Ordinal Analysis Research Articles

Levels of stunting associated factors among under-five children in Ethiopia: A multi-level ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Stunting is a major public health problem affecting more than one-third of under five year's old children in Ethiopia. It has short and long (irreversible) consequences, including stunted growth, never reaching physical and cognitive potential, struggles in school, and increased morbidity and mortality due to infections. Though stunting is the leading cause of child mortality in Ethiopia, evidence is scarce on the prevalence and predictors of stunting among under-five years old children in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of stunting severity among under-5 children in Ethiopia. This study was based on 2019 Mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A weighted total sample of 4972 under-five years old children was included in the study. Height measurement was collected for each child. Anthropometric indicator, height-for-age was determined for children using World Health Organization growth standards (Z-scores for Height-for-Age (HAZ)) to asses stunting level. Given the ordinal nature of stunting and the hierarchical nature of EDHS data, a multilevel ordinal logistic regression model was applied. Brant test was used to check the proportional odds assumption, which was satisfied (P-value ≥0.05). Moreover, deviance was used for model comparison. For the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported as associated factor to the severity levels of stunting in the multivariable multilevel proportional odds model. The overall prevalence of stunting among under-5 children in Ethiopia was 35.7% [95% CI: 34.4%, 37.1%]. Of these, 12.1% were severely stunted, and 24.9% were moderately stunted. Being male [AOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.93], children aged 6-23 months [AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.84, 3.07], ≥ 24 months [AOR = 4.15, 95% CI: 3.26, 5.28], children whose maternal age 15-24 years [AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.92], children from the poorest, poorer, middle, and richer household wealth were [AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.57], [AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.31], [AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.44], and [AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.17], children whose maternal educational status of no formal education and primary education had [AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.82], [AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.60], Tigray [AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.78, 4.86], Afar [AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.10], Amhara [AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.14] and Harari [AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.25]regions, low community maternal education [AOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.92] were significantly associated with stunting severity levelling. Stunting among children under five years of old in Ethiopia remains a major public health issue. Improving access to maternal education is related to appropriate child feeding practices and health, particularly in younger and uneducated mothers. Strengthening the family's wealth status is also recommended to reduce stunting. In addition, it is better to support strategies of preconception care for mothers during pregnancy to reduce stunting in the long term.

Solar parks can enhance bird diversity in agricultural landscape

Solar photovoltaic power parks are a relatively new anthropogenic habitat that will become more widespread in the future. The greatest potential for solar photovoltaic power production is on arable land and grassland. Knowledge on the impacts of solar parks on biodiversity is scarce and spatially limited. We investigated the impact of ground-mounted solar parks on species richness, abundance, Shannon diversity and composition of bird communities in Slovakia (Central Europe), taking into account pre-construction land cover, elevation and landscape context. We recorded breeding, foraging or perching birds on 32 solar park plots and 32 adjacent control plots (two hectares each) during single breeding season. We found that solar parks supported higher total bird species richness and diversity, and richness and abundance of invertebrate-eaters, and that the abundance of ground-foragers was higher in solar parks developed on grassland than in grassland control plots. Ordination analysis showed that solar parks had a different composition of bird communities and thus increased overall species diversity and beta diversity in the agricultural landscapes studied. Plot type and landscape context accounted for most of the variation in bird community composition. Black redstart, European stonechat, white wagtail and Eurasian tree sparrow were identified as indicator species for solar parks. The observed pattern could be due to the higher structural diversity of solar parks. The solar parks studied were designed and managed exclusively for electricity production. It can therefore be assumed that solar parks designed and managed in synergy with a stronger focus on wildlife would have an even greater positive impact on bird diversity in an agricultural landscape.

