Standardized Beta Coefficient Research Articles

Age of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Patient-Centered Medical Home Components.

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children facilitates the provision of services and enhances opportunities for improving functioning via intervention. To date, limited studies have examined whether age of ASD diagnosis is associated with components of care of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a model of health care that emphasizes centralized, accessible, and coordinated care. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the associations between components of the PCMH and age of ASD diagnosis while controlling for associated clinical and socio-demographic factors, in a national sample of children 17years and younger with ASD. The present study was a cross-sectional, observational study. Participants were caregivers of 1,193 children ages with ASD from the 2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was run with age of ASD diagnosis as the criterion variable in two regression models. The binary composite medical home proxy variable was investigated as well as the five individual medical home components (usual source of care, personal doctor or nurse, family-centered care, care coordination, able to obtain referrals when needed). In the first regression analysis, the overall PCMH proxy variable was significantly correlated with the age of ASD diagnosis (standardized beta coefficient = -.08; p < .01). Of the five components of the PCMH assessed in the second regression model, only usual source of sick care was significantly associated with the age of ASD diagnosis (standardized beta coefficient = -.11; p < .01). Having a usual source of sick care may be an important factor in receiving an earlier ASD diagnosis for children and adolescents.

Understanding the Pathology of Major Depression in a Non-clinical Student Sample: The Role of Mental Pain, Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Self-Compassion, and Anxiety

Background: Severe psychological or mental pain is an experience of discomfort that can be associated with mental illness (such as major depression) or loss (such as the death of a child). Objectives: The aim of this study is to understand the pathology of major depression using a non-clinical student sample by assessing the roles of mental pain, cognitive emotion regulation, self-compassion, and anxiety. Methods: This cross-sectional study selected a sample (n = 300) using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method. Data was collected using the Orbach &amp; Mikulincer Mental Pain Questionnaire (OMMP), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BD-II). Results: The results of the forward multiple linear regression model showed significant standardized beta coefficients for the following variables: Anxiety and depression (β = 0.21, P = 0.002), mental pain and depression (β = 0.436, P &lt; 0.001), maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and depression (β = 0.21, P = 0.002), negative dimensions of self-compassion and depression (β = 0.082, p = 0.041), adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and depression (β = -0.135, P = 0.031), and positive dimensions of self-compassion and depression (β = -0.078, P = 0.042). Additionally, the results indicated that 56% of the variance in depression is explained by mental pain, cognitive emotion regulation, self-compassion, and anxiety (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that therapies focused on emotional regulation and self-compassion can effectively address emotional problems, anxiety, and depression in individuals with depression.

The association of metabolic syndrome with telomere length as a marker of cellular aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

It has been suggested that metabolic syndrome (MetS) accelerates the aging process, potentially contributing to the development of age-related complications. Available studies examining the relation of MetS to telomere length (TL), a putative biological marker of aging, have yielded inconclusive findings. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between MetS and TL. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant literature published up to February 2024. Standard mean difference (SMD) and standardized beta coefficient (β) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as effect sizes to measure the associations using the random effects model. A total of nine studies, comprising a total sample size of 8,606 participants, were eligible for the meta-analysis. No significant difference in mean TL was found between patients with and without MetS (SMD = -0.03, 95%CI = -0.17 to 0.10), with a significant heterogeneity across the studies (I 2 = 89.7.0%, p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, it was revealed that MetS is negatively related to TL (β = -0.08, 95%CI = -0.15 to -0.004). In the subgroup analysis, this finding was supported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS. This meta-analysis highlighted that MetS may be linked to a shorter TL. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding.

