One-year Interval Research Articles

Age-stratified analysis of health-related quality of life in patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiation therapy and endocrine therapy.

Age-stratified analysis of health-related quality of life in patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiation therapy and endocrine therapy.

Excellent test-retest reliability of perturbation-evoked cortical responses supports feasibility of the balance N1 as a clinical biomarker.

There is a growing interest in measuring cortical activity during balance control for understanding mechanisms of impaired balance with aging and neurological dysfunction. The most well-characterized electrophysiological signal elicited by a balance disturbance is the perturbation-evoked N1 potential. We previously found associations between the N1 and balance ability, suggesting it may be a potential biomarker of balance health. However, a potential biomarker will be limited by its reliability and clinical feasibility, which has yet to be established. Here, we characterized the reliability of the balance N1 within and between sessions over a one-week interval in 10 younger and 14 older adults, and over a one-year interval in a subset of older adults (n=12). We extracted N1 amplitude and latency from the Cz electrode using an advanced, computationally-intensive approach (64 electrodes, many trials). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was quantified by split-half reliability using the Spearman correlation coefficient. N1s varied across individuals, yet within individuals, showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC>0.9) and internal reliability (r>0.9). N1 amplitude reliability generally plateaued within 6 trials, while more trials were needed to reliably measure latency. Similar results were obtained using a minimal approach (three electrodes, simple preprocessing) and at the component level (largest contributing N1 source). The N1's stability, reliability, and feasibility make it well-suited for potential use as a clinical biomarker. Characterizing N1 reliability in different populations and contexts will be necessary to enhance our understanding, optimize experimental design, and determine its predictive validity (e.g., falls risk).

Empathy and theory of mind development at preschool age: a one-year cross-lagged panel study

ABSTRACT Empathy and Theory of Mind (ToM) contribute to new socioemotional abilities that help preschoolers in their relationships with peers and others and promote their well-being. Their predictive link has not yet been explored in preschoolers, even though theoretical postulates have been put forward. This longitudinal study examined the extent to which affective, cognitive and behavioural empathy predict affective, cognitive and mixed ToM, and vice versa. 69 children aged 3 to 6 years took part in two assessment sessions with a one-year interval. They performed the ToM task Battery and their mothers completed three scales from the Griffith Empathy Measure and the Empathy Questionnaire. Cross-lagged panel analyses showed differentiated, bidirectional, predictive links between dimensions of empathy and ToM. Affective empathy predicted affective and mixed ToM, while cognitive and mixed ToM predicted affective and cognitive empathy, after one year. This study emphasizes the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to these two domains in assessment and interventions to stimulate social cognition in children of preschool age.

Comparative evaluation of accuracy for manual, digital and cbct generated superimposition of cephalometric landmarks- A retrospective study

Conventional lateral cephalograms utilize two-dimensional (2D) technology, which limits the information retrieved from the scan. The accuracy and reliability with 3D superimpositions, offer a useful method for evaluating orthodontic treatment changes, as well as growth in patients. Cephalometric evaluation lacks a defined gold standard and Traditional methods face errors and time issues, while digital approaches vary in efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of manual, digital and CBCT-generated superimposition of cephalometric landmarks.The study consisted of 20 patients wherein two lateral cephalograms and two CBCT were taken for each patient. They were traced manually/digitally at the beginning and one-year intervals. Reference landmarks marked on the anterior cranial base, maxilla, and mandible for superimposition of radiographs and CBCT. Radiographic tracings were superimposed manually, digital superimposition done with DOLPHIN software for radiographs and INVIVO SOFTWARE for CBCT scans. Subsequently, these superimpositions were compared for accuracy.Maxillary and mandibular measurements showed improved 3D accuracy over manual and 2D methods in both the X and Y axes. Dentition measurements significantly improved in 2D and 3D compared to manual. Soft tissue measurements in 3D surpassed both manual and 2D, with no significant difference from 2D for mean soft tissue measurements.Compared to manually and digitally traced radiographs, all evaluated procedures were acceptable and dependable. The CBCT scans provided higher levels of accuracy and reliability.

Transitions in patterns of family resilience and their associations with parent-child interaction: A longitudinal study using latent transition analysis among families of children with chronic illness.

Transitions in patterns of family resilience and their associations with parent-child interaction: A longitudinal study using latent transition analysis among families of children with chronic illness.

