Multiple Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Phytochemical and underlying mechanism of Mikania micrantha Kunth on antibiotic resistance genes, and pathogenic microbes during chicken manure composting

Chicken manure is a source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogenic microbes. Mikania micrantha Kunth (MM) is an invasive plant containing phytochemicals as antimicrobial agents. To explore its impacts on ARGs and pathogen-host interactions (PHIs), MM was added to composting mixtures. The findings indicated that compared with control (CK), MM significantly improved the phytochemical abundances, particularly stilbenoids and diarylheptanoids (4.87%), and ubiquinones (2.66%) in the treatment (T) compost. Besides, significant ARGs reduction was noted, where rpoB2, RbpA, FosB1, vatC, and vatB were removed from T compost. PHIs significantly declined in T compost, where the growth of Xanthomonas citri, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Fusarium graminearum, Vibrio cholerae, and Xanthomonas campestris were inhibited. Multiple variable analyses demonstrated that temperature and pH revealed a significant role in ARGs and PHIs decline. Accordingly, this study considerably recommends MM as a promising compost additive in terms of its antimicrobial potential toward pathogenic microbes and ARGs.

Online Education and Undergraduates’ Academic Record during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: Evidence from Large-Scale Data

Digital technology-based online education is key to promoting high-quality development of higher education. Many studies have analyzed the effects of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, but analyses based on large-scale data are lacking. This study uses a quasi-natural experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore the short- and long-term relationships between emergency remote education (teaching and learning) and undergraduates’ academic record using multiple comparison analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression. The research data come from the academic record of 123,208 courses of 2622 undergraduates from the classes of 2017–2021 in a Chinese university, across nine semesters. The data do not satisfy the homogeneity of variance hypothesis test; therefore, a non-parametric test is adopted for hypothesis testing. The results show that: (1) In the online education semester, the students’ academic record improved substantially with low fluctuation and greater stability; (2) this improvement is more obvious for sophomores and juniors than for freshmen, and (3) online education during the pandemic period significantly improved the course scores of undergraduates, especially sophomores, in the following one or two semesters.

Factors Associated with Farrowing Duration in Hyperprolific Sows in a Free Farrowing System under Tropical Conditions.

The ongoing selection for increased litter size has had significant impacts on sow husbandry practice. The present study investigated factors associated with farrowing duration and the proportion of sows that had prolonged farrowing in modern hyperprolific sows kept in a free farrowing system in a tropical environment. Farrowing data from 2493 Landrace x Yorkshire cross-bred sows in a commercial swine herd in Thailand were included in the study. The time of farrowing, parity number, litter size, and the birth status of each piglet were recorded. Farrowing duration was analysed using multiple analyses of variance. Total number of piglets born per litter (TB), parity, and time onset of farrowing were included in the statistical models. On average, TB, piglets born alive, and farrowing duration were 13.7, 12.1, and 221.0 min, respectively. Of these sows, 26.4% had TB ≥ 16 and 21.7% had a prolonged farrowing duration (≥300 min). Farrowing duration was positively correlated with TB (r = 0.141, p < 0.001), percentage of stillborn (SB) piglets per litter (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), percentage of mummified foetuses (MF) per litter (r = 0.049, p = 0.015), piglet birth weight (r = 0.068, p < 0.001), and litter birth weight (r = 0.041, p = 0.043). The proportion of SB per litter was higher and piglet birth weight lower in litters that had ≥16 TB than those with 8-12 TB (p < 0.05). The farrowing duration of sows with parity numbers 5-7 (247.7 ± 5.1 min) and 8-10 (237.1 ± 5.1 min) was longer than that of sows with parity numbers 1 (188.3 ± 5.2 min) and 2-4 (214.3 ± 3.9 min) (p < 0.05). Sows that had started farrowing during working hours had longer farrowing durations (229.3 ± 3.6 min) than those that had started farrowing during non-working hours (217.6 ± 3.4 min, p = 0.017). In multiparous sows, the duration of farrowing was positively correlated with the maximum temperature (r = 0.056, p = 0.012) and the maximum temperature-humidity index (r = 0.059, p = 0.008) in the 7 days before farrowing. The present data confirm that TB, sow parity, and time of onset of farrowing are significant risk factors for a prolonged farrowing.

Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii from Cattle by Multispacer Sequence Typing and Multiple Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis in the Republic of Korea

Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii using multispacer sequence typing (MST) and multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) was conducted from infected animals for the first time in the Republic of Korea. C. burnetii was detected by real-time PCR, and followed by MST and MLVA genotyping. The result showed that detected C. burnetii all had the same MLVA genotype, 6-13-2-7-9-10 for markers MS23-MS24-MS27-MS28-MS33-MS34, respectively, and genotype group 61 for MST. The same genotypes were previously identified in Poland. Importantly, this MLVA type was detected in humans in France, suggesting that the Korean strain can also potentially cause Q fever in humans. MST and MLVA were very useful tools for analyzing the molecular epidemiology of C. burnetii and helpful for interpreting the epidemiological relationship between isolates from domestic and international resources.

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Psychological Wellness: A Serial Multi-Mediation Analysis

This study aims to investigate the relationships between spirituality, psychological well-being, compassion, and life satisfaction among adults, as well as the mediating role of compassion and life satisfaction in the relationship between spirituality and psychological well-being among adults. Using the relational survey model, 418 adults were recruited to participate in the study. The Spirituality Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Compassion Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale were used to collect data. Pearson Product-Moment Analysis was used to examine the links between adults' spirituality, psychological well-being, compassion, and life satisfaction. Using the Regression-Based Bootstrapping Technique and Serial Multiple Mediator Variable analysis, the researchers investigated the mediating function of compassion and life satisfaction in the link between spirituality and the psychological well-being of adults. The sequential mediation function of compassion and life pleasure was found to be significant in the link between adult spirituality and psychological well-being.

P-003 LATERAL ABDOMINAL HERNIAS: A REGISTRY-BASED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF SURGICAL TECHNIQUES AND OUTCOME

Abstract Aim Data on lateral incisional hernia (LAH) repair is scarce. The operative therapy is challenging due to complex anatomy and bulging due to previous nerve lesions. Data concerning medial hernias are not necessarily transferable. Therefore, this study evaluates the status-quo of LAH repair, compares different strategies, and identifies risk factors for complications and adverse outcomes. Materials and Methods The German Herniamed registry was screened for LAH. Data from patients operated on between 01–05–2009 and 05–31–2020, resulting in 6,306 cases. Data analysis focused on patient-specific, surgery-related factors, complications, and outcome. In addition, a logistic regression analysis of multiple variables was conducted. Results Laparoscopic IPOM (27.9%) and open sublay (38.1%) were the most common surgical procedures. Intraoperative complications were more common in laparoscopic IPOM compared to open sublay (1.8% vs. 0.9%; p<0.001), whereas seroma rate was lower (1.8% vs. 3.4%; p<0.001). Open sublay showed a lower risk for intraoperative complications compared to laparoscopic IPOM (OR 0.298 [0.158–0.564]; p<0.001) in the regression analysis. Risk factors for recurrence were large defect size, open onlay/IPOM, and BMI. Conclusion LAH repair is especially challenging due to its anatomical complexity, rareness, and weak management evidence. This study adds registry-based data with the largest number of cases yet published. Due to the complexity and the flimsy evidence of treatment options, lateral incisional hernias should be treated in specialized hernia centers. In addition, further evaluation of repair techniques is needed, and particular focus should be put on a proper localization classification and defect size (both according to EHS).

Recovery of Polyphenols Using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) from Black Rosehip Followed by Encapsulation for Increased Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity.

In this work, pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) of hydrophilic polyphenols from black rosehip fruit was maximized using response surface methodology for simultaneous optimization in terms of extraction yield, total antioxidant capacity, total (poly)phenols, catechin, total monomeric anthocyanins, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Extraction parameters, including temperature (X1: 40–80 °C) and the solvent-to-solid ratio (X2: 10–40 mL/g), were investigated as independent variables. Experimentally obtained values were fitted to a second-order polynomial model, and optimal conditions were determined using multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance. The black rosehip extract (BRE) obtained at optimized PHWE conditions was further encapsulated in biopolymer-coated liposomes and spray dried to enhance its processing and digestive stability. After reconstitution, the fabricated particles had an average size of 247–380 nm and a zeta-potential of 15–45 mV. Moreover, encapsulation provided remarkable protection of the phenolics under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion conditions, resulting in up to a 5.6-fold more phenolics in the bioaccessible fraction, which also had 2.9–8.6-fold higher antioxidant activity compared to the nonencapsulated BRE. In conclusion, PHWE in combination with a biopolymer coating is a potent method for the production of stable and safe edible natural extracts for the delivery of (poly)phenolic compounds in food and dietary supplements.