Factors impacting D-dimer levels in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events

Background and objectivesA better understanding of the factors influencing D-dimer levels in code stroke patients is needed to guide further investigations of concomitant thrombotic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of time from symptom onset and other factors on D-dimer levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). MethodsData on consecutive AIS and TIA patients treated at our tertiary-care stroke center between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Patients with available D-dimer levels were evaluated for eligibility. Multivariable non-linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsIn total, 2467 AIS patients and 708 TIA patients were included. The median D-dimer levels differed between the AIS and TIA groups (746 µg/L [interquartile range 381–1468] versus 442 µg/L [interquartile range 244–800], p<0.001). In AIS patients, an early increase in D-dimer levels was demonstrated within the first 6 h (standardized beta coefficient [β] 0.728; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.324–1.121). This was followed by an immediate decrease (β −13.022; 95% CI −20.401 to −5.643) and then by a second, late increase after 35 h (β 11.750; 95% CI 4.71–18.791). No time-dependent fluctuation in D-dimer levels was observed in TIA patients. ConclusionThe time from symptom onset may affect D-dimer levels in patients with AIS but not those with TIA. Further studies confirming these findings and validating time-specific variations are needed to enable D-dimer levels to be used efficiently as an acute stroke and thrombotic risk biomarker.

Associations between residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and birthweight and head circumference among term births: The Taiwan birth Cohort study

Exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy may cause adverse birth outcomes in newborns. This study examined links between exposure to various residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and newborn birth weight/head circumference, using the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS) database with 14,829 subjects. We conducted simple and multiple linear regression analyses to find out the associations between residential environmental characteristics (molds, environmental tobacco smoke [ETS], household insecticide use, and home renovation or painting) and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference), and adjusting for demographics and environmental variables. The standardized beta coefficients were calculated. We also analyzed whether the associations varied by newborn sex and maternal body mass index (BMI). The regression analysis indicated that molds on multiple walls at the residence were significantly associated with lower birthweight (standardized β = −0.025, p = 0.003) and with smaller head circumference (standardized β = −0.023, p = 0.008) than no mold on walls after adjustment. Exposure to ETS did not result in significance for birthweight reduction but a significant reduction in head circumference (standardized β = −0.018, p = 0.047). The birthweight reductions associated with molds were −0.024 SD (standard deviation) for boys and −0.028 SD for girls, whereas the head circumference reduction with molds was sex-specific, being only significant for girls (standardized β = −0.029, p = 0.021). The analysis on BMI-separated data indicated that all significance occurred to mothers having normal BMI. Mold presence correlated significantly with reduced birth weight and head circumference, while ETS exposure only reduced head circumference. Girls and mothers with normal BMI were more affected by these reductions than boys or under/overweight mothers.

Evaluating the Potential of a Novel Metabolic Syndrome Severity Score to Inform Exercise Interventions for People with Complex Chronic Conditions.

Aims: Exercise interventions positively affect numerous cardiometabolic risk factors. To better evaluate the health effects of exercise training, it may be more appropriate to evaluate risk factors together. The Metabolic Syndrome Severity Score (MetSSS) is a composite score representing cardiometabolic risk. Purpose: To evaluate the relationships between physical activity, neuromuscular fitness, exercise capacity, and the MetSSS in a heterogenous sample of people with complex chronic disease. Material and Methods: Fifty-three people with kidney or liver disease and at least one feature of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were included. Pearson correlations were conducted between physical activity, neuromuscular fitness, exercise capacity, and the MetSSS. Linear regressions were performed for multi-level categorical variables. Independent variables with an association with MetSSS (P ≤ 0.2) were included in a multiple regression analysis. Results: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance was inversely and independently associated with MetSSS [standardized beta coefficient (β) = -0.31, P = 0.04]. No relationship was found between MetSSS and physical activity or neuromuscular fitness. Mean 6MWT in the highest tertile was 550 m (range: 505-620 m) and 346 m (range: 233-408 m) in the lowest. The analysis showed a medium-large between-group effect for the difference in MetSSS for the lowest and highest tertile of 6MWT [Eta squared (η2) = 0.16, P = 0.01]. Conclusions: Exercise capacity was inversely and independently associated with MetSSS in people with complex chronic disease. Clinical trials with exercise interventions are needed to further investigate if improvements in exercise capacity result in clinically significant changes in the MetSSS.