Bidirectional relationships between phonological processing and basic number knowledge in kindergarten children: a longitudinal study

An ongoing debate on the association between phonological processing and number knowledge concerns the extent to which they influence each other during early childhood. The current study aims to establish the direction of the developmental relationship between these two kinds of abilities at an early age. Eighty-two Chinese kindergarten children were followed from 5 to 6 years old with a one-year interval. We investigated three phonological processing skills (phonological awareness, phonological memory, and rapid automatized naming) and two kinds of basic number knowledge (number identification and number comparison) at time 1 and time 2. Cross-lagged panel analyses revealed that the association between phonological awareness and number comparison was bidirectional. Specifically, early phonological awareness at time 1 could predict later number identification, and early number comparison at time 1 was a significant predictor of later phonological memory. In contrast, rapid automatized naming had no such predictive relations with other variables. The present findings are among the first to provide evidence that basic number knowledge could predict later phonological processing in kindergarten children.

Response of the germinable soil seed bank of temperate Leymus chinensis meadows to mowing regimes.

Mowing is a primary practice in temperate L. chinensis meadows, which are severely degraded due to frequent mowing, overgrazing, and other factors, necessitating restoration and sustainable management. The natural recovery of these grasslands hinges on their germinable soil seed banks, which form the basis for future productivity. Thus, germinable soil seed banks are critical for restoring overexploited meadows. In this study, we conducted germination experiments on 135 soil samples from various depths to comprehensively analyze the germinable seed bank under different mowing regimes. The main results were as follows: (1) the germinable soil seed bank density decreased significantly with a mowing event per year (C1), and the number of perennial grass seeds and upper grass seeds also decreased under the mowing event per year; (2) the size of the germinable soil seed bank increased under the other mowing regimes (control area without mowing or grazing, CK; mowing event every 2 years, C2; mowing event every 3 years, C3; and mowing event every six years, C6) relative to that under once-a-year mowing. With increasing soil depth, the number of germinable soil seeds decreased significantly. Most of the seeds in the germinable soil seed banks were distributed in the 0-2 cm soil layer, accounting for approximately 80% of the total, and at depths of 5-10 cm, the number of seeds of upper grasses was greater than that of perennial grasses. (3). During the mowing event each year, the seed bank of germinable soil seeds significantly decreased. Mowing every 2 years provides a one-year interval for natural vegetation growth, allowing for greater retention of seeds in the germinable soil seed bank. Mowing every 6 years significantly reduces the disturbance frequency, providing ample time for plant reproduction and resulting in the accumulation of germinable seeds in the soil.

More envy, more loneliness? not only that: A longitudinal study and daily diary study

Although cross-sectional studies have explored the correlation between envy and loneliness, few longitudinal studies have investigated the bidirectional association between envy and loneliness at both trait and state levels. Here, through a longitudinal study and a daily diary investigation, we examined the interrelationships between envy and loneliness at both trait and state levels. In study 1, 288 college students answered the Dispositional Envy Scale (DES) and UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCL-8 Scale) twice with a one-year interval. The results of cross-lagged analysis indicated that dispositional envy could predict trait loneliness, while not vice versa. In study 2, using the adapted items form DES and UCL-8, a 14-day diary survey from a sample of 195 college students was conducted to investigate the interrelationship between state envy and state loneliness. The results of multivariate latent growth models and hierarchical linear models indicated that state envy could positively predict state loneliness and vice versa. Taken together, these findings uncover the bidirectional relationship between envy and loneliness at both the trait and state levels.

Impact of generalized joint hypermobility on quality of life and physical activity in school-aged children: a longitudinal study

BackgroundGeneralized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) offers flexibility that could enhance motor activities. However, if it leads to injury and pain, it increases functional difficulties and activity limitations. The far-reaching consequences of activity limitations and restricted participation include poor physical fitness and diminished quality of life. This study investigated whether variations in joint mobility are associated with physical activity levels, physical fitness, and overall quality of life (QoL) among children and whether these factors change over a 2-year period.MethodOne hundred and sixty-five school-aged children were recruited at the beginning of a two-year longitudinal study. One hundred and eleven children were measured three times at one-year intervals. Joint mobility was classified as normal mobile, mobile, or hypermobile. The children were administered the FACES pain scale, the child activity limitation interview, a physical activity questionnaire, and the pediatric quality of life inventory questionnaire. Additionally, the 20-meter shuttle run was used to estimate aerobic fitness.ResultsIn this study, pain was unrelated to joint mobility. The activity limitations of our study population were not different at baseline or at the end of the study, irrespective of joint mobility. Children with GJH had significantly lower physical activity levels at the end of the study. Overall, QoL increased over time, and aerobic capacity decreased. However, changes in children with GJH were not significantly different from those in children with normal mobility in this respect.ConclusionChildren with GJH were moderately active, however significantly less than children with normal mobility. Joint mobility had no significant effect on activity limitations, physical fitness or QoL.

