Statistical Linear Regression Research Articles

Streaming mindfulness: Well-being and mindfulness among subscribers to a video streaming service

ObjectiveInternet and smartphone technology have advanced the dissemination of mindfulness practices and philosophy. This study explored how individuals interact with Spectiv, a subscription-based video streaming service (VSS) that advertises content for meditation, and measured levels of mindfulness and well-being. We hypothesized that users engaging with Spectiv for longer sessions and on a regular basis would report higher levels of mindfulness and well-being. MethodA 46-question online survey was developed and distributed to all active subscribers of Spectiv (N = 119). The survey included two validated scales: (1) The Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, and (2) The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. A series of one-way ANOVAs were performed, along with a simple linear regression and descriptive statistics. ResultsUsers reported relaxation as the most common activity. Levels of mindfulness and well-being were significantly higher for users whose session-duration lasted 2 hours (p = .01) and 3 hours (p = .03). Users engaging with the VSS daily had significant levels of both mindfulness (p < .001) and well-being (p < .001). There was no difference between subscription length and mindfulness and well-being. Mindfulness was found to be a significant positive predictor of well-being (p < .0001). ConclusionVSS could be valuable to facilitating mindfulness. Users engaging with a VSS for longer durations and more frequently may be more likely to experience benefits. Future research using controlled designs such as randomized control trials and feasibility studies should be conducted to determine if VSS can maintain or increase levels of mindfulness and well-being.

Deep desiccation of soils observed by long-term high-resolution measurements on a large inclined lysimeter

Abstract. Availability of long-term and high-resolution measurements of soil moisture is crucial when it comes to understanding all sorts of changes to past soil moisture variations and the prediction of future dynamics. This is particularly true in a world struggling against climate change and its impacts on ecology and the economy. Feedback mechanisms between soil moisture dynamics and meteorological influences are key factors when it comes to understanding the occurrence of drought events. We used long-term high-resolution measurements of soil moisture on a large inclined lysimeter at a test site near Karlsruhe, Germany. The measurements indicate (i) a seasonal evaporation depth of over 2 m. Statistical analysis and linear regressions indicate (ii) a significant decrease in soil moisture levels over the past 2 decades. This decrease is most pronounced at the start and the end of the vegetation period. Furthermore, Bayesian change-point detection revealed (iii) that this decrease is not uniformly distributed over the complete observation period. The largest changes occur at tipping points during years of extreme drought, with significant changes to the subsequent soil moisture levels. This change affects not only the overall trend in soil moisture, but also the seasonal dynamics. A comparison to modeled data showed (iv) that the occurrence of deep desiccation is not merely dependent on the properties of the soil but is spatially heterogeneous. The study highlights the importance of soil moisture measurements for the understanding of moisture fluxes in the vadose zone.

Managerial competencies and competitive advantage in pharmaceutical blockbusters

The study empirically tested the relationship between managerial competencies and competitive advantage in pharmaceutical blockbusters. According to the literature, blockbuster models and competitive strategies are significant determinants in organisational performance in the pharmaceutical industry context. However, the focus of this study is to determine whether efforts to combine managerial competence and the blockbuster model will reorient pharmaceutical companies to better competitive advantage by creating blockbuster drugs for the companies. This competitive advantage will position pharmaceutical companies in the face of increasing labour turnover, daunting economic challenges and perceived customer benefits that characterise this industry. A quantitative research design was adopted for this study, and primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to 22 managers of two major pharmaceutical firms in Lagos, Nigeria. The data obtained revealed a strong positive relationship between managerial competencies, blockbuster models and competitive advantage and three out of four hypotheses were accepted. The hypotheses were tested through Pearson’s product-moment correlation and regression product of determination. Descriptive statistical tools, ANOVA and multiple linear regressions were used to assess perceptions of managerial competencies and blockbuster models on SPSS (version 23.0). Cronbach’s alpha was extracted as a reliability coefficient for the data analysis (α = 0.851). Several implications for management and policy are also discussed in light of the findings of this study. It was concluded that a deep knowledge of managerial competencies and blockbuster models are highly needed in the selected pharmaceutical companies to gain business expansion, maintain low average costs and achieve significant market share while improving on their level of service delivery and capacity to support groups or teams through training, coaching and sharing specialist knowledge. This study recommends developing strategies and deploying blockbuster models across all industries for a distinctive advantage of ineffective organisational performance and greater productivity.

