Significant Inverse Relationship Research Articles

Quality of life and psychological distress in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and transplantation

BACKGROUND Among diverse profound impacts on patients’ quality of life (QoL), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) frequently results in increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis (HD) and transplantation (TX) are intended to enhance QoL, although their ability to alleviate psychological distress remains uncertain. This research posits the existence of a significant correlation between negative emotional states and QoL among ESRD patients, with varying effects observed in HD and TX patients. AIM To examine the relationship between QoL and negative emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress) and predicted QoL in various end-stage renal replacement therapy patients with ESRD. METHODS This cross-sectional study included HD or TX patients in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. The 36-item Short Form Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used for data collection, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The HD and TX transplantation groups showed statistically significant inverse relationships between QoL and DASS scores. HD patients with high anxiety levels and less education scored low on the physical component summary (PCS). In addition, the results of the mental component summary (MCS) were associated with reduced depression. Compared with older transplant patients, TX patients’ PCS scores were lower, and depression, stress, and negative working conditions were highly correlated with MCS scores. CONCLUSION The findings of this study revealed notable connections between well-being and mental turmoil experienced by individuals undergoing HD and TX. The PCS of HD patients is affected by heightened levels of anxiety and lower educational attainment, while the MCS of transplant patients is influenced by advancing age and elevated stress levels. These insights will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of patient support.

To Assess the Functional outcome of Inflammatory arthritis of Knee following a Total Knee Replacement in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction : Inflammatory arthritis, particularly RA, can lead to significant joint destruction and functional impairment, necessitating interventions such as TKA. Despite medical therapy, severe joint damage may occur, warranting surgical intervention. This study assesses the functional outcomes post-TKA in patients having inflammatory arthritis. Materials and Methods: Patients who received TKA for inflammatory arthritis were included in this prospective observational cohort research, specifically RA, between 2019 and 2023 at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. Clinical, radiological, and functional results have been assessed using the American Knee Society scoring system. IBM SPSS version 22.0 was utilized for analysis of data, p < 0.05 is the threshold for statistical significance. Results:Twenty TKAs have been performed for RA, with all patients successfully followed up. The mean age of the patients was 58.5 years, and the majority were female. Before TKA, the average length of RA was 7.24 years, and all patients were in stage IV illness. Preoperative and postoperative knee society scores showed significant improvement, with average scores of 58.15 and 96.15, respectively. Functional scores also demonstrated substantial enhancement post-TKA, with an average increase of 130%. Radiological assessment revealed no evidence of lysis in any patient. Conclusion: Significant inverse relationship among the postoperative functional score and the length of the disease and the involvement of other joints. Utilizing the American Knee Society and functional scoring systems allows for objective prediction of surgical success. This can motivate surgeons and treating physicians to enhance care for RA patients.

Impact of organic foods on chronic diseases and health perception: a systematic review of the evidence.

The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the existing data on the health impacts, of the consumption of organically grown foods versus conventionally farmed alternatives, with specific focus on the postulated health superiority of organic foods. A systematic literature research was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were articles on adults (>18 years of age) consuming organic foods for ≥6 months, written in English language, and provision of comparative results between conventional and organic nutrition regarding health indices. From 1760 identified references, 21 primary research articles (2006-2022) met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes related to chronic disease prevalence, biomarker effects, and exposure to pesticides and other harmful substances were evaluated. A significant inverse relationship between organic food consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, was observed in the majority of prospective studies. The data on cancer risk and nutrient value comparison between organic and conventional foods were inconclusive. Clinical trials consistently indicated lower pesticide exposure in participants on organic diets, suggesting potential health benefits. The consumption of organic foods is associated with reduced cardiometabolic risks and pesticide exposure. However, the long-term impact on cancer risk remains undetermined. Future long-term studies are needed to establish whether an organic diet is superior to a conventional one in terms of overall health benefits.

The Association between Diet Quality and Metabolic Syndrome among Older African American Women.