Prevalence of mental health conditions in post-conflict Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A repeated, cross-sectional study.

Globally, one in five people in post-conflict areas are estimated to be living with a mental health condition. As a key public health issue, these conditions negatively affect individuals, communities, and societies to function after a conflict. Documenting the prevalence of mental health conditions amongst these populations is crucial to prioritise and guide future mental health interventions. This study was the first to use a repeated cross-sectional design and sex-disaggregated analysis, with the aim of estimating the prevalence of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) in a post-conflict population of the Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Several domains of Quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF) were also assessed to gain insight into the relationship between bio-psychosocial stressors and mental health status. Using random cluster sampling, data were collected in two waves from 385 participants, with a one-year interval. The pooled prevalence across both waves was 34.3% for major depression disorder and 26.5% for generalised anxiety disorder. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that depression and anxiety were both predicted by being female, being of older age, and by experiencing lower physical quality of life, but not by the passing of time. For both mental health outcomes, environmental quality of life served as a significant predictor for women, but not for men. In conclusion, these results suggest that a lack of mental health services and continued exposure to daily stressors are linked to a sustained high prevalence of mental health conditions in our study population. There is a significant need for the development of mental health services in the region. These services should go beyond biomedical interventions and include multi-sectoral approaches that consider the social determinants of (mental) health.

The Korean medicine for aging cohort (KoMAC) study: A protocol for a prospective, multicenter cohort study on healthy aging in the population entering old age in South Korea.

South Korea is anticipated to enter a super-aged society by 2025, necessitating a focus on healthy aging. In Korean medicine (KM), aging and disease susceptibility are individual specific, emphasizing personalized treatments, and many Korean local governments have integrated KM services for elderly people into the public sector. However, there is a notable absence of research incorporating KM to treat older adults. The proposed study aims to examine the comprehensive health profiles of individuals entering old age in rural and urban areas and explore the significant correlations between healthy aging and four key factors: biological, psychological, social, and KM-based phenotype factors. It will also establish a database and blood biobank, serving as a platform for future research to develop a traditional KM-based healthy aging model. A multiple randomized controlled trial design will be adopted in this prospective, multicenter cohort study for the clinical investigation of the markers associated with KM-based healthy aging. The aim is to recruit 1,000 participants who are entering old age from both urban and rural settings for this study, and recruitment began in August 2023 with follow-up surveys planned at one-year intervals. Comprehensive health profiles, including biological, psychological, social, and KM-based phenotype factors, will be developed through the creation of a database, a blood biobank, and multi-omics data. In the baseline phase of this study, we will focus on identifying markers for KM-based phenotypes and examining how these phenotypes relate to aging and associated diseases. In the next phase, we will implement interventions tailored to KM-based phenotypes to verify the effects of KM on healthy aging. Ultimately, we intend to develop a KM-based integrated health management model, with further substudies aiming to explore factors related to healthy aging. This protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea (approval number: WKUIOMH-IRB-2023-05) on August 16, 2023 and Jangheung Integrative Medical Hospital (approval number: WKUJIM-202307-001) on August 21, 2023. Recruitment started on August 16, 2023. The anticipated results of our study aim to establish personalized preventive and therapeutic interventions for individuals entering old age. Additionally, we seek to offer an KM-based integrated health management model that incorporates comprehensive diagnosis and an integrative medical treatment strategy for healthy aging. Clinical Research Information Service: KCT0008863 (registered on October 11, 2023, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/25718).

Outcomes following modified chevron osteotomy combined with akin osteotomy for severe hallux valgus: A prospective study.

Outcomes following modified chevron osteotomy combined with akin osteotomy for severe hallux valgus: A prospective study.