Prevalence and Correlators of Diabetes Distress in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To address the prevalence of diabetes distress (DD) and its correlators in adults with type 2 diabetes. During 2021 and 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study in three Class A tertiary comprehensive hospitals in China, and received 947 participants who completed a printed survey covering DD, demographic, diabetic, physiological, and psychosocial factors. We used Jonckheere-Terpstra, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests to assess intergroup differences between different levels of DD. We used ordinal logistic regression analysis to analyze correlators of DD further. The prevalence of DD was 34.64%. In univariate analysis, those with lower satisfaction with financial status, longer durations of diabetes, more complications, higher glycemia, more severe insomnia, treatment by medications only, poorer lifestyle interventions, fewer self-care activities, more types and frequencies of insulin injections, and spending more money and time on treatment were susceptible to DD. Type D personality, negative illness perceptions, negative coping styles, and psychological effects of major life events were related to higher DD. Hope, self-efficacy, positive coping styles, and social support can reduce DD. In ordinal logistic regression analysis, hypoglycemic episode (β=-1.118, p=0.019, "have hypoglycemic" as reference) and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (β=0.090, p<0.001) were significant positive correlators for DD, while diet intervention (β=0.803, p=0.022, "have diet intervention" as reference), money spent on diabetes treatment (β<-0.001, p=0.035), and SES (β=-0.257, p<0.001) were significant negative correlators. More than one-third of Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes experience moderate or high levels of DD. DD was associated with financial, diabetic, physiological, and psychosocial status.

Cut stumps vs broken stumps: Does it make any difference in the maintenance of plant and lichen biodiversity in Central European mountain forests?

Excessive forest exploitation significantly contributes to land degradation and the creation of human-made deadwood. Stumps are sometimes ignored in studies on the biodiversity of coarse woody debris. We investigated whether the type of stump, i.e. broken stumps (naturally created) and cut stumps (formed during forestry operations) had an impact on the species composition and species diversity as well as due to this fact they can be characterized by plant indicators. The research covered 728 spruce stumps (287 broken and 441 cut stumps) that were inhabited by lichens, liverworts, mosses and vascular plants in mountain forest belt (Karkonosze Mts., Poland). The following types of microhabitats were included in the research: the upper surface and the lateral surface of a stump with both bark and wood. There are statistically significant compositional differences between the two types of stumps, which was demonstrated by ordination analyses and indicator species analysis. According to the generalized linear models, the probability of occurrence increases in cut stumps in case of liverworts and vascular plants and also along the decomposition stages. The generalized linear mixed-effects model showed that there was a higher species richness of liverworts, mosses and vascular plants on the cut stumps and less drier but the reverse situation was in lichens. The generalized additive models for their cover showed similar trends. Almost all of the taxonomic groups were affected by altitude both in terms of species composition and total cover on the stumps. We concluded that cut stumps are an important type of deadwood for biodiversity and provide a convenient habitat, especially for many lichens and bryophytes.

Day‐Flying Lepidopteran Species Abundance, Diversity, and Distribution in Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Lepidoptera account for the second largest, most diverse, widespread, and widely recognized insect order in the class Insecta. At four microhabitats at Wolaita Sodo University (WSU) in Ethiopia, lepidopteran diversity and abundance were studied for the first time using transects between January 2022 and December 2023. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, correlation analysis, diversity indices, and ordination and cluster analysis. Altogether 50 species of 367 individuals were collected throughout the study period distributed in 6 families. The Nymphalidae family contained the highest species abundance 20 (34%). In comparison to other ecosystems, open forest regions (35%) included more species, followed by shrub forest (30%). Species such as Danaus plexippus, Tirumala septentrionis, and Melanargia lachesis were abundant in open forest habitat. Idea leuconoe and Eurema brigitta were also abundant, regardless of location. About 36% of species were recorded only in dry season and 36% of total were recorded only in wet season. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis showed that butterfly families had strong positive relationships with flying habitat and flight seasons. Therefore, adequate conservation measures should be taken to ensure their survival, as well as the preservation of their habitats for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole.

Perceived Emotional Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction of Elementary School Children on the US-Mexico Border.

