One-way ANOVA Model Research Articles

Undegradable dietary protein limits growth and carcass yields in crossbred Boer kids fed Desmanthus hay or Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea and/or cottonseed meal

Context Low-protein tropical forages required protein supplementation, which might affect growth of meat goats. Aims This study was aimed to compare liveweight gain, carcass/non-carcass yields and meat quality in crossbred Boer kids fed isonitrogenous diets varying in undegradable (UDP) and rumen-degradable (RDP) dietary protein sources. Methods Twenty-five female crossbred Boer kids were randomly allocated into the following five dietary treatments: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea (U), urea plus cottonseed meal (UCSM), cottonseed meal (CSM), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) (Gliri) or Desmanthus (Desmanthus leptophyllus) only (Desman). The diets were formulated to supply 135 and 195 g crude protein/kg DM for the two experiments. Experiment 1 lasted 78 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 35:102 (U), 37:100 (UCSM), 40:97 (CSM), 55:82 (Desman) and 46:91 (Gliri). Experiment 2 lasted 138 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 45:150 (U), 52:143 (UCSM), 58:137 (CSM), 83:112 (Desman) and 71:124 (Gliri) respectively. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and general linear model. Key results After 138 days of supplementation, the Desman goats had the highest liveweight gain (83 g/day) and heaviest cold carcass weight (12.1 kg) in Experiment 2. This was followed, in descending order, by CSM (58 g/day and 9.6 kg), UCSM (48 g/day and 7.8 kg), Gliri (41 g/day and 7.6 kg) and U (6 g/day and 6.0 kg). Heavier carcass weight was associated with larger eye-muscle area and fat depth at the 12th rib. Aus-meat Beef Colour Standard scores of 3–4 for the eye muscle of the Desman and CSM goats compared with scores of 1C-2 in the other goats meant that the darker meat in Desman and CSM diets was associated with heavier carcass weight and a more rapid rate of decline in carcass pH. Conclusions Crossbred Boer kids fed high dietary UDP had higher intakes of UDP, RDP, metabolisable protein (MP) and metabolisable energy (ME), even though an isonitrogenous diet was offered. The Desman kids had higher liveweight gain, heavier carcass yield, greater eye-muscle area, thicker fat depth and heavier mass of non-carcass components. Implications The higher liveweight gain and carcass/non-carcass yields for Desman goats than for others was associated with increased DM, UDP, RDP, MP and ME intakes.

The mental workload of ICU nurses performing human-machine tasks and associated factors: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

To assess the level of mental workload (MWL) of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in performing different human-machine tasks and examine the predictors of the MWL. A cross-sectional questionnaire study. Between January and February 2021, data were collected from ICU nurses (n = 427) at nine tertiary hospitals selected from five (east, west, south, north, central) regions in China through an electronic questionnaire, including sociodemographic questions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Difficulty-assessing Index System of Nursing Operation Technique, and System Usability Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used. ICU nurses experienced a medium level of MWL (score 52.04 on a scale of 0-100) while performing human-machine tasks. ICU nurses' MWL was notably higher in conducting first aid and life support tasks (using defibrillators or ventilators). Predictors of MWL were task difficulty, system usability, professional title, age, self-efficacy, ICU category, and willingness to study emerging technology actively. Task difficulty and system usability were the strongest predictors of nearly all typical tasks. ICU nurses experience a medium MWL while performing human-machine tasks, but higher mental, temporal, and effort are perceived compared to physical demands. The MWL varied significantly across different human-machine tasks, among which are significantly higher: first aid and life support and information-based human-machine tasks. Task difficulty and system availability are decisive predictors of MWL. This is the first study to investigate the level of MWL of ICU nurses performing different representative human-machine tasks and to explore its predictors, which provides a reference for future research. These findings suggest that healthcare organizations should pay attention to the MWL of ICU nurses and develop customized management strategies based on task characteristics to maintain a moderate level of MWL, thus enabling ICU nurses to perform human-machine tasks better. No patient or public contribution.