#2929 Plasma levels of brain injury markers NfL and GFAP are independently predicted by glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to measure brain injury biomarkers in plasma in a cohort of patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, without a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, and to determine factors that independently predicted plasma levels of these biomarkers. Method This was a cross-sectional cohort study including 110 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, and 55 healthy, matched, controls, recruited from the outpatient clinic at Sahlgrenska university hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. None of the included study subjects had a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, or any other neurological disease. Plasma concentrations of neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau231) were analyzed with ultrasensitive single molecule array (SIMOA). Measured GFR (mGFR) was determined by plasma clearance of ⁵¹Cr-EDTA. Values are medians [interquartile range]. For linear regression analyses standardised beta coefficients (β) are presented. Results Characteristics of CKD patients and healthy controls are presented in Table 1. Plasma concentrations of NfL (37.5 [22.1-47.5] vs. 13.4 [10.5-16.7] ng/L, p &amp;lt; 0.001), p-Tau231 (25.7 [19.1-38.7] vs. 13.9 [10.5-16.3] ng/L, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and GFAP (190 [140-281] vs. 153 [116-211] ng/L, p = 0.001) were significantly elevated in patients with CKD vs. controls. In CKD patients, mGFR showed statistically significant inverse correlations to plasma concentrations of NfL, p-Tau231, and GFAP (Table 2). In multiple regression analyses, mGFR was associated with plasma levels of NfL (β = −0.457, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and GFAP (β = −0.322, p &amp;lt; 0.001) independently of diabetes, age, troponin-T, b-hemoglobin, and aortic pulse-wave velocity. However, mGFR was not significantly associated with plasma levels of p-Tau231 in a multiple regression analysis. Conclusion Plasma levels of brain injury markers NfL, p-Tau231 and GFAP were elevated in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, without a history of cerebrovascular disease, compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, mGFR independently predicted plasma concentrations of NfL and GFAP in multiple regression models. These results raise the possibility that reduced GFR per se may be associated with subclinical brain injury.

Determining Interest in Using Mobile Banking Applications in the Greater Jakarta

This study aimed to analyze the influence of perceived usefulness, service features, security, and trust on the interest in using mobile banking (e-banking) applications in the Greater Jakarta area. Additionally, it identified the most dominant variable influencing the interest in using the applications. The focus of the investigation was on mobile banking applications offered by BCA and BNI. The method further included the collection of primary data and conducting various tests such as validity, reliability, normality, heteroscedasticity, and multicollinearity testing. Multiple linear regression, determination coefficient, f-test, and t-test were also used with questionnaire instruments. The validated data were obtained from 100 respondents selected through a non-probability survey, specifically using a purposive sampling method. The results showed that perceived usefulness, service features, security, and trust all influenced the interest in using mobile banking in Greater Jakarta. Based on the t-test results and standardized coefficient beta analysis, perceived usefulness evolved as the most dominant variable.

Factors influencing the posterior cruciate ligament buckling phenomenon—a multiple linear regression analysis of bony and soft tissue structures of the knee joint

PurposeTo determine whether posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) buckling (angular change) is associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) status (intact or ruptured), meniscal bone angle (MBA), anterior tibial translation (ATT), body weight, femoral-tibial rotation (FTR), posterior tibial slope (PTS), PCL length and femoral-tibial distance (FTD) and to identify the factors that have the greatest influence.MethodsAll enrolled participants were scanned with a 3.0 T, 8-channel coil MRI system (Magnetom Verio; Siemens). Bone and soft tissue parameters were measured by MIMICS software for each subject and each measured parameter was correlated with PCL buckling phenomena. The correlated and statistically significant parameters were then analyzed by multiple linear regression to determine the magnitude of the effect of the different parameters on the PCL buckling phenomenon.ResultsA total of 116 subjects (50 ACL ruptured and 66 age, weight and height matched volunteers with uninjured knees) were enrolled. Among all measured parameters, there were 8 parameters that correlated with PCL angle (PCLA), of which ACL status had the strongest correlation with PCLA (r = − 0.67, p = < 0.001); and 7 parameters that correlated with PCL-posterior femoral cortex angle (PCL-PCA), of which ATT had the strongest correlation with PCL-PCA (r = 0.69, p = < 0.001). PCLIA was not significantly correlated with any of the measured parameters. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed four parameters can explain PCLA, of which ACL status had the strongest effect on PCLA (absolute value of standardized coefficient Beta was 0.508). Three parameters can explain PCL-PCA, of which ATT had the strongest effect on PCLIA (r = 0.69, p = < 0.001), ATT has the greatest effect on PCL-PCA (absolute value of normalized coefficient Beta is 0.523).ConclusionsPCLA may be a simple and easily reproducible and important supplement for the diagnosis of ACL injury; PCL-PCA is a simple and easily reproducible and important complementary tool for the detection of ATT. The use of PCLA is more recommended to aid in the diagnosis of ACL injury.