Objectives. It has been established that an adult's perceived ability to effectively address negative emotions predicts their life satisfaction. To increase the understanding of ethnic minority children's mental health and quality of life, this study examined the relationship between perceived emotional self-efficacy and life satisfaction of Hispanic children. Methods. Using the nonexperimental-correlational research design and the convenience sampling method, a total of 176 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students (73 boys, 103 girls; 88% Hispanic) in one public elementary school on the US-Mexico border were recruited to participate in this study. Emotional self-efficacy was measured using the emotional subscale of the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children and subjective well-being was measured using the Student Life Satisfaction Scale. Spearman correlation and ordinal regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses. Results. Consistent with findings from the current literature, emotional self-efficacy was positively associated with subjective well-being. Children in lower elementary grades were more likely to report higher emotional self-efficacy than those in higher elementary grades. Boys were more likely to report higher life satisfaction than girls. Conclusions and Relevance. Using a sample of elementary school children with Hispanic backgrounds on the US-Mexico border, this study attested to the empirical link between emotional self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Our study findings stress the importance of early identification of students with low emotional self-efficacious beliefs and the early introduction of social-emotional learning programs in elementary schools to enhance students' emotional self-efficacy. This study contributes to positive psychology literature and provides insights for future school-based mental health practice and research.

Type 2 diabetes severity in the workforce: An occupational sector analysis using German claims data.

Individuals of working age spend a significant amount of time at the workplace making it an important context for disease prevention and management. The temporal development and prevalence of T2D have been shown to differ in the working population based on gender, age group and occupational sector regardless of socioeconomic status. Given potential differences in risk factors associated with different work environments, this study aims to define vulnerable occupational groups by examining T2D severity and its trends in working men and women with T2D of two age groups and among nine occupational sectors. The study is based on claims data of the statutory health insurance provider AOKN. The study population consisted of all insured working individuals with T2D. T2D severity was measured using the adapted diabetes complications severity index-complication count (DCSI-CC). Mean DCSI-CC scores were calculated over four time periods between 2012 and 2019 for men and women of the age groups 18-45 and 46+ years and among nine occupational sectors. Trends of DCSI-CC were investigated using ordinal logistic regression analyses to examine the effect of time-period on the odds of having higher DCSI scores. Overall, there was a significant rise in T2D severity over time in working men and women of the older age group. Moreover, the study displayed occupational sector differences in T2D severity and its trends. Over all, working men of all sectors had higher DCSI-CC scores compared to working women. Individuals working in the sector "Transport, logistics, protection and security" and "Construction, architecture, measuring and building technology" had higher T2D severity, while those working in the "Health sector, social work, teaching & education" had relatively lower T2D severity. There was a gender-specific significant increase over time in T2D severity in the above-mentioned occupational sectors. The study displayed gender, age group and occupational sector differences in T2D severity and its trends. Working individuals could thus benefit from personalized prevention interventions that consider occupational contexts. As a next step, examining T2D trends and severity in specific occupations within the vulnerable occupational sectors is needed.

Effect of Enterpreneurial Competencies on the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Katsina State

The study examines the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Katsina state. Survey research design was employed in the study. This type of research design is adopted because the information about the independent variables and dependent variable represents what is going on at only one point in time Primary data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire issued to the respondents using stratified and simple random sampling technique. The data was collected from the sample size of 56 enterprises that cut across different small and medium enterprises. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to test and answer the questions set for the study. The findings revealed that entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial characteristics have a positive effect on the performance of SMEs in the state. It was also found that entrepreneurial motives have a positive effect on the performance of SMEs. The study recommended a need for combined efforts between governments at all levels and NGOs towards not only funding but also initiating management training and development programmes for the entrepreneurs in order to enable them acquire necessary skills, enhance and appreciate their inborn personalities and abilities. The government shall also put in place entrepreneurship policy to nurture business startups through mentorship, motivation and attitude change as they walk through entrepreneurship journey.