Service quality: perspective of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in rural and urban public primary healthcare centers in Iran

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the service quality (SQ) for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension in primary healthcare settings from the perspective of service users in Iran.MethodsThe Cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in urban and rural public health centers in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. A total of 561 individuals aged 18 or above with either or both conditions of T2DM and hypertension were eligible to participate in the study. The study employed a two-step stratified sampling method in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A validated questionnaire assessed SQ. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical models in STATA-17.ResultsAmong the 561 individuals who participated in the study 176 (31.3%) were individuals with hypertension, 165 (29.4%) with T2DM, and 220 (39.2%) with both hypertension and T2DM mutually. The participants’ anthropometric indicators and biochemical characteristics showed that the mean Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) in individuals with T2DM was 174.4 (Standard deviation (SD) = 73.57) in patients with T2DM without hypertension and 159.4 (SD = 65.46) in patients with both T2DM and hypertension. The total SQ scores were 82.37 (SD = 12.19), 82.48 (SD = 12.45), and 81.69 (SD = 11.75) for hypertension, T2DM, and both conditions, respectively. Among people with hypertension and without diabetes, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 7.03; p = 0.001) compared to their peers who did not have specific service providers. Those who resided in rural areas had lower SQ scores (b = -6.07; p = 0.020) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. In the group of patients with T2DM and without hypertension, those who were living in non-metropolitan cities reported greater SQ scores compared to patients in metropolitan areas (b = 5.09; p = 0.038). Additionally, a one-point increase in self-management total score was related with a 0.13-point decrease in SQ score (P = 0.018). In the group of people with both hypertension and T2DM, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 8.32; p < 0.001) compared to the group without specific service providers.ConclusionStudy reveals gaps in T2DM and hypertension care quality despite routine check-ups. Higher SQ correlates with better self-care. Improving service quality in primary healthcare settings necessitates a comprehensive approach that prioritizes patient empowerment, continuity of care, and equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas.

Testing against ordered alternatives in one-way ANOVA model with exponential errors

Testing against ordered alternatives in one-way ANOVA model with exponential errors

Influence of the scanning path on the accuracy of intraoral scanners in the implanted edentulous patient: an in vitro study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of scan paths on the accuracy (trueness and precision) of intra-oral scanning of an implant impression on an edentulous patient. An epoxy resin maxillary model was made with 6 bone level implants (NobelParallel Conical Connection RP, NobelBiocare®). The implants were placed at the spot of the first incisor, the canine and the first molar. The trans gingival component (Multi-unit, NobelBiocare®) was screwed onto the implants. The scanbodies (IO 2C-A, Elos Accurate®) were then screwed onto the multi-units. The model was run through a coordinate measurement machine to obtain a control cast. Then, five different scanning paths, respectively the zigzag technique (ZZT), the zigzag technique with palatal (ZZTP), the wrap technique (WT), the wrap technique with palatal (WTP), and the big zigzag technique (BZZT), were applied by a single operator. Finally, each scan was compared to the control model. Results were assessed by one-way ANOVA and linear mixed effects models at P<0.05. The study showed that scan paths ZZT and ZZTP had significantly lower absolute positioning errors and residual mean square errors than the others (P<0.0001). For distances between consecutive implant axes and for absolute vertical errors, their superiority was borderline (P<0.10). Overall, techniques ZZT and ZZTP were equally performant and proved to be the most accurate. This in vitro experimental study demonstrates that the scan path can have an influence on the accuracy of the optical impression for full arch rehabilitation on implants.

화상상담에 대한 태도와 사용 의도에 대한 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study was to validate the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Methods For this, an online survey was conducted with a sample of 350 adults. For data analysis, an independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and structural equation model verification were conducted. Results As a result, men scored higher on intention to use online counseling than women and participants on their 60s scored higher on both usefulness of and intention to use online counseling. In addition, participants who re-ceived face-to-face counseling and online counseling showed higher levels of intention to use online counseling compared to those who did not received any counseling. Finally, results supported the UTAUT. Conclusions The results supported the UTAUT by revealing a casual chain in which perceived advantages of online counseling were positively related to utilization of online counseling through the perceived usefulness of online counseling. In contrast, perceived barriers of online counseling were negatively associated with utilization of on-line counseling through the perceived usefulness of online counseling.

