Statistical Tests Research Articles

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PENCEGAHAN DEMAM BERDARAH DENGUE DENGAN 3M PLUS DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS KOTA PARIAMAN

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a health problem in tropical countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023 reported that an unexpected spike in dengue fever cases resulted in the highest number in history, namely more than 6.5 million cases with more than 7,300 deaths. The prevalence of DHF in West Sumatra in 2020 was 292 cases. The purpose of the study was to determine the Relationship between Knowledge and Community Attitudes Towards DHF Prevention with 3M Plus in the Pariaman Health Center work area. The research method used quantitative research with a descriptive analytical design with a Cross Sectional Study approach. The study was conducted in Kp. Jawa II, Central Pariaman. The research sample was 85 heads of families. Sampling was done by acidential sampling. Statistical tests using Chi Square. The results of the study showed that the majority of the community (69.4%) had low knowledge, (56.5%) had negative attitudes, and (65.9%) the community was low in preventing DHF with 3M Plus. There is a significant relationship between knowledge of dengue prevention and 3M Plus showing p value = 0.000. There is a significant relationship between attitude and dengue prevention with 3M Plus showing p value = 0.000.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BUAH NAGA (Hylocerreus polyrhizus) TERHADAP PENINGKATKAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN PADA IBU HAMIL DI PUSKESMAS NARAS

Anemia in pregnancy is a problem that requires special treatment because its prevalence is still high. According to WHO 2017, anemia in pregnancy is a condition in which a mother has a hemoglobin level of <11 gr% in the first and third trimesters, while in the second trimester the hemoglobin level of pregnant women is <10.5 gr. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of giving dragon fruit (hylocerreus polyrhizus) on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the Naras Health Center Work Area. This type of research uses an experimental method with a one group pre-test and post-test design. The sample in the study was 15 pregnant women who had anemia. Statistical tests using the Paired Sample Test. The results of the study were obtained before giving dragon fruit to pregnant women in the Naras Health Center Work Area, Pariaman City 2023 with a moderate anemia category, namely 8 respondents (53.0%). After giving dragon fruit with a mild anemia category, namely 11 respondents (73.3%). In conclusion, there is a significant effect on increasing hemoglobin (HB) levels in pregnant women with anemia after being given dragon fruit in the Naras Health Center work area, Pariaman City, with a P value of 0.001 (p<0.05).

HUBUNGAN ANTARA DUKUNGAN SOSIAL TEMAN SEBAYA DENGAN TINGKAT STRES PADA MAHASISWA YANG SEDANG MENGERJAKAN SKRIPSI DI STIKES PIALA SAKTI PARIAMAN

Thesis assignment is a difficult final assignment and takes a long time so that it has an impact on psychology and physical so that it gives rise to negative attitudes in making the title or the process of working on it. Difficulties in doing thesis assignments faced by a nursing student can trigger stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peer social support and stress levels in students working on their thesis at STIKES Piala Sakti Pariaman. This type of quantitative research with a descriptive analytical design with a Cross Sectional Study approach. The research sample consisted of 36 people. Sampling was done by total sampling. Statistical tests using Chi Square. The results of the study showed that most (61.1%) respondents received social support from peers in compiling their thesis. Most (72.2%) respondents experienced mild stress in compiling their thesis. The results of the square test statistical test obtained a value of P = 0.005 (P <0.05). In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between peer social support and stress levels in students working on their thesis at STIKES Piala Sakti Pariaman.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis among the butchers of Tabriz city, the northwest of Iran: a case control study