Longitudinal analysis highlights structural changes in grey- and white-matter within military personnel exposed to blast

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether gray matter volume and diffusion-based metrics in associated white matter changed in breachers who had neuroimaging performed at two timepoints. A secondary purpose was to compare these changes in a group who had a one-year interval between their imaging timepoints to a group that had a two-year interval between imaging. Methods Between timepoints, clusters with significantly different gray matter volume were used as seeds for reconstruction of associated structural networks using diffusion metrics. Results Of 92 eligible participants, 62 had imaging at two timepoints, 36 with a one-year interval between scans and 26 with a two-year interval between scans. A significant effect of time was documented in the midcingulate cortex, but there was no effect of timepoint (1 versus 2 years). The associated white matter in this cluster had three regions with differences in fractional anisotropy compared to baseline, while there was no effect of timepoint (1 versus 2 years). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that military personnel involved in repetitive exposure to sub-concussive blast overpressures may experience changes to both gray matter and white matter structures.

Positive Teacher-Student Relationships Lead to Less Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Within-Person Perspective.

Adolescence is usually the beginning of externalizing problems. At the same time, as adolescents mature it drives changes in teacher-student relationships. Even though bidirectional associations between teacher-student relationships and cyberbullying perpetration exist, studies examining this link at the within-person level are lacking. This longitudinal study tested the process of influence between teacher-student relationships and cyberbullying perpetration and examined whether teacher-student relationships predicted cyberbullying perpetration by using the random-intercept cross-lagged model. Participants included 2,407 Chinese adolescents (50.23% girl, M age = 12.75, SD = 0.58 at baseline) from seven schools at three-time points with one-year intervals. Results showed that initial levels and changes of teacher-student relationships significantly predicted cyberbullying perpetration. The relation between teacher-student relationships and cyberbullying perpetration was stable over time at the within-person level, but not at the between-person level. Furthermore, self-esteem significantly predicted cyberbullying perpetration at the between-person level, but not at the within-person level. The results indicate that adolescents with higher teacher-student relationships compared to their own average, tended to be those who later experienced lower cyberbullying perpetration and vice versa. Low self-esteem is not a risk factor for cyberbullying perpetration at the within-person level.

The Effect of Glucagon-like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Diabetic Retinopathy Progression, Central Subfield Thickness, and Response to Intravitreal Injections.

Objectives: To examine the effects of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression, visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), and response to intravitreal injections (IVIs) in the Hadassah ophthalmological cohort. Methods: Of 4500 Hadassah patients with DR, 146 had a documented first course of GLP1-RA treatment lasting at least a year along with ophthalmological follow-up. Of these, 35 underwent at least two optical coherence tomography (OCT) exams with a one-year interval. These 35 GLP1-RA-naïve patients were compared to a control group of 31 patients with DR who did not receive GLP1-RA treatment. We compared demographics, medical records, ocular data, and OCT characteristics between the two study groups. Results: At baseline, patients who received GLP1-RA treatment had a significantly higher prevalence of retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage, as well as a higher (though not statistically significant) prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities compared to the control group. At the end of the follow-up period, the GLP1-RA group had a higher prevalence of DR progression compared to controls (3/19 vs. 0/20, respectively; p = 0.106, Fisher's exact test), but also showed a better response to IVIs (27/35 vs. 17/31, respectively; unadjusted OR: 2.78, p = 0.058; 95% CI: [0.963, 8.020], Pearson's chi-square test). However, vitreous hemorrhage and hyperreflective retinal foci were confounding factors (adjusted IVI response OR: 1.76, p = 0.229, 95% CI: [0.553, 5.650], logistic regression). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of change in visual acuity (-0.135 vs. -0.063 logMAR, respectively; p = 0.664, Student's t-test) or CST (-13.49 vs. -30.13 μm; p = 0.464, Student's t-test). Conclusions: This study presents preliminary findings showing no significant differences in DR progression, visual acuity, and CST between patients treated with GLP1-RA and control patients. Moreover, GLP1-RA therapy was not significantly associated with improved IVI response, with ocular parameters acting as confounding factors.

