Significant Gender Differences Research Articles

Exploring Diversity in North American Academic Pediatric Otolaryngology.

Representation of women and minority groups is traditionally low in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS). This cross-sectional study aims to assess the difference in gender and racial/ethnic representation within Academic North American pediatric OHNS. Cross-sectional study of North American pediatric OHNS faculty websites. North America. Canadian and American residency program registries were searched for accredited OHNS programs. Pediatric OHNS faculty were identified through program websites. Information regarding gender, race/ethnicity, time in practice, research productivity, academic title, and leadership positions was extracted from public profiles and Scopus. Demographic and academic data was also extracted for OHNS and pediatric OHNS department/division chairs. North American academic pediatric OHNS websites listed 516 surgeons, of whom 39.9% were women. Most surgeons were perceived as White (69.0%), followed by Asian (24.0%), Hispanic (3.7%), and Black (3.3%). Women surgeons had lower h-indices, less publications, and less citations than men (P < .001). Despite women surgeons having fewer years in practice (median 8.0 vs 13.0, P < .001), gender-differences in h-index persisted when controlling for years in practice (P < .05). Men surgeons had higher academic titles (P < .001), but there was no gender difference in leadership roles while accounting for years in practice (P = .559). White surgeons had higher academic titles than non-White surgeons (P = .018). There was no racial/ethnic difference in leadership roles (P = .392). Most pediatric OHNS surgeons are men and/or White. Significant gender-differences in research productivity and academic title exist, however surgeons of racial/ethnic minority have similar research productivity as their racial/ethnic majority counterparts.

Habitual Regular Coffee Consumption And Arterial Stiffness -Data From The 3rd Pamela Survey.

We evaluated whether chronic coffee consumption affects arterial stiffness, assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). In 514 subjects, aged 66.6±9.9 yrs (mean±SD), recruited in the 3rd follow-up of the PAMELA study, subdivided in 3 groups according to daily intake of regular coffee (0, 1-2 and ≥3 cups/day), we measured CAVI and clinic, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and other variables. The 3 groups displayed similar age, gender, metabolic and renal pofile. Clinic and ambulatory BPs were similar in the 3 groups, this being the case for CAVI (0 cup: 9.1±1.8, 1-2 cups: 9.5±2.3 and ≥3 cups: 9.2±2.1 m/sec, P=NS). No significant gender-difference in CAVI and in participants under antihypertensive treatment was detected. our data show that chronic coffee consumption leaves unaffected arterial stiffness in the general population, this being the case in subgroups. The neutral vascular impact of coffee may favor the absence of any significant BP effect of habitual coffee intake.

Gender Differences in Caregivers' Attitudes to Risky Child Play in Britain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study examines gender differences in parental attitudes toward risky play for 5- to 11-year-old boys and girls in Britain. Analyses use data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative British Child Play Survey. Survey respondents were caregivers of primary-school-aged children living in Britain. Parent self-reported their risk tolerance in play via the Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale (TRiPS) and the Risk Engagement and Protection Survey (REPS). The REPS includes subscales that assess caregiver attitudes around "Protection from Injury" (PFI) and "Engagement with Risk" (EWR) in relation to children's play. Multiple linear regression compared caregiver gender differences in TRiPS, REPS-PFI, and REPS-EWR at the item level, and overall. Associations between child gender and these scales were also examined. Among 1919 caregivers, no significant gender differences emerged in mean TRiPS (P = .72), REPS-EWR (P = .58), and REPS-PFI (P = .34) scores. Activity-specific differences were evident in caregivers' tolerance for individual risky play activities (15/31 activities). Parents of boys exhibited higher risk tolerance (B = -4.48, P < .01) and willingness for their child to engage in risky play (B = -0.63, P < .01) than parents of girls. While there was no difference between male and female caregivers overall attitudes, gender differences were prominent for specific play activities and attitudes, with male caregivers demonstrating higher tolerance for the riskiest activities. Parents of boys expressed more permissive attitudes toward engagement in risky play. Further work is needed to identify why there is gender-related variation in these attitudes and should be considered in interventions that support parents in enabling adventurous play opportunities for children.