IntroductionOccupation plays an important role in the spread of infectious diseases in humans. Toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis are world-wide diseases with different routes of transmission. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis and risk factors associated with these diseases among the butchers of Tabriz City, the northwest of Iran.MethodsIn this case-control study conducted in Tabriz city in 2023, 250 serum samples were collected from butchers (n = 125) and outpatients referred to Imam Reza Hospital (n = 125) and. The ELISA test was used to identify IgG and IgM antibodies against toxoplasmosis and IgG antibodies against hydatidosis. The results were analyzed by statistics tests using SPSS v. 16 software. Risk factors’ association was tested using Chi square or logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that 66/125 (52.8%) cases and 40/125 controls (32%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgG antibody. Also, 5/125 (4%) and 1/125 (0.8%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgM antibody in the case and control groups, respectively. In addition, 10/125 people (8%) were positive for anti-hydatidosis IgG antibody in the case group, while no positive cases were found in the control group. The main risk factors for toxoplasmosis were age (OR: 1.014), education level (OR: 0.638), and work experience(OR: 1.695), these factors for hydatidosis included age and education level (OR: 1.765 and 0.271) respectivily.ConclusionsOur results suggest the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and in butchers of Tabriz, which required special attention and basic measures. Moreover, the prevalence of hydatidosis IgG antibodies also requires more attention to be focused on breaking the transmission and reducing the infection.

Assessment of sustainability in cocoa farms in Ecuador: application of a multidimensional indicator-based framework

ABSTRACT Cocoa is one of Ecuador’s main export products. Over the last decades, cocoa production in the country has increased considerably, making it the largest producer of cocoa in Latin America. However, this increase has been accompanied by environmental degradation, endangering the sustainability of cocoa cultivation. This study utilizes an innovative indicator-based framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of fine flavour and CCN-51 cocoa farms in Ecuador, across economic, social, environmental, nutrition and health, and governance dimensions. Data were collected from 169 farms in Manabí Province and multiple statistical tests were employed to discern sustainability scores. The results highlighted significant differences in sustainability between the two cocoa production systems, influenced by factors such as ethnicity, age, and level of education. A 53% variation in sustainability scores between the fine flavour and CCN-51 cocoa farms was identified. The association of lower sustainability scores with limitations of physical and financial capital provides insights for enhancing sustainable cocoa farming in Ecuador.

Confirmación del diagnóstico clínico-radiográfico de pulpitis reversible e irreversible a través del método histopatológico, en pacientes de 3 a 8 años que acuden a la UEO. Antecedentes, estado actual y prospectiva en la SEDENA

Objective: To determine if the histopathological study is associated with the clinical-radiographic diagnosis of reversible and irreversible pulpitis, in patients from 3 to 8 years of age who come to the UEO. Methodology: Conventional clinical diagnostic methods were used for the clinical-radiographic evaluation of reversible and irreversible pulpitis; Likewise, an excisional biopsy of the pulp tissue of 41 dental organs that presented pulp pathology was performed using dentin cutting spoons. In the research laboratory of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM), using light microscopy, the pulp tissue was studied by a stomatologist specialist and the histopathological diagnosis of the biopsies was established. Results: The McNemar statistical test (comparison of proportions for related samples) resulted in no statistically significan difference (p>0.05, 95 % CI) between the presumptive diagnosis and the confirmatory diagnosis. Limitations: No limitations were considered. Value: An alternative method can be used in places where all means are not available. Conclusions: The histopathological diagnosis confirmed the clinical-radiographic diagnosis in this sample, so it is suggested to use all conventional diagnostic methods to establish a more accurate diagnosis and therefore a better treatment.

Guidelines for future agricultural technology development to increase productivity in the Agricultural sector

Technology development in the agricultural sector is important in the development of Thailand’s economy. The purpose of this research was to study the approach of guidelines for future agricultural technology development to increase productivity in the Agricultural sector in order to develop a structural equation model. The research applied mixed-methodology. Qualitative research by in depth interview from 9 experts and focus group with 11 successful businesspersons for approve this model. The quantitative data gather from firm, in the 500 of agricultural sector by using questionnaire, using statistical tests of descriptive analysis, inferential analysis, and multivariate analysis. The research found guidelines for future agricultural technology development to increase productivity in the Agricultural sector composed of 4 latent. The most important item of each latent were as following: 1) Agrobiology Technology (= 4.41), in important item as choose seeds that for disease resistance and tolerate the environment to suit the cultivation area, 2) Environmental Assessment (= 4.37),, in important item as survey of cultivated areas according to topography with geographic information system, 3) Agricultural Innovation (= 4.30), in important item as technology reduces operational procedures, reduce the workforce and can reduce operating costs, and 4) Modern Management Systems (= 4.13), in important item as grouping and manage as a cooperative to mega farms. In addition, the hypothesis test found that the difference in manufacturing firm sizes. Medium and Small size and large size revealed overall aspects that were significantly different at the level of 0.05. The analysis of the developed structural equation model found that there was in accordance and fit with the empirical data and passed the evaluation criteria. Its Chi-square probability level, relative Chi-square, the goodness of fit index, and root mean square error of approximation were 0.062, 1.165, 0.961, and 0.018, respectively.

