Sampling Design Research Articles

The impact of alcohol consumption and binge drinking on the risk of dental trauma in South Korean adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption and binge drinking on the occurrence of dental trauma in South Korean adolescents. Methods: Data were analyzed from the South Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which used a complex sampling design to ensure representativeness. A total of 52,875 adolescent were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between alcohol consumption and tooth fractures. Confounders such as gender, education, city, academic performance, economic status, etc. were adjusted. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that alcohol consumption was significantly associated with tooth fractures in adolescents. After adjusting for all factors in Model 3 of binge drinking, the odds ratio remained statistically significant at 1.331 (95% CI: 1.064-1.664). Conclusions: Alcohol consumption and binge drinking increase the risk of tooth fractures in adolescents. Preventive measures targeting alcohol-related behaviors in this population are crucial for improving oral health outcomes.

Experiences of weight discrimination were common in Finnish women with obesity

Abstract Background The consequences of obesity stigma, particularly weight discrimination, are widely felt in different sectors of society. Our aim was to examine the prevalence of experiences of weight discrimination in the Finnish adult population. Methods Data (n = 2,849) consisted of participants aged 20-64 years from the nationally representative Healthy Finland Survey in 2023, pregnant women and people with underweight excluded (body mass index, BMI, ≤18.5 kg/m2). The questionnaire inquired about the experiences of weight discrimination with a question “Have you experienced unfair treatment because of your weight during the last 12 months?”. Information on education (low, middle, high) was inquired too. Height and weight were measured during the health examination, and BMI was calculated (kg/m2). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Weighted prevalence was analyzed using logistic regression, considering sampling design and non-response. Results Overall, 13% (95% confidence interval, CI, 11-15) of women and 7% (95% CI 5-8) of men had experienced weight discrimination during the last 12 months. The experiences of weight discrimination varied according to BMI, as the prevalence was 27% (95% CI 22-32) among women with obesity vs. 7% (95% CI 6-9) among women without obesity. The corresponding numbers for men were 16% (95% CI 12-20) vs. 4% (95% CI 2-5). The results were similar across all educational classes. Conclusions Individuals with obesity had experienced weight discrimination more often than those without obesity. The problem affects women (in particular), as almost one third of women with obesity had experienced weight discrimination. It is important to raise awareness and recognize this phenomenon across all sectors of society to enhance inclusion in a world struggling with overweight and obesity. Key messages • People with obesity experience weight discrimination. Experiences of weight discrimination appear to be more common in women than men. • More information and understanding of weight-related stigma through education, research and values work is needed in different sectors of society.

The interplay between healthy lifestyle and body mass index in metabolic syndrome

Abstract The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) tends to increase as body mass index (BMI) increases. However, the interplay between BMI and overall healthy lifestyle in MS remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between healthy lifestyle and MS in BMI categories. Data comprised participants aged 30-64 years from the Healthy Finland Survey representing the Finnish adults (n = 2027). Information was collected through health examination measurements, blood sampling and questionnaires in 2023. Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) was defined as: 1) vegetables and fruits several times/day; 2) adherence to physical activity recommendations; 3) sufficient sleep duration; 4) no current daily smoking; 5) no risky alcohol drinking. Total score ranged 0-5; categorized as 0-2 (unhealthiest), 3, 4-5 (healthiest). MS was defined as exceeding risk limit in ≥ 3 of the following conditions: waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol. BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as normal weight (<25), overweight, and obesity (≥ 30). Weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) stratified by sex were calculated considering sampling design and non-response. In both sexes, the prevalence of MS was lowest in those with normal weight and healthiest lifestyle (men 7%; 95% CI 2-11; women 9%; 6-13) and highest in those with obesity and unhealthiest lifestyle (m 86%; 80-92; w 67%; 56-78). In men, the prevalence of MS decreased within each BMI class as HLS scores increased, but the difference between healthiest and unhealthiest lifestyle was greatest in those with normal weight (7% vs. 26%) and lowest in those with obesity (71% vs. 86%). In women, the differences were greatest among those with overweight. Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle together form a major risk factor for MS. Differences in the prevalence of MS according to lifestyle were evident especially in men with normal weight or overweight, but decreased when the obesity threshold was exceeded. Key messages • Obesity is strongly linked to the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of body mass index. • The results indicate the importance of multifaceted prevention influencing lifestyle factors and supporting weight management to enhance the cost-effective prevention of metabolic risk accumulation.