The Relationship between Digital Game Addiction Tendency and Depressive Symptoms in Children (36-72 Months).

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between digital game addiction tendency and depressive symptoms in children (36-72 months). Method: We conducted this research in a virtual environment with the mothers of 747 children (36-72 months). A predictive evaluation was performed using a simple regression analysis between the mean scores of the Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale (DGATS) and the Child Depressive Symptoms Assessment Scale (CDSAS). Results: A total of 53.9% of children reported that they play games for 3-24 h a day. The average duration of children playing digital games was 2.86 ± 1.86 h per day. The total mean score of the CDSAS was 142.48 ± 27.36. The total mean score the children received from DGATS was 46.34 ± 17.28. In the regression analysis, it was determined that there was a strong positive correlation between the (DGATS) total score average and the (CDSAS) total score average (R = 0.52, R2 = 0.27, p < 0.05). Accordingly, digital game addiction tendency explains 27% of children's depressive symptoms. Conclusions: When the standardized beta coefficient and t values are examined, it can be said that digital game addiction tendency is a significant predictor of children's depressive symptoms.

Impact of flood disaster on livelihood of farmers in Rwanda: A case study of Rubavu district (2010-2022)

This research investigates the impact of flood disasters on farmers' livelihoods in Rwanda, specifically focusing on Rubavu district. This research employed descriptive and correlational analysis research designs, the study involved 4120 participants, including administrative officials and farmers. The objectives were to assess flood occurrences in Rubavu district from 2010 to 2022, evaluate farmers' livelihoods in selected sectors during this period, and determine the significant relationship between environmental disaster management and farmers' livelihoods. The study revealed substantial flood occurrences in Rubavu district over the specified period, with a high R Square value of 0.755. This suggests that 75.5% of the variance in farmers' livelihoods can be attributed to flood events. The statistical significance of this relationship was confirmed by the F-statistic (F = 277.344, p &lt; 0.001). Farmers' livelihoods were significantly affected by flood disasters, particularly with the standardized coefficient (Beta) for "Crop wash away" being 0.430, and a highly significant p-value (p &lt; 0.001), highlighting the substantial impact of crop losses due to flooding on farmers' economic well-being. This research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive flood disaster management strategies in Rubavu district. Recommendations include strengthening early warning systems, conducting comprehensive flood risk assessments, and implementing monitoring programs to identify vulnerable areas. These insights contribute to the academic discourse on disaster management, risk reduction, and resilience-building, aiming to inform policies and interventions that protect vulnerable communities' economic well-being in the face of environmental challenges.

Simple risk scoring using sinus rhythm electrocardiograms predicts the incidence of atrial fibrillation in the general population

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmic disease. Prediction of AF development in healthy individuals is important before serious complications occur. We aimed to develop a risk prediction score for future AF using participants’ data, including electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements and information such as age and sex. We included 88,907 Japanese participants, aged 30–69 years, who were randomly assigned to derivation and validation cohorts in a ratio of 1:1. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis and obtained the standardised beta coefficient of relevant factors and assigned scores to them. We created a score based on prognostic factors for AF to predict its occurrence after five years and applied it to validation cohorts to assess its reproducibility. The risk score ranged from 0 to 17, consisting of age, sex, PR prolongation, QT corrected for heart rate prolongation, left ventricular hypertrophy, premature atrial contraction, and left axis deviation. The area under the curve was 0.75 for the derivation cohort and 0.73 for the validation cohort. The incidence of new-onset AF reached over 2% at 10 points of the risk score in both cohorts. Thus, in this study, we showed the possibility of predicting new-onset AF using ECG findings and simple information.

