Overall Life Satisfaction Research Articles

Longitudinal Associations Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Cognitive and Affective Components of Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents: A Network Analysis

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in studies aimed at investigating the relationships between cyberbullying and subjective well-being (SWB) among adolescent populations. Nonetheless, the existing literature on this topic remains relatively sparse. Consequently, this study aims to explore the prospective associations of these constructs through the application of psychometric network analysis. Two cross-lagged network analyses were conducted (Wave 1 and Wave 2), alongside a longitudinal network analysis, encompassing 888 students aged 12 to 16 years (M = 12.61; SD = 1.79) from five secondary educational institutions. The results from both cross-lagged networks at both time points revealed significant associations among overall life satisfaction (OLS) and the various domains of life satisfaction, thereby reinforcing the central role of OLS within the network architecture of adolescent well-being. Regarding the affective component of SWB, “happy” emerged as the affect demonstrating the highest level of influence and impact at both time points. Additionally, a robust temporal consistency of the network structure was observed. In the longitudinal network analysis, the trajectories of the variables across time indicated that forms of cyberbullying, specifically “exclusion” and “harassment,” were prospectively and negatively related to “satisfaction with friends” and “satisfaction with body image.” The results of these findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications for the prevention and intervention of cyberbullying in adolescent population.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine in the Field of Otorhinolaryngology.

Otorhinolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the clinical study and treatments of diseases within head and neck regions, specifically including the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), but excluding eyes and brain. These anatomical structures play significant roles in a person's daily life, including eating, speaking as well as facial appearance and expression, thus greatly impacting one's overall satisfaction and quality of life. Consequently, injuries to these regions can significantly impact a person's well-being, leading to extensive research in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine over many years. This chapter provides an overview of the anatomical characteristics of otorhinolaryngologic tissues and explores the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research in otology (ear), rhinology (nose), facial bone, larynx, and trachea. The integration of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in otorhinolaryngology holds the promise of broadening the therapeutic choices for a wide range of conditions, ultimately improving quality of a patient's life.

Economic Development and Adolescent Wellbeing in 139 Countries

There is a positive association between the level of economic development and national levels of overall life satisfaction (OLS) in the adult population, with decreasing marginal returns. However, research shows no association in early adolescence and a negative association in middle adolescence. We hypothesize that this is due to the exclusion of low-income countries, where adolescent wellbeing is rarely collected. 2015–2019 Gallup World Poll data from 139 countries in middle adolescence (age 15–17; n 36,907) were analysed using linear regression to study the association between country levels of economic development and OLS, positive emotions (PE), and negative emotions (NE), and how this varies across economic development levels, and gender. Variations across economic development levels were compared with those observed in the adult population. Log per-capita GDP is positively associated with OLS and PE, although in high-income countries no association is observed for PE, and among females for OLS. For NE, a negative association is observed in lower-income countries and a positive association in higher-income countries. In this age group (age 15–17), the log per-capita GDP – OLS association is stronger in lower-income countries than in higher-income countries, but this pattern reverses with age in adulthood. A nuanced relationship exists between economic development and adolescent wellbeing, which varies across measures, levels of economic development, gender, and age -including notable differences compared to adults. Our study highlights the need for improving child and adolescent wellbeing data worldwide, especially in lower-income countries, to better understand how best to support wellbeing globally.

Influence of patients' preoperative expectations on postoperative outcomes after total knee or hip arthroplasty: a systematic review.

The association between preoperative expectations and treatment outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still unclear. Therefore the aim is to examine the association between preoperative outcome expectations, process expectations, and self-efficacy, and the postoperative outcomes overall outcome, pain, function, stiffness, satisfaction, and quality of life following THA/TKA. A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 17, 2022. Included were prospective longitudinal cohort studies published in English, German, or Dutch, with an adult population undergoing THA/TKA, and including at least one measure of preoperative expectations and the postoperative outcomes mentioned earlier. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles for eligibility, a third solved disagreements. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Of the 50 included studies, 38 had high RoB and 12 moderate RoB. Unadjusted results suggest a positive association between preoperative outcome expectations and overall outcome in the medium and long term, and between self-efficacy and change in 'overall outcome' in the long term. Adjusted results suggest positive associations between outcome expectations and function and between self-efficacy and overall outcome in the medium term, and for outcome expectations with pain and change in pain, respectively, and self-efficacy and stiffness in the long term. Preoperative expectations show a possible positive association with specific outcome measures, such as pain or function. For future research, it is advised to link matching specific expectations with specific outcomes.