Methodology for the assessment of poor-data water resources

Surface hydrologic modeling becomes a problem when insufficient spatial and temporal information is available. It is common to have useful modeling periods of less than 15 years. The purpose of this work is to develop a methodology that allows the selection of meteorological and hydrometric stations that are suitable for modeling when information is scarce in the area. Based on the scarcity of data, a series of statistical tests are proposed to eliminate stations according to a decision-making process. Although the number of stations decreases drastically, the information used is reliable and of adequate quality, ensuring less uncertainty in the surface simulation models. Individual basin modeling can be carried out considering the poor data. The transfer of parameters can be applied through the nesting of basins to have information distributed over an extensive area. Therefore, temporally and spatially extended modeling can be achieved with information that preserves statistical parameters over time. If data management and validation is performed, the modeled watersheds are well represented; if this is not done, only 26% to 50% of the runoff is represented.

Diabetic dyslipidemia and its predictors among people with diabetes in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundDyslipidemia is an imbalance of lipid profiles. It increases the chance of clogged arteries and may cause heart attacks, strokes, and other circulatory disorders. Dyslipidemia affects the general population, but its severity is higher in diabetic populations. As a result, the chance of dyslipidemia-associated morbidity and mortality is highest in diabetic patients. In Ethiopia, around 2 to 6.5% of the population live with diabetes, but their lipid profiles are inconsistent across the studies. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of diabetic dyslipidemia and its predictors among people with diabetes in Ethiopia.MethodA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The searches were carried out in MEDLINE via PubMed and OVID, EBSCO, Embase, and other supplementary gateways such as Google and Google Scholar, for articles published up to June 2023. The articles were searched and screened by title (ti), abstract (ab), and full text (ft). The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The heterogeneity was detected by the Cochrane Q statistic test and the I-squared (I2) test. Then subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were used to identify the source of the variations. A random or fixed-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall pooled prevalence and average effects. The publication bias was assessed by the funnel plot asymmetry test and/or Begg and Mazumdar’s test for rank correlation (p-value < 0.05). The protocol has been registered in an international database, the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), with reference number CRD42023441572.ResultA total of 14 articles with 3662 participants were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of diabetic dyslipidemia in Ethiopia was found to be 65.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 57.5, 73.9), I2 = 97%, and p-value < 0.001. The overall prevalence of triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were found to be 51.8% (95% CI: 45.1, 58.6) and 44.2% (95% CI: 32.8, 55.7), respectively, among lipid profiles. In meta-regression analysis, the sample size (p value = 0.01) is the covariate for the variation of the included studies. Being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.9, 95% CI: 1.5, 10.1), physical inactivity (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5, 4.3), and uncontrolled blood glucose (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.9, 9.4) were found to be the determinants of dyslipidemia among diabetic patients.ConclusionThis review revealed that the prevalence of diabetic dyslipidemia is high among people with diabetes in Ethiopia. Being female, having physical inactivity, and having uncontrolled blood glucose were found to be predictors of dyslipidemia among people with diabetes. Therefore, regular screening of lipid profiles and the provision of lipid-lowering agents should be strengthened to reduce life-threatening cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, interventions based on lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity and adequate blood glucose control, need to be encouraged.

Evaluation of the measurement accuracy and uncertainty of a solid-state detector under diagnostic x-ray beam conditions.

