Short-term Effects Research Articles

Minority shareholder short-termism and investment inefficiency: evidence from the Chinese investor interactive platforms

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of minority shareholder short-termism on investment inefficiency in China. Using a sample of listed companies between 2010 and 2020, we find that minority shareholder short-termism, as reflected on online investor interactive platforms, significantly increases inefficient investments. Our findings withstand a series of endogeneity and robustness tests. Further analyses reveal that increased trading activity and performance expectation pressure are key channels through which minority shareholder short-termism exacerbates inefficient investments. Additionally, the presence of long-term institutional investors and state ownership mitigates the negative effects of minority shareholder short-termism on investment efficiency. In terms of inefficient investment types, minority shareholder short-termism aggravates underinvestment rather than overinvestment.

Taxonomic Profile of Cultivable Microbiota from Adult Sheep Follicular Fluid and Its Effects on In Vitro Development of Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes

The aims of the present study were to analyze the taxonomic profile and to evaluate the functional effects of sheep FF cultivable microbiota on prepubertal lamb oocytes PLOs developmental potential. Ovarian FFs were recovered from slaughtered adult sheep via the aspiration of developing follicles and used for microbiota propagation. Bacterial pellets underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted culturomics, whereas cell-free supernatants were used as supplements for the in vitro maturation (IVM) of slaughtered PLOs. For the first time, bacteria presence in adult sheep FF was detected, with the first report of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (as a species) and Burkholderia cepacia (as a genus and species) in either animal or human FF. The short- and long-term effects of bacterial metabolites on PLO maturation and embryonic development were demonstrated. As short-term effects, the addition of FF microbiota metabolites did not affect the oocyte nuclear maturation and mitochondria distribution pattern, except in one of the examined supernatants, which reduced all quantitative bioenergetic/oxidative parameters. As long-term effects, one of them reduced the total cleavage rate after in vitro embryo culture (IVC). In conclusion, microbiota/bacteria are present in adult sheep FF and may influence reproductive outcomes in vitro. Future studies may reveal the beneficial in vitro effects using the microbiome from preovulatory follicles.

Clinical efficacy analysis of arthroscopically assisted orthcord suture fixation in the treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures: a retrospective comparative cohort study

To explore the efficacy of arthroscopically assisted fixation of type II and type III tibial intercondylar eminence fractures with Orthcord sutures. A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 patients with intercondylar eminence fractures admitted to our hospital from April 2020 to March 2023. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into special suture fixation group (n = 30), cannulated screw fixation group (n = 24), and wire fixation group (n = 26). The suture group used arthroscopic Orthcord sutures to fix tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, and the cannulated screw group used cannulated compression screws for fixation. Patients in the wire group underwent arthroscopic wire fixation. The basic information of all patients was collected and followed up for 1 year. The Lysholm score and Range of motion of the knee joint and was performed at 3 months and 1 year after surgery. The patients’ general data, surgical conditions, operation time, blood loss, hospitalization costs, postoperative recovery (Lysholm score and Range of motion of knee joint and at 3 months and 1 year after surgery) and other data were analyzed by variance analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the general data of all patients. One-year follow-up showed that all patients had achieved bone healing without displacement, or bone malformation. The hospitalization time in the wire group was (11 ± 1.02) days, the screw group was (11.58 ± 1.61) days, and the Orthcord suture group was shortened to (10.03 ± 1.07) days. The differences among the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the same time, the cost of Orthcord suture surgery (1310.7 ± 0.29) $ was significantly lower than that of the other two groups (P<0.05). The operation time of the suture group (68.13 ± 1.11 min) was significantly shorter than that of the wire group (76.76 ± 11.57 min) and the screw group (90.62 ± 1.99 min) (P<0.05). In the follow-up, the score of Orthcord suture 3 months after operation (94.07 ± 2.72 points) was better than that of the wire group (90.23 ± 5.23 points) and the screw group (90.37 ± 5.41 points); the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Three months after surgery, the range of motion of the knee joint in the Orthcord suture group (124.8°±7.2°) was significantly better than that in the screw group (105.7°±9.3°) and the wire group (112.4°±8.6°) (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the Lysholm score of the three groups of patients 1 year after operation (96.26 ± 1.89, 96.33 ± 2.44, 97.3 ± 1.70) (P>0.05).Similarly, there was no significant difference in the range of knee motion among the three groups of patients 1 year after surgery (135.1°±4.2°), (134.6°±4.8°), and (136.3°±3.5°) (P>0.05).Late fixation fracture and chronic pain complications occurred in both the wire and screw groups, but not in the suture group. (P<0.05). The use of Orthcord sutures in the arthroscopically assisted treatment of intercondylar ridge fractures can shorten the length of hospital stay and surgery, while greatly reducing hospitalization costs. It can achieve better short-term (3 months) recovery effects while avoiding second surgery, and ultimately show no weaker fixation effect than conventional screws and wires when full weight-bearing is restored.