Impact of sexual function domains on sexual satisfaction and quality of life: Importance across the age spectrum.

Sexual satisfaction is an important component of global quality life for many adult men. Substantial gaps exist in our appreciation of how age mediates sexual satisfaction in the context of functional sexual measures. We sought to evaluate modifiable factors associated with overall sexual satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large, age-stratified community-based sample of adult men. A sample of adult males registered with the online research service ResearchMatch completed a 75-item online questionnaire in this cross-sectional study. Queries included demographics, general health data, and validated sexual health measures including International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Multivariable regression was performed to assess associations with self-reported sexual satisfaction (defined by "moderately satisfied" or "very satisfied" on the 5-level Likert scale) and overall HRQoL (as measured by the EQ-5D-visual analog scale (VAS) stratified by age. One thousand thirty-three men completed the survey and were stratified by age cohorts. IIEF-5 and PEDT scores were higher in younger cohorts. On multivariable regression analysis, higher IIEF-5, lower PEDT, better overall health-related quality of life, and the presence of a sexual partner within the last month were associated with an increased likelihood of overall sexual satisfaction. When stratified by age cohort, higher IIEF-5 scores were consistently positively associated with sexual satisfaction (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.15-1.22, P < 0.001), as well as independently associated with improved overall HRQoL by EQ-5D-VAS (β = 0.71, Standard Error (SE) = 0.08, P < 0.001). The erectile function was independently associated with sexual satisfaction and quality of life across all age strata and predictive of both sexual satisfaction and global HRQoL. Low overall rates of sexual satisfaction across cohorts highlight the critical importance of evaluation and treatment of sexual health, regardless of age.

Effectiveness⟡nd Safety of Darunavir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Therapy in an Observational Italian Cohort: The DIAMANTE Study

Aim: DIAMANTE is a retrospective and prospective, non-interventional, cohort study to describe the effectiveness of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) in real clinical practice in Italy. Patients &amp; methods: The study enrolled 246 patients: group 1 included patients treated with a darunavir-based regimen (n = 81); group 2 included patients who received antiretroviral treatment not including darunavir before D/C/F/TAF (n = 43); and group 3 included naive patients (n = 122). Effectiveness was evaluated as the virological response at week 48. Results: The D/C/F/TAF virological response rate was 72.1–78.8% and was obtained despite longer follow-up intervals due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. The safety of D/C/F/TAF was good as was the overall patient satisfaction and quality of life. Conclusion: This study confirmed the effectiveness and tolerability of D/C/F/TAF in a real-life setting both in naive and pretreated patients, with and without darunavir. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03577470 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )

Repurposed pizotifen malate targeting NRF2 exhibits anti-tumor activity through inducing ferroptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Targeted therapy attempts are needed to enhance esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients' overall survival and satisfaction of life. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), as a high-confidence cancer driver gene, controls the antioxidant response, metabolic balance and redox homeostasis in cancer and is regarded as a potent molecular target for cancer treatment. Here, we attempted to find a new NRF2 inhibitor and study the underlying molecular mechanism in ESCC. We found that up-regulated NRF2 protein was negatively correlated with patient prognosis and promoted tumor proliferation in ESCC. Moreover, Pizotifen malate (PZM), a FDA-approved medication, bound to the Neh1 domain of NRF2 and prevented NRF2 protein binding to the ARE motif of target genes, suppressing transcription activity of NRF2. PZM treatment suppressed tumor development in ESCC PDX model by inducing ferroptosis via down-regulating the transcription of GPX4, GCLC, ME1 and G6PD. Our study illustrates that the over expression of NRF2 indicates poor prognosis and promotes tumor proliferation in ESCC. PZM, as a novel NRF2 inhibitor, inhibits the tumor growth by inducing ferroptosis and elucidates a potent NRF2-based therapy strategy for patients with ESCC.