The longitudinal associations between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms among adolescents.

Internet addiction has been linked to ADHD-related symptoms. However, the direction of the relationship and its potential for reciprocal relations is not well understood. This study examined the potential reciprocal relations between the three components of ADHD and Internet addiction, as well as the moderating effects of gender on these relations. Using a longitudinal design, we collected data of 865 Chinese adolescents across three waves (Mage = 13.78, SD = 1.56 in wave 1), with a time interval of 6 months. Cross-lagged analyses revealed bidirectional associations between hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and Internet addiction over time. Multi-group analyses did not yield any significant gender differences in these relationships. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex link between ADHD components and Internet addiction and have implications for interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of Internet addiction and ADHD.

Comparative analysis of the clinical features of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation among Tibetan, Han, and Hui patients in Qinghai Province, China

BackgroundGlobal nonvalvular AF rises, impacting health severely. In Qinghai, China's diverse setting, studying AF among varied ethnic groups is crucial ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compares cardiac features in AF among Tibetan, Han, and Hui patients to develop tailored prevention and treatment strategies for this region, the goal was to enhance the understanding of AF and provide an empirical basis for developing prevention and treatment strategies specific to this region MethodsThis study included a total of 3445 Tibetan, Han, and Hui patients diagnosed with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treated at the Qinghai Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Specialist Hospital, China, between January 2019 and January 2021. We analyzed the differences in cardiac structure, comorbidities, and other influencing factors among the different ethnic groups ResultsWe found significant differences in gender, age, smoking history, lone atrial fibrillation, left heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and diabetes between Tibetan, Han, and Hui patients (P < 0.05). Tibetan, Han, and Hui patients also differed with regard to left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, NT-proBNP, glycated hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, platelet hematocrit, platelet distribution width, homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05) ConclusionOur study revealed variations in comorbidities, cardiac structure, and blood indexes among Tibetan, Han, and Hui AF patients, highlighting distinct patterns in complications and biomarker levels across ethnic groups.

Impact of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity on Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot Variants.

Traditional cardiovascular risk factors put patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with variants of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Patients and parents of children with variants of TOF-CHD were asked to fill out the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire and provide weight and length. Patients were categorized into low, normal, and high BMI percentiles. Other demographic data were obtained from the Swedish national registry for congenital heart disease (SWEDCON). Statistical analyses included non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher exact, and Chi-square tests. Eighty-five patients were included. Twelve were overweight or obese, 57 had a normal BMI, and 16 were underweight. There was a significant difference in age and gender between the groups. Comparing overweight/obese children to those with normal BMI, physical and social functioning were impaired, while emotional and school function were comparable between the groups. This applied to both child and parental assessment. When comparing underweight to normal weight children, school functioning assessed by the parent was the only domain significantly different from patients with a normal BMI. Children with variants of TOF and overweight/obesity have lower HRQoL, particularly in physical and social functioning, while underweight children may have impaired school functioning. We suggest that preventive measures aimed at maintaining a normal weight should be taken early in life to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in the CHD population.

Outcomes of percutaneous versus surgical tracheostomy in an Australian Quaternary Intensive Care Unit: An entropy-balanced retrospective study