Metabolic syndrome prevalence has increased in Finland from 2000 to 2023

Abstract Obesity presents a metabolic burden that leads to increased non-communicable disease (NCD) morbidity with metabolic syndrome (MS) as a pathway. The aim was to examine the trends in the obesity and MS prevalences. The study included health examination survey data collected in 2000 and 2023 (n = 7 258, 20-64 years). Examination measurements, blood samples, questionnaires, and register data were collected. MS criteria (ATPIII/AHA) included at least 3 of the following: increased waist circumference, elevated fasting glucose or medication, elevated triglyceride or medication, elevated blood pressure (BP) or medication, and decreased HDL-cholesterol or medication. Participants were divided according to BMI (normal weight 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25.0-29.9 kg/m2, obesity 30.0-34.9 kg/m2, severe obesity = >35.0 kg/m2). Weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MS and obesity were calculated considering sampling design and non-response. Prevalences of normal weight decreased from 2000 (men 32%, 95% CI 30-35; women 45%, 95% CI 43-47) to 2023 (men 26%, 95% CI 23-28; women 34%, 95% CI 32-37) and obesity increased from 2020 (men 17%, 95% CI 15-18; women 15%, 95% CI 14-17) to 2023 (men 20%, 95% CI 18-22; women 18%, 95% CI 16-20) as did severe obesity (in 2000: men 4%, 95% CI 3-5; 6%, 95% CI 5-7 - in 2023 men10%, 95% CI 8-12; women 13%; 95% CI 11-14). The prevalence of MS increased from 37% (95% CI 34-39) to 45% (95% CI 43-48) in men and 30% (95% CI 28-32) to 37% (95% CI 34-39) in women. The prevalence of MS with obesity varied from 2000 to 2023 from 73-77% in men and 69-61% in women and with severe obesity from 88-91% in men and 79-76% in women. From 2000 to 2023, no MS components remained stable with normal weight (men 29-25%, women 44%) and obesity (both sexes <1%). The prevalence of MS has increased in the last 20 years. Obesity is a major risk factor for MS that increases the future burden MS and, consequently, of NCD on societies. Key messages • Metabolic syndrome has increased in Finland from 2000 to 2023. At the same time, the prevalence of those with normal weight has decreased and severe obesity increased. • The global obesity pandemic will further increase the burden of NCD’s in the future. This is already visible with increasing metabolic syndrome prevalence.

Functioning in Older Adults: Prevalence and Implications for Policy and Digital Services

Abstract Background Actions maintaining and promoting functioning, and proactively preparing for the surge in demand for services in near future, are needed as the population is aging. Policy actions need to base on up-to-date picture of the situation. We examined the prevalence of limitations in different dimensions of functioning in the older population. Methods Data consisted of participants aged 75 years or older (n = 9,686) in the nationally representative Healthy Finland Survey in 2022. The questionnaire included questions on various aspects of functioning (physical, cognitive, psychosocial, need and use of help), quality of life, internet use and digital competence. Weighted prevalence of functional limitations by age (75-79, 80-84, 85-89, ≥90 years) was analyzed for men and women using logistic regression, sampling design and non-response acknowledged. Results Difficulties in most aspects of functioning increased rapidly with age. In ≥ 90-year-olds, one third experienced major difficulties in activities of daily living (vs. 4% in 75-79-year-olds), and 30% of men and 45% women aged 90 or over experienced major difficulties in getting out of their home (vs. 4% in 75-79-year-olds). The prevalence of loneliness doubled by age, from 9% in the youngest to 21% in oldest age group. The corresponding increase in psychological distress was from 9% to 15%. Need for help increased dramatically with age, but the unmet need among those needing help did not, being around 20% in all age groups. In ≥ 90-year-olds, 83% of men 92% of women reported little or no internet skills (vs. 40% in 75-79-year-olds), and 55% of men and 75% women did not use digital services at all, i.e. neither independently nor with help from others (vs. 25-28% in 75-79-year-olds). Conclusions Difficulties in functioning and need of help were common among the oldest age groups which underlines the urgency to ensure sufficient resources for elderly care. Key messages • While developing health and social care services, equal access to services must be ensured even for those not able to use digital services. • Functioning must be supported not only by measures aimed at the individual, but also by improving the environment so that people with a lower level of functioning can cope with their everyday lives.