The impact of life events on child and adolescent psychiatry consultations

Purpose: Children are exposed to many adverse life events, and this may cause psychiatric disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of two different life events, the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake, on the consultations requested. Materials and Methods: 1268 consultations requested from the child and adolescent psychiatry department between March 2019 and March 2023 were reviewed from hospital records. The specified period was divided into four distinct parts with one-year intervals: pre-pandemic, the first year of the pandemic, the second year of the pandemic, and post-pandemic. The age, gender, diagnoses of the cases, the department requesting consultation and the reason for consultation were recorded. Results: There were statistically significant differences between periods in terms of departments requested consultation, consultation reasons, and diagnoses. Compared to previous periods, a decrease was found in pediatric emergency and general pediatric clinic consultations in the post-pandemic period. In contrast, an increase was seen in nephrology and intensive care unit department consultations because of earthquakes. In the first year of the pandemic, more consultations were requested from the hematology & oncology department compared to other years. While the rate of consultations requested for suicide attempts decreased in the post-pandemic period, consultations for psychiatric assessment increased. Conclusion: Consultation-liaison psychiatry, which is at the center of interdisciplinary interaction, maintains its importance in the prevention and early diagnosis of psychological symptoms that can develop due to both organic events and the effect of trauma itself after the life events.

Self-regulation deficiencies and perceived problematic online pornography use among young Chinese women: The role of self-acceptance

Self-regulation deficiencies and perceived problematic online pornography use among young Chinese women: The role of self-acceptance

Brokering school improvement through a school–university partnership: a longitudinal social network analysis of middle leadership development

PurposeThis study addresses a gap in the knowledge on how longitudinal engagement in a school improvement initiative influences change in middle leaders’ (MLs') interactions and assesses how school–university partnerships around school improvement can support teachers with formal leadership roles (i.e. MLs’) leadership development.Design/methodology/approachUsing a two-year longitudinal research design, university staff facilitated middle leadership training in a school-defined improvement initiative on lesson study. Results from a pre-test followed by two post-tests administered at one-year intervals were collected on social networks. Analyses examined changes in indegree and brokerage patterns among groupings of senior leaders (SL), subject leaders, cross-school specialists and teachers.FindingsAccounting for staffing changes, 27 of 67 staff members participated in each survey, yielding 1,623 distinct ties connecting school members. Over the first year, advice-seeking increased by 225%. SLs’ initial propensity to consult peers shifted towards MLs and teachers. Subject leaders advising other leaders and teachers increased tenfold. Teachers’ peer-to-peer consultation increased by 2,000%. Specialists with school-wide responsibilities became the dominant group for advising other leaders, such as SLs and subject leaders. These shifts were sustained over the second year.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates that engagement in the school–university partnership support and the corresponding structural changes stimulated robust cross-school dialogue among teachers and various leaders. Brokerage patterns indicated an enhanced role for MLs in driving the school-defined improvement initiative which corresponded to university-designed development activities.

Dynamic networks of complex posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among college students with childhood trauma: insights from cross-sectional and cross-lagged panel network analysis

ABSTRACT Background and Objective: There is a current research gap regarding the symptom structure and underlying causal relationships between complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and depressive symptoms. This longitudinal study used a cross-sectional network and cross-lag panel network (CLPN) to examine how CPTSD and depression symptoms interact over time in Chinese college students with childhood trauma. Methods: From 18,933 college students who took part in 2 surveys 12 months apart, 4006 participants (mean age: 20.07 ± 2.04) who reported childhood trauma were screened. Within this sample, there were 2354 (58.8%) males and 1652 (41.2%) females. Results: In the one-year interval CLPN model, it was found that depressive symptoms may precede other symptoms. Specifically, negative emotions and negative self-evaluations are more likely to predict subsequent symptoms. Conversely, in CPTSD, symptoms related to fear and anxiety, such as avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal, are more frequently activated by other symptoms, including negative emotions Conclusions: This finding offers a novel perspective on the interplay between CPTSD and depression, extending the existing theory. From a clinical standpoint, the points of intervention for comorbidity between depression and CPTSD who have experienced childhood trauma differ across different stages.

Historical empathy can longitudinally predict adolescent students’ history achievement via classroom engagement

In the context that many students have been fed up with rote learning or mechanical learning in history, this three-wave longitudinal study with one-year intervals examined the potential role of historical empathy in facilitating history learning. A sample of 821 middle school students participated (aged from 11 to 15 years, M = 13.47 years, SD = 0.64). Results indicated that historical empathy positively predicted students’ classroom engagement in history, which further positively predicted students’ history achievement. More specifically, both cognitive historical empathy and affective historical empathy could be longitudinally associated with cognitive, affective, behavioural, and agentic classroom engagement, respectively. Each of the four facets of history classroom engagement could be longitudinally associated with history achievement, respectively. These findings empirically validated the positive role of history empathy in improving history learning and suggested that it may be a promising way to change the current status quo of history learning by cultivating students’ historical empathy.