Umbilical Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair for Medium-Sized Umbilical Hernia in Overweight and Obese Patients

INTRODUCTION: Despite high prevalence of umbilical hernia, an open anterior approach is still frequently performed. Moreover, suture repair is still routinely applied in cases of small umbilical hernia. However, mesh use may lead to more frequent surgical site infection, especially in obese patients. Some of these limitations may be reconciled by transabdominal-preperitoneal repair (TAPP). The aim of this study was to analyze feasibility, safety and efficacy of umbilical TAPP (u-TAPP). METHODS: A prospective study of early and mid-term outcomes was conducted for all umbilical hernia repair performed in overweight and obese patients. An analysis included 36 patients undergoing elective surgery for primary umbilical hernia between March 2019 and November 2021. The intra- and postoperative data were recorded. All patients reported the outcomes 1 and 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean width of defect was 26 mm. The operation time was 93.2 ± 22.3 minutes. An area of synthetic mesh in u-TAPP was 164.2 cm2. Median mesh size was 10×15 cm. After 30-day and 3-month follow-up, there was no recurrence or significant postoperative pain. The patients declared their overall satisfaction and quality of life as good or excellent. CONCLUSION: TAPP technique in umbilical hernia repair allows for placement of a large mesh and fulfills current recommendations, especially for patients with additional risk factors, such as obesity or coexistence of diastasis recti. TAPP allows a mesh to be introduced into the preperitoneal space, allowing to avoid direct contact between mesh and intestines. Laparoscopic umbilical TAPP is feasible and safe, but the operation time is longer than with open methods.