State of oral health in the Portuguese population and associated psychological and social aspects

Abstract Background Oral diseases are a global public health challenge and remain among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. This study aims to characterize the self-assessment of oral health state, degree of edentulism, oral rehabilitation and the quality of life, namely chewing capacity, and the associated psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. Methods Data were collected by telefone survey, on the 2nd half of 2018 and 1st half of 2019, using the Portuguese population representative, ECOS panel. Descriptive statistics, as well as prevalence estimates, were obtained with weighting for age, sex, region and sample design, for 95% confidence intervals. The modified F-statistic, a variant of the 2nd order Rao-Scott chi-square adjustment, was used to test the bivariate analyses. Results For 53% of the population, the health status of the mouth was perceived as Good or Very Good, for 37% Fair and, in 11% of cases as Bad or Very Bad. It is estimated that around 76% of the population has good oral hygiene habits, approximately 26% have all of their teeth and 8% the total absence of teeth. It is estimated that only around half (49%) underwent rehabilitation using, in the vast majority of cases (78,5%), removable prostheses. It is estimated that 32% of its users have difficulty chewing hard foods and, of these, around 20% have great difficulty or are unable to chew at all. Psychological discomfort due to oral health was higher in the Portuguese population when compared to the European population (17% vs 7 %), psychological limitations due to the appearance of teeth or dentures were equally higher (7% vs 4%), as were social limitations (8,8% vs 4%). Conclusions The oral health panorama in Portugal remains bleak, so strengthening the application and deepening of the national oral health promotion program should constitute a priority aspect in the development of public policies in the country Key messages • Integrating oral health into general health promotion strategies and assessing oral health needs to include psychological and social aspects in the Portuguese Population. • Strengthening the strategies that have been developed in the context of health promotion, prevention and early treatment of oral diseases in Portugal.

Towards more effective health monitoring: a comparison of different data sources

Abstract Background Monitoring the prevalences of chronic diseases and their risk factors at the population level is important to support effective prevention measures, health service planning and health policy-making. The utilization of register information is cost-effective in population health monitoring, but the validity of information is important to assess. The aim of this study was to compare the information on most common chronic diseases and risk factors collected from a population-based Healthy Finland survey and national health registers. Methods The study population comprised of 4785 individuals aged 20 years or over from the nationally representative Healthy Finland Health Examination Survey conducted in 2023. Information on the most common chronic diseases were derived from both survey data (including measured and self-reported data) and the national registers. The prevalence in survey data were compared with prevalence in register data for those individuals who participated in the survey. Register data was examined for the previous five years and was obtained from the Care Register for Health Care and medical registers, depending on availability of data. Weighted prevalences were calculated taking into account the sampling design and non-response. Results For all examined risk factors and diseases, the prevalence was higher in survey data than in register data. The difference was the greatest for elevated blood pressure: the prevalence in survey data was 48.6% (95% CI 46.5, 50.7) versus 17.3% (15.6, 19.0) in register data. The prevalence of diabetes was 11.5% (10.4, 12.5) in survey and 6.9% (5.9, 7.9) in register data. For sleep apnea, the prevalence in survey data was 8.4% (7.4, 9.3) and 4.4% (3.7, 5.1) in register data. Conclusions Register-based information provides more reliable prevalences on diseases needing urgent treatment. Survey data brings out also previously unidentified diseases cases that do not show in registers. Key messages • Register data is cost-effective in health monitoring, but surveys are needed for monitoring risk factors. • Utilizing diverse data sources enhances getting reliable information to support decision-making.