Maximum mixture correntropy based outlier-robust nonlinear filter and smoother

In this paper, we are dedicated to studying the robust filtering and smoothing problem for a nonlinear non-Gaussian system. Considering the advantage of mixture correntropy with two kernel bandwidths in dealing with non-Gaussian noise, we propose the novel robust recursive filter and smoother based on the cost functions induced by the maximum mixture correntropy criterion, where the nonlinear dynamic model function and measurement model function are linearized by using the statistical linear regression (SLR) method. In the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother, we apply a third-order spherical cubature rule to obtain the prior estimation of the state and covariance matrix, and approximate the multi-dimensional Gaussian integrals encountered in the SLR method. Furthermore, two additional weights are introduced into the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother to modify the filtering and smoothing gains, respectively. The simulation results of manoeuvring target tracking under different non-Gaussian noise scenarios illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother.

Consensus‐based nonlinear smoother for distributed continuous‐discrete systems

AbstractIn order to estimate the state of general distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear system, a new consensus on the measurement and information cubature smoothing method is proposed in this article. The distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear dynamic system refers to a system whose process is described as a stochastic differential equation (SDE) and whose measurements are provided by a wireless sensor network (WSN) at discrete times. First, the cubature rule is embedded into the consensus on measurements and information extended Kalman filter (CMIEKF) architecture by using the statistical linear regression (SLR) method, and then the presented consensus‐based method is obtained according to the Rauch–Tung–Striebel (RTS) smoothing methodology. In a numerical simulation, the performances of the presented smoothing method and the conventional nonlinear estimating methods are compared and analyzed. The numerical results show that, compared with other distributed estimation methods, the newly proposed smoothing algorithm enjoys not only higher accuracy but also stronger robustness.

Later chronotype is associated with unhealthful plant-based diet quality in young Japanese women

BackgroundHaving a late chronotype, that is, the tendency to go to sleep and wake up at later hours, influences an individual's physical and mental health. Despite a few studies noting the association of chronotype with healthy dietary patterns, this relationship remains unclear. PurposeThis study aimed to describe the association of chronotype with healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet quality in female Japanese undergraduate students. DesignCross-sectional. Participants and settingA total of 218 female university students in Tokyo, Japan. Main outcome measuresHealthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary index-Japanese version (hPDI-J and uPDI-J), calculated using the validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Statistical analyses performedA five-model stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Independent variables were hPDI-J and uPDI-J scores, and dependent variables were various lifestyle habits related to the circadian rhythm and demographic characteristics. ResultsMean (standard deviation) sleep duration, midpoint of sleep, sleep latency time, and social jetlag were 411 (60) min, 03:56 (00:57), 21 (27) min, and 50 (39) min, respectively. Chronotype and several variables, such as residential status, energy and alcohol intake, and nutritional knowledge, were associated with healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet quality. Individuals who had higher hPDI-J scores were more likely to have an earlier chronotype (β = −0.168, P = 0.019) and better nutritional knowledge (β = 0.164, P = 0.022) than those with lower hPDI-J scores. Individuals were more likely to have higher uPDI-J scores if they were living alone (β = −0.301, P < 0.001), had a later chronotype (β = 0.181, P = 0.001), higher frequency of snacking (β = 0.164, P = 0.019), lower total energy (β = −0.445, P < 0.001), and worse nutritional knowledge (β = −0.172, P = 0.001). ConclusionThis study provided new evidence as to the relationship between sleep and dietary habits, the interaction of which may affect women's health.