Diet is a modifiable lifestyle factor that could impact the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components. MetS prevalence is high and diet quality is suboptimal among older African American women. MetS has been associated with many individual food groups, however, emerging research suggests that analyzing overall diet quality provides insight into the synergistic effects of food groups on health outcomes. In the current cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between diet quality and MetS, and investigated associations between diet quality and MetS components among older African American women. This study was based on 357 African American women between 45 and 65 years from the NHANES 2011-2018 datasets. This analysis utilized the NCEP ATP III (2001) criteria for women to diagnose MetS. MetS was dichotomized in addition to a MetS z-score being calculated for each participant using a sex- and race-specific equation. Participants' diet quality was measured using the HEI-2015. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between HEI-2015 diet quality and metabolic syndrome and its components. 65% of African American women aged 45-65 in the NHANES 2011-2018 had MetS. Study participants had an average HEI-2015 score of 55.4 out of 100. As HEI-2015 quartiles increased, the mean MetS z-score decreased (p-value: 0.0011). Age-adjusted models demonstrated statistically significant inverse relationships between HEI-2015 and waist circumference (β: -0.217; 95% CI: -0.372, -0.063), systolic blood pressure (β: -0.215; 95% CI: -0.359, -0.072), blood glucose (β: -0.344; 95% CI: -0.681, -0.0066), and triglycerides (β: -0.652; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.251). Significant associations could not be established between MetS and diet quality, assessed with the HEI-2015, among African American women aged 45-65 enrolled in NHANES 2011-2018. However, statistically significant relationships were observed between increased HEI-2015 scores and lowered risks of abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and systolic hypertension. The findings of this study affirm the necessity of public health strategies to improve diet quality among African-American women which could help to reduce their risks of chronic diseases.

Association of Vitamin E Intake with All-Cause Mortality Among Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cohort Study from the NHANES 1999-2018

Background The relationship between dietary vitamin E intake and mortality rates among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remains a relatively uncharted territory in nutritional epidemiology, underscoring an important gap in research. Objectives This study is to explore the potential association between dietary vitamin E intake and all-cause mortality in the RA patient population. Methods This longitudinal cohort study analyzed 2,906 RA patients aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018. Comprehensive data on mortality, dietary vitamin E intake, and pertinent confounding variables were systematically collected and analyzed using Cox regression and spline curve fitting to analyze the potential association. Results Following the adjustment for confounding factors, a significant inverse relationship was identified between dietary vitamin E intake and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with RA. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles of vitamin E intake were 0.85, 0.60, and 0.68, respectively. Non-linear modeling indicated a threshold effect characterized by a curve that associated dietary vitamin E intake with mortality risk (p = 0.016). An intake threshold of 7.097 mg/day was identified, below which each unit increment in vitamin E intake was associated with a 11.1% decrease in all-cause mortality risk (HR = 0.889). Conversely, for intakes surpassing this threshold, no significant relationship with mortality risk was detected (HR = 1.0038). Conclusion The findings of this study indicate a beneficial relationship between elevated dietary vitamin E intake and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in RA patients. The dose-response relationship exhibits a non-linear pattern, featuring a critical inflection point at an intake of approximately 7.097 mg/day.

The association between tooth brushing during lunchtime and obesity in South Korean adolescents

Obesity in adolescents is a global health concern associated with several diseases and complications in adulthood. Obesity has been reported to be strongly associated with oral habits. To investigate the association between tooth brushing during lunchtime and the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in a nationally representative sample of South Korean adolescents. Data from the 2018–2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey were used in this cross-sectional study. Obesity was measured based on the body mass index. The chi-square test was used to investigate and compare tooth brushing habits during lunchtime in the study population, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between tooth brushing during lunchtime and the prevalence of obesity. The odds of obesity were lower in the group that brushed their teeth during lunchtime (adjusted odd ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–0.93). Furthermore, the odds of obesity were significantly higher in high school students; boys; those with a low household income, low subjective health status awareness, medical history (asthma or atrophy), and history of sealant use; and those who responded after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A significant inverse relationship was found between tooth brushing habits during lunchtime and the prevalence of obesity. This relationship was consistent regardless of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors.