Leptin’s Inverse Association With Brain Morphology and Depressive Symptoms: A Discovery and Confirmatory Study Across 2 Independent Samples

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder has a complex, bidirectional relationship with metabolic dysfunction, but the neural correlates of this association are not well understood. MethodsIn this cross-sectional investigation, we used a 2-step discovery and confirmatory strategy utilizing 2 independent samples (sample 1: 288 participants, sample 2: 196 participants) to examine the association between circulating indicators of metabolic health (leptin and adiponectin) and brain structures in individuals with major depressive disorder. ResultsWe found a replicable inverse correlation between leptin levels and cortical surface area within essential brain areas responsible for emotion regulation, such as the left posterior cingulate cortex, right pars orbitalis, right superior temporal gyrus, and right insula (standardized beta coefficient range: −0.27 to −0.49, puncorrected < .05). Notably, this relationship was independent of C-reactive protein levels. We also identified a significant interaction effect of leptin levels and diagnosis on the cortical surface area of the right superior temporal gyrus (standardized beta coefficient = 0.26 in sample 1, standardized beta coefficient = 0.30 in sample 2, puncorrected < .05). We also observed a positive correlation between leptin levels and atypical depressive symptoms in both major depressive disorder groups (r = 0.14 in sample 1, r = 0.29 in sample 2, puncorrected < .05). ConclusionsThe inverse association between leptin and cortical surface area in brain regions that are important for emotion processing and leptin’s association with atypical depressive symptoms support the hypothesis that metabolic processes may be related to emotion regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms through which leptin may exert these effects should be explored further.

Influence of Headteachers' Transformational Leadership Attributes on Academic Performance: A Case of Private Secondary Schools in Uganda

School demographics have changed in recent decades, and so has the type of leadership needed to successfully lead the rapidly changing schools of this Century. School leadership shapes all other variables such as good curriculum, quality teaching, and academic performance. This study was carried out in selected private secondary schools in Uganda. After the realization that investment in private secondary schools exposed the decline of previously well-performing public schools and contributed to the rise of some private schools. The aim was to establish the influence of transformational leadership on academic performance in private secondary schools among other influencers of school effectiveness. A multi-leadership questionnaire was used to gather information from 276 schools, 425 teachers and Directors of studies in the central region of Uganda because this region has the majority of performing, average and underperforming schools. It also has schools in Urban, Rural and semi-urban and it is considered to be the epicentre of educational institutions in the country. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of headteachers’ transformation leadership attributes on academic performance at UCE and UACE in private schools for the year 2017-2019. The findings indicated that the headteachers’ transformational leadership attributes of Idealized influence and Inspirational motivation influence academic performance with standard beta coefficients of 0.154 and -0.140 which suggested that that a unit increase in Idealized influence increases academic performance at UCE by 15.4% in private schools in Uganda while a unit increase in Inspirational motivation decreases academic performance at UCE by 14.0%. At UACE idealised influence and Intellectual stimulation were found to have a significant relationship with UACE performance in private secondary schools in Uganda. The standardized beta coefficients for Idealized influence and Intellectual stimulation were -0.144 and 0.129 respectively suggesting that a unit increase in Idealized influence decreases academic performance at UACE by 14.4% in private secondary schools in Uganda while a unit increase in Intellectual stimulation increases academic performance at UACE by 12.9%. The study concludes that transformational leadership has a significant influence on academic performance in private secondary schools. The study recommends that policymakers and investors in Uganda's Education System should closely monitor the school's alignment with the transformational leadership practices for sustainable academic performance in private secondary schools

Impact of Compulsory Acquisition and Compensation Process on Urban Fringe Resident’s Satisfaction in Abuja