Presence-only fisheries bycatch data produce biased species distribution predictions for Alcyonacean corals on British Columbia’s continental shelf and slope

Sedentary benthic species such as Alcyonacea corals form critical habitat for fishes and invertebrates. Assessing anthropogenic risks to these organisms requires unbiased, species distribution models (SDMs) that attempt to map probabilities of coral presence in relation to bio-physical ocean characteristics; however, in deep-water settings, the accuracy of SDMs is highly variable and dependent on spatial and taxonomic resolution. Here we investigated how data and model types affect SDM predictions of Alcyonacea probability of presence. We compared predictions from generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to presence-absence observations over a stratified-random survey design with predictions from maximum entropy models (Maxent) fitted to presence-only bycatch records from commercial fisheries. We use a simulation analysis to show that both model types (i.e., GAM or Maxent) using presence-only bycatch data produced biased estimates of species distribution. Additionally, the maxent model fit using presence-only bycatch data produced biased estimates of performance metrics (AUC, TSS) that were overly optimistic. This study demonstrates a need for presence-absence data collected using a robust survey sampling design to fit SDMs that will better inform marine protected area placement while minimizing unnecessary economic losses, such as forgone fishing yield, due to sub-optimal placement.

Gambling disorder and its associated factors in university students

Abstract Background Gambling disorder (GD) is defined as persistent and uncontrollable gambling behaviour that has negative effects on an individual’s life. This can lead to financial problems, poor academic performance, and health problems. GD has been associated with psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We aimed to examine the gambling disorder and its associated factors in university students. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among students at a university in Eskisehir (Türkiye) in 2024. A stratified random sample design was used. Five faculties were randomly selected. A total of 1,201 students were included according to the stratum weight of the faculties. A questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was applied. Data were analysed through descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. Results The mean age was 21.5±2.8 years, and 46.8% were male. While 48.7% of the students stated that they had gambled at least once, 2.2% had a gambling disorder. The three most common types of gambling played by students were stock market (28.2%), bet on sports (22.0%), and scratch cards (18.2%). In multivariate analysis, being male (Odds ratio-OR:6.5, 95%CI:1.4-29.8), having lost years during education (OR:2.7, 1.1-6.8), having relatives with gambling problems (OR:8.0, 1.8-36.2), investing greater amounts of money in gambling (OR:3.7, 1.0-13.0), and having a high probability of ADHD (OR:4.3, 1.4-12.8) were found to be predictors for GD. Conclusions Although about half of the students had engaged in gambling activities, only a small proportion showed signs of GD. We can conclude that being male, having lost years in education, having relatives with gambling problems, investing larger amounts of money in gambling, and having a higher probability of ADHD are predictors of GD among students. Key messages • Implementing educational campaigns at universities to raise awareness of the potential risks and consequences associated with GD could be beneficial. • It may be helpful if mental health services at the university were equipped to consider mental health conditions such as ADHD, that contribute to GD.

Health status, healthcare use and prevention in Travellers in Nouvelle Aquitaine, France, 2019-2022

Abstract Background The poor health status of underserved populations is compounded by low vaccination uptake, leading to a greater risk of epidemics. On October 2017, a measles outbreak started in the southwest of France among under-vaccinated social groups, including Travellers. We aimed to describe the health status, healthcare use and child measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in Travellers according to their environmental and living conditions. Methods A cross-sectional study with a three-stage random sample design was conducted between October 2019 and March 2022 in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. Trained social workers administered face-to-face questionnaires to collect data on adults and children. Anthropometric measurements, vaccination records, and data using an environmental exposure questionnaire were also collected. Results The participation rate was high (73.6%), with 1030 adults and 337 children included. Concerning the adults, 36.6% had obesity, 14.4% reported diabetes, 24.7% hypertension, and 14.4% major depression. The prevalence of major depression was significantly higher in adults living in precarious and unauthorized housing than in those with adequate housing (19.8 vs. 14.7%, p = 0.03). The unmet health care needs in the last 12 months was 48.4%. With regard to children, 45.3% had full (i.e., 2-dose) MMR vaccination coverage at 24 months and 17.9% had obesity. Finally, 74.5% of the households experienced housing insecurity, and 22.2% did not have a supply of drinking water. Conclusions Traveller children and adults faced deleterious environmental and living conditions potentially affecting their health, healthcare use, and vaccination coverage. These results demonstrate the need for urgent interventions for underserved populations which take into account their difficult living conditions. Key messages • Travellers have a greater burden of chronic diseases than the general French population and measles-mumps-rubella vaccination coverage among Traveller children is lower than in the general population. • The more precarious the housing, the more likely Travellers are to report having a chronic disease (social exclusion gradient).