The Analysis of Liquidity and Its Effect on Profitability, Sales and Working Capital Policy in Manufacturing Companies Listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study aims to analyze the liquidity through cash conversion cycle management and to examine the effect of liquidity on profitability, sales and working capital policy in manufacturing companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period 2014-2018. Profitability is proxied by return on asset, sales (Total Sales) and working capital policy (Short-term debt to assets and current assets to total assets). The population of the study is manufacturing companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange. Purposive sampling method used as the sampling method. There are 21 manufacturing companies as the samples of the study. The type of data used in this study is quantitative and data sources of this study is secondary data. Descriptive statistic and simple linear regression analysis used as the research methodology. The result of descriptive analysis shows CCC benchmark of manufacturing companies is 95.0590 days with the highest value at 408.98 days and the lowest at -19.62 days. It is found that CCC has negative and significant effect on return on asset and total sales as well it has positive effect and significant on short-term debt to assets nevertheless CCC has positive but insignificant effect on current assets to total assets.

FACTORS INFLUENCING BEHAVIOR INTENTION TOWARDS ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM: A STUDY OF SMES IN MALAYSIA

This study focuses on the investigation of the main challenges that affect SME users towards the adoption of accounting information system. The conceptual framework was designed base on the technology acceptance model, technology organization environment model and stakeholder theory. The framework is developed from four major factors: organizational factor, stakeholder factor, technological factor, and external factor. The respective factors are addressed in the sub-section. Organizational readiness and compatibility are included in the organizational factors, management support and accountants are included in stakeholder factors, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are included in technological factors, whereas for external factors it contains government agencies and regulations, competitive pressure, and vendor section. Non-probability method is applied in this study, while questionnaires are distributed through email and 106 sets of data are collected from management committees /owners of SME located in Klang Valley, Malaysia. SPSS software tool is used to analyze the data. Descriptive, reliability, correlation and multiple linear regression statistics are employed to test the conceptual framework. The results show that only two factors, namely management support and competitive pressure have significant impact on accounting information system adoption. The finding of this study is useful for government agents, accountants, system vendors and managers in assisting accounting information system adoption.

EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXTUAL FEATURES ON SERVICE QUALITY OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS AIRLINE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Service quality provides an incentive for customers to come back to make repeat demand. Studies have shown that Nigeria aviation industry has failed to put into proper perspective the service quality specific dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, assurance, and empathy in its service delivery. The study therefore examined the effect of organisational contextual features on the service quality of Airline companies in Nigeria. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted and the population was 2881 regular employees of Arik airline, Aero Contractors airline, Med View airline and Air Peace airline. The sample was 441 determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formulain addition to an attrition rate of 30%. The study used the proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using an adapted, structured, and validated questionnaire. The Cronbachs Alpha coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.798 to 0.853. The response rate was 78.8%. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple linear regression) statistics. The finding revealed that organisational contextual features through organisational culture and organisational structure have statistically significant effect on service quality of the selected indigenous airline companies in Nigeria. The study recommended that Indigenous airline companies in Nigeria should ensure establishment of organic structure and sustenance of people oriented corporate culture that promote customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and customer delight through service quality that guarantee patronage from air travelers in Nigeria and overseas.

Assessment of the external contribution to Olea pollen levels in southeastern Spain