Background: Studies comparing percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) and surgical tracheostomy (ST) complications in the critically ill patient population with high acuity, complexity, and severity of illness are sparse. This study evaluated the outcomes of elective PT versus ST in such patients managed at a quaternary referral center. Aims: The primary aim was to detect a difference in hospital mortality between the two techniques. The secondary aims were to compare Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality, complications (including stoma site, tracheostomy-related, and decannulation complications), ICU and hospital length of stay, and time to decannulation. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study of ICU admission from August 2018 to August 2021. Patients were included if an elective tracheostomy was performed during their ICU admission. Patients with a pre-existing tracheostomy and those who underwent an obligatory tracheostomy requirement (e.g. total laryngectomy) were excluded. Cohorts were matched using Hainmueller’s entropy balancing. Binary data were evaluated using logistic regression and continuous data with ordinary least squares regression. Results: 349 patients with a tracheostomy were managed in the ICU during the observation period. They were predominantly males (75% in PT; 67% in ST), with a mean age in the PT and ST group of (47; SD = 18) and (55; SD = 16), respectively. After exclusion, 135 patients remained, with 63 in the PT group and 72 in the ST group. Patients receiving ST were significantly older with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than the PT group. There were no significant differences in gender, Acute Physiological And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III, and the Australian and New Zealand Risk Of Death (ANZROD) between the two groups. There was no difference in hospital mortality between groups (OR 0.91, CI 0.26–3.18, p = 0.88). There were also no differences in ICU mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, and time to decannulation. PT was associated with a greater likelihood of complications (OR 4.19; 95% CI 1.73–10.13; p &lt; 0.01). PT was associated with a greater risk of complications in those who had this performed early (&lt;10 days of intubation) as well as late (&gt;10 days of intubation). Conclusions: Percutaneous tracheostomy was associated with higher complications compared to surgical tracheostomy. They were related to tracheostomy cuff deflation, stomal site bleeding and infection, sputum plugging, and accidental and failed decannulation. These findings have identified opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

Which factors are associated with a successful outcome following total hip arthroplasty in patients with early radiographic osteoarthritis?

It is unclear which factors are associated with a successful total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with early radiographic osteoarthritis (OA). 70 patients with early OA (Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] grades 0-2) who underwent THA were compared with 200 patients with advanced OA (KL grades 3-4). Outcomes were Oxford Hip Scores (OHS), EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores; compared preoperatively with 1 year postoperatively. We investigated which clinical and radiographic (plain x-ray, CT, MRI) features predicted successful THA (postoperative OHS ⩾42). The early OA group were significantly younger (61 vs. 66 years; [p = 0.0035). There were no significant differences in BMI, ASA grade or gender. After adjusting for confounders, the advanced OA group had a significantly greater percentage of possible change (PoPC) in OHS (75.8% vs. 50.4%; p < 0.0001) and improvement in EQ-5D (0.151 vs. 0.002; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in complication, revision or readmission rates. In the early OA group, 16/70 (22.9%) patients had a 'successful' THA. Patients who had a 'successful' THA were significantly more likely to have subchondral cysts on CT/MRI (91.7% vs. 57.7%; p = 0.0362). The presence of cysts on CT/MRI was associated with a significantly greater PoPC in OHS (61.6% vs. 38.2%; p = 0.0353). The combination of cysts and joint space width <1 mm was associated with a PoPC of 68%. THA in patients with early OA (KL grades 0-2) on plain radiographs should be indicated with caution. We advocate preoperative cross-sectional imaging in these patients. In the absence of cysts on CT/MRI, a THA seems unlikely to provide a satisfactory outcome.

KINEMATICS OF LOWER LIMBS DURING SQUATTING FOR CHINESE MALE AND FEMALE YOUTHS

This research aimed to measure lower extremity kinematics for male and female youths during daily activities and to identify gender differences from kinematics of lower limbs. A total of 87 healthy participants, comprising 43 Chinese male youths and 44 female youths, were recruited from Anhui Polytechnic University to participate in this research. All participants were instructed to perform squatting activities on a soft mat starting from an upright position. Every participant completed six squatting exercises, and motion capture technology was used to gather 3D kinematic data. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The average 3D angles of the hip, knee, and ankle joints of male and female youths were calculated, and then the independent t-test was used for statistical significance. Data analysis showed no significant gender differences in the sagittal movements of the knee and ankle joints for Chinese male and female youths. The mean hip joint angle during squatting was [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] for female youths. The knee joint angle was [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] for female youths. With regard to ankle mobility, the hip and ankle ranges of motion were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for female youths. Both sexes showed significant gender differences in the nonsagittal plane. The range of motion (ROM) observed during deep squatting exceeds the ROM after arthroplasty for Chinese male and female youths. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of deep squatting biomechanics for the Chinese population and provide a basis for mitigating hyperflexion exercises and fabricating appropriate joint injury prostheses. By understanding the specific movement patterns of Chinese male and female youths, healthcare professionals can develop individualized interventions and rehabilitation programs to improve functional outcomes, prevent joint injuries, and improve the overall quality of life. The research found significant gender differences for sagittal hip and anterior ankle movements of male youths during squatting. These findings shed light on the kinematics of lower limbs. They have the potential to influence future research and medical practice to improve joint health and functional mobility for Chinese male and female youths.