Acquisition is deemed necessary when there is a need for development or redevelopment resulting in the payment of damages to those whose properties have been affected by the constituted authority. The study aimed at assessing the impact of compulsory acquisition and compensation on urban fringe residents’ satisfaction using Gwagwalada area council of Abuja as a study area. Survey research was carried out using questionnaires. The simple random sampling technique was adopted for the study, while data obtained from the field were analysed using statistical package for social sciences. The study found out that notice of taking possession, planning for the project, receiving of award for compensation and disbursement of compensation money were the three (3) procedures of compulsory acquisition and compensation process considered effective by the residents while the remaining procedures were considered ineffective. Further findings revealed that residents were dissatisfied with the compulsory acquisition and compensation process in the study area. The study finally found out that compulsory acquisition and compensation process have the lowest effect on residents’ satisfaction as indicated by standardized beta coefficient of 0.458 while adequacy of compensation payment to the claimant has the highest positive effect on resident’s satisfaction with compulsory acquisition with standardized beta coefficient of 0.580. The study recommended that the government should also improve significantly in the transparency of standards involved in the process of land acquisition as this will ensure best practices that will enhance community’s satisfaction.

Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery: An eight-year study at a tertiary care hospital in Lebanon

BackgroundObesity management presents a persistent challenge. Bariatric surgery, recognized for its transformative impact on weight loss and comorbidities, demands a thorough examination of its long-term implications. ObjectivesOur goal is to investigate different aspects of bariatric surgery, such as complications, comorbidities, infection rates, the long-term sustainability of weight loss, and factors predicting weight loss over an extended period following the procedure. SettingThis study involves 100 patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery. Methodsa sophisticated Longitudinal Observational Study design. With a Retrospective Component and a Follow-Up Component spanning eight years. ResultsThe study included participants with a mean age of 36.4 years (±12.1) and a pre-surgery BMI of 44.5 kg/m² (±7.5). Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) peaked at 75.09 % by the third year, while Total Weight Loss (%TWL) sustained at 33.41 % after two years. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, medication discontinuation rates reached 26.3 % at 5 years. Zero leaks, a low incidence of major complications and no incidence of mortality have been noted. In an extended 7-year follow-up, 40 % of patients experienced weight regain. Multivariate analyses identified age and preoperative BMI as negatively associated significant predictors impacting %EWL at three years, with standardized beta coefficients of −0.488 (p = 0.001) and −0.450 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conversely, smoking and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus exhibited positive associations, with standardized beta coefficients of 0.336 (p = 0.004) and 0.286 (p = 0.063), respectively. ConclusionsBariatric surgery is acknowledged as a safe and efficacy procedure for reducing weight and comorbidities, with a relatively low incidence of major complications.

Platelet reactivity in young children undergoing congenital heart disease surgery: a NITRIC randomized clinical trial substudy

IntroductionThe international NITRIC trial studied the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) applied into the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) oxygenator in infants would improve recovery after heart surgery. In a substudy, we evaluated the effect of NO applied into the CPB oxygenator on the (re)activity of platelets measured as fibrinogen binding (platelet aggregation) and P-selectin expression (platelet degranulation) in young children.MethodsPlatelet activity (without agonist exposure) and reactivity (after stimulation by an agonist) was studied in a single center substudy of the NITRIC trial, a multicenter, randomized trial that studied administration of 20 parts per million (ppm) NO during CPB in children younger than 2 years. Blood was collected at 4 time points (T1- T4); before CPB, after CPB start, before and after weaning. Flow cytometry-based platelet activity and reactivity in the presence of 5 agonists was tested. Differences on P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding (median fluorescence intensity (MFI)) were analyzed with mixed effect modelling (MEM).ResultsBlood samples were obtained in 22 patients allocated to NO and 20 controls. Platelet counts dropped after T1 due to the hemodilution of blood in all patients (p < 0.001). Beta coefficients for NO allocation derived from the MEM models on fibrinogen binding and P-selectin expression were small (standardized beta coefficients on fibrinogen binding were 0.07[0.03, 0.11] and on P-selectin expression 0.05[0.03, 0.08]) and non-significant. CPB duration did not affect platelet reactivity (standardized beta coefficients 0.09[0.02, 0.12] with p > 0.27) in any of the MEMs.Conclusion20 ppm NO administration in the sweep gas of the CPB oxygenator did not affect platelet reactivity in young children undergoing heart surgery. Interestingly, duration of CPB exposure also did not have an effect on platelet (re)activity.Trial registrationANZCTR, ACTRN12617000821392. Registered 5 June 2017, https://anzctr.org.au/