Impact of restorative treatment for symptomatic deep dentin caries on anxiety: the role of personality traits

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the short-term effects of restorative treatment for deep dentin caries on patients’ pain, state-trait anxiety, and mood, and to explore how these outcomes are associated with personality traits.MethodsThis prospective clinical study included 67 participants (45 female, 22 male; mean age = 30.1 ± 13.2 years) presenting with symptomatic deep dentin caries. State and trait anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, STAI-T), and personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-44). Pain and mood were measured using Visual Analog Scales (VAS-DP, VAS-M) before treatment and at three weeks post-treatment. All participants received indirect pulp capping and/or direct composite restorations. Independent-samples t-tests, Paired-samples t-tests, correlation and simple linear regression analyses were used to assess changes and relationships among variables.ResultsA statistically significant decrease was found in state anxiety (STAI-S), pain (VAS-DP), and mood disturbance (VAS-M) scores post-treatment (p < 0.05). Trait anxiety (STAI-T) did not change significantly. Individuals with high neuroticism displayed higher pre-treatment anxiety and pain levels, but also exhibited the greatest post-treatment improvement in mood and anxiety. Regression analyses indicated that neuroticism significantly predicted both state and trait anxiety (R² = 0.139 and R² = 0.255, respectively), while pre-treatment anxiety explained 12.7% of the variance in post-treatment state anxiety.ConclusionsRestorative treatment of deep dentin caries significantly reduces patients’ state anxiety, pain, and mood impairment, with the most marked improvements observed in individuals with neurotic personality traits.Clinical significanceRestorative treatment for deep dentin caries not only reduces pain but also alleviates anxiety and improves mood. Considering personality traits, especially neuroticism, may enhance patient comfort and treatment satisfaction.

Short-Term Delayed Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscular Activity and Throwing Velocity in Female Handball Players: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Study.

Kinesio Taping (KT) is widely used in athletic settings to enhance performance, yet its short-term effects on muscular activity and sport-specific tasks remain unclear. This study examined the short-term delayed effects of KT on muscular activity and throwing velocity in female handball players. Seventeen amateur female handball players were randomly assigned to either a KT or placebo tape group using a crossover design. KT was applied with an inhibition technique to muscles of the throwing arm, while the placebo group received similar taping without any specific technique. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity and throwing velocity were measured at baseline, 1, 24, and 48 hours post-taping, with a seven-day wash-out period between KT and placebo tape treatments. Results revealed a significant time effect on sEMG activity in the biceps brachii and triceps brachii, as well as a time-by-group interaction for the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Additionally, a significant time and time-by-group interaction effect was detected on throwing velocity. Our findings suggest that KT may enhance throwing velocity in female handball players. Additionally, KT may exert a localized neuromuscular effect, as it significantly affected sEMG activity only in the FCU among the muscles examined. Future research should explore the delayed and prolonged effects of KT on elite-level and/or male athletes to further validate and expand these findings in the athletic setting.

Textured Insoles for Improving Balance in Knee Osteoarthritis: Short-Term Effects and Long-Term Sustainability.