An examination of the ohio scales, short form, hopefulness domain, youth- and caregiver-report versions in a community care setting

The current study examined the utility of the Ohio Scales, Hopefulness Scale (OS Hopefulness Scale; Ogles et al., 2004), a free multi-informant four-item measure of hopefulness used within a large statewide public mental health care system. Collectively, the six aims of this study (done for both youth- and caregiver-report versions) examined (a) the measure’s factor structure and (b) internal consistency, (c) the relationship between youth- and caregiver-reported hopefulness, (d) the measure’s relationships with numerous domains of psychopathology (e.g., depression, anxiety, delinquency) and (e) functioning, and (f) sensitivity to change. Using a sample of 986 participants, who were ethnically diverse (30.5 % multiethnic, n = 301), 61.0 % male (n = 601), with an average age of 12.74 (SD=3.46), the study found good factor structure, acceptable internal consistency, and a significant positive association between youth-reported and caregiver-hopefulness. Additionally, significant inverse relationships were found between caregiver-reported hopefulness with youth mental health problems and youth functioning; while youth-reported hopefulness was found to be significantly inversely related to youth mental health problems but not youth functioning. Finally, significant positive changes in hopefulness and significant inverse relationships with youth functioning were also evident at three-month follow up for both youth- and caregiver-reported hopefulness. The constellation of our findings demonstrates potential for this four-item measure of hopefulness to be a useful, efficient, and cost-effective tool with ethnically diverse samples, which are substantially different from samples included in previous studies of hopefulness. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Refining penalty parameter selection in whole-body PET image reconstruction for lung cancer patients using the cross-validation log-likelihood method

Objective.Penalty parameters in penalized likelihood positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction are typically determined empirically. The cross-validation log-likelihood (CVLL) method has been introduced to optimize these parameters by maximizing a CVLL function, which assesses the likelihood of reconstructed images using one subset of a list-mode dataset based on another subset. This study aims to validate the efficacy of the CVLL method in whole-body imaging for cancer patients using a conventional clinical PET scanner.Approach.Fifteen lung cancer patients were injected with 243.7 ± 23.8 MBq of [18F]FDG and underwent a 22 min PET scan on a Biograph mCT PET/CT scanner, starting at 60 ± 5 min post-injection. The PET list-mode data were partitioned by subsampling without replacement, with 20 minutes of data for image reconstruction using an in-house ordered subset expectation maximization algorithm and the remaining 2 minutes of data for cross-validation. Two penalty parameters, penalty strengthβand Fair penalty function parameterδ, were subjected to optimization. Whole-body images were reconstructed, and CVLL values were computed across various penalty parameter combinations. The optimal image corresponding to the maximum CVLL value was selected by a grid search for each patient.Main results.Theδvalue required to maximize the CVLL value was notably small (⩽10-6in this study). The influences of voxel size and scan duration on image optimization were investigated. A correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between optimalβand scan count level, with a correlation coefficient of -0.68 (p-value = 3.5 × 10-5). The optimal images selected by the CVLL method were compared with those chosen by two radiologists based on their diagnostic preferences. Differences were observed in the selection of optimal images.Significance.This study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating the CVLL method into routine imaging protocols, potentially allowing for a wide range of combinations of injected radioactivity amounts and scan durations in modern PET imaging.

Associations of C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index with cardiorenal syndrome: Insights from a population-based study

BackgroundCardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex condition characterized by the interplay of immune imbalance and inflammation. The C-reactive protein-Albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) CALLY index serves as a new immune-nutritional scoring system, but its predictive value for CRS remains to be established. MethodsIn this study, we analyzed data from 27,978 participants in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010. The CALLY index was calculated as the ratio of albumin to lymphocyte, divided by C-reactive protein (CRP) multiplied by 104. CRS was defined by the coexistence of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Multivariate weighted logistic regression models were employed to determine the odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval for the association between the CALLY index and CRS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were used to assess the predictive efficacy and nonlinear relationship, respectively. ResultsThe prevalence of CRS in the study population was 1.22 %. Our findings revealed a significant inverse relationship between the CALLY index and CRS risk, with lower CALLY index values being associated with a higher likelihood of CRS (OR = 0.95, 95 % CI = 0.94–0.96, P < 0.001). Participants in higher quartiles of the CALLY index showed a progressively reduced risk of CRS (P for trend <0.001). Moreover, the CALLY index demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to other inflammatory indicators, such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), and platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) (AUC = 0.672, 95 % CI = 0.643–0.701). ConclusionsThis study underscores the significant negative correlation between the CALLY index and the risk of cardiorenal syndrome. The CALLY index emerges as a robust and independent predictor of CRS, outperforming traditional inflammatory markers. This finding highlights the potential utility of the CALLY index as a clinical tool for identifying individuals at risk for CRS.