An accurate measurement of x-ray beams is expected to reduce the uncertainties associated with estimating radiation risk to patients in clinical settings. To perform assessment tasks based on the readings of a solid-state detector (SSD) using semiconductor technology, the characteristics of the detector should be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the measurement accuracy of a new SSD under diagnostic x-ray beam conditions in terms of air kerma, tube voltage, and half-value layer (HVL). The performance of the SSD was then compared with those of reference instruments. The tube voltage was varied within the range of 50-120kV in steps of 10kV and the thickness and materials of additional filters were concurrently changed (several combinations were tested). In addition, the dose rate and energy dependence of the SSD were also investigated. These effects were analyzed based on statistical significance tests. Furthermore, the expanded uncertainties in the series of measurements were meticulously calculated. The results showed average relative differences of -3.26±1.33%, 0.44±1.01%, and -2.60±3.31% for air kerma, tube voltage, and HVL, respectively. Furthermore, air kerma did not exhibit any dependence on dose rate and energy, in contrast to tube voltage and HVL measurements. The measurement values of the SSD fall within the acceptable range of uncertainty, highlighting its measurement accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, based on the characteristics elucidated by this study, valuable insights are provided concerning the assurance of appropriate measurement values in clinical settings.

Tourism digital detox and digital-free tourism: What do we know? What do we not know? Where should we be heading?

PurposeWhile past research has begun exploring digital-free tourism, tourism digital detox and their benefits, no study to date has comprehensively mapped trends, findings and limitations across this growing body of literature. This study aims to conduct the first bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to address this gap.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized a mixed methodology of bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Structured search strings were applied to databases to identify relevant papers, which were screened according to inclusion criteria. Bibliometric analysis of included papers was performed using Bibliometrix, an R package enabling network visualization, statistical tests and science mapping. This allowed the identification of significant topics, theories, methods, citations and publication trends over time.FindingsThe results clearly show that factors previously lacking attention in past tourism research, such as the interplay between online and offline experiences during travel, are emerging as important determinants of travelers' well-being. This study outlines the current state of scholarship on managing technology's impacts on travelers' psychological and social needs. Specifically, we found limited research integrating how digital detox tools shape pre-trip planning, on-site activities and post-trip sharing of travel experiences.Originality/valueThis is the first study to comprehensively map trends and findings in digital-free tourism and tourism digital detox research using a blended bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review methodology. It offers vital direction toward strengthening theoretical understanding and supporting balanced connectivity and fulfillment for all tourists going forward. By addressing limitations, this research approach helps develop this area of scholarship in a unified manner.

The relationship between quality of life and some mental problems in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWomen with medical problems during pregnancy, including women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), experience an increased prevalence of mental health disorders which can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between GDM-related quality of life and depression, anxiety, and stress.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 150 women with GDM. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling including quota and then randomized method from maternal care centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran-Iran. The data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the GDM-related quality of life questionnaire (GDMQoL-36), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical tests of coefficient Spearman’s correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe mean ± SD score for the GDM-related quality of life and the DASS scale were 55.51 ± 8.87 and 27.12 ± 19.43%, respectively. Different degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 40, 61.3, and 42% of women, respectively. The total score of GDM-related quality of life had a significant negative correlation with the total score of DASS and the scores of the subscales including depression, anxiety, and stress (P < 0.001). There were significant correlations between the total score of GDM-related quality of life with age, BMI, length of marriage, educational level of the woman and her spouse, the occupation of the woman and her spouse, income, and economic class of the family. Multiple linear regression revealed that depression, education, and job are predictive factors for GDM-related quality of life.ConclusionGDM-related quality of life is related to some mental disorders. Therefore, it is important to consider the mental health promotion of pregnant women with GDM in future prenatal health programs to improve their quality of life. This also shows the importance of integrating mental health promotion strategies to enhance the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM.