Cougar spatiotemporal response to human activities in a multi‐use forest landscape on southern Vancouver Island

Recreational activities have been shown to induce fear responses in carnivores, causing both spatial and temporal displacement that can have cascading effects on the wider ecological community. Cougars Puma concolor are one species that are particularly sensitive to human disturbances as they have been found to be impacted by various forms of recreational activities. This research aimed to quantify the spatial and temporal responses of cougars to human activities on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Fifty camera traps were deployed in a systematic probabilistic sampling design and data from the summer season of 2022 was used for analyses. We modeled cougar weekly occurrence frequency in relation to human (hikers and bikers) occurrence frequency, vehicle occurrence frequency, and landscape features, using generalized linear mixed models. Temporal responses of cougars were investigated using activity pattern analysis to compare activity patterns within a recreation area and a restricted public access reserve. Cougars avoid occurring at sites where recreationalists frequently visited, but not sites frequented by vehicles on unpaved roads. We observed minimal influence of habitat features or prey availability on cougar occurrence frequency, as measured by information loss (AICc scores). Activity pattern analysis did not demonstrate significant differences in cougar daily activity patterns between the recreation area and no‐entry reserve, suggesting a lack of temporal response. These results suggest recreational activities on southern Vancouver Island are impacting cougar spatial – but not temporal – behavioral dynamics. Insights on how cougars respond to recreational activities can help inform landscape management and policies by providing information that can be used to mitigate negative impacts and thus ensure that recreational activities are remaining compatible with conservation efforts.

The Association between Intermittent Fasting and Glaucoma.

To examine the association between intermittent fasting ("breakfast skipping") and glaucoma in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Retrospective, cross-sectional study of adult participants of the 2005-2008 NHANES aged 40 years and older. Intermittent fasting was defined as skipping breakfast on both days of the NHANES dietary interview. Glaucoma was defined by 1) self-reported glaucoma diagnosis, 2) cup-to-disc (CDR) ≥0.6 in at least one eye, and 3) Possible, probable or definite glaucoma based on clinical judgment of retinal imaging of individuals with CDR ≥0.6 in at least one eye. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Chi-Square and Fisher Exact Test were used for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. All data were weighted based on the NHANES multistage sampling design. The population included 7,081 individuals ≥40 years old, of whom 946 (13.4%) reported skipping breakfast on both interview days; 482 (6.8%) individuals self-reported glaucoma diagnosis, 549 (7.8%) individuals had glaucoma based on CDR ≥0.6 and 343 (6.0%) individuals had glaucoma based on clinical judgment. Diagnosis of glaucoma by all definitions was associated with older age and Black or Latinx/Hispanic ethnicity (P=0.004) but was not associated with intermittent fasting status (P=0.151). In the 2005-2008 NHANES population, intermittent fasting, defined as breakfast skipping, was not associated with decreased risk of glaucoma diagnosis overall. Further studies are needed to examine the potential effects of intermittent fasting on glaucoma risk.

Local heterogenisation and regional homogenisation linked to habitat loss induced by dams in riparian forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Riparian forests are crucial for biodiversity, but dam construction for hydroelectric power disrupts these ecosystems, causing habitat loss and altering river dynamics. Our study investigates the impacts of dams on tree diversity in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We sampled trees along riverbanks and uplands across 15 dam-affected fragments, analysing the relationship between habitat loss (i.e. loss of riparian zones by permanent flooding due to dam filling), elevation difference, fragment size, and dam implementation time with alpha and beta diversity using mixed models and redundancy analyses. Habitat loss had a more significant impact on beta diversity, leading to shifts in species composition and reduced uniqueness of communities as the impact’s intensity, spatial extent, and duration increased. Alpha diversity only increased in response to local elevation differences between plots located on uplands and riverbanks. Our sampling design can be applied to other inadequately monitored systems to provide insights into beta diversity, a component often neglected in dam licensing and mitigation processes. Our findings reveal a transient local heterogenisation, transitioning into regional homogenisation due to dam-induced habitat loss in riparian forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Association between Ward's triangle bone mineral density levels and abdominal aortic calcification: Data from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2013–2014