Investigation of Perceived Nurse Support and Hopelessness Levels of Mothers with Their Baby in Neonatal Intensive Care

Aim: The investigation aimed to explore the correlation between nurses' perceived support and the hopelessness levels among mothers whose babies are in the newborn intensive care unit. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional approach focusing on establishing relationships. Method: The research was conducted within the newborn intensive care unit of two distinct clinics in Istanbul from February to July 2021. The study population consisted of 152 mothers whose babies were admitted to the intensive care units of these hospitals. Data collection was conducted using the Nurse Parent Support Tool, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Personal Information Form. Results: It was found that there was a weak, inverse, and statistically significant relationship between the total mean score of the Nurse-Parental Support Tool and the average score of the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Beck Hopelessness Scale mean scores at first hospitalization and discharge were analyzed. The decrease in findings had a significant statistical effect (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study's findings revealed a statistically significant weak inverse relationship between the average total score obtained from the Nurse-Parental Support Tool and the mean score from the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Specifically, the average scores of the Beck Hopelessness Scale were analyzed both at admission to the hospital and at the time of discharge. It was observed that the data showed a statistically significant drop in the scores between these two events (p&amp;lt;0.001).

Direct and indirect connections of androgen status with ejaculate parameters in men from infertile couples

In men from infertile couples the serum level of total testosterone (tT) has been shown to vary widely. Is it possible to expect that there is an association of tT content with spermogram disorders in men from infertile couples? Aim of the study was to investigate the patterns of changes in the spermiological status of men from infertile couples depending on tT level in blood serum. Material and methods. Design – observational, retrospective, one-stage study. The analysis of medical histories of 358 men with infertility in marriage was carried out. The sample was divided into comparison groups according to tT level: group 1 – less than 12.1, group 2 – from 12.1 to 20.9, group 3 – 21.0 nmol/l or more. Results. From group 1 to group 3, tT content increases more than twice, as well as concentration of indicators related to the level of T – sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone (fT). There are no significant differences in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level, although there is a tendency to its increase from group 1 to group 3. From group 1 of men with androgen deficiency to group 3, not only body weight and body mass index (BMI), but also waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC), as well as the WC/HC index, characterizing the degree of abdominal obesity, decrease. The groups examined did not differ in the values of all studied ejaculate parameters. In group 1, a pronounced correlation between the content of tT and fT was found, in groups 2 and 3 – statistically significant inverse relationships between the level of Tob and the values of anthropometric indicators (body weight, BMI, WC and HC), as well as direct ones - with the concentration of SHBG, tT, LH and estradiol, in group 3 – with FSH levels. There were no correlations between tT content and spermogram indicators in any group of examined men. Conclusions. The results obtained suggest that only at high-normal level of testosterone in the blood it can have a stimulating effect on spermatogenesis. As a result of the accumulation of cases of androgenic deficiency in the population, the direct positive effect of serum testosterone on spermatogenesis is becomes insufficient for normal regulation, and the negative effect of testosterone deficiency on spermatogenesis, mediated through the accumulation of overweight and obesity comes to the fore.