The Predictive Ability of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain in Predicting Cognitive Decline in the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with insidious onset. Identifying candidate predictors to forecast AD dementia risk before disease onset is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of blood neurofilament light (NfL) chain in anticipating cognitive decline in the AD continuum. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from inception until April 7, 2023. Longitudinal observational studies examining the association between baseline blood NfL and cognitive decline or clinical disease conversion were included based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The final effect size was represented by adjusted hazard ratios (HR) or standardized beta (s.β) coefficients with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 2,862 articles were identified, and 26 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that baseline blood NfL could predict cognitive decline, with MMSE [s.β= -0.17, 95% CI (-0.26, -0.07)]; PACC [s.β= -0.09, 95% CI (-0.16, -0.03)]; ADAS-cog [s.β= 0.21, 95% CI (0.13, 0.29)]; CDR-SOB [s.β= 0.27, 95% CI (0.03, 0.50)]; Global cognitive composite [s.β= -0.05, 95% CI (-0.08, -0.01)]; Memory subdomain [s.β= -0.06, 95% CI (-0.09, -0.03)]; Language subdomain [s.β= -0.07, 95% CI (-0.10, -0.05)]; Executive function subdomain [s.β= -0.02, 95% CI (-0.03, -0.01)]; Visuospatial subdomain [s.β= -0.06, 95% CI (-0.08, -0.04)]. Additionally, baseline blood NfL could predict disease progression (conversion from CU/SCD/MCI to MCI/AD) in the AD continuum [Adjust HR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.12, 1.56)]. Baseline blood NfL demonstrated predictive capabilities for global cognition and its memory, language, executive function, visuospatial subdomains decline in the AD continuum. Moreover, it exhibited the potential to predict disease progression in non-AD dementia participants.

Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors for Health Complaints among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: A University-based Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of health complaints and physical activity levels among female university students; including determining the risk factors of health complaints during the pandemic.Material and Methods: Data were collected from 205 female university students, aged 18-29 years old via self-administered online questionnaires during a nationwide movement-restricted order. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and a modified health symptoms questionnaire were used to assess physical activity levels and health complaints.Results: The most prevalent daily health complaint was sleeping difficulties (8.3%). The total minutes of sedentary behaviour were positively associated with health complaints (r=0.131, p-value=0.031), while the total minutes of moderate recreation were negatively associated with health complaints (r=-0.166, p-value=0.009). Marital status (standardised beta coefficient, β=-0.167, p-value=0.030) and employment (β=-0.180, p-value=0.017) were risks of health complaints.Conclusion: Sedentariness; including sociodemographic factors during the pandemic was associated with healthcomplaints. Appropriate counselling, finance and social supports and physical activity programmes are recommended atuniversities to prevent future health risks.

Evaluation of the Determining Factors of the Intention to Use, Satisfaction and Recommendation of Mobile Wallets Adapted to the Utaut2 Model in the Peruvian Context

The massive adoption of mobile wallets in the context of COVID-19 forced retailers to implement it in their businesses. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the determinants of mobile wallet adoption and recommendations among merchants in northern Peru. Objective: To conduct an empirical evaluation to test the research hypotheses gathered during the literature review process. Based on the UTAUT2 model, the partial least-squares technique was used to test the hypotheses. Method: This study relied on a quantitative approach with a nonexperimental design, and a sample of 466 merchants was selected through nonprobabilistic sampling. Results: Eight of the nine hypotheses were confirmed: Perceived utility (?=0.219???), attitude (?=0.57?), perceived risk (?=?0.219???), and satisfaction (?=0.515???) are the main factors influencing the adoption and recommendations of mobile wallets with standardized beta coefficients of considerable magnitude (?***). Conclusion: This study confirms the importance of perceived usefulness, attitude, perceived risk, and satisfaction in driving the adoption and recommendation of mobile wallets among merchants in northern Peru. This information may be useful for merchants wishing to implement mobile wallet services and to increase their customer base. The results of this empirical assessment highlight the need for merchants to focus on improving the perceived usefulness and satisfaction of their mobile wallet services as well as minimizing the perceived risks associated with their use.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 11 September 2023 / Accepted: 23 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024