Study on The Reaction Performance of C4 Olefins Based on Hierarchical Regression Model

In daily life, olefins and their derivatives are widely used, at the same time, olefins has been widely used in chemical manufacturing and medicine production, the use of olefins in the global scope and use demand is growing, subject to the conditions of fossil energy decrease, explore greener, optimization of energy saving of olefins preparation technology is particularly important. In this paper, the reaction performance of catalyst combination and temperature for C4 olefin analysis by coupling ethanol was studied. For question 1, According on the experimental test results of 21 sets of different catalyst combinations or different catalyst loading methods given in Annex 1, For the various independent variables and the dependent variables in this question, Build a relationship model between the various variables, It was analyzed using a fitted interpolation prediction model, By using the data fitting algorithm and the linear regression model, The relationship between the ethanol conversion rate and temperature and the selectivity of C4 olefins and temperature was further analyzed; Using using fitting interpolation prediction model and data fitting algorithm for Annex 2, According to their image analysis, under the same experimental conditions, Effect of time on the reaction performance of the experiment. For problem 2, through comprehensive analysis of the data given in attachment 1 and attachment 2, according to the influence of different catalyst combination and temperature on the ethanol conversion rate and C4 olefins selective size, first using the control variable method for data stratification analysis, from the same catalyst combination different temperature, different catalyst combination, the same experimental conditions different catalyst loading way three levels. Hierarchy one uses quantitative analysis, hierarchy two uses the multivariate factor ANOVA model, and hierarchy three uses comparative analysis. Finally, the conclusion analysis of three levels is comprehensively discussed, and the influence degree of different catalyst combinations and temperature on ethanol conversion rate and C4 olefins selectivity is discussed. For problem 3, according to the Appendix: Interpretation of nouns and appendix description, the value of the C4 olefins yield is equal to the product of the ethanol conversion rate and the selectivity of the C4 olefins. About temperature, Co load, Co / SiO2Conduct multiple analysis of variance and weight, and then order the reaction performance of the four variables. The hierarchical regression model and linear regression model were established to develop the catalyst combination and temperature in the same experimental conditions below 350 degrees and the same experimental conditions. Aiming at problem 4, through the comparative analysis of all catalyst combinations and temperature scheme in Annex 1, find out the experimental group with a lack of control, using the control variable method and analogy reasoning to supplement the catalyst combination and temperature scheme, so as to improve the accuracy of the experimental data and enhance the reliability of the conclusion.

The Activity and Ranging Patterns of Gelada Monkeys as Behavioral Responses to the Effects of Livestock Grazing in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Understanding of behavioral ecology of primates in grazed lands is vital to their conservation and monitoring strategies. Here we investigated how livestock grazing within the Simien Mountains National Park affects the activity time budgeting and ranging behavior of the geladas, a monkey endemic to Ethiopian highlands. This study was carried out from February 2019 to July 2019 by stratifying the study area as grazed and nongrazed sites. Activity time pattern data were collected using 5 minutes instantaneous scan sampling within 15 minutes intervals from 7:00 to 18:00 for 10 days per month in the grazed and nongrazed sites. The ranging data were also collected by tracking the study group and recording GPS points every 15 minutes sample. The effects of livestock grazing on activity time budgets were statistically analyzed by multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA). Daily range length and home range size were estimated by employing the Open Jump toolbox (MOVEAN), and statistically tested by Mann–Whitney U test. From 3427 behavioral scans on the various activities, feeding was the most frequent (43.04%) behavioral activity followed by moving, accounting for 38.06% of the time. The study revealed that grazing has a statistically significant effect on moving and social activity time budgets. The geladas dwelling in the grazed areas of the park spent more time in moving than in the nongrazed areas. The effect of grazing on social behavior is the reverse of moving. Similarly, geladas traveled longer daily range length and cover a wider home range size in the grazed areas. Therefore, these findings of the study imply that livestock grazing is adversely affecting the behavior of gelada monkeys in the park. To minimize such effects on gelada monkeys and harmonize grazing with wildlife habitat conservation, the grazing pressure reduction strategy must be closely monitored and supported by animal feed cultivation technology.