The province of Alicante (southeastern Spain) has a low density of olive trees; however, a substantial increase in the number of patients with allergic sensitization to Olea has been observed in recent years. The present work seeks to identify and quantify the transport of Olea pollen from other source regions, defining a new parameter called External Pollen Index (EPI). The second objective of the study was to determine Olea pollen exposure levels in Alicante city using a new method based on statistical percentiles and linear regression analysis. For these purposes, a study of daily and 2-hour average concentrations of Olea pollen combined with cluster analysis of 2-hour back-trajectories was carried out during the pollination period of 2010–2015.The annual levels of olive pollen recorded in Alicante showed a significant contribution from the Western Iberian Peninsula. Thus, the EPI is defined as the sum of the contributions of pollen transported by air masses from southwestern and northwestern Spain. The good linear correlation beetween the EPI and the APIn (R2 = 0.818; p-value 0.013) suggests that the total contribution of pollen from western regions may be a good predictor of the annual concentration of Olea pollen registered in Alicante. It has been estimated that, in the absence of external contributions, the Olea pollen concentration at the study area would be around 1300 pollen grains⋅m−3. Olea pollen exposure levels determined in Alicante were: Low (<20 pollen grains⋅m−3), Moderate (20–50 pollen grains⋅m−3), High (51–100 pollen grains⋅m−3) and Very High (>100 pollen grains⋅m−3). High and very high exposure levels were associated with northwestern and southwestern contributions, respectively. Future research should consider external contributions (EPI) in prediction models in order to get a better estimation of pollen levels and, consequently, improve the information provided to the allergic population.

Testing the Motivations and Constraints of Collaborative Consumption: An Empirical Analysis of Disruptive Innovative Business Model

The purpose of this study is to test the mediating role of attitude on the motivations and constraints for collaborative consumption and to test the impact of perceived hygiene and cleanliness issues and anticipated financial guilt in the collaborative consumption by applying behavioural reasoning theory. A descriptive research design is adopted. Responses collected from 200 responses were subjected to statistical refinement and linear regression. The findings reveal that economic benefits and perceived sustainability demonstrated an insignificant impact on the attitude. However, the institution-based trust showed a positive impact on the attitude. The attitude is a strong mediating variable. Without the attitude, the consumers have no intention. Anticipated financial guilt and perceived hygiene and cleanliness issues have a negative impact on intention, when mediated by the attitude. The study implies that marketers need to build a strong attitude towards the collaborative consumption. Also, they need to target the middle- and higher-income groups with economic appeal. Practitioners must position their products as sustainable. They must build trust by addressing the concerns of the consumers. Practitioners need to increase awareness that they are doing the business taking the utmost care of hygiene.

Correlation of STOP-bang obstructive sleep apnoea screening tool to apnoea-hypopnea index in a general cardiology population

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The link between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease is well known. Prevalence can be very high in this population, sharing many pathophysiological drivers in addition to being a risk factor. More concerning however is the increasing number of patients with undiagnosed OSA, who are at higher risk of long-term complications such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or stroke. There are several OSA screening tools available to clinicians, with variable sensitivities and specificities depending on patient demographics. Predictive efficacy of the STOP-Bang screening tool in a general cardiology population with mixed cardiovascular disease has not been established. Proposal To identify the correlation between the STOP-Bang assessment score (1-8) and real-world Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) in a general cardiology clinic population. Methods 250 successive patients in a general cardiology clinic were asked to complete a STOP-Bang assessment. Of those, 50 patients with a variety of STOP-Bang scores were randomly selected to undergo sleep studies. A STOP-Bang value of ≥ 5 was taken as high-risk for moderate-severe OSA. Statistical linear regression analysis was performed in IBM SPSS version 26. Results Of n = 50 patients, mean STOP-Bang score =3.7 (SD +/-2.17) with mean AHI =15.8, (SD +/- 14.3). See Table 1 for categories 1-8. N = 44 (88%) had AHI ≥ 5 (At least mild OSA). N = 18 (36%) had an AHI ≥ 15 (Moderate-severe OSA). N = 29 (58%) had symptoms such as sleepiness, loud snoring or witnessed apnoea. Correlation between STOP-Bang score and AHI was high, with an R value of 0.704, R2 = 0.496 (p &amp;lt; 0.01). A STOP-Bang score increase of 1 corresponded with a mean AHI rise of 4.648. When taking a STOP-Bang value of ≥ 5 as "positive", we demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.33% (95% C.I. 58.58-96.42) and specificity of 93.94% (95% C.I. 79.77-99.26%) for moderate-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15). Conclusion We discovered a very high number of patients with undiagnosed OSA of at least mild severity. We found a strong correlation between STOP-Bang score and real-world AHI in a general cardiology population with mixed cardiovascular disease with 5 as an acceptable screening score for moderate-severe OSA. Table 1 STOP-Bang Value 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Patients (N=) 12 5 7 9 5 5 5 2 AHI (Mean) 6.67 6.62 9.97 11.95 24.44 22.20 39.54 35.25 Standard Deviation (±) 3.29 2.74 3.45 4.63 12.87 5.69 27.2 6.72 Summary of mean apnoea-hypopnoea index and standard deviation for each STOP-Bang patient category. Abstract Figure 1