Prevalence of and Influential Factors for Waterpipe Smoking among School-Attending Adolescents in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

The marketing of sweetened and flavoured tobacco in the early 1990s resulted in an upsurge in waterpipe smoking (WPS), mainly among young people and women. Here, we estimate prevalence rates among school-attending adolescents aged 14–19 (girls 52%) for a lifetime experience of WPS and within the last 30 days (WPS &lt; 30 days) and identify influential factors for such smoking in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. A random sample (N = 2039) was drawn from a class-based register created for 16 schools in Bissau; attending students in June 2017 were invited to respond to a locally adapted Planet Youth questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to identify influential factors for WPS. The prevalence rates for a lifetime experience of WPS and within &lt; 30 days were high, 17.7% and 15.0%, respectively, with no significant gender difference. For both groups, a multinomial logistic regression analysis identified attending higher grades in school, use of alcohol and being a victim of sexual violence as significant, influential factors. The overlapping of influential factors suggests preventive work against substance abuse should focus on less stigmatising behaviour, such as WPS and firmer implementation of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Translation and validation of ageism scale for dental students into Malay language.

Identifying ageism among dental students is essential in gerodontology courses. This study aimed to perform a preliminary validation of a Malay version of the ageism scale for dental students (ASDS-My). The 27-item ASDS were translated into Malay language and completed by 168 dental students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with Promax rotation, Polychoric Correlation Matrix and Principal Axis Factoring was conducted. Internal consistency reliability and discriminative validity were analysed. Criterion validity was measured by comparing ASDS-My with Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA). A Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin of 0.612 and a Bartlett's Test of Sphericity yielding p<.001 confirmed the adequate factorability. EFA revealed a 15-items scale distributed into five-factors explaining 54.5% of overall variance, with acceptable reliability. The two factors involved cost-benefit of dental treatment on older patients and challenges during medical history taking. The third, fourth and fifth factors explained attitude towards older patients, negative views of older patients and exposure of dental students to Gerodontology training and experiences respectively. Most factors were significantly positively related to FSA. Discriminative validity revealed significant differences for gender, place of stay and year of study. Preliminary validation of the ASDS-My produced a five-factors 15-items scale with acceptable validity and reliability.

A comparative study on the transbrachial and transfemoral approaches for the treatment of superior mesenteric artery lesions.

Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) lesions present a significant challenge in endovascular surgery. Both the transbrachial (TBA) and the transfemoral (TFA) approaches have been employed for the treatment of these lesions, but the comparative effectiveness of these methods remains unclear. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TBA and TFA at a tertiary center between June 2020 and February 2023. Key parameters including technical success, procedural details, and complication rates were examined. In a study of 99 patients, 66 underwent Transfemoral Approach (TFA) and 33 underwent Transbrachial Approach (TBA). No significant age or gender differences were noted between groups. TFA procedures were longer (90.0 vs 63.5 min, p = 0.002) and had higher fluoroscopy times (59.0 vs 43.0 min, p = 0.02) and selective SMA times (366.0 vs 245.0 min, p = 0.038) compared to TBA, especially with a smaller aortomesenteric angle (<90°). Technical success rates were high in both groups (TFA 97%, TBA 93.9%, p = 0.60). Complication rates were similar between groups, with no significant predictors for access site complications identified. Both the TBA and the TFA are effective for the treatment of SMA lesions, with TBA potentially offering advantages in terms of efficiency and patient recovery, particularly in cases with certain anatomy. No significant differences in complication rates were found between the two groups. Further research, including prospective randomized trials, is needed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of volume-controlled ventilation and pressure-limited ventilation in laparoscopic appendicectomy - a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a widely performed surgery globally, offering notable benefits such as reduced postoperative pain, quicker mobility, and shorter hospital stays. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the changes in respiratory mechanics and compare the outcomes of volume-controlled and pressure-limited ventilation (PLV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Materials and Methods: This randomized, prospective, single-blinded control study was conducted at K.A.P.V. Government Medical College, Tiruchirapalli, on 60 ASA I and II patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic appendicectomy under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (volume-controlled ventilation [VCV] group and the PLV group) of 30 patients. A patient’s history includes age, sex, history of diabetes, hypertension, or any cardiovascular disease, respiratory tract infection, wheezing or chronic chest infections, seizures, neuromuscular disease or weakness, etc. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, or body mass index between groups. There is no significant difference in the mean arterial pressure or ETCO2 between groups at various intervals. There was a significant difference in the mean heart rate between the VCV and the PLV groups at 5 and 20 min after induction. There was a significant difference in the peak airway pressure, dynamic compliance, and airway resistance between the VCV group and the PLV group at 10 min after induction (T1), 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (T2), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum (T3), and immediately after Trendelenburg position (T4). Conclusion: The airway resistance and peak airway pressure do not increase, and the dynamic compliance was improved in the PLV during laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Examining the Impact of Quality Service on Customer Satisfaction in the Emerging Landscape of Online Clothing Retail in Nepal