This study aimed to investigate both immediate and long-term (3months) effects of textured insoles on balance control in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty-four participants were divided into two groups: individuals with knee OA (n = 12) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 12). Balance was assessed using the Sensory Organization Test under three conditions: baseline with smooth insoles, immediate effect with textured insoles, and after 3months of textured insole use. Individuals with knee OA had significantly lower baseline balance performance in complex sensory integration tasks (p < .05). With textured insoles, both groups showed significant improvements particularly in conditions requiring complex sensory integration. The OA group demonstrated marked improvement in Condition 5 (eyes closed with sway-referenced surface) with textured insoles (p = .001, d = -1.043) compared with baseline. These improvements were retained during the 3-month period without meaningful habituation effects. These findings indicate that textured insoles provide an effective intervention to improve balance control in individuals with knee OA, which may have implications for improving postural stability and sensory integration in this population.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on psychosocial well-being and occupational-related outcomes among nurses in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on psychosocial well-being and occupational-related outcomes among nurses in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Effect of Biologic Therapies on Serum Metabolic Biomarkers in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

ObjectivesSince biologic therapies such as TNF inhibitors (TNFi) and IL-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) may affect the cardio-metabolic profile of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA),[1-3] we assessed their short-term effects on serum metabolites in patients with PsA, and determined whether these metabolite changes differed across the 2 drug classes.MethodsA nested cohort study was conducted among participants with available serum samples from a longitudinal PsA cohort who initiated TNFi or IL-17i therapy. Serum samples prior to initiation of therapy, and 3 to 6 months after initiation of therapy, were used to quantify 64 metabolic biomarkers using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance targeted metabolomics panel, which comprised lipid particles, amino acids and various other metabolites. T tests were used to compare differences in metabolite levels before versus after therapy within each drug class. Linear mixed effects models assessed the effect of each drug class on changes in metabolite levels adjusting for age, sex, lipid lowering drugs, diabetes, hypertension and menopause.Results163 patients were analyzed between 2013 and 2021 (mean age 51 ± 12.6 years, 45.5% female). Among TNFi users, levels of alanine, glycine, citrate and creatinine significantly increased post-treatment, whereas levels of glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), a marker of systemic inflammation, decreased. Among IL-17i users, concentrations of citrates significantly increased post-treatment, whereas alanine, glycine, histidine, GlycA and creatinine decreased. When comparing biomarkers between classes of medications, post- and pre-treatment levels differed significantly for alanine, glycine, histidine, citrate, GlycA and creatinine. In models adjusted for age and sex involving TNFi users, levels of alanine (Estimate [EST] 0.034; 95% CI 0.008, 0.06), glycine (EST 0.029; 95% CI 0.02, 0.04), phenylalanine (EST 0.006; 95% CI 0.001, 0.01), citrate (EST 0.008; 95% CI 0.005, 0.01) and creatinine (EST 3.87; 95% CI 0.41, 7.4) increased post-treatment, whereas acetate (EST −0.03; 95% CI −0.03,−0.02) and GlycA (EST −0.05; 95% CI −0.09,−0.01) decreased (Table 1). In models adjusted for age and sex involving IL-17i users, changes were observed among fewer biomarkers, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size (EST 0.04; 95% CI 0.009, 0.07) increasing post-treatment, and levels of histidine (EST−0.005; 95% CI −0.008,−0.003) and acetone (EST −0.005; 95% CI −0.009,−0.001) decreasing.ConclusionTNFi and IL-17i appear to differentially affect the metabolic profile of patients with PsA. Treatment with TNFi was associated with more changes in metabolite profiles than IL-17i, including changes associated with systemic inflammation (GlycA) and amino acids. The implication of these changes on long-term cardio-metabolic risk needs further research. [1.] Roubille C. Ann Rheum Dis 2015;74(3):480-9. [2.] Sattar N. Arthritis Rheum 2007;56(3):831-9. [3.] Merola JF. Rheumatol Ther 2022;9(3):935-55.