Biophysical essentials – A full stack open-source software framework for conserved and advanced analysis of patch-clamp recordings

Background and ObjectivesPatch-Clamp recordings allow for in depth electrophysiological characterization of single cells, their general biophysical properties as well as characteristics of voltage- and ligand-gated ionic currents. Different acquisition modes, such as whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in the current or voltage clamp configuration, capacitance measurements or single channel recordings from cultured cells as well as acute brain slices are routinely performed for these purposes. Nevertheless, multipurpose transparent and adaptable software tools to perform reproducible state-of-the-art analysis of multiple experiment types and to manage larger sets of experimental data are currently unavailable. MethodsBiophysical Essentials (BPE) was developed as an open-source full stack python software for transparent and reproducible analysis of electrophysiological recordings. For validation, BPE results were compared with manually analyzed single-cell patch-clamp data acquired from a human in vitro nociceptor-model and mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons. ResultsWhile initially designed to improve time consuming and repetitive analysis steps, BPE was further optimized as a technical software solution for entire workflow processing including data acquisition, data preprocessing, normalization and visualization and of single recordings up to stacked calculations and statistics of multiple experiments. BPE can operate with different file formats from different amplifier systems and producers. An in-process database logs all analysis steps reproducible review and serves as a central storage point for recordings. Statistical testing as well as advanced analysis functions like Boltzmann-fitting and dimensional reduction methods further support the researchers' needs in projects involving electrophysiology techniques. ConclusionsBPE extends beyond available patch-clamp specific, open source – and commercial analysis tools in particular because of reproducible and sharable analysis workflows. BPE enables full analysis from raw data acquisition to publication ready result visualizations – all within one single program. Thereby, BPE significantly enhances transparency in the analytical process of patch-clamp data analysis. BPEs function scope is completely accessible through an easy-to-use graphical user interface eliminating the need for programing language proficiency as required by many community patch-clamp analysis frameworks and algorithms.

Comparative evaluation of the clinical and radiographic success of regenerative endodontic procedures in immature versus mature permanent incisors with apical periodontitis: A prospective observational study

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to know the clinical and radiographic outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures of immature versus mature in young permanent incisors with apical periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Twenty non-vital, young permanent incisors with traumatic exposure between the age of 7 and 13 years were taken. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I – immature (number of teeth included = 10) and Group II – mature (number of teeth included = 10). The procedure was performed by the blood clot method as a scaffold. Biodentine (about 2–3 mm) was placed as a capping material at the cementoenamel junction. Evaluation was based on the clinical (pain, sinus, tender on percussion, swelling, mobility, intact restoration) and radiographical (Nolla stage, thickening of walls, lamina dura continuity, calcification of pulp chamber and canal, periapical healing, PAI score) parameters. Results: All 19 teeth were clinically asymptomatic after the 12-month follow-up. Radiographically, the percentage of continuous root development (in the immature group) was 100% at 12 months (P = 0.000**). Radiography revealed a reduction in the PAI scores at 12 months in the immature and mature groups. None of the treated teeth responded to the cold test after a 12-month follow-up. One patient did not come for intervention in the mature group. All the statistical tests (Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Fisher’s exact test) were performed at a 5% significance level. Conclusion: Outcomes did not differ significantly between immature and mature groups.

The association between rurality, places of care and the location of death of long-term care home residents with dementia: A population-based study.

Most individuals prefer to spend their final moments of life outside a hospital setting. This study compares the places of care and death of long-term care (LTC) home residents in Ontario in the last 90 days of life, according to LTC home rurality. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using health administrative data from ICES (formerly known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). The study population, which was identified through algorithms, included all Ontario LTC home residents with a dementia diagnosis who died between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019. The location of death was categorized as in an acute care hospital, an LTC home, a subacute care facility, or the community. Places of care included emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the last 90 days of life. Statistical tests were used to evaluate differences in location of death and places of care by rurality. Of the 65,375 LTC home residents with dementia, 49,432 (75.6%) died in an LTC home. Residents of LTC homes in the most urban areas were less likely to die in an LTC home than those in more rural homes (adjusted relative risk: 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.83 to 0.85