Online clothing retailers, both domestic and international, offer a wide range of brands at affordable prices, catering to the preferences of the young generation. This study aims to examine the association and effect of quick delivery service, price quotations, and quality products and services with customer satisfaction in online clothing stores in Nepal. The study employed analytical research designs. The study targeted customers involved in online clothing shopping as the theoretical population. The 140 respondents were selected through snowball sampling. Primary data have been collected by using online questionnaire surveys. The study adopted descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, covariance, independent sample t-test, and inferential statistics such as correlation and regression to analyze and interpret the data. This study explored online clothing purchases, finding no significant gender differences in perceptions. Positive correlations between key variables, such as price quotations, quick delivery service, and quality products, suggested their impact on customer satisfaction. Regression analysis confirmed significant associations with customer satisfaction, emphasizing the primacy of product quality and service delivery except pricing. The study recommends prioritizing these factors to boost online clothing sales, highlighting their crucial influence on customer satisfaction in the digital retail landscape.

Effect of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio on prognosis of elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with diabetes mellitus

BackgroundTo investigate the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the short-term prognosis of elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsThe clinical data of 162 elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. These patients were divided into a survival group (n = 104) and a death group (n = 58) according to 90-day prognosis. The number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR were compared. The optimal cut-off value for NLR to predict 90-day prognosis in elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM was determined using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves, and the patients were divided into high and low NLR groups depending on the optimal cut-off value. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves of the high and low NLR groups. Risk factors for the 90-day death in elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM were analyzed by a multivariate cox regression model.ResultsThere were no significant differences in gender, age, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and oxygenation index between the survival group and death group (p > 0.05). However, acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were significantly lower in the survival group compared with the death group (p < 0.05). In the survival group, neutrophils counts and NLR were much lower than those in the death group, while lymphocytes counts were much higher (p < 0.05). ROC curves showed that the optimal cut-off value for NLR to predict 90-day mortality in elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM was 3.482. Patients were divided into high NLR and low NLR groups based on whether NLR was ≥ 3.482. In terms of the log-rank test results, patients in the low NLR group had a significantly higher 90-day survival rate than those in the high NLR group (Logrank χ2 = 8.635, p = 0.003). The multivariate cox regression model showed that the length of ICU stay longer than 15 days and NLR ≥ 3.482 were independent risk factors for 90-day prognosis in elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM.ConclusionNLR ≥ 3.482 can be used to predict whether poor prognosis occurs in the short term after illness in elderly patients with severe sepsis combined with DM, and has good assessment value.