Osseointegration of the Tibia After a Primary Amputation

Background: Transtibial amputation (TTA) reconstruction via press-fit osseointegration permits direct skeletal connection between a patient’s residual limb and the prosthetic leg. Osseointegration reconstruction has predominantly been utilized in transfemoral amputation (TFA), resulting in overwhelmingly positive functional and quality-of-life improvements compared with traditional socket prostheses 1–3 . The adoption of this technology has been slower in TTA, likely because patients undergoing TTA have superior mobility compared with those undergoing TFA, leading some clinicians to believe that their mobility cannot be further improved. However, patients undergoing TTA are still plagued by a degree of socket-related issues and decreased quality of life that is similar to those undergoing TFA 4 . With the safety of osseointegration demonstrated in the literature 5–7 and the high prevalence of TTAs in the general population 8 , it is important that osseointegration be utilized in the rehabilitation and reconstruction offered to patients undergoing TTA. Description: Planning starts with anteroposterior and lateral radiographs as well as computed tomography to optimally size the implant. The surgical procedure begins with exposure of the residual tibia, revising the bone cut if needed, and taking routine deep cultures. Reaming is performed over a centrally placed intramedullary guidewire, followed by sequential broaching up to the implant size under fluoroscopic guidance. The implant is then impacted into place. The muscles are closed in a purse-string fashion, followed by skin closure and the creation of a stoma. The external components are then attached to the implant. Alternatives: Traditional prostheses are attached to the residual limb via suction sockets. Patients who have undergone an amputation and are dissatisfied with the resulting quality of life or mobility can undergo attempted modification of their socket or liner components by a prosthetist. Alternatively, these patients can modify or limit their activities and forgo prosthetic limb support entirely. Other surgical options that may improve socket fit include revision amputation, residual bone lengthening, or soft-tissue contouring. Additional osseointegration implant designs also exist 9 . Rationale: Suction sockets are known to cause multiple issues for patients who have undergone an amputation, including skin ulceration, sweating, poor fit, residual limb pain, physical disability, and impaired quality of life 10,11 . TTA patients can be affected as substantially as TFA patients 4,12 . The poor functionality of the socket is exacerbated in patients whose residual soft-tissue envelope is either in excess or fails to provide proper cushioning against the circumferential squeezing of a socket. Osseointegration bypasses these issues by linking patient and prosthesis via direct skeletal connection. Of the different design options available, press-fit osseointegration is the most commonly utilized and simplifies the implantation process into a single stage, in contrast with alternative 2-stage designs 9 . Press-fit osseointegration has been successfully performed in patients having had an amputation for a variety of etiologies 13–15 . Expected Outcomes: Outcome studies consistently showed improvements in patient physical function, prosthesis wear time, overall satisfaction, and quality of life following conversion to osseointegration from traditional socket prostheses 5,16 . We recently reported on 31 consecutive osseointegration patients (13 TTA and 18 TFA) with a follow-up of 18 months 15 . Overall and functional outcome domains of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA) improved significantly, as did performance on physical function tests. The most common complications following prosthetic osseointegration—which have been better documented in studies of femoral osseointegration—are superficial soft-tissue infections responsive to oral antibiotics 15,17 and, much less commonly, periprosthetic fractures that are treatable with implant retention and standard internal-fixation techniques 18 . Important Tips: Template an implant that matches the inner diameter of the diaphyseal bone.Do not cement press-fit osseointegration implants for any reason 19 .In cases of a short residuum with a greater proportion of proximal tibial metaphyseal bone, favor broaching after under-reaming to impact cancellous bone.Distal stress fractures with implantation do not typically affect implant stability.Perform tight, circumferential muscle closure around the bone-implant interface with absorbable sutures, creating a biologic purse string.Excise excess subscarpal fat and skin from the anterior and/or posterior flaps prior to closure 20 .Graduated, partial weightbearing typically begins around week 4 and progresses to full weightbearing by week 10 to 12. Acronyms &amp; Abbreviations: LLD = limb length discrepancyCT = computed tomographyTMR = targeted muscle reinnervationOI = osseointegrationMRI = magnetic resonance imagingAP = anteroposteriorEQ-5D = EuroQol 5 DimensionsLD-SRS = Limb Deformity – Scoliosis Research SocietyI&amp;D = irrigation and debridement

The Mental Health of Patients With Psychotic Disorder From a Positive, Multidimensional and Recovery Perspective.

Positive mental health (PMH) and mental illness are distinct, yet interrelated, constructs. However, this relationship has yet to be adequately established. We aimed to evaluate the level of PMH and its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical determinants as well as to explore the relationship between PMH and the positive constructs of recovery, subjective wellbeing (SWB), insight and functioning in patients with psychotic disorder. A multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study with a sample of 347 patients with psychotic disorder was conducted. The following assessment instruments were used: Positive Mental Health Questionnaire, Maryland Assessment of Recovery in Serious Mental Illness scale, Insight Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult version (PWI-A), Overall Life Satisfaction (OLS) and Global Assessment of Functioning scale. The mean global level of PMH was 116.16 (range of 39–156, SD = 19.39). Significant differences were found in PMH in relation to sociodemographic (sex, civil status and employment situation) and clinical variables (family history of mental disorders, number of prescribed antipsychotics, treatment with anxiolytics, treatment with antidepressants and suicide attempts). PMH was significantly and positively correlated with recovery (r = 0.760), SWB (PWI-A: r = 0.728 and OLS: r = 0.602) and functioning (r = 0.243), and negatively with insight (r = −0.335). These results can lead to a major change in mental health care. If actions are taken to increase PMH, then recovery, SWB and functioning will also increase. At the same time, interventions should be carried out to boost insight, since increasing PMH could decrease insight, all resulting in better quality of life for patients with psychotic disorder.