Molecular typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Multi-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis

This research was carried out to investigate the molecular profiling of a number of multi-resistance drug of P. aeruginosa isolates by Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) technique. 40(14.28%) isolates were P. aeruginosa obtained from 217(77.5%) positive growth samples according the conventional microbiological methods and confirmation by VITEK 2 compact system. The antibiotic resistance for Piperacillin/Tazobactam was 6(15%) and the resistance percentage forAmikacin, Aztreonam, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin was 15(37.5%) and 13(32.5%) for Imipenem. The MIC value of ceftazidime ranged between (16-1024 µg/ml).The prevalence and epidemiology of P. aeruginosa was investigated by variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) for two loci (MS-213 and MS-214). The results of the current study showed that the gene scan analysis revealed 3 different kinds of amplicons in 9 isolates for MS-213 site were 350pb in 4 isolate, 370pb in 3 isolate and 290pb in 2 isolate. MS-214 locus was found in 4 different types of amplicons 730pb (3 isolate), 640pb (1 isolate), 540pb (1 isolate) and 350pb (4 isolate), analysis of (MLVA) has emerged for subtyping bacterial pathogens as a valuable method and has been adopted in many countries for outbreak detection and Outbreak response.

Stripping propensity detection of HMA Mixes: With focus on image processing method

• The incorporation of anti- Stripping in hot mix asphalt was investigated. • The effects of anti- Stripping agents on the specimens by image processing were evaluated. • The performance of specimens under different working conditions was analyzed. • Anti-stripping agent improved of adhesive property of HMA asphalt mixtures. Infiltration of water into Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) can cause performance degradation and service life reduction of the asphalt concrete pavements. Moreover, it can lead to adhesion failure at the binder-aggregate interface and/or cohesion failure within the binder or binder-filler mastic. In this paper, three aggregate types, three anti-stripping additives, and one bitumen type were selected to study this phenomenon. Based on the results of chemical analysis, selected aggregates were categorized into two groups: non-stripping and stripping aggregates. Then, the stripping propensity of loose and compacted mixes was assessed through boiling water, retained compressive strength, and indirect tensile tests. The chemical analysis was showed the importance of amphoteric and alkaline oxides in moisture sensitivity in silicate rocks. The results emphasize the detrimental effect of moisture in HMA mixes even in the non-stripping mix. All selected anti-stripping additives improve the tensile strength ratio (TSR) of specimens, however, the stripping propensity of some treated mixes was maintained. In the next step, cohesion loss and adhesion loss surfaces of loose mixes and ITS specimens was determined under the wet conditions by the image processing technique in ENVI and MATLAB software packages. Based on image processing results, the higher retained bitumen coating in loose mixes leads to less stripping propensity of compacted specimens and the tensile strength ratio of modified Lottman specimens is decreased by an increase in the percentage of broken aggregates and adhesion loss. Image processing data were subjected to nonlinear regression and multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) to investigate this phenomenon.

Impact of Health Care-Associated Cost Concerns on Mammography Utilization: Cross-Sectional Survey Results From the National Health Interview Survey.

Health care-related cost concerns and financial toxicity are increasingly recognized barriers along the breast cancer care continuum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between patient-reported cost concerns and screening mammography utilization. Survey participants aged 40 to 74 years from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey without personal history of breast cancer were included (response rate: 64%). Respondents were queried if they had experienced specific access-related health care barriers. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between barriers to care and patient-reported screening mammography utilization. Of survey respondents, 7,511 women were included. Of this group, 68.9% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last 2 years and 52.2% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last year. Of all survey respondents, 48.4% reported worry paying medical bills. Patients who reported worry about paying medical bills (odds ratio [OR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.97; P= .01), challenges affording dental care (OR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.54-0.77; P < .01), and challenges affording eyeglasses (OR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54-0.84; P < .01) were less likely to report screening mammography use than their respective counterparts. Patients who skipped medication doses (OR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.91; P < .01), took less medication, (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.48-0.82; P < .01), and delayed filling prescriptions (OR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56-0.90; P < .01) to save money were also less likely to report receiving mammography screening. Patient-reported cost-related barriers are associated with decreased utilization of routine mammography.