Fatty acid metabolism in the placentae of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Fatty acid metabolism in the placentae of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Short-term natural restoration effects on groundwater table in several peatland conditions of Acacia plantation forests

One significant approach to restore the ecosystem function of degraded peatlands is natural restoration. This study evaluated the effect of short-term natural restoration on groundwater table in several peatland conditions in the Acacia plantation retired since 2016. Four types of land: burned land, Acacia post-harvest land, retired Acacia plantation forest, and the natural forest were considered as our study area. This study analyzed soil properties and remote sensing using the NDVI index to evaluate vegetation density in 2016, 2019, and 2022. This study found that natural restoration in the period of 2016-2022 increased vegetation density, almost similar to natural forest vegetation. Both soil properties and groundwater table on Acacia plantation forest and natural forest were not significantly different. High saturated hydraulic conductivity and low bulk density on both areas supported the stability of peat hydrology. In addition, variations in rainfall affected the pattern of changes in groundwater table, with a decrease during the dry season and an increase during the rainy season. The findings of this study confirm that short-term natural restoration can restore hydrological and vegetation functions in degraded peatlands, especially in Acacia plantation areas. These findings can be scientific recommendations for sustainable peatland management.

The efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning in improving neurological function and short-term prognosis in acute ischemic stroke: a prospective controlled study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in improving neurological function and short-term prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsThis randomized, controlled, single-blind study aimed to evaluate the short-term (7-day) effects of RIC on neurological function in patients with AIS. 264 AIS patients (median age 65 years, 63.3% male) with ischemic symptoms &amp;lt;72 h post-onset were randomly assigned to either the RIC group (n = 65) or the control group (n = 199). RIC was administered manually using a cuff sphygmomanometer, while the control group received a sham RIC treatment. Patients with cardioembolic sources or a history of prior stroke were excluded from the study. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with an mRS score of ≤2 at 7 days, as well as changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) scores. Data were collected at baseline and 7 days post-enrollment, with in-person follow-up visits conducted by blinded clinicians.ResultsAt 7 days, the RIC group showed a significantly higher proportion of patients with an mRS score of ≤2 compared to the control group (41.5% vs. 28.1%, p = 0.043). Significant improvements were observed in the RIC group compared to the control group in NIHSS (p = 0.004) and ADL scores (p = 0.005), but not in RLA scores (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Binary Logistic Regression Analysis indicated that, after adjusting for baseline factors, the treatment effect of RIC remained statistically significant.ConclusionRIC treatment enhances neurological function and improves short-term prognosis in AIS patients. These findings support the potential clinical application of RIC in AIS management.

Magnesium sulfate in combination with nimodipine in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective analysis of short- and long-term mortality.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe neurological condition with high rates of disability and mortality. Although nimodipine is widely used in the treatment of SAH, the potential benefits of magnesium as an adjunct therapy remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of magnesium sulfate combined with nimodipine on mortality in patients with non-traumatic SAH (NSAH). This retrospective cohort study was based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, including critically ill patients with NSAH. Patients were categorized into a combined group (N + M) and a nimodipine-only group (N) based on their use of magnesium sulfate and nimodipine during their ICU stay. The primary outcome was one-month all-cause mortality, while the secondary outcome was one-year all-cause mortality. Multivariable analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors. Landmark analysis was performed to assess both short-term and long-term effects. A total of 587 patients were included in the study, with 280 in the N + M group. The one-month and one-year all-cause mortality rate were 15% and 20%, respectively, for the N + M group, compared to 7.2% and 9.1% for the N group. The use of magnesium sulfate was associated with higher one-month (HR 1.89 [95% CI 1.09-3.27]) and one-year (HR 2.08 [95% CI 1.29-3.36]) mortality. Landmark analysis showed that the mortality risk between the two groups remained consistent from two months to one year. In critically ill NSAH patients, the combination of magnesium sulfate and nimodipine was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared to nimodipine alone. Not applicable.