Subjective Well-Being and Material Deprivation During COVID-19 pandemic: A study in children and adolescents in Indonesia

This study aimed to investigate the contribution of material deprivation on the subjective well-being (SWB) of children and adolescents aged 10-18 years old during COVID-19 in Indonesia. Participants (N = 3,094; 54.3% girls; 53.2% high school students) were children and adolescents from 33 provinces in Indonesia with mean age = 15.39. Convenience sampling was used in this study, of which data were collected using internet-based questionnaires. SWB was measured using three SWB scales: Children’s Worlds Subjective Well-Being Scale (CW-SWBS), Overall Life Satisfaction (OLS), and one item measures subjective material well-being. Material deprivation was measured by participants’ reports on their accessibility to necessities they need in life. Participants were further asked whether they were worried about their family’s money and access to have food to eat each day. Data were analyzed using linear regression, and descriptive statistics using crosstabs, Chi-Square and ANOVA. Linear regression analysis results showed that material deprivation significantly contributed to lowering SWB scores, lack of access to have food to eat each day, and worrying about family’s money. Participants who experienced material deprivation reported lower SWB scores than those who experienced non-material deprivation. Girls reported lower SWB scores than boys, while older participants reported lower SWB scores than younger ones. Results are discussed using Cummins’ theory of SWB homeostasis. It is suggested that parents play a role as a buffer to assist children and adolescents in adapting to the adverse situation during pandemic COVID-19.

Well-Being in the Age of COVID-19: The Role of Social Distancing

In March of 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 an international public health emergency. In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommended implementing social distancing practices. In this study (N = 732), we examined self-reported indicators of social distancing (e.g., avoiding physical contact, declining social gatherings), duration of social distancing (in days), and the number of times participants went outside in the past week as simultaneous predictors of various measures of well-being (i.e., loneliness, emotional states). When controlling for overall satisfaction of life, findings suggested that individuals who reported higher levels of social distancing also reported more negative emotions, less positive emotions, and more anxiety symptoms. Surprisingly, individuals who reported higher levels of social distancing reported less loneliness. Individuals who reported going outside more often also indicated less loneliness, fewer depressive symptoms, and fewer anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that social distancing practices play a substantial but nuanced role in well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association between companion animal ownership and overall life satisfaction in Seoul, Korea.

This study aimed to analyze the association between companion animal ownership, the sub-factors of this ownership (the species and number of owned pets), and overall life satisfaction (OLS). Data was obtained from the publicly available responses to the 2017 Seoul Survey, conducted among Seoul-based Korean locals aged ≥ 15 years (N = 42,687; pet owners = 8,708, non-owners = 33,979). Propensity score was calculated by performing logistic regressions with covariates and data was matched using the nearest-neighbor method. Further, multiple linear regression was performed to analyze this association using the matched data. Additionally, survey-weighted multiple regressions were performed: 1) within pet owners, and 2) after stratifying owners with the number of pets owned. Pet owners in Seoul, South Korea reported higher levels of OLS than non-owners, even after controlling for covariates—age, sex, marital status, family size, family income, job, education, types of housing, housing tenure. Owners with both dogs and cats showed the highest average OLS scores (owners with 2 pets: Mean [M] = 58.05, Standard Deviation [SD] = 0.67; owners with ≥ 3 pets: M = 59.03, SD = 1.02), followed by single pet owners of either a cat (M = 56.64, SD = 0.37) or a dog (M = 56.14, SD = 0.13). Single pet owners reported significantly higher levels of OLS than those with 2 or ≥ 3 pets when pet types were adjusted for. When owners had a single pet, pet types (dog or cat) did not generate a significant difference in OLS scores. Among owners with 2 or ≥ 3 pets, however, owners with both dogs and cats had higher OLS scores than dog owners. This research has significant implications for promoting future study on companion animal effects for improving human health and well-being. Mechanisms of the effect, including cultural factors, should be further investigated.

Penile shortening complaints in males with erectile dysfunction: a narrative review on penile lengthening procedures during penile prosthesis surgery.