Breastfeeding challenges and the impact of social support in Iranian Muslim mothers: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Breast milk is the perfect food during infancy. Adequate support from family and health systems can be helpful to continue breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the status of breastfeeding challenges and its relationship with social support and socio-demographic factors. In this correlational-descriptive study, 348 breastfeeding mothers were recruited using cluster random sampling from health care centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2022. Socio-demographic, breastfeeding challenges and social support questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation tests, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and general linear model) using SPSS version 16. Difficulty in completing household tasks and breastfeeding at the same time (32.5 percent) was the most common challenge reported by mothers. There was an inverse and significant correlation between perceived social support and experiencing challenges (r = −0.199؛ p = .001). Based on the adjusted general linear model, with increasing social support, the score of breastfeeding challenges decreased (B = −0.165; 95 percent CI: −0.07–0.25, p < .001). Considering the relationship between perceived social support and the challenges experienced during breastfeeding, it can be concluded that adequate support from family along with training and guidance from health care providers can lead women to have better breastfeeding experiences and overcome breastfeeding problems.

Digital Innovation of Red Cultural Resource Management Mode in Shanxi

Abstract In this paper, we explore the mechanism of managing red cultural resources enabled by digital technology. We developed a digital communication model for red culture and proposed an innovative pathway for the management of digitally-enabled red cultural resources. Then, a regression analysis model was established to assess the effects of digital management of cultural resources through model estimation and significance testing. Based on the one-way ANOVA model, we explored the differences in the evaluation of digital management of red culture in Shanxi by different students’ genders. We tested and regressed the correlation between digital red resource management and students’ sense of political efficacy and political emotion. The results show that the correlation coefficients between digital red education and intrinsic political efficacy and extrinsic political efficacy are between (0.5 and 0.6). The correlation coefficients of digitalized red resource management with students’ sense of intrinsic political efficacy and extrinsic political efficacy r are all greater than 0, p=0.000. They are significantly positively correlated under the condition of α=0.01. This study effectively promotes the high-quality development of digital transformation in red culture and builds a new pattern of digital inheritance and innovation in red culture.

Comparing undergraduate research experiences before, during, and after the COVID-19 quarantine: The successful adaptation of the BUILD PODER Summer JumpStart program.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many in person undergraduate research experiences (UREs) to pivot to remote online training. To investigate how the COVID-19 quarantine disrupted student URE outcomes over time, the current study examines Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Promoting Opportunities for Diversity in Education and Research (PODER) URE outcomes across different platforms (in-person, remote, and hybrid models) by comparing student survey data from 2019 to 2021. Participants consisted of three cohorts: 2019 (n = 26 students), 2020 (n = 33), 2021 (n = 34). The BUILD PODER Summer JumpStart program (SJS), which aims to increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by recruiting mostly underrepresented students, was conducted in person in 2019, remotely in 2020 and using a hybrid model in 2021. All students completed an online survey on the first and last day of the four-week SJS program. We used one-way and mixed ANOVA models to analyze Cohort, Time (pre-test vs. post-test scores), and interaction of Cohort and Time for Research Self-Efficacy, Sense of Belonging, Mentor Relationship, Mentee Knowledge, Health, Stress, and Student Program Satisfaction measures. Despite the platform changes, student scores increased significantly over time for all measures. There was a significant main effect of Time for Research Self-Efficacy, Sense of Belonging, Mentor Relationship, Mentee Knowledge, Health Assessment, and Stress Management. Findings indicate that URE programs that are implemented remotely and using a hybrid format can provide students with experiences similar to in-person URE programs. In addition, remote UREs may provide added benefits compared to in-person programs. For instance, remote UREs could engage more historically minoritized students, who may experience barriers to access, such as work/family commitments, financial constraints, and geographic limitations.

Examining the impact of time management and resilience training on work-family conflict among Iranian female nurses: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFemale nurses confronting work-family conflict may endure adverse consequences for themselves and their families, leading to a decline in job performance and intentions to quit. Investigating the effects of interventions based on factors contributing to work-family conflict can aid in identifying optimal strategies for conflict reduction and mitigating its negative repercussions. This study aimed to examine the impact of time management and resilience training on work-family conflict among Iranian female Nurses in 2022.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial employing pre, post, and follow-up measures, 132 female nurses employed in the hospitals of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (Bushehr, Iran) were selected and subsequently categorized into three groups—time management, resilience training, and control groups—using simple random sampling method. 10 online training sessions were conducted for each intervention group. A demographic form and a work-family conflict questionnaire were used for data collection. Repeated measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and multivariate general linear model were used to examine the hypotheses.ResultsRegarding total work-family conflict, posttest mean scores were significantly lower than the pretest in both time management (p < 0.001) and resilience (p < 0.001) training groups, but follow-up mean scores were significantly higher than posttests in both time management (p < 0.001) and resilience (p < 0.001) training groups. In the control group, the mean scores at three time points were not statistically different (P = 0.058). The post-test mean score of work-family conflict was comparable in the two intervention groups (P > 0.05) and lower than the control group (P < 0.001) The follow-up mean score was comparable in the two intervention groups (P > 0.05) and lower than the control group (P < 0.001).ConclusionTime management and resilience training effectively reduced the work-family conflict experienced by female nurses. Therefore, it is recommended that training programs such as time management and resilience training be incorporated into the ongoing education of nurses to alleviate their work-family conflict. Considering the diminishing impact of these interventions over time, training should be reiterated based on the evolving needs of the nurses.Trial registrationNumber (IRCT20190122042453N2),01/27/2022.