Effectiveness of nutrition literacy intervention on pregnancy weight and eating behavior: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term (24 weeks of pregnancy) and long-term (pre-delivery) effects of a 12-week comprehensive nutritional literacy intervention (from week 12 to 24 of pregnancy) on pregnant women’s dietary behavior and weight. A pre-registered, two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 88 pregnant women at 12 weeks of gestation, who were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. Both groups received routine obstetric care, while the intervention group additionally received a 12-week personalized dietary intervention guided by Nutbeam’s health literacy framework.The intervention was tailored based on nutritional literacy assessments and lasted until 24 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome measures were nutrition literacy, restrained eating behavior, emotional eating behavior, and external eating behavior before delivery. Secondary outcomes included dietary balance indices and gestational weight gain. A total of 83 participants completed the analysis. The comprehensive dietary intervention significantly improved the overall nutritional literacy of pregnant women before delivery (51.00 ± 6.08 vs. 44.88 ± 6.34, P < 0.001), with significant improvements in knowledge literacy (31.75 ± 3.36 vs. 27.96 ± 3.92, P < 0.001) and behavioral literacy (6.77 ± 2.85 vs. 5.59 ± 2.54, P = 0.024). In terms of eating behavior, the intervention group had significantly higher scores for restrictive eating (32.90 ± 7.68 vs. 28.32 ± 8.24, P = 0.005) and external eating (32.57 ± 5.80 vs. 30.17 ± 5.93, P = 0.033) compared to the control group. The dietary quality index showed significant improvements in the intervention group in areas such as organ meats (P < 0.001), seafood (P = 0.01), algae (P = 0.008), nuts (P < 0.001), dairy products (P < 0.001), water intake (P < 0.001), and food variety (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the intervention group experienced significantly less weight gain during pregnancy than the control group (13.21 ± 3.61 kg vs. 16.18 ± 4.70 kg, P = 0.002). The comprehensive nutritional literacy intervention implemented in early pregnancy significantly improved pregnant women’s nutritional literacy levels in both the short and long term, optimized dietary behaviors, improved dietary quality, and effectively controlled weight gain during pregnancy. The study protocol follows the CONSORT guidelines and has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075082).

Exploring what matters most to patients in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma treatment: a Canadian discrete choice experiment with patients, caregivers and physicians

BackgroundRelapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. This study investigated treatment characteristic preferences for RRMM in Canada, comparing attributes of conventional treatments to those of Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. It aimed to understand patient preferences and how caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceive these preferences.MethodsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with 101 RRMM patients, 46 caregivers, and 49 HCPs. Five attributes were explored: progression-free survival (PFS), 10-year survival chance, risk of serious side effects, risk of long-term moderate side effects, and treatment administration. Participants were asked to choose between two hypothetical treatments in a series of 12 questions. Hypothetical treatments included CAR-T-administered treatments and alternative treatments administered by conventional means (“conventional treatments”) with varying levels of performance across remaining attributes.ResultsProlonged PFS and 10-year survival chance were the most critical factors in treatment decisions across all groups. Long-term moderate side effects were more concerning than serious short-term side effects, while treatment administration was least important. Patients were willing to accept higher side effect risks for improved survival. High agreement was found between patients’ preferences and caregivers’ and HCPs’ perceptions of these preferences.ConclusionsWhile participants showed no significant preference between the administration profiles of CAR-T therapy and conventional treatments, CAR-T therapy was favored for its clinical benefits of potentially increased survival and lower long-term side effect risks. These findings are valuable for Canadian patient-centered clinical and reimbursement decision-making, highlighting the potential role of CAR-T therapy in addressing patient needs.

Sustainable Agricultural Development under the Influence of Technology: A Case Study of Bihar

Achieving “Zero Hunger,” one of the core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015, necessitates transformative changes in agricultural systems through sustainable practices and resilient technologies. This study examines the influence of farm technologies and supporting infrastructure on agricultural value-added(GVA) in Bihar, a predominantly agrarian and economically underdeveloped state in India, utilizing time series data from 2000 to 2024. Employing advanced econometric models, dynamic simulations, and impulse response analyses, the research identifies key structural drivers and constraints of agricultural growth in the region. Technological advancement is shown to be a primary driver, with mechanization, improved seed varieties, multi-cropping, and agroforestry practices significantly enhancing land productivity. Capital stock investment exhibits a direct and positive elasticity (0.59%), with its impact persisting up to eight years before diminishing, underscoring the need for periodic reinvestment. Mechanization alone accounts for a 32% contribution to GVA, signalling a transition toward labour-saving technologies. Arable land expansion and sustainable practices also play a pivotal role, contributing 21% to agricultural GVA. Conversely, irrigation infrastructure and chemical fertilizers reveal mixed or negative short-term effects, likely due to inefficient application or ecological constraints. Variables such as labour, credit, forest area, and energy consumption are found to be statistically insignificant. The findings advocate for capital lifecycle management, precision farming, sustainable land use, targeted input application, and credit system reform. The study concludes that an integrated, evidence-based policy framework is essential to ensure sustained agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and the long-term realization of SDG-2 in Bihar.