Patients complaining of short penile length pose a challenge in urology practice. Those men who present seeking penile lengthening surgery usually overestimate 'normal' penile length, and may in often cases relate their penile length with the degree of masculinity and self-esteem. Penile prosthetic devices are the gold standard treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) after failure of conservative options. Penile shortening is the most prevalent long-term complaint after successful inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. This has a significant impact on patient’s overall satisfaction and quality of life. Using PubMed, we performed a thorough literature review of the current procedures of preservation or enhancement of penile length as well as reported perioperative protocols in patients undergoing penile prosthesis (PP) insertion. Keywords used were “penile lengthening”, “penile enhancement”, “penile girth”, “inflatable penile prosthesis” and “glans augmentation”. Several surgical techniques can be offered in the setting of penile shortening concurrently with PP insertion, e.g., sub-coronal approach of PP placement, sliding technique, modified sliding technique (MoST), multiple-slide technique (MuST), and tunica mesh expansion procedure (TMEP). Adjuvant techniques can also improve subjective penile length include, ventral phalloplasty, suprapubic lipectomy, suspensory ligament release and use of expanding penile implants. Preoperative protocols including use of a vacuum erectile device, traction therapy also seem to improve postoperative outcomes, minimizing postoperative pain, and encouraging the early device use. Currently, there is no consensus among experts on a particular lengthening procedure or when they can be performed to optimize outcomes. Furthermore, it is imperative to set proper expectations before surgery, with extensive patient and partner counseling. When used in the properly selected patient, penile lengthening procedures show promising results with minimal complication rates.

성인여성의 요가 몰입과 주관적 웰빙 및 운동지속 의도의 관계 : 신체적 자기효능감의 매개효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to verify the influence of the adult women’s Yoga-flow on subjective well-being & exercise adherence intention, and to verify the mediation effects of physical self-efficacy.<BR> Method: The subjects of this study were 204 adult women participating in yoga training at a sports center in J city. The subjects conducted surveys and filled out questionnaires using self-administration. A series of data was verified using SPSS 20.0, SPSS Process Macro Program through descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, reliability analysis and mediating effect analysis.<BR> Results: The research results are as follows. First, the yoga-flow of adult women had a significant effect on subjective well-being. Second, the yoga-flow of adult had a significant effect on the exercise adherence intention. Third, in the relationship among the yoga-flow, subjective well-being and exercise adherence intention of adult women, the mediating effect of physical self-efficacy was significant.<BR> Conclusion: The results suggest that the overall satisfaction of life can be formed by increasing the level of yoga-flow and continuously participating through the physical self-efficacy of adult women.

Job satisfaction in graduates of the career of dental surgeon: a cross sectional study

ABSTRACT This study aims to estimate job satisfaction levels in graduated of dental school of Autonomous University of Guerrero, México, and determine which factors influence such satisfaction levels. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 144 dentists graduated from the dental school of Autonomous University of Guerrero through a validated survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain OR, p-value and confidence intervals (95% CI) in the STATA13 statistical program. The overall percentage of job satisfaction was 92%, while the variables that explained the model were, the role of the dentist (Owner or employed) (OR = 2.2 , p = 0.03 95% CI 1.1-4.4), and the level of satisfaction of the knowledge acquired within their academic dental school training (OR = 19.2, p = 0.00 95%CI 3.1-118). The professional satisfaction of a dentist is of great importance, because it impacts their performance at work, and is closely related to overall satisfaction of life, since both contribute reciprocally to the happiness of a person, as well as the general welfare in the community.

How does travel link to life satisfaction for senior tourists?

This study intends to understand the impact of travel on life satisfaction for seniors by examining the relationship between travel motivations, travel constraints, travel satisfaction, leisure life satisfaction (LLS), and overall life satisfaction (OLS). Five hundred and nine elderly tourists in China were surveyed to achieve the objectives of the study. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships among these constructs. The results show that motivations positively affect travel satisfaction. However, constraints do not impact travel satisfaction. Motivations and travel satisfaction positively influence LLS and OLS, while constraints only negatively influence OLS. In addition, LLS contributes to OLS among elderly Chinese tourists. This study further explores the moderating roles of travel duration and frequency in the proposed framework. Implications and recommendations are provided based on the results of the study.