Knowledge and Awareness of Physiotherapy among Cancer Survivors

Background: Despite the established benefits of physiotherapy in oncology care, there remains a substantial gap in the awareness and utilization of rehabilitation services among cancer patients. The role of physiotherapy in improving the quality of life and functional independence of cancer survivors is well-documented, yet the integration of these services into standard cancer care protocols is not uniformly practiced. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and the barriers to physiotherapy among oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital, with an emphasis on understanding the gender-specific differences in awareness and interest in physiotherapy services. Methods: A six-month cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Sindh, employing a non-probability convenience sampling technique to recruit 318 participants. The sample size was determined using Raosoft sampling software, with a 95% confidence level, 5% margin of error, and 50% response distribution. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, focusing on patients' awareness of and interest in physiotherapy, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with chi-square tests applied to assess statistical significance. Results: The study found that only 17.3% of participants were aware of physiotherapy services, with significant gender differences in awareness (p=0.013) and interest (p=0.326) observed. Barriers to physiotherapy utilization included pain (91.5%), fatigue (90.6%), and financial constraints (78.9%). A stark 84.6% of patients reported not being informed about physiotherapy during their treatment. Conclusion: The low level of awareness and significant barriers to accessing physiotherapy among cancer patients highlight the critical need for enhanced educational programs and improved communication between oncology and rehabilitation professionals. Addressing these gaps is essential for integrating physiotherapy into cancer care, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Impact of Dysfunctional Parenting on Aggression and Disruptive Behaviour among Children

This quantitative study aimed to explore the impact of dysfunctional parenting on aggression and disruptive behaviour among children. The data were collected from 100 children studying at different institutes in Rawalpindi, using a purposive sampling technique. The participants of the study varied in age between 11-14 years. Three scales, that is, the Parenting Scale (PS), the Aggression Scale (AS), and the Disruptive Behaviour Sale Professed by Students (DBS-PS) were used for data collection. The data analysis was performed using correlation analysis, linear regression, and independent sample T-test. It was hypothesized that dysfunctional parenting would be positively correlated with aggression and disruptive behaviour, and dysfunctional parenting would have a significant impact on aggression and disruptive behaviour. The findings revealed that dysfunctional parenting was positively correlated with disruptive behaviour, but not with aggression. On the other hand, aggression and disruptive behaviour were positively correlated. Moreover, it was also proved that dysfunctional parenting had a significant impact on aggression and disruptive behaviour. However, there were no significant gender differences to be found in the study outcomes. This research will help to fill the gap in the research on student aggression and dysfunctional parenting.

사회복지종사자의 안전을 위한 보호체계 구축사업의 성과 및 발전방안 연구

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the achievements of the “Establishment of a Protective System for the Safety of Social Welfare Practitioners” project, which has been supported by the Community Chest of Korea from 2019 to 2022, and to propose future development strategies for the project. To do this, a mixed research method was employed. Quantitative research utilized data from 1,235 individuals recorded in the performance management records of the project. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0, including descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Changes in pre-post traumatic growth among social welfare practitioners were analyzed through paired-sample t-tests. Qualitative research involved conducting focus group interviews (FGIs) with 9 project managers to analyze difficulties encountered during project implementation, problem-solving efforts for project execution, project outcomes, and strategies for project sustainability. Data collected through FGIs were analyzed using thematic analysis and N-vivo 9. The results of the quantitative study are as follows: First, among the types of job-related trauma, the proportion of subjects who experienced job-related violence was the highest at 53.2%, followed by 19.8% for other types, 18.5% for vicarious trauma, and 8.6% for loss (death experience). Second, cross-analysis results showed statistically significant differences in gender, age, type of affiliated institution, and type of job-related trauma. Third, as a result of providing various recovery support to social workers who have experienced occupational trauma, positive changes in “post-traumatic growth” were observed when measuring pre- and post-traumatic growth. This change was statistically significant. The qualitative analysis results are as follows : First, there was an improvement in awareness and consciousness among social workers regarding safety and human rights, which had previously not received much attention. There was an increased sense of personal, organizational, and societal responsibility for problem-solving. Second, the framework of protection and safety systems has been established, including the enactment and revision of related regulations and the creation of a safe physical environment in social welfare agencies. Third, the recovery and capacity of social workers have been strengthened. As a development strategy to ensure the sustainability of this project, several tasks have been identified. These include the development of various recovery support services, such as the establishment of safety education and coping training programs, providing continuous education on safety and human rights for social welfare practitioners, fostering relevant professionals, adapting to changes in organizational and community environments, and establishing relevant legal and institutional foundations.

The learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children.

To explore the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in children. The clinical data, surgical information, and postoperative complications of consecutive cases of RALP performed by the same surgeon in Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2014 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed; the surgeon is a senior pediatric urologists who is proficient in laparoscopic pyeloplasty; the data consist of console time (CT), suture method when anastomosing ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), number of stitches (N), anastomosis time per stitch (tn), the average suture time per stitch (T) = (suture time of first stitch (t1) + second stitch (t2) + … + tn)/N, postoperative complications, and surgical outcome. The learning curve was depicted by cumulative sum method (CUSUM) and validated by cumulative method (CUM). Of the 88 cases, 64 cases were included in present study. Median CT was 104 (83-117) min, mean T was 109 ± 17s. There were ten cases of Clavien-Dindo Grade I complication and two cases of Clavien-Dindo Grade IIIb complication. The median follow-up time was 237 (87-627)days. The learning curve of CT has three stages, with inflection points at 11th and 57th case, and T has two stages, with inflection points at 19th case. There was a statistically significant difference between the console time and length of stay on both sides of the inflection point (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, etiology, clinical manifestation, surgical outcome, and complication (P > 0.05). For a senior pediatric urologists who is proficient in laparoscopic pyeloplasty, the learning curve of RALP can be divided into three stages, preliminary exploration stage, mastery stage, and proficiency stage. It takes about 11 cases to achieve the mastery stage, and it takes about 57 cases to achieve the proficiency stage. The learning curve focused on the suture technique of the surgeon is divided into two stages, and after a learning period of 19 cases, it will reach the proficiency stage of suturing UPJ.

Association between Axial Length to Corneal Curvature Radius Ratio and Myopia in Adult Patients.

To analyze the distribution characteristics of axial length to corneal curvature radius ratio (AL/CR) and other ocular biometric parameters in adult myopia patients and their association with myopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with no eye diseases except ametropia who attended the optometry clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College from January 2022 to June 2022. In total, 187 eyes (right eye) of 187 myopic patients aged 18-35 years were selected by random sampling. Based on the results of spherical equivalent (SE, (D)) obtained by postdilation optometry, all subjects were divided into three groups: mild myopia (≤-0.50D and >-3.00D, 42 eyes), moderate myopia (≤-3.00D and >-6.00D, 80 eyes), and high myopia (≤-6.00D, 65 eyes). The axial length (AL), corneal curvature radius (CR), and AL/CR were measured and compared between the three groups. The association between AL and AL/CR of the eye and SE was analyzed by multiple linear regression. Also, the predictive ability of AL/CR for high myopia was investigated by ROC curve. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, or intraocular pressure between the three groups. The mean values of AL/CR in mild, moderate, and high myopia groups were 3.17 ± 0.06, 3.31 ± 0.08, and 3.43 ± 0.10, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that both AL and AL/CR were strongly negatively correlated with SE (P < 0.05), while CR had a weak positive correlation with SE without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The adjusted linear regression equation shows that for every 0.1 unit increase in AL/CR, SE increases by 1.54 D. Compared with 0.830 (95% confidence interval: 0.769 to 0.900) for AL, the area under ROC curve of AL/CR was 0.896 (95% confidence interval: 0.851 to 0.941), indicating that the diagnostic value of AL/CR for high myopia was higher than that of AL (P < 0.01). When the Youden index reached its maximum (0.626), the AL/CR cutoff point was 3.309, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.954 and 0.672, respectively. This study showed that AL and AL/CR in adult myopia patients were significantly negatively correlated with SE, and the corralation between AL/CR and SE is greater than that between AL and SE. Therefore, AL/CR can be used to analyze the dynamic changes of SE in the development of adult myopia independently of optometry on a certain basis, and it is especially suitable for the diagnosis of high myopia in adults. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2300069070.