Effects of high summer temperatures on heatstroke-related ambulance dispatches in Japan: A nationwide time-stratified case-crossover analysis.

Effects of high summer temperatures on heatstroke-related ambulance dispatches in Japan: A nationwide time-stratified case-crossover analysis.

Immediate and Short-Term Effect of Scapula Retraction Exercises on Subacromial Space: Do We Have Enough Evidence in Patients With Subacromial Pain?

Limited information exists regarding the immediate and short-term effects of scapula retraction exercises (SREs) on acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in subacromial pain syndrome (SPS). This study's 2 main objectives were to investigate (1)the immediate effect of the SRE on AHD at varying shoulder abduction angles in patients with SPS and healthy controls and (2)the effect of the 8-week SRE program on AHD in patients with SPS. Cross-sectional and pre-post intervention designs were utilized on this study. Twenty-one patients with SPS and age-matched healthy controls were included. First, AHD at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° of active shoulder abductions were recorded during (1)resting upper quadrant posture and (2)while participants were performing SREs. Patients then underwent an 8-week progressive SRE program. AHD measures, pain intensity (visual analog scale), and disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) were recorded at baseline and 8weeks. AHD were analyzed using mixed-model analyses of variance. Pain and disability were analyzed using paired samples t test. The immediate effect of the SREs revealed a significant angle-by-exercise-by-group interaction for the AHD values (F3,155 = 3.956, P = .009, ηp2=.175). Pairwise comparisons yielded that the SRE increased AHD values in patients with SPS (P < .05), yet it did not affect healthy controls (P > .05). Besides, the SRE program revealed a significant angle-by-time interaction for the AHD values (F3,054 = 9.476, P < .001, ηp2=.195). AHD increased at all elevation angles, and pain and disability improved over time (P < .05). SREs immediately affect AHD in patients with SPS but not in healthy populations. Moreover, SREs applied in progressive abduction angles improve pain, functionality, and AHD values in patients with SPS.

Short-term effects of air pollutants on acute asthma exacerbation among children with persistent asthma: A nationwide case-crossover study in Japan

Short-term effects of air pollutants on acute asthma exacerbation among children with persistent asthma: A nationwide case-crossover study in Japan

Effectiveness of nasoalveolar molding treatment for babies with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effectiveness of nasoalveolar molding treatment for babies with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Short-term effects of pet acquisition and loss on well-being in an unbiased sample during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research on the impact of pet ownership on well-being has produced mixed results, often influenced by a focus on pet enthusiasts. To address this bias, we conducted a longitudinal study in Hungary using a stratified random sample based on gender, age, education, and settlement type. Unlike previous studies, our participants were not particularly devoted to pets and were not necessarily the primary caretakers, offering a more balanced perspective on how pet acquisition affects well-being. Among the 2783 respondents who participated three times in data collection, 65 acquired a pet, and 75 lost a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet acquisition initially increased cheerfulness, but this effect was short-lived, lasting only 1–4 months. Over a longer period (up to 6 months), pet acquisition—particularly dog acquisition—was linked to declines in calmness, activity, cheerfulness, and life satisfaction. Importantly, neither mental nor physical well-being was linked to future pet acquisition, and losing a pet had no significant effect on well-being. These findings challenge the widely held belief that pet acquisition leads to lasting improvements in well-being, suggesting instead that the demands of pet care—especially for dogs—can outweigh initial benefits. Moreover, the results underscore the context-dependent nature of the human-animal bond. The stress and uncertainty of a global crisis may alter the typical emotional and psychological benefits of pet ownership.