Positive Affect and its Relationship with General Life Satisfaction among 10 and 12-Year-Old Children in 18 Countries

Based on the Children’s Worlds sample of N = 41,599 children and adolescents from 18 countries, aims that have seldom been addressed in the scientific literature are considered: (a) an analysis of positive affect (PA) among 10 and 12-year-old children in 18 countries; (b) an analysis of the comparability of PA across countries, genders and age groups; and (c) a cross-country analysis of the relationship between PA and a measure of cognitive subjective well-being (SWB). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a PA measure (PA4), comprising the affects satisfied, happy, relaxed and active, was tested for the above purposes and displayed excellent fit indexes. Multi-group Structural Equation Models were tested by gender, age group and country. The results suggest all statistics are comparable across age groups and genders. Differences according to gender displayed very small effect size in the case of Romania and small effect size in the other 17 countries. A medium effect size was found for age differences in eleven of the countries, a small effect in six and a very small effect in the remaining one. Correlations and regressions are comparable across countries, whereas mean scores are only comparable among 12 out of 18 countries. A detailed analysis displays clear diversities among countries, but also outstanding similarities in children’s PA. A strong positive correlation (.735) was identified between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and the relationship between PA and OLS (Overall Life Satisfaction), while the GDP per capita correlation was not statistically significant with the PA or OLS individually.

Galacto-Oligosaccharide RP-G28 Improves Multiple Clinical Outcomes in Lactose-Intolerant Patients.

Background and Aims: Lactose intolerance (LI) is a global problem affecting more than half of the world’s population. An ultra-purified, high-concentration galacto-oligosaccharide, RP-G28, is being developed as a treatment for patients with LI. The efficacy and safety of RP-G28 in reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance were assessed in a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: In this multiclinical site, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 377 patients with LI were randomized to one of two doses of orally administered RP-G28 or placebo for 30 days. A LI test and symptom assessment were performed at baseline and on day 31. The primary endpoint was a ≥4-point reduction or a score of zero on LI composite score on day 31. Voluntary milk and dairy intake and global outcome measures assessed patients’ overall treatment satisfaction and quality of life before therapy and 30 days after therapy. This study received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Results: For the primary endpoint, 40% in the RP-G28 groups reported a ≥4-point reduction or no symptoms on LI symptom composite score compared to 26% with placebo (p = 0.016). Treatment with RP-G28 also led to significantly higher levels of milk and dairy intake and significant improvements in global assessments compared to placebo. RP-G28 but not placebo led to significant increases in five Bifidobacterium taxa. Conclusions: RP-G28 for 30 days significantly reduced symptoms and altered the fecal microbiome in patients with LI. Treatment with RP-G28 also improved milk/dairy consumption and quality of life and was safe and well tolerated.

The Evolution of Positive and Negative Affect in a Longitudinal Sample of Children and Adolescents

This article explores the evolution of Positive and Negative Affect (PA and NA) and their relationship with a single-item measure of overall life satisfaction (OLS) through a five-year longitudinal study on 1696 ten to eighteen-year-olds in Catalonia (Spain). The results, which were obtained through structural equation modelling with a cross-lagged panel, show that mean scores for both PA and the OLS scale decrease with age, while an asymmetrical increasing-with-age trend occurs for NA. These results challenge one aspect of the homeostatic model of well-being, according to which subjective well-being (SWB) remains on a stable baseline. Mean scores for PA and NA tend to moderately predict next year’s scores, prediction capacity being weaker the more years of difference – although it appears to be much weaker for the OLS than for PA and NA. Relationships between affect and the OLS vary only slightly over a 5-year period. The results obtained here shed new light on the role that PA and NA play in children and adolescents’ SWB from a developmental perspective, not only contributing to scientific knowledge in the field but also opening the door to designing interventions that promote their SWB considering how affects evolve during this period of the life cycle.