Sensitivity of Field Tests for Assessment of Wrestlers Specific Fitness.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in performance, cardiac, and metabolic variables of combat-specific fitness of wrestlers from varying sports levels. The sample consisted of 61 active and highly trained adult wrestlers of national and international levels from Serbia, from both Greco-Roman and freestyle forms of wrestling, allocated into three groups: national team wrestlers (N = 15), first league competitive wrestlers (N = 20), and second league competitive wrestlers (N = 26). Participants performed two tests: a Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT) and a Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT). Between-group differences were determined using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA). Significant differences were obtained between wrestlers of different sports levels in TnThrows (F = 77.491, p < 0.001), SJFIndex (F = 49.710, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 31.205, p < 0.001) in the SWFT and in TnThrows (F = 71.051, p < 0.001), SJFIndex F = 45.343, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 26.820, p < 0.001) in the SWPT. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the SWFT and the SWPT provide very good sensitivity in the evaluation of the wrestlers specific fitness of wrestlers.

Oral health-related quality of life in 4–16-year-olds with and without juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BackgroundFew studies have investigated oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in young individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Aims were to investigate whether OHRQoL differs between children and adolescents with JIA compared to controls without JIA, while adjusting for socio-demographic-, behavioral- and oral health-related covariates. Furthermore, to explore whether socio-behavioral and oral health-related covariates of OHRQoL vary according to group affiliation and finally, specifically for individuals with JIA, to investigate whether disease-specific features associate with OHRQoL. We hypothesized that participants with JIA have poorer OHRQoL compared to participants without JIA.MethodsIn this comparative cross-sectional study participants with JIA (n = 224) were matched to controls without JIA (n = 224). OHRQoL was assessed according to Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) (4–11-years-olds) and the child version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child-OIDP) (12–16-years-olds). JIA-specific characteristics were assessed by pediatric rheumatologists and socio-demographic, behavioral and self-reported oral health information collected by questionnaires. Index teeth were examined for caries by calibrated dentists. Multiple variable analyses were performed using logistic regression, reporting odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Two-way interactions were tested between group affiliation and the socio-behavioral- and oral health-related variables on the respective outcome variables.ResultsIn total, 96 participants with JIA and 98 controls were evaluated according to ECOHIS, corresponding numbers for Child-OIDP was 125 and 124. Group affiliation was not associated with impaired ECOHIS or Child-OIDP in adjusted analyses (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 0.94–4.04 and OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.46–2.17, respectively). Female adolescents with JIA were more likely than males to report oral impacts according to Child-OIDP. Continued activity or flare was found to adversely affect Child-OIDP, also self-reported outcome measures in JIA associated with Child-OIDP.ConclusionsThis study did not provide consistent evidence to confirm the hypothesis that children and adolescents with JIA are more likely to have impaired OHRQoL compared to their peers without JIA. However, female adolescents with JIA were more likely than males to report impacts on OHRQoL. Furthermore, within the JIA group, adolescents with continued disease activity, flare or reporting pain, physical disability, had higher risk than their counterparts of impaired OHRQoL.

Investigation of risk factors for tunneled hemodialysis catheters dysfunction: competing risk analysis of a tertiary center data

