucity of data from low- and middle-income countries and least-developed countries where the NTD burden is high. Therefore, more research into the role of malnutrition in NTDs other than intestinal parasites, leishmaniasis and leprosy is needed.

Depression Symptoms Moderate Associations between Daily Functioning and Neuropsychological Performance in Mexican American Adults.

The influence of depression on the relationship between cognition and daily living in aging Mexican American adults requires further investigation, given projected trends in general growth as well as prevalence of depression and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in this population. In the present study, we examined the extent to which depression (assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 item version) moderated the association between reported daily functioning (assessed using the Functional Activities Questionnaire [FAQ]) and objective neuropsychological performance in aging Mexican American adults in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center cohort. Worse reported daily functioning (higher FAQ scores) was associated with worse memory and language performance among participants without elevated depression symptoms (ps < .05), but no associations were observed among those with elevated symptoms (ps > .05). Moreover, depression did not moderate associations of reported daily functioning with performance in attention and working memory or executive functioning and processing speed (ps > .05). Aging Mexican American adults with elevated depression symptoms may have subjective informant reports of daily functioning that are discrepant from their objective performance on formal tests of memory and language. Within the context of neuropsychological evaluations for ADRD, failure to adequately assess mood to inform the nature of cognitive and/or functional changes could result in misdiagnosis and lead to delayed, premature, and/or improper intervention with this population.

Correlation study between lipid profile parameters and liver function enzymes in Babylon province

Objective: The present study was an observational case control design. The data of study were collected in the period from first of January 2024 to March 2024. The study was conducted from clinical Laboratory private in Hilla City, Babylon province, Iraq. Material and methods: A total number of subjects involved in this study was 150 patients, from both sex (male and female) with age range (5-85). Blood samples were taken from each one to determination lipid profile tests (total cholesterol, total triglyceride, High and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, TSB) and investigation the correlation between them. Results: The results showed that, these were significant correlation between these tests according to male groups, the strength and direction of the correlation between TC and TG levels. The value being significant suggests that there was a moderate strong relationship between these variables (0.491). A strong positive correlation between TC and LDL levels (0.799), HDL and ALP levels (0.290), ALT and AST levels (0.777). In addition, a positive association between AST and ALP levels (0.125), TC and LDL levels (0.799). On the other hand, a weak negative association TC and AST levels (0.045), TC and TSB levels (-0.185), TG and HDL levels (-0.04). TG and AST levels (-0.065), TG and TSB levels (-0.184), HDL and ALT levels (0.123), HDL and AST levels (-0.133), ALT and TSB levels (-0.08) and between ALP and TSB levels (-0.08). However, a moderate negative association between TG and LDL levels (-0.32) and a very weak negative association between HDL and TSB (-0.016). Conclusion: In male group, a strong positive correlation between TC and LDL levels, HDL and ALP levels, ALT and AST levels. A positive association between AST and ALP levels, TC and LDL levels, these were significant correlation between these tests according to female groups, the strength and direction of the correlation between TC and TG levels, a moderate strong relationship between these variables, TC and LDL levels, ALT and AST levels, ALT and ALP levels, ALT and TSB levels, AST and ALP levels, AST and TSB levels and ALP and TSB levels. And moderately strong negative correlation between HDL and ALT levels. So, a relatively weak positive correlation between LDL and AST levels in female group. Moderately positive correlation between LDL and ALP levels and between LDL and TSB levels.