A comparative assessment of Lead (Pb) concentration and physicochemical parameters in groundwater from the Kabwe mine and Lusaka non-mine sites, Zambia

This study addresses the comparative influence of physicochemical parameters on the dissolution of Pb and its levels in the groundwater of former Pb mining areas in Kabwe and non-mining areas in Lusaka, Zambia. This cross-sectional study analyzed 61 groundwater samples from hand pump boreholes using atomic absorption spectrometry. Physicochemical parameters were measured, including electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon test, Spearman’s correlation, robust linear regression, Principal component analysis (PCA), and generalized additive models. Pb concentrations were particularly higher (p = 0.029; median = 0.131 mg/L) in mining areas compared to non-mining areas (median = 0.071 mg/L). The EC in the mining areas (median = 585 µS/cm) was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than those in the non-mining area (median = 1100 µS/cm). Likewise, TDS levels revealed a significant (p = 0.001) difference between the mining area (median = 303 ppm) and the non-mining area (median = 601 ppm). The median pH values for groundwater samples in the mining and non-mining areas were 6.96 and 7.27, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed a significant (rho = − 0.405; p = 0.036) inverse relationship between Pb concentrations and pH in non-mining areas. Robust linear regression and generalized additive models underscored a significant (p = 0.016) non-linear relationship between temperature and Pb across all areas, with the non-mining area demonstrating a significant (p = 0.003) non-linear relationship between temperature and pH concerning Pb. The study associates mining activities with increased Pb concentrations, underscoring it as a principal contamination source. In contrast, elemental dissolutions from the basement limestone with dolomite might increase Pb concentration in the non-mining areas. The observed positive relationship between temperature and pH in non-mining areas highlights its positive interactions with Pb mobility while temperature greatly influences Pb dissolutions in mining areas.

Traumatic Stress, Psychological Well-being, and Sociodemographic Correlates in High-stress Environments among Healthcare Professionals

Background Healthcare staff provide crucial services to their patients; hence, their well-being is essential to ensure they offer the best services with minimal harm to their health. Aim This study aimed to identify associations of traumatic stress, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic variables to provide insight into the experiences and feelings of healthcare personnel in high-stress settings. Furthermore, we will examine how sociodemographic factors and traumatic stress impact the psychological well-being of high-stress environment healthcare professionals. Objective This research investigated the relationship between traumatic stress, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic factors in high-stress environments among healthcare personnel in different medical units. It was hypothesized that sociodemographic variables and traumatic stress will predict psychological well-being among healthcare workers who work in high-stress environments. Furthermore, there will be differences in traumatic stress and psychological well-being based on sociodemographic variables among healthcare workers working in high-stress environments. will experience high l Methods To accomplish this goal, an online survey including sociodemographic information, standardized questionnaires of Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, and a Brief Inventory of Thriving were administered to healthcare personnel (N=290) to collect data for sociodemographic characteristics, traumatic stress levels, and psychological well-being. The results were processed by using SPSS. The descriptive statistics measured participants' characteristics, traumatic stress levels, and psychological well-being. The pearson product-moment correlation, regression analysis, and ANOVA were used to measure the relationship and impact of sociodemographic factors, traumatic stress, and psychological well-being. Results A significant inverse relationship between traumatic stress and psychological well-being (r= -0.518, p &lt; 0.05) was reported. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis provided the predictive association of traumatic stress and negative well-being (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, ANOVA was conducted to measure the differences in socio- demographic variables of traumatic stress and the psychological well-being level of healthcare professionals. Conclusion The results of this research could help inform policy decisions and interventions that may improve the psychological well-being of healthcare personnel in high-stress environments. Ethical considerations such as participant privacy protection and addressing potential psychological distress are also discussed.

Correlation between fishing yield and microplastic levels across nations

This research looks into the association between fishing and microplastic contamination across countries, with a particular focus on how the growth of microplastic levels can impact fishery production. Through the use of a mixed-effect model we were able to look through data from 100 nations during the period 1990-2021, where fishery yield data was extracted from The World Bank and microplastic concentration data was obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Information; population data served as a control variable in our analysis. We found that there is indeed a significant negative correlation between levels of microplastics and fishing yield: an increase by 1 piece of microplastic per cubic meter leads to decrease in fishing yield by anything between 65 and 100 metric tonnes (95% confidence interval). This relationship held true for about 93% of all coastal countries studied. To accommodate for differences amongst nations, we introduced random intercepts and slopes in our mixed-effect model which helped capture variations specific to each country while still identifying an overarching pattern. The research we are doing is on the connection between fish catches and microplastic pollution which takes place in the different countries of the world, where we focus more on how high microplastic levels influence fishery production. Having made use of a mixed-effect model, we have been able to look at data that represents 100 nations within the period of time between 1990 and 2021; The World Bank provided us with fishery yield data while microplastic concentration data came from the National Centers for Environmental Information. In addition to these variables, population data was used as a control variable. The summary of our analysis points towards a significant inverse relationship noted between microplastic levels and fishing yield: an increase by one piece of plastic results in a decline by somewhere between 65 to 100 metric tonnes (95% confidence interval). This generalization held true for about 93% coastal countries considered under this study. To capture specific variations among nations but also identify an overall trend line while dealing with inter-country variability, random intercepts and slope components were included as part of our mixed-effect model methodology.