BackgroundHemodialysis tunneled catheters are prone to failure due to infection or thrombosis. Prediction of catheter dysfunction chance and finding the predisposing risk factors might help clinicians to prolong proper catheter function. The multidimensional mechanism of failures following infection or thrombosis needs a multivariable and comprehensive analytic approach.MethodsA longitudinal cross-sectional study was implemented on 1048 patients admitted for the first hemodialysis tunneled catheterization attempt between 2013 and 2019 in Shahid Hasheminejdad hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients’ information was extracted from digital and also paper records. Based on their criteria, single and multiple variable analyses were done separately in patients with catheter dysfunction due to thrombosis and infection. T-test and Chi-square test were performed in quantitative and categorical variables, respectively. Competing risk regression was performed under the assumption of proportionality for infection and thrombosis, and the sub-distributional hazard ratios (SHR) were calculated. All statistical inferences were made with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsFour hundred sixty-six patients were enrolled in the analysis based on study criteria. Samples’ mean (SD) age was 54(15.54), and 322 (69.1%) patients were female. Three hundred sixty-five catheter dysfunction cases were observed due to thrombosis 123(26.4%) and infection 242(52%). The Median (range) time to catheter dysfunction event was 243(36–1131) days.Single variable analysis showed a statistically significant higher proportion of thrombosis in females (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.77–4.00) and younger patients, respectively. Multivariate competing risk regression showed a statistically significant higher risk of thrombosis in females (Sub-distributional hazard (SHR) = 1.81), hypertensive (SHR = 1.82), and more obese patients (BMI SHR = 1.037). A higher risk of infection was calculated in younger (Age SHR = 0.98) and diabetic (SHR = 1.63) patients using the same method.ConclusionFemale and hypertensive patients are considerably at higher risk of catheter thrombosis, whereas diabetes is the most critical risk factor for infectious catheter dysfunction. Competing risk regression analysis showed a comprehensive result in the assessment of risk factors of catheter dysfunction.

Can C-reactive protein predict coagulation in off pump coronary artery bypass grafting? A cohort study

BackgroundPrevious study found that C-reactive protein (CRP) can predict bleeding after on-pump CABG. To evaluate whether preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) can be a novel marker of postoperative bleeding in patients having off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. Multiple variable regression analyses were performed. 537 patients undergoing off-pump isolated primary CABG at Fuwai Hospital from September 2017 to July 2018 were recorded. The primary endpoint was bleeding volume within 24 h after surgery.ResultsData of 537 patients undergoing off-pump isolated primary CABG at Fuwai Hospital were recorded. The correlations between bleeding volume within 24 h after surgery and preoperative data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate linear regression. Much more preoperative CRP concentration (B = −0.089, P < 0.05) was associated with less postoperative bleeding volume and fibrinogen (B = 0.594, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPreoperative CRP concentration is independently correlated with the postoperative volume of bleeding within 24 h. CRP may become a novel coagulation index in coronary artery atherosclerotic disease.

Psychostimulant Medications Improve Static Balance In Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit greater sway areas during bipedal standing tasks than healthy adults, which may indicate poor static balance. Using psychostimulant medication improves balance in children with ADHD. However, it is unknown if psychostimulants improve balance in adults with ADHD. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of psychostimulant medications on static balance in adults with ADHD. METHODS: We performed a prospective within-subject repeated measures study. We included adults aged 21 to 55 years and diagnosed with ADHD. We randomly assigned participants to complete an on-medication and off-medication testing sessions, with a minimum of 7 days between the two sessions. During the off-medication session, participants did not consume their ADHD medication 24 hours before the session whereas on the day they were on medication they took their ADHD medication as prescribed by their physician. On both days, participants stood for 30-seconds on a force platform for each of the following 4 conditions: feet apart with 1) eyes open and 2) eyes closed; feet together with 3) eyes open and 4) eyes closed. We calculated average sway area (cm2) for each test condition. Participants practice all of the tests prior to testing. We used a 2 (medication condition) X 2 (feet position) X 2 (eyes open or close) repeated-measure multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) to main effect of medication on average sway areas and the interaction effects between the testing conditions. RESULTS: 37 adults participated (29 females; mean age=28.6 ± 6.3). Average sway area scores were significantly greater (4.81±2.8 cm2 vs. 3.66±1.7 cm2) when off versus on medication. The repeated-measure MANOVA denoted a significant main effect of medication on sway area [F(1,36)= 11.41; p=.002; η2= .24]. Additionally, there was a significant medication X foot positioning interaction effect [F(1,36)= 6.63; p=.014; η2= .16]. CONCLUSION: Psychostimulant medications significantly improved static balance performance in adults with ADHD. Specifically, using psychostimulant ADHD medication improves static balance when narrowing the base of support. Future studies should examine if psychostimulant medication improve balance in adults with ADHD with stronger interventional designs.

Body Composition and Physical Activity of Female Police Officers: Do Occupation and Age Matter?