BACKGROUND & AIMSDespite extensive research into the cardiovascular implications of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), there is a scarcity of robust studies exploring its association with Ward's triangle bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to evaluate this relationship in a nationally representative sample and compare the predictive value with femoral neck BMD and total femur BMD. METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, utilizing a complex, stratified, multistage, cluster sampling design. BMD measurements at Ward's triangle, femoral neck, and total femur were assessed using DXA scans. AAC severity was defined by a Kauppila score of ≥5. Predictors of AAC-24 scores were identified through correlation and linear regression models. Stratified regression and restricted cubic splines were applied to explore subgroup and dose-response relationships. RESULTSOf the 2,965 participants representing 116,562,500 individuals in the U.S., 11% had severe AAC. Ward's triangle BMD showed a significant negative association with AAC-24 scores (β = -1.90, 95% CI: -2.80 to -1.00, P < 0.002) and a reduced risk of severe AAC (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.95, P = 0.010). Non-linear associations were observed between Ward's triangle BMD and AAC outcomes. Ward's triangle BMD outperformed femoral neck and total femur BMD in predicting AAC. CONCLUSIONSHigher Ward's triangle BMD is linked to lower odds of severe AAC, highlighting its potential for improved early detection of AAC over femoral neck and total femur BMD. Healthcare providers should consider the implications of reduced Ward's triangle BMD for systemic atherosclerosis and recommend early AAC screening for enhanced cardiovascular risk management.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Periodontal Conditions According to Sleep Duration Using Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and periodontitis according to sleep duration in a representative sample of Korean adults. A total of 3535 subjects who participated in the sixth (2013-2014) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentration of 20 ng/ml. Periodontal status was assessed with the community periodontal index (CPI). A high CPI was defined as a score ≥ 3. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, oral and general health behaviors, and systemic health status. All analyses used a complex sampling design, and a subgroup analysis was performed to determine estimates following stratification for sleep duration (≤ 5, 6, 7-8, and ≥ 9 h per day). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that among participants who slept for ≥ 9 h per day, those with vitamin D deficiency were 5.51 times (95% confidence interval = 2.04-14.89) more likely to have periodontitis than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This association was not statistically significant in the other sleep duration groups. The findings of this study indicate that people with vitamin D deficiency who sleep 9 h or longer may also be statistically significantly more likely to have periodontitis.

Association between Sexual Abuse Experience and Salivary Stress Biomarkers among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in Chennai – A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Gender-nonconforming people undergo unimaginable sexual and physical abuse. This leads to stress and other stress-related disorders which can be easily determined by salivary stress biomarkers. Early life stress has an association with the immune system linked with stress. Transgenders and gender nonconforming people are prone to sexual abuse in early life more compared to normal people. This study aims to know about the association between sexual and physical abuse experience and salivary stress biomarkers in Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional epidemiological study. A snowball sampling design was adopted. The study was conducted in various places in Thozhi Shelter for Transgenders, Chetpet, Chennai among Gender non-conforming individuals and Transgenders. This study was conducted in April 2022. MDA and IL-6 levels were determined from their saliva using the passive drool method. Result: Interleukin L 6 and MDA levels were significantly higher in the GNC Group than in the control group. 63.64% of Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experienced sexual abuse whereas 73% of them have experienced physical abuse in their lifetime. Conclusion: Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who experienced physical/sexual abuse have increased IL 6 levels and decreased MDA levels in saliva when compared to the non-transgender individuals.

Association between Jewish religious observance and mental health among Israeli adults: Findings from the Global Flourishing Study.

This study investigates the association between Jewish religious observance and several indicators of mental health and psychological well-being among Jewish Israeli adults. Data are from adult (18+) Jewish respondents in the Israeli sample (N = 2958) of the first wave of the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), a 22-nation population survey which will eventually consist of five annual waves of panel data. The GFS Israeli data were collected via a randomized, stratified, probability-based sampling design, and contained dozens of indicators of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, political, religious, health-related, and other constructs. Measures of Jewish religious observance, including religious service attendance, prayer, scripture reading, belief in God, and importance of Judaism, are statistically significant predictors of several single-item indicators of mental health (overall mental health, depression, anxiety) and psychological well-being (suffering, happiness, life satisfaction). Greater religious observance is associated with a higher self-rating of overall mental health, less depression and anxiety, less suffering, and greater happiness and life satisfaction. Nearly all results withstood adjusting for effects of several sociodemographic covariates. These results offer confirmation of prior studies using smaller samples or non-population-based designs and with fewer mental health and religious indicators. They suggest that evidence for a salutary association between religious observance and mental health or psychological well-being among Israeli Jewish adults is consistent with findings in this literature for adherents to other faith traditions throughout the world.