Risk Factors for Specific Postoperative Ischemic Complications in Patients with Moyamoya Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

To evaluate and compare postoperative ischemic complications to determine the risk factors for ischemic complications following revascularization surgery for Moyamoya disease (MMD). This single-center retrospective study included 266 procedures between 2016 and 2021. Three types of revascularization approaches including direct bypass, indirect bypass, and combined bypass were performed. To identify risk factors for postoperative ischemic complications and contralateral cerebral infarction, preoperative clinical characteristics and radiographic features were examined using multivariate and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Postoperative ischemic complications occurred in 103 (6.6%) procedures. Ischemic presentation (p=0.001, odds ratios [OR] 5.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-15.23), hypertension (p=0.030, OR 2.75, 95%CI 1.11- 6.83), advanced Suzuki stage (p=0.006, OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.40-7.26), and collateral circulation (p=0.001 OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.06-0.47) were risk factors for postoperative ischemic complications. Ordinal regression analysis revealed that unilateral involvement (p=0.043, OR 2.70, 95%CI 0.09-5.31), hemorrhagic presentation (p=0.013, OR 3.45, 95%CI 0.72-6.18), surgical approach (p=0.032, OR -1.38, 95%CI -2.65, -0.12), and collateral circulation [p=0.043, OR -1 .27, 95%CI -2.51, -0.04)] were associated with the type of ischemic complications. History of hypertension (p=0.031) and contralateral computed tomography (CT) perfusion stage (p=0.045) were associated with contralateral infarction. Inability of cerebral vessels to withstand changes in blood pressure induced by revascularization-related hemodynamic instability might be associated with postoperative complications in patients with Moyamoya disease.

A computed tomography-based comprehensive standardized adrenal tumor scoring model for predicting the perioperative outcomes of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenal surgery.

Many imaging scoring models have been developed for tumor surgery to provide critical guidance for the selection of surgical methods. However, little research has been aimed at developing scoring models for adrenal tumors and retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenal surgery (RLAS), which has become the primary technique for treating adrenal tumors. The study set out to establish a computed tomography (CT)-based adrenal tumor scoring model for predicting perioperative outcomes in patients with adrenal tumors who have undergone RLAS. The retrospective analysis included 306 patients with adrenal tumors diagnosed by preoperative unenhanced or enhanced CT from January 2014 to August 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. CT images were used to quantify the tumor location and size; the relationships of the tumors with the surrounding organs and tissues, the large abdominal blood vessels, and the upper poles of the kidneys and renal hila; the adhesion of periadrenal fat (PF); and the tumor CT enhancement value. We conducted multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis to screen variables and performed principal component analysis to construct a novel scoring model for RLAS. The perioperative outcomes of RLAS were evaluated according to postoperative length of stay, operative time (OT), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), and postoperative complications. The final scoring model included tumor size; the relationships of the tumors with the surrounding organs and tissues, the large abdominal blood vessels, and the upper poles of the kidneys and renal hila; the tumor CT enhancement value; the adhesion of the PF; and the functional status of adrenal tumors. The total score had positive correlations with the OT (rs=0.431), IBL (rs=0.446), and postoperative length (rs=0.180) (all P values <0.001). Compared to any single metric, the total score provided better prediction of OT and IBL. The grading system for RLAS based on the scoring model also performed well in predicting the complexity and difficulty of RLAS. The coincidence rate for these factors was good (all P values <0.001). The developed model is feasible and repeatable in the prediction of the perioperative outcomes, complexity, and difficulty of RLAS.

Factors associated with dietary patterns (DPS) and nutritional status among pregnant women in AM-HDSS, South Ethiopia.

Malnutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of chronic illness later in life and adverse birth outcomes in subsequent generations. In this regard, consumption of diets rich in adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals from a variety of foods is essential. Evidence on the status of maternal dietary pattern is very crucial. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess factors associated with dietary patterns and nutritional status of pregnant women in South Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 randomly selected pregnant women using a validated, a pre-tested, contextualized food frequency questionnaire using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire by digital open-source toolkit. Principal component factor analysis was employed to determine dietary patterns. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with dietary patterns and nutritional status, using STATA version 16. The dietary habits of pregnant women were best explained by three distinct dietary patterns. Urban dwellers (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.59), from high socio-economic status (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.68, 3.51), from middle socio-economic status (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.48), primigravida mothers (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.78), and multigravida mothers (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.39, 3.10) were high likelihood to consume the highest tercile of "Cereals-Pulses and Dairy" compared to rural dwellers, from low socio-economic status and grand multigravida, respectively. Attending formal education (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.51), from higher socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.38), not having food aversion (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.39), and had good dietary knowledge (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.32) were associated with a higher tercile consumption of "Nutrient-Dense" food compared to those without formal education, having food aversion and had poor dietary knowledge, respectively. Not attending formal education (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.48, 3.36), had decision-making autonomy (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.90), and had good dietary knowledge (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.08) were found to consume the highest tercile of "Leafy local food" compared to their counterpart. Consumption of lower terciles "Nutrient-Dense" food (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.47) and "Leafy local food" (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.54, 3.51) were found to be factors associated with under nutrition during pregnancy. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified. Factors associated with these major dietary patterns included place of residence, socio-economic status, educational level, dietary knowledge, food aversion, number of pregnancies, and maternal decision-making autonomy. Under nutrition among pregnant women was found to be high and associated with the consumption of 'Nutrient-Dense' and 'Leafy local' foods. Therefore, concerned health authorities should strengthen dietary counseling during pregnancy, provide family planning services, and promote women's education.

Caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric tertiary hospital in South Africa.

Chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia affect patients' functioning, making caregiving necessary although burdensome. This study aimed to determine caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a Psychiatric Outpatient Department (POD). Tertiary hospital in Northern Pretoria, South Africa. In this cross-sectional study conducted over 3 months, 300 consecutive family caregivers who attended the POD were administered a 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), which has a score of 0-88, with higher values indicating more burden. Their sociodemographic characteristics were ascertained. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants or predictors of total and severe burdens, respectively. Most caregivers were aged 46.0 ± 14 years, females (62%), parents (39%), of low-income status (93.7%), had secondary education (70%), resided with the patient (87%), and helped with all troublesome activities (95.3%). The median ZBI-22 score was 19.0 (interquartile range: 13.0-30.5). The determinants of both total and severe burdens were: caregiver age ≥ 50 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.55, confidence interval (CI): 1.49-4.36; residential area farther away from the hospital aOR: 1.76, CI: 1.3-2.99; increasing months of caregiving aOR: 1.0, CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.006; and not having another family member that needs care aOR: 0.43, CI: 0.24-0.78. Having mental healthcare facilities close to residential areas and assisting caregivers aged ≥ 50 years who have multiple family members who need care may alleviate the burden. Predicting total and severe caregiver burdens contemporaneously is effective for identifying potential burden interventions.

Parental perception of nocturnal enuresis in a local region of Saudi Arabia.

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability. This study aimed to assess parents' perception of NE in children in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional study from May to August 2023, including parents aged ≥18 years living in the area. We administered an online questionnaire to assess parents' knowledge and attitudes toward NE and its treatment. A total of 616 parents completed the questionnaire, 71.4% of which were women, 35% were aged between 25 and 35 years, 75% were married, 65% had a university degree, and 49% had three or more children. In total, 70% demonstrated a good overall knowledge about NE and its treatment, and nearly 60% had a positive attitude toward the condition. Univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that female sex, a higher level of education, and having more than one child were associated with a higher score regarding attitude toward treatment. The level of education and the number of children were predictors of knowledge and a positive attitude toward NE in children.

Efficient last-mile logistics with service options: A multi-criteria decision-making and optimization methodology

The rapid growth of online shopping has intensified the need for cost-effective and efficient delivery systems, posing a significant challenge for businesses worldwide. This study proposes an innovative two-phase methodology that uses a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for efficient last-mile logistics with service options (ELMLSO) such as home delivery, self-pickup, and differently-priced services. This approach aims to streamline last-mile logistics by integrating these service options, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective delivery network that enhances customer satisfaction and maintains a competitive edge. The first phase employs the Ordinal Preference Analysis - Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (OPA-EDAS) method to select optimal pickup and delivery centers. The second phase identifies the optimal route using a bi-objective mixed-integer mathematical model, striving to balance cost minimization and customer satisfaction maximization. The Normalized Normal Constraint Method (NNCM) is utilized to solve this model. The application of these methods results in considerable cost savings and improved customer satisfaction, offering valuable insights for managers within the last-mile logistics industry.