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the body composition and volume of leisure time physical activity (V-LTPA) of female police officers from two police occupations and to assess the differences when officers are matched by age. Body composition measures including body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), and percent of skeletal muscle mass (%SMM) of female communal police (n = 56) and general police (n = 90) were compared. Officers were allocated into three age groups: 29 years and younger, 30–39 years, and 40 years and older. We used an independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple analyses of variance to investigate the differences between occupations, between age groups, and between-occupation-within-age differences in body composition. Communal police officers had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM compared to general police. Significant differences were found between age groups, with the youngest officers having lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM and V-LTPA. Finally, differences in body composition were no longer significant when officers from different occupations were compared within age groups. Police agencies should consider supporting and motivating officers through policies to encourage leisure time physical activities for female officers. Other mechanisms for the management of body composition should also be considered.

Utilization of Screening Mammography in Women Before 50: Cross-Sectional Survey Results from the National Health Interview Survey

While the American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammography starting at age 40 years, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that screening mammography in women younger than age 50 years should involve shared- decision making (SDM) between clinicians and patients, considering benefits and potential harms in younger women. Using a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, we aimed to evaluate patient-reported reasons and predictors of screening mammography utilization in this age group. Respondents aged 40-49 years from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) without a history of breast cancer were included (response rate 64%). Participants reported sociodemographic variables and reasons they did not engage in mammography screening within the last two years. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and patient-reported screening mammography use, accounting for complex survey sampling design elements. 1,948 women between the ages of 40-49 years were included. Of this group, (758/1948) 46.6% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last year, and 1196/1948 (61.4%) reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last two years. The most common reasons for not undergoing screening included: "No reason/never thought about it" 744/1948 (38.2%), "Put it off" 343/1948 (17.6%), "Didn't need it" 331/1948 (16.9%), "Doctor didn't order it" 162/1948 (8.3%), and "I'm too young" 63/1948 (5.3%). Multiple variable analyses demonstrated that lack of health insurance was the strongest predictor of mammography non-engagement (p< 0.001). Deficits in shared- decision-making in women younger than 50 years related to mammography utilization exist. Radiologists may be key in addressing this issue among ambulatory care providers and patients, educating about the benefits and harms of screening younger women, particularly in racial/ethnic minorities and uninsured patients, who experience additional barriers to care and SDM discussions.

Behavioral and psychosocial factors of quality of life among adult people living with HIV on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, in public hospitals of Southwest Ethiopia.

Despite the availability of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, the quality of life (QOL) of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV) has continued to be affected. However, previous studies focused on the magnitude and clinical determinants which lacks behavioral and psychosocial factors of QOL. Thus, this study aimed to identify behavioral and psychosocial determinants of QOL among Adult PLWHIV on HARRT, in Public Hospitals of Jimma Zone, South West, Ethiopia, 2018. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Public Hospitals of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from March 10 to April 10/2018. QOL of was measured using WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument. A simple random sampling technique was employed to enroll study participants. A pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Then, data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multiple variable logistic regression analyses were also performed. A total of 300 respondents were enrolled into the study yielding a response rate of 97.7%. The majority of respondents were from urban residence and between 35-44 years of age. About 47% of respondents have ever used substances, and 58.3% have obtained social support. Nearly 80% and 26.3% of the study participants were stigmatized and severely depressed. More than half of the study participants had good overall QoL with the highest domain QOL in level of independence and lowest in social relations. Factors associated with poor physical health include being government employee AOR 0.33 95%CI (0.15, 0.69), from private business AOR 0.33 95%CI (0.14, 0.79), being 1st wealth quintile AOR 2.44 95%CI (1.16, 5.14), and not obtaining financial support AOR 4.27 95%CI (1.94, 9.42). Lower wealth index has been associated with almost all domain scores of poor QOL except spiritual domain. More than half of the respondents had good overall QoL with the highest domain score in level of independence and lowest in social relations domain. Several factors have contributed to poor domain QOL of PLWHIV. Therefore, it will become all the most important to develop effective strategies, policies and programs targeting people living with HIV. Emphasis should be given to the socio-economic factors that affect their QOL on HAART. Professional counseling and guidance with life skill packages should be strengthened to cope up with adverse behavioral factors. Finally, psychosocial support should be provided from all responsible bodies.