Is the COVID-19 epidemic affecting the body mass of Chinese teenagers? - A longitudinal follow-up study.

After the spread and outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide, the learning, lifestyle, and health level of young individuals have been immensely impacted. With regard to the existing studies, the development trend of adolescents' body shape in the late COVID-19 period is not sufficiently analyzed, and relevant targeted investigation is lacking. This study aimed to explore the body mass index (BMI) changes of 6-14 years-old adolescents before and after the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide a reference for promoting the continuous enhancement of adolescent health. The BMI and related data pertaining to 93,046 individuals from 2019 to 2022 were collected by cluster sampling, and changes in the BMI Z score and detection rate of overweight and obese adolescents before and after the epidemic were analyzed. Furthermore, the trend of obesity rates among adolescents in Jinan from 2019 to 2022 was analyzed using a logistic regression analysis model. The one-way ANOVA models indicated that the BMI Z score of 6-14 years-old adolescents in 2020 significantly increased compared to 2019 (p < 0.01), and decreased in 2021 and 2022; in 2020, the obesity rate of adolescents exhibited a significant increase; however, the rate decreased after being controlled in 2021 and 2022. The normal-body size proportion continued to rise (p < 0.01), and adolescents of different age groups and genders exhibited similar development trends; the results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that there was a significant increase in obesity rates in 2020, adolescents of different age groups and genders exhibited similar development trends (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 epidemic impacts the BMI and obesity detection rate of adolescents. Adolescents from different age groups and genders exhibited similar development trends.

Experimental Validation of Suitability of a River for Natural Reproduction of Trout of Lake Sevan Using Egg Incubation

The endangered endemic species Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan Kessler, 1877) is under the threat of extinction and its survival is dependent on restocking by smolts. Thus, there is an urgent need to find an effective solution for restocking wild populations. After developing a theoretical methodology to reveal the most suitable parts of spawning rivers for natural reproduction, we consider the incubation of eggs in the wild as an appropriate method for the validation of the results of the theoretical assessment. Thus, we estimate the eggs’ survival differences in the wild and microcosm conditions which found significant differences in the sac-fry emergence rate in the zones assessed as “partly suitable” and “unsuitable”. Also, the results show that the emergence of eggs in the wild was less than in the microcosm conditions and the success rate of emergence of eyed eggs in the wild was higher than that of the green eggs. The results of one-way ANOVA, correlation and general linear mixed model analyses have in general proven the theoretical assessment but raise some questions on the completeness of using a set of abiotic criteria as the range of success during different experiments varies significantly.

Measuring livelihood resilience of farmers and diagnosing obstacle factors under the impact of COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province, China

Research on livelihood resilience not only helps to understand the adverse impact of COVID-19 on farmers' livelihoods, but also helps to formulate concrete actions to enhance the resilience of farmers' livelihoods and support economic recovery. Taking rural residents in Jiangsu Province of China as an example, this paper uses one-way ANOVA, entropy method and obstacle degree models to quantitatively analyze the characteristics of livelihood resilience of different types of farmers and the main obstacle factors. The main findings are as follows: (1) Both laboring type and part-time type farmers together accounted for 75.98% of the survey sample, and the non-agricultural phenomenon of farming households in Jiangsu Province is obvious; There are significant differences in livelihood characteristics among different types of farmers, with relatively high livelihood capital for planting and breeding type farmers and relatively low livelihood capital for asset and subsidy type farmers. (2) The livelihood resilience of farmers in Jiangsu Province from high to low is breeding type farmers (0.501), planting type farmers (0.493), laboring type farmers (0.465), part-time type farmers (0.455), subsidy type farmers (0.400), asset type farmers (0.389). (3) In the diagnosis of barrier factors of livelihood resilience, buffer ability disorder is the most obvious, learning ability disorder is the second, and self-organization ability disorder is the last; Among the specific factors, the most important obstacle factors for planting, breeding and asset type farmers are the number of productive assets, the number of agricultural technical services for laboring type farmers, the number of channels for obtaining information for part-time type farmers, and the family labor income for subsidy type farmers. Therefore, it is recommended that policies be improved in the post-epidemic era in terms of raising farmers' livelihood capital, developing knowledge and skills for learning, and enhancing organizational awareness.