Transparency and Efficiency through Digital Healthcare? Results of a Survey of Generation Y

Generation Y represents a special target group in healthcare. Young, healthy and digitally socialized with integration of technologies into everyday life, they have specific needs. In the context of societal challenges such as demographic change and securing a skilled workforce, taking these needs into account, especially for maintaining health, should be the goal of public health as well as specific actors such as health insurers and employers. The research was intended to test and deepen the findings of two previous stages of work, specifically a qualitative survey. In this way, two research questions were to be answered: I: the importance of transparency and efficiency in the use of digital health innovations by Generation Y and II: the influence of socio-demographic and technology-associated factors on the use of digital health innovations by Generation Y in addition to the needs. As a conclusion of a sequential approach, assessments of transparency- and efficiency-associated needs in context of the use of digital health innovations of persons from Generation Y were collected in a quantitative online survey. 355 fully completed data sets were analyzed using SPSS software. An ordinal regression analysis was used to test the influence of predictors from six previously formulated hypotheses. The study was able to describe influences of the constructs transparency and efficiency on the use of apps and smart devices. The need for a sense of control had a significantly negative effect, while the need for structuring and seamless integration into everyday life had a significantly positive effect. Gender and technology readiness also had an impact. According to the data analysis, efficiency and thus a concrete everyday benefit from digital health innovations seems to be more relevant for Generation Y than autonomous empowerment and thus transparency. By taking into account the needs described as well as corresponding preferences, the target group could be addressed and usage could potentially be increased. Prevention and health promotion, as well as their organization, should be able to be incorporated into everyday life at a low threshold, and everyday life should be positively supplemented and efficiently supported.

Prevalence of Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care, Academic Center in Tehran City, Iran

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 vaccine side effects predominantly affect public confidence in vaccination. Therefore, this study evaluated the rate and severity of adverse reactions associated with the COVID-19 Sputnik V vaccine among tertiary healthcare providers in an academic medical center. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out from March 2021 to August 2021 among Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex healthcare workers, a tertiary referral healthcare center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Participants provided demographic and clinical information through a validated questionnaire after being interviewed. The frequency, severity, and outcome of all reactions after vaccination were recorded. The study utilized SPSS software, version 24.0 to conduct descriptive statistics on baseline variables and inferential statistics to examine associations between vaccine side effects and gender, medical history, and COVID-19 history of the participants. Additionally, ordinal regression analysis was employed to identify factors predicting the severity of adverse effects after the first and second doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. Results: A total of 372 participants (54.3% female) with a mean age of 36.5±9.18 years were recruited. The rate of at least one side effect was 77.15% and 57.8% after the first and second doses, respectively. The most common side effects among participants were myalgia (48.4% after the first and 28.2% after the second dose), injection site pain (26.3% after the first and 12.6% after the second dose), and fever (19.6% after the first and 12.9% after the second dose). The higher rate of fever and myalgia after the first dose was observed among subjects with a history of COVID-19. Conclusion: Among healthcare workers, the side effects following the first and second doses of the Sputnik V vaccine were primarily mild, with no cases requiring hospitalization. Further research is required to assess potential side effects in larger and diverse populations with varying demographic and social characteristics.

Can bone mass measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis be used to diagnose sarcopenia?

The simplification of diagnostic criteria is critical to promoting interventions for sarcopenia. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and bone mass [measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)], as well as to identify new indicators associated with this disease. Basic interviews and measurement of physical function were performed on 474 community-dwelling older adults (aged 77.1 ± 7.6 years), including older adult patients with sarcopenia, in Wakasa Town, Fukui Prefecture. The findings led to 363, 71, and 40 participants being classified as 'normal', 'pre-sarcopenia', and 'having sarcopenia', respectively. An Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis showed that age, bone mass phase angle (lower limb), Fat-free Mass Index, and leg muscle score were aggravating factors for sarcopenia in both men and women. A receiver operating characteristic analysis of bone mass and sarcopenia status showed that the area under the curve and cut-off value, as well as its sensitivity and specificity, in men were 0.915 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.853-0.977], 2.2 kg, 81%, and 87%, respectively, and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.858-0.968), 1.6 kg, 91%, and 88%, respectively, in women. This study revealed that the BIA method of measuring bone mass has excellent accuracy in detecting sarcopenia in both males and females.