Female patients with hepatitis B may exhibit a reduced risk of breast cancer: A review of NHANES data.

Hepatic viral infections and breast cancer (BC) constitute major global health challenges, yet the interconnection between these hepatic infections and BC continues to be ambiguous. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the link between hepatitis virus infection and the incidence of BC and leveraging data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering the period from 1999 to March 2022, we utilized logistic regression and subgroup analysis, among other methodologies, to execute a cross-sectional investigation. The univariate logistic regression analysis elucidates that individuals classified as non-Hispanic White exhibit a markedly higher incidence of BC at 2.620 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.117-7.676; P = .045); moreover, advanced age at 1.063 (95% CI, 1.036-1.093; P < .001), elevated educational attainment at 1.962 (95% CI, 1.17-3.366; P = .012), and higher income levels at 2.835 (95% CI, 1.303-7.439; P = .017) emerge as significant predisposing factors for BC. In contrast, a greater number of live births significantly diminishes the risk of BC, reducing the incidence to 81.1% with each additional birth. Pertaining to hepatitis and vaccination status, our analysis distinctly demonstrates that only hepatitis B at 0.110 (95% CI, 0.018-0.353; P = .002) bears a significant inverse relationship with BC risk, suggesting a protective effect. The multivariate logistic regression analysis further reveals a negative association between hepatitis B infection and BC incidence, whereas hepatitis B vaccination shows a positive correlation with the disease incidence. After adjusting for all covariates, model 3 delineates odds ratios (95% CI) as follows: 0.14 (0.02-0.50; P = .009) and 1.92 (0.99-3.62; P = .046). Our investigation uncovers that within the general populace, there exists an inverse correlation between hepatitis B infection and BC incidence; in addition, the administration of the hepatitis B virus vaccine is potentially positively associated with the prevalence of BC.

Alleviating China’s energy poverty: does smart transportation matter?

ABSTRACT In the era of the digital economy, smart transportation has achieved leapfrog development, affecting all aspects of life, but few scholars have paid attention to whether it has affected the goal of alleviating energy poverty (EP). Accordingly, our study uses data from 30 Chinese provinces, 10 years (2010–2019), to assess the correlation between smart transportation and EP by using the Instrumental variables generalized method of moments (IV-GMM) model. The findings indicate that: (i) a significant inverse relationship exists between smart transportation and EP, and smart transportation can significantly alleviate EP; (ii) the impact of smart transportation on EP under different quantiles is significant, and the higher the level of EP, the less obvious the role of smart transportation. Furthermore, (iii) aside from its indirect role in reducing emissions, smart transportation still contributes to EP reduction by influencing green technology innovation. In light of the aforementioned results, this study puts forward relevant policy recommendations to provide important policy insights for reducing EP through smart transportation.

The inverse associations of glycine and histidine in diet with hyperlipidemia and hypertension