Spatial prediction of human brucellosis (HB) using a GIS-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)

ObjectiveThis study pursues three main objectives: 1) exploring the spatial distribution patterns of human brucellosis (HB); 2) identifying parameters affecting the disease spread; and 3) modeling and predicting the spatial distribution of HB cases in 2012–2016 and 2017–2018, respectively, in rural districts of Mazandaran province, Iran. MethodsWe collected data on the disease incidence, demography, ecology, climate, topography, and vegetation. Using the Global Moran’s I statistic, we measured spatial autocorrelation between log (number of HB cases). We applied the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify areas with high and low risk of the disease. To investigate the relationships between the factors affecting the incidence of HB as input variables together and the factors with the log (number of HB cases) as an output variable, we used the statistical linear regression model and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Then, we implemented a GIS-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with two subtractive clustering and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering methods to model and predict the spatial distribution of HB. ResultsGlobal Moran's I spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that the type of HB distribution is clustered in all years except 2014 and 2017, which are random. According to the Getis-Ord Gi* analysis, the location of the hot spots varied during 2012–2018. In 2012 and 2013, most of the hot spots were seen in the west of the province. While in 2018, they were mostly concentrated in the eastern regions of the province. The linear regression model indicated that the parameters affecting the incidence of HB are independent of each other and can explain only 25.3% of the total changes in the log (number of HB cases). The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there were positive relationships between vegetation, log (population), and the number of sheep and cattle (p-value < 0.05). The above-mentioned factors had the strongest positive correlation with the log (number of HB cases) (p-value < 0.01). These results may be due to the fact that vegetation regions are suitable for livestock grazing, attracting large crowds of people. Therefore, this will increase HB cases. We compared the results of subtractive clustering and FCM clustering methods by evaluation criteria (e.g., linear correlation coefficient (LCC) and mean absolute error (MAE)) in two phases of development and assessment of the ANFIS model. In the assessment phase, we predicted the spatial distribution of log (number of HB cases) in 2017 and 2018 by subtractive clustering (R2 = 0.699, LCC or R = 0.692, MAE = 0.509, MSE = 0.455) and by FCM clustering (R2 = 0.704, LCC or R = 0.697, MAE = 0.512, MSE = 0.448) that showed FCM clustering outperformed the subtractive clustering. ConclusionThe findings may have important implications for public health. The emergence of the hot spots in the east of the province can be a warning to the health system. Health authorities can use the findings of this study to predict the spread of HB and perform HB prevention programs. They can also investigate the factors affecting the prevalence of the disease, identify high-risk areas, and ultimately allocate resources to high-risk regions.

Development of a Permeability Formula for Tight and Shale Gas Reservoirs Based on Advanced High-Precision Lab Measurement Techniques

Computed X-ray tomography (CT), together with pulse and pressure decay permeability methods were used to evaluate a formula for absolute reservoir permeability. For this reason, 62 core samples representing geological material of tight, gas-bearing sandstones, mudstones, limestones, and dolostones were studied. Samples were divided into two groups with lower and higher permeability values. Images of the pore space were processed and interpreted to obtain geometrical parameters of the objects (pores, microfractures) with 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 µm3 voxel size. Statistical methods, which included basic statistical analysis, linear regression, and multiple linear regression analysis, were combined to evaluate the formula for absolute permeability. It appeared that the following parameters: Feret Breadth/Volume, Flatness/Anisotropy, Feret Max/Flatness, moments of inertia around middle principal axis I2/around longest principal axis I3, Anisotropy/Flatness, Flatness/Anisotropy provided the best results. The presented formula was obtained for a large set of data and is based only on the geometric parameters of the pore space. The novelty of the work is connected with the estimation of absolute permeability using only data from the CT method for tight rocks.