Growth and Yield Performance of Oyster Mushroom (P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer) Using Waste Leaves and Sawdust

Mushroom is a fungus growing on decomposing substrates. It is the substrate type that affects the yield and quality of oyster mushroom. It can be cultivated by landless people to alleviate poverty. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield performance of oyster mushroom in waste leaves and sawdust. Spawn were purchased from YB Plant Micropropagation Plc; Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Euclea racemosa waste leaves, Cordia africana waste leaves, and sawdust were prepared and inoculated with the spawn. Cotton husks were used as a control. 60 grams of spawn was used for 1000 g of each substrate and supplemented with 3% wheat bran and 1% gypsum. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A one-way ANOVA model was used to indicate significant mean differences at 95% confidence interval between flushes. Treatment means were compared using Turkey’s t test. In the first flush, primordial initiation was fastest and took 6.33 days in Cordia africana waste leaves and provide higher (166 ± 48.49, 131.6 ± 32.71, 49.66 ± 15.53 gram) mean yield and BE (16.6 ± 4.84, 13.16 ± 3.27, 4.96 ± 5.5%) in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd flushes, respectively. However, in the 2nd and 3rd flushes, a lower (24.66 ± 4.61, 14.66 ± 0.57 gram) mean yield was recorded in Euclea racemosa waste leaves. Higher (10.63 ± 1.00, 7.83 ± 3.92, 6.56 ± 2.26 cm) mean pileus diameter and pileus thickness (8.3 ± 1.47, 7.76 ± 1.32, 4.10 ± 0.85 mm) were noted in sawdust in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd flushes, respectively. This study confirmed that the waste leaves of Cordia africana and Euclea racemosa could be used as an alternative substrate for the cultivation of oyster mushroom.

O.2.3-9 The working shifts &amp; physical literacy factors associated with physical activity level in various settings among nurses: preliminary results

Abstract Purpose This study aims to examine (I) the importance of working shifts on physical activity (PA) level and (II) the association between physical literacy (PL) and energy spent with PA in occupational, leisure-time, and sports settings among nurses who live most of their time in healthcare environments and are aware of health literacy and PA. Methods The data of this cross-sectional study were collected from 201 nurses (MAGE= 34.53±8.41; MBMI= 24.32±4.17) nurses working at hospitals in Eskisehir. Woking shifts were 08:00-16:00 (n = 53), 16:00-08:00 (n = 19), alternating between 08:00-16:00 and 16:00-08:00 (n = 47), and 24-hour shifts with a day off between shifts (n = 82). The 7-Day PA Assessment Questionnaire developed by Karaca and Turnagöl (2007) was used as a data collection tool as it enables individuals to report their various types of physical activities (occupational, leisure-time, sport) in the past seven days, and the energy spent is computed in terms of MET. Moreover, the Turkish version of the PL Questionnaire (Munusturlar and Yıldızer, 2021) was used to measure PL level in knowledge, communication, and self-awareness subdimensions. The data were analyzed with One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models. Results The one-way ANOVA results indicated nurses working in 24-hour shifts reported significantly higher MET values (276.05±71.07 MET/week) in occupational PA than nurses working between 08:00-16:00 (222.00±53.70 MET/week) and 16:00-08:00 (223.27±73.67 MET/week) shifts, F(3, 200)=8.539, p &amp;lt; 0.001. Regression models indicated that PL was only associated with spent energy in sports activities [F(4,200)=9.21, p &amp;lt; 0.001], but not with occupational and leisure-time PA. Lastly, knowledge was the only PL factor associated with energy spent on sports activities (ß=1.35, OR:0.77-1.93). Conclusions 24-hour working shifts with day-offs increase energy expenditure with occupational physical activity, however, there was no significant differences were found in energy expenditure with leisure time or sports activities in favor of those who work in these shifts. Moreover, increased physical literacy knowledge is the only factor for increasing physical activity participation through sports activities. Hence, policies, PA prescriptions, and interventions should focus on PL knowledge and understanding. Support/Funding Source This study was supported by Eskişehir Technical University Scientific Research Projects Commission under grant no: 23LÖT069.