Functional Principal Component Analysis for Continuous Non-Gaussian, Truncated, and Discrete Functional Data.

Mobile health studies often collect multiple within-day self-reported assessments of participants' behavior and well-being on different scales such as physical activity (continuous scale), pain levels (truncated scale), mood states (ordinal scale), and the occurrence of daily life events (binary scale). These assessments, when indexed by time of day, can be treated and analyzed as functional data corresponding to their respective types: continuous, truncated, ordinal, and binary. Motivated by these examples, we develop a functional principal component analysis that deals with all four types of functional data in a unified manner. It employs a semiparametric Gaussian copula model, assuming a generalized latent non-paranormal process as the underlying generating mechanism for these four types of functional data. We specify latent temporal dependence using a covariance estimated through Kendall's bridging method, incorporating smoothness in the bridging process. The approach is then extended with methods for handling both dense and sparse sampling designs, calculating subject-specific latent representations of observed data, latent principal components and principal component scores. Simulation studies demonstrate the method's competitive performance under both dense and sparse sampling designs. The method is applied to data from 497 participants in the National Institute of Mental Health Family Study of Mood Spectrum Disorders to characterize differences in within-day temporal patterns of mood in individuals with the major mood disorder subtypes, including Major Depressive Disorder and Type 1 and 2 Bipolar Disorder. Software implementation of the proposed method is provided in an R-package.

Interface-resolved photovoltage generation dynamics and band structure evolution in a PbS quantum dot solar cell.

For directed development of solar cells using nanomaterials such as quantum dots, there is a need to understand the device function in detail. Understanding where photovoltage is generated in a device and where energy losses occur is a key aspect of this, and development of methods which can provide this information is needed. We have previously shown that time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy of core levels can be used to follow the photovoltage dynamics at a specific interface of a lead sulfide quantum dot solar cell. Here, we use the method's selectivity and sample design to investigate the photovoltage generation in different parts of this solar cell and determine how the different layers (including the absorber layer thickness) contribute to charge separation. We show that all layers contribute to photovoltage generation and that a gold contact deposited on the quantum dots is necessary for full photovoltage generation and slow charge recombination. By combining the information obtained, we are able to experimentally follow the time evolution of the solar cell band structure during the charge separation process. Furthermore, we can identify which specific layers need to be optimized for an overall improvement of quantum dot cells. In the future, this methodology can be applied to other types of devices to provide insights into photovoltage generation mechanisms.

Geographic variability of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of nonvolant terrestrial small mammals (Rodentia) across 3 Brazilian biomes

Abstract In this study, we investigated landscape variability of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of nonvolant small mammals in the 3 main Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado) while also considering the differential spatial distribution of C4 plants in these biomes. We compiled a subset of data on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from nonvolant small mammals of the order Rodentia and compared the aggregated isotopic variability at the biome level using classical δ13C–δ15N biplot. The concept of isotopic niche width was used to test whether different foraging attributes drive their isotopic composition, while a Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to estimate the proportion of 3 main food categories available to these small mammals. We also developed isoscapes in the Brazilian biomes, interpolating animals δ13C and δ15N based on the geographic coordinates of each sample and “sourcescapes” considering geographic variation of the dietary sources. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the foraging ecology of small mammals in biodiversity-rich regions of the Neotropics. Classical methodologies such as stomach content confirmed dietary choices revealed by the stable isotopic composition and also highlighted the importance of C3 and C4 plants in the diet of this group of animals, especially in biomes such as the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, where there is a predominance of highly altered landscapes. These results confirm that replacing the original vegetation with C4 crops has altered the feeding patterns of small mammals, which could lead to critical ecological changes in the trophic structure of these areas. Vertical stratification of the dietary niche and the interaction between biome and foraging lifestyle were also observed. However, in each biome, there was significant intraspecific and interspecific variation caused by preferences for ingestion of plant and animal material, leading to different degrees of omnivory. Finally, the high local variability between individuals and species requires a larger sampling design that may also contribute to improved spatial resolution of the isoscapes.