Minimizing the Pain of Local Anesthesia Administration in Interventional Radiology with an Anesthetic Portal Technique

Abstract Objective This article assesses the effectiveness of a standardized local anesthetic (LA) technique designed to minimize the pain of local anesthesia administration in interventional radiology (IR). Materials and Methods A prospective study compared participants' experience in a control group (n = 63) of random LA administration techniques to a separate experimental group (n = 60) with a standardized technique based on known methods to minimize the pain of LA. Participants in each group were surveyed after LA administration to assess perceived pain and number of times a painful stick was felt. Participants were also asked to compare LA pain to prior experiences with LA, and to compare the overall pain experienced during the procedure to expected pain. Statistical Analysis Ordinal variable distribution analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Categorical variable analyses were performed with the Pearson's global exact chi-square test. Results Pain of LA (mean 1.1 vs. 3.3 on a 0–10 scale, p &lt; 0.001), number of times a painful stick was felt (mean 0.8 vs. 1.9 times, p &lt; 0.001), and overall pain during the procedure (mean 1.5 vs. 3.4 on 0–10 scale, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly less using the standardized versus random techniques. Compared with prior experiences of LA, pain using the standardized technique was less in 77.6%, the same in 22.4%, and more in 0% of patients while pain using the random technique was less in 46.4%, the same in 39.3%, and more in 14.3% of patients (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Severity and frequency of pain from LA administration in IR procedures is minimized using a standardized anesthetic portal technique. This technique may also decrease overall pain experienced during IR procedures as well.

The Correlation between Serum Vitamin D and Total IgE Levels and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria among Chinese Population: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D, total IgE levels and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). We collected data from 101 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (experimental group) and 115 healthy normal subjects (control group) in the same period of physical examination. The results showed that the number of deficient and absolute deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the activity score of CSU patients was negatively correlated with serum vitamin D (r = -0.2278, P = 0.0220) and positively correlated with IgE (r = 0.2078, P = 0.0380). It was observed that serum vitamin D in CSU patients was negatively correlated with their activity (r = -0.2278, P = 0.0220) and positively correlated with age (r = 0.2675, P = 0.0069). The Point-biserial correlation analysis revealed that gender was positively correlated with serum vitamin D (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.286, P = 0.004) and UAS score (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.273, P = 0.006). Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that only serum vitamin D was correlated to activity scores (P = 0.008). In addition to activity scores, age (P = 0.005) and gender (P = 0.04) were correlated to serum vitamin D. The activity score of CSU patients was negatively correlated with serum vitamin D and positively correlated with IgE. Serum vitamin D in CSU patients was negatively correlated with activity score and disease duration and positively correlated with age and gender.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

This work aimed to investigate the potential role of abnormal lipid metabolism in the development of prostate cancer (PCa). A retrospective study design was used. The clinical data of 520 patients who underwent rectal prostate biopsy in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 were analysed. The patients were enrolled and divided into the anterior PCa group including 112 patients and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) group including 408 patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for the two patient groups, and further comparisons were made according to the Gleason score and TNM staging. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level may be an independent risk factor for PCa, and it was significantly associated with the risk of PCa (odds ratio (OR) = 1.363, p = 0.030). Patients with PCa were further divided into the low risk group and the high risk group according to the Gleason score. Univariate analysis (p = 0.047) and logistic regression analysis (OR = 2.249, p = 0.036) revealed that LDL-C was a significant factor influencing the Gleason score. Patients with PCa were categorised into four groups based on TNM staging. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis (p = 0.015) and ordinal logistic regression analysis (OR = 2.414, p = 0.007) demonstrated that LDL-C was a significant factor influencing TNM staging. This study revealed the important role of LDL-C in the development of PCa, highlighting its influence as an independent risk factor. Thus, LDL-C may promote the proliferation and invasion of PCa cells.