Job satisfaction and moral distress of nurses working as physician assistants: focusing on moderating role of moral distress in effects of professional identity and work environment on job satisfaction

BackgroundPhysician assistant was created in response to a shortage of physicians. However, this profession is not officially recognized in Korea. Many nurses are working as physician assistants. Their job satisfaction was low due to role conflict. Job satisfaction plays a major role in providing high quality nursing. This study aimed to investigate effects of work environment and professional identity on job satisfaction and identify the mediating role of moral distress in such effects.MethodsParticipants were 112 nurses working as physician assistants. They were recruited from three General Hospitals. A questionnaire scale was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using frequency, descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Macro Model 4 with SPSS Statistics.ResultsJob satisfaction of nurses working as physician assistants had a score of 3.08 out of 5. It showed significant associations with work environment and professional identity. Moral distress had a partial mediating role in relationships of job satisfaction with work environment and professional identity.ConclusionMany nurses are working as physician assistants, although physician assistant as a profession is not officially recognized in Korea. Nurses working as physician assistants experience confusion about their professional identity and moral distress. For better nursing outcomes, physician assistant policy should be improved, and various strategies should be provided to improve their job satisfaction.

Factors associated with the core dimensions of spiritual health among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the level of spiritual health in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the core dimensions and to explore its associated factors. A cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from four hospitals between September 2020 and June 2021, using a convenience sampling. Older patients with COPD (n = 162) completed the demographic and disease-related information questionnaires, Function Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Scale, 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, COPD Assessment Test, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, t-tests, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used. Older patients with COPD have a moderate level of spiritual health. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that psychological resilience, general self-efficacy, social support, symptom burden and monthly income were associated with the core dimensions of spiritual health. Chinese older patients with COPD have a moderate level of spiritual health. Psychological resilience, general self-efficacy, social support, monthly income and symptom burden were associated with the core dimensions of spiritual health. This study is the first to investigate the level of spiritual health in older patients with COPD from the core dimensions and to explore its associated factors, providing a basis for developing spiritual intervention programs. Our findings can help us realize that intervention strategies of psychological resilience, general self-efficacy and social support can all be used to enhance spiritual health. Nurses should focus on the spiritual health of older COPD patients with high symptom burden and low monthly income. Although we did not directly involve patients and the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of the study will be disseminated to patients and the public through WeChat and seminars.

Stair Climbing Ability and Identification of the Nine Stairs Ascent and Descent Test Cut-Off Points in Hip Osteoarthritis Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives As the prevalence and incidence of hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) continue to rise, measuring the impact of hip OA severity on a patient's functionality is essential. Stair walking is a particularly relevant task to assess hip OA patients, as difficulty with stair ascent is one of the driving factors in deciding to undergo a total hip arthroplasty. Although stairs tests often arise in post-arthroplasty measures, there is a lack of reported stairs performance time in hip OA patients. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to report the stair performance time of hip OA patients categorized by disease severity and determine cut-off points that differentiate between severity grades. Materials and methods The patient selection was based on the review of de-identified data from our research laboratory database. 254 hip OA patients (aged ≥ 50 years)were divided according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system into three groups: Grade 2 (n=68), Grade 3 (n=109), and Grade 4 (n= 68). The stair-walking ability was evaluated using the 9S-A/D test. The time taken to ascendand descendthe stairs was measured separately, and the total time (9S-A/D) was also recorded. The one-way ANOVA model, Welch test, Games-Howell posthoc test, Chi-Square tests, and Two-Way ANOVA model were used for the statistical analysis of the data. The cut-off points were obtained by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Homogeneity was found between the three groups regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, except age and gender (p<0.001). The comparison of the variables (9S-ascent, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D) between groups, adjusted for gender and age,showed significant differences: Grade 2 individuals had shorter performance times compared to those in Grade 3 and Grade 4 (p<0.005). Simultaneously, patients with Grade 3 hip OA have a shorter performance time than those with Grade 4 hip OA (p<0.005). Regarding ROC analysis of Grade 2 versus Grade 3: The AUCs of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 0.742 (95%CI 0.67-0.81), 0.734 (95%CI 0.66-0.81), and 0.745 (95%CI 0.54-0.90), respectively (all p values <0.005). The cut-off points of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 8.7 s (sensitivity 56%, specificity 88%), 7.1 s (sensitivity 58%, specificity 80%), and 16.25 s (sensitivity 54%, specificity 90%), respectively. Concerning ROC analysis of Grade 3 versus Grade 4: The AUCs of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 0.702 (95%CI 0.62-0.78), 0.711 (95%CI 0.63-0.79), and 0.715 (95%CI 0.64-0.80), respectively (all p values <0.005). The cut-off points of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 11.5 s (sensitivity 66%, specificity 65%), 8.3 s (sensitivity 71%, specificity 62%), and 19.05 s (sensitivity 71%, specificity 61%), respectively. Conclusions The study provides evidence that the progression of hip OA affected stair walking; the performance time of 9S-ascent, 9S-ascent, and 9S-A/D tests was significantly longer as the severity of hip OA worsened. ROC analysis results show tests' ability to distinguish the cut-off point between different hip OA grades. However, further research is required for the reporting and classification of stair performance time values in hip OA patients and to further investigate the ability of 9S-ascent, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D tests to predict the grade of hip OA.