BackgroundAmino acids are crucial for nutrition and metabolism, regulating metabolic pathways and activities vital to organismal health and stability. Glycine and histidine act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the associations between these amino acids and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary glycine and histidine, and hyperlipidemia and hypertension.MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of dietary glycine and histidine, as well as their combined effect, on hyperlipidemia and hypertension in Chinese adults participating in the Nutrition Health Atlas Project (NHAP). General characteristics were acquired using a verified Internet-based Dietary Questionnaire for the Chinese. Binary logistic regression, along with gender, age groups, and median energy intake subgroup analyses, was employed to investigate the associations between dietary glycine and histidine and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of excluding individuals who smoke and consume alcohol on the results.ResultsBased on the study’s findings, 418 out of 1091 cases had hyperlipidemia, whereas 673 had hypertension. A significant inverse relationship was found between dietary glycine, histidine, and glycine + histidine and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Compared with the 1st and 2nd tertiles, the multivariable-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) (CIs) of the 3rd tertile of dietary glycine for hyperlipidemia and hypertension were 0.64 (0.49–0.84) (p < 0.01) and 0.70 (0.56–0.88) (p < 0.001); histidine was 0.63 (0.49–0.82) (p < 0.01) and 0.80 (0.64–0.99) (p < 0.01); and glycine + histidine was 0.64 (0.49–0.83) (p < 0.01) and 0.74 (0.59–0.92) (p < 0.001), respectively. High glycine and high histidine (HGHH) intake were negatively associated with hyperlipidemia and hypertension OR (95% CIs) were: 0.71 (0.58–0.88) (p < 0.01) and 0.73 (0.61–0.87) (p < 0.01), respectively.ConclusionsDietary glycine and histidine, as well as their HGHH group, revealed an inverse relationship with hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Further investigations are needed to validate these findings.

Association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation: NHANES 2005-2010.

This investigation aimed to analyze the association between dietary vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence among United States adults. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this cross-sectional study assessed vitamin E intake through 24-h dietary recall and defined constipation based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified analyses were conducted based on covariates such as age, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were generated to explore the potential linear or non-linear association. Individuals experiencing constipation exhibited lower vitamin E intake compared to those without constipation. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a negative correlation between vitamin E intake and constipation risk, even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Further RCS analysis revealed a statistically significant non-linear inverse relationship between vitamin E intake and constipation risk (p-value for non-linearity = 0.0473). Our findings suggest an independent inverse association between vitamin E intake and constipation prevalence in United States adults. Prospective research is needed to validate these observations.

Distrust in the Health Care System and Adherence to Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C Virus Who Inject Drugs.

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (October 2013-April 2017) involving 150 People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) seen in opioid agonist treatment programs in the Bronx, New York, and investigates the impact of distrust in the healthcare system on adherence to Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) HCV treatment therapy among PWIDs. The distrust was scaled on a 9-item instrument and the adherence to DAA medications was measured using electronic blister packs. This study demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between levels of distrust and medication adherence: 71.8 ± 2.2% (se) vs. 77.9 ± 1.8%, p = 0.024 between participants with higher and lower distrust levels. Despite the absence of significant association of distrust with sociodemographic or substance use characteristics, these findings suggest that building trust within the healthcare system is paramount for improving adherence to DAAs among PWIDs. The results call for a healthcare approach that emphasizes trust-building through patient-centered care, sensitivity training, peer support, and health system reform to effectively address the treatment needs of this marginalized population.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRUXISM SYMPTOMS AND RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Investigation of the Relationship Between Bruxism Symptoms And Restless Leg Syndrome Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between bruxism symptoms and restless legs syndrome (RLS), focusing on the frequency and severity of RLS symptoms in patients with bruxism. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (Protocol No: 2019/66). A total of 134 patients (50 males, 84 females) diagnosed with bruxism out of 212 patients presenting with jaw pain between April 10 and July 6, 2019, were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 47. Patients completed the Bruxism Determination Questionnaire and the RLS Severity Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS for Windows, version 26). Relationships and correlations were determined using descriptive statistics and various statistical tests. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between bruxism symptoms and RLS severity (p&gt;0.05). However, a significant positive correlation was found between the number of bruxism symptoms and the RLS severity score (19.3%, p=0.025). Additionally, smoking was found to affect bruxism symptoms but not RLS severity. Conclusion: Bruxism symptoms increase with the severity of RLS, but no significant inverse relationship was observed. While smoking affects bruxism symptoms, it does not affect RLS severity. Further research with larger sample sizes and more objective evaluation criteria is needed to better understand the relationship between these two conditions. Keywords: Bruxism; sleep bruxism, restless leg syndrome; cigarette smoking