The behaviour model of domestic tourists in decision making on re-visit to Bali, Indonesia

This study uses a quantitative approach using descriptive statistical analysis tools and linear regression to be able to simulate the results of the study by surveying respondents who traveled to several tourist attractions in Bali. The number of respondents in this study was 400 people who were determined by accidental sampling because the identity and population size were unknown. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis tools are used to produce a description of the results and analyze the relationship between the developments of Bali tourism destinations on tourist revisit intention. This research has been able to show that domestic tourists are also very important, even as important as foreign tourists. The limitation is research gap refers to the application rather than theory therefore this research can be used as educational material for tourism destination managers and including local governments to position and treat all types of tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists.

EFFECT OF ETHICAL CODES ON CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY OF SELECTED QUOTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the effect of ethicalcodes on customer service delivery of selected quoted deposit money banks in Lagos state, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted in the study. The population was 38,003 staff and 17,780 corporate customers of eight selected deposit money banks in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample size of 494 for banks staff and 494 customers were determined using Cochrans formula. Stratified proportionate sampling technique was adopted in the study. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire. Cronbachs Alpha coefficients for ethical code was 0.759 and for customer service delivery 0.762. The response rate for bank staff and corporate customer were 88% and 89% respectively. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (linear regression) statistics. The finding revealed that ethical code had no significant effect on customer service delivery of selected quoted deposit money banks in Lagos state, Nigeria (β = 0.031, t = 0.462, p&gt;0.05). It was recommended that Chartered Institute ofBankers of Nigeria should re-awake and promote Professional Code of Ethics in the Nigerian Banking Industry.

Habituation of character values in junior high school students

The purpose of this study was to analyse the habituation of character education in students by paying attention to factors influencing them to deviate from character values. The study employed a mixed-method approach. The qualitative approach involved 28 participants (teachers and students). While in the quantitative study, 65 students were purposively selected as respondents. Qualitative data were analysed through some stages, including data presentation, data reduction, conclusion and verification, while the quantitative data was processed using linear regression statistics assisted by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and STATA software to analyse the influences of variables identified from qualitative data collection and to measure how influential independent variables on dependent variables are. The findings show that the factor leading to the deviation of character values at school is the diversity of cultural backgrounds applied where students come from. Findings of the qualitative investigation show seven aspects influencing the character value deviation, including parents’ attention, socialisation, media, consumerism behaviour, self-actualisation, economic status and family harmony. While the quantitative stage found that among seven investigated variables, four of them were significantly influential (parents’ attention, socialisation, media and self-actualisation) and three others were not significantly influential (consumerism, economic status and family harmony) on the deviation of character values performed by students&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Character value deviation, educational value, habituation.

Correlation of Melanin Content with Collagen Density in Keloid Patients

BACKGROUND: Keloid is a form of wound healing that results from fibrous tissue activity. It can develop beyond the boundaries of the original wound, extends into the dermis layer, and disrupting the appearance. Previously, no studies have revealed a correlation between melanin pigment and keloid. AIM: This research aimed to describe the correlation between melanin concentration and collagen deposition in keloid tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study conducted through the application of a cross-sectional analytic survey method. The color of the skin was measured using a chromameter, and a histopathologic examination was performed on the skin surrounding the keloid, as well as the keloid tissue. Data were analyzed using a t-test, correlation, and linear regression statistics. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference between melanin concentration and collagen deposition in the skin surrounding the keloid tissue. No significant difference was observed between melanin concentration in the surrounding skin of keloid and those in the keloid tissue, as well as collagen deposition. Meanwhile, the melanin concentration in the surrounding skin of keloid and keloid tissue had a significant relationship with fibrocytes number. CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation between melanin concentrations and collagen density in the keloid tissue.