Analysis of Water Quality and Habitat Suitability for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates in the Majiagou Urban River, China

The macro-invertebrate is an important part of the aquatic food web of urban rivers, and it is of great significance in understanding its ecological suitability for the stability of river ecosystems. Previous studies, such as those that have conducted suitability index and canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs), have widely used a macro-invertebrate suitability analysis; however, these studies can only confirm a few coupling relationships between the environment and macro-invertebrates. In our study, one-way ANOVA, HCA, PCA and GAM models were used to explain the differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of environmental factors, as well as to reduce data redundancy. A response curve of the critical environmental factors and macro-invertebrates was constructed, and the nonlinear relationship between these factors and benthic animals was quantified to analyze the ecological threshold of the macro-invertebrates. The study area was the Majiagou River, Harbin, China. The results show that COD had significant seasonal differences due to complex hydrological conditions, and most of the water quality factors had spatial differences. The GAM model explained 60% of the Margalef diversity index (MDI) variance. The relationship between chlorophyll-a and MDI was unimodal, and MDI and NH4+-N essentially showed a negative correlation; when the total nitrogen (TN) value reached 5.8 mg/L, MDI reached its peak. When MDI was higher than the mean value, the chlorophyll-a range was 18.1 μg/L~83 μg/L. The NH4+-N was less than 1.8 mg/L, and TN was 1.8~6.8 mg/L. This study provides a reference for the comprehensive management of urban river ecosystems.

Neurocognitive function and quality-of-life in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors report significant long-term physical and cognitive declines post-treatment. Our purpose was to combine task-evoked Event-Related Potential (ERP) and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsf/MRI) methodologies to characterize the physiological underpinnings and cognitive sequelae of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, including changes in Quality-Of-Life (QOL) in patients with CRC, as compared to healthy control (HC) participants. This descriptive study recruited and obtained baseline data from patients with CRC at medical and surgical oncology visits four to six weeks post-op and followed them at 12- and 24-weeks. Procedures employed ERP, pencil and paper neuropsychological testing (N-P), structural/functional rsf/MRI, and self-report QOL methodologies. Data analyses included correlations, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and linear mixed models. Study participants (n=40) across groups (n=15, 11, 14) were balanced on age, sex, education, and race, but not marital status Several significant associations were found between changes in Dorsal Attention Network (DAN)-related ERP measures (P2, N2, N2P2, N2pc amplitudes), with QOL measures between baseline and last visits (p<0.05-0.001). Additionally, rsf/MRI findings showed increased network activity in a single node of the DAN post-treatment, which was associated with poorer performance on N-P tests of attention and working memory, as well as a focal decline in grey matter volume in the area. Our methodology revealed structural and functional changes within the DAN associated with altered spatial attention, working memory, and ability to inhibit. These disruptions may be responsible for decreased QOL ratings in patients with CRC. This study provides a putative mechanism of understanding how altered brain structural/functional relationships impact cognition, QOL, and nursing care in patients with CRC. NCI-2020-05952, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Clinical Trials.gov ID NCT03683004.