Are Oral Antibiotics an Effective Alternative to Intravenous Antibiotics in Treatment of Osteomyelitis of the Jaw?

To review treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ) and determine whether antibiotic route and/or length of administration impacts resolution of infection postsurgically. The investigators designed a retrospective cohort study enrolling a sample of patients treated at Harborview Medical Center from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2019. The primary predictor variable was antibiotic administration route: oral (PO) only, intravenous (IV) only, IV transitioned to PO (IV+PO), or none. The secondary predictor was duration of antibiotic therapy (≤6 weeks or >6 weeks). The primary outcome variable was resolution of infection at 2 months follow-up posttreatment completion. The secondary outcome variable was number of surgeries to resolution of infection. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression statistics were computed, with statistical significance set at P < .05. Sixty-seven individuals met inclusion criteria (38 male), mean age 51 years (18 to 88). Forty-nine (73%) received PO antibiotics, 12 (18%) IV+PO, 3 (4%) IV, and 3 (4%) none. Both PO and IV antibiotics were associated with clinical resolution (P = .022, .005, respectively) compared with debridement alone. Antibiotic duration of ≤6 weeks compared with >6 weeks was not significant. Seventy-six percent (51 of 67) required only 1 surgery. In the multivariate logistic regression, PO was associated with clinical resolution (P = .025, OR=5.05). Penicillin allergy (P = 0.049, OR=0.223) and diabetes (P = .008, OR=0.104) were adversely associated with outcome. OMJ was successfully treated with oral antibiotics and surgery. Prescribing 6 weeks of IV antibiotics may be antiquated. Clinicians should consider oral penicillins as first line whenever possible. Further studies are recommended.

Associations of Dairy Intake with Circulating Biomarkers of Inflammation, Insulin Response, and Dyslipidemia among Postmenopausal Women

BackgroundCardiometabolic diseases are prevalent in aging Americans. Although some studies have implicated greater intake of dairy products, it is not clear how dairy intake is related to biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. ObjectiveOur aim was to test the hypothesis that associations of dairy foods with biomarkers of lipid metabolism, insulin-like growth factor signaling, and chronic inflammation may provide clues to understanding how dairy can influence cardiometabolic health. DesignThis was a cross-sectional study in the Women's Health Initiative using baseline food frequency questionnaire data to calculate dairy intake. Participants/settingParticipants were 35,352 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years at 40 clinical centers in the United States. Main outcome measuresBaseline (1993-1998) concentrations of 20 circulating biomarkers were measured. Statistical analysesMultivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to estimate percent difference in biomarker concentrations per serving of total dairy and individual foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and low-fat varieties). ResultsLower triglyceride concentrations were associated with greater intake of total dairy (–0.8% [95% CI –1.2% to –0.3%]), mainly driven by full-fat varieties. Individual dairy foods had specific associations with circulating lipid components. For example, greater total milk intake was associated with lower concentrations of total cholesterol (–0.4% [95% CI –0.7% to –0.2%]) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (–0.5% [95% CI –0.9% to –0.1%]), whereas greater butter intake was associated with higher total cholesterol (0.6% [95% CI 0.2% to 1.0%]) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.6% [95% CI 1.1% to 2.0%]) concentrations. In contrast, higher total yogurt intake was associated with lower total cholesterol (–1.1% [95% CI –2.0% to –0.2%]) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.8% [95% CI 0.5% to 3.1%]). Greater total dairy intake (regardless of fat content), total cheese, full-fat cheese, and yogurt were consistently associated with lower concentrations of glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein. However, milk and butter were not associated with these biomarkers. ConclusionsHigher dairy intake, except butter, was associated with a favorable profile of lipids, insulin response, and inflammatory biomarkers, regardless of fat content. Yet, specific dairy foods might influence these markers uniquely. Findings do not support a putative role of dairy in cardiometabolic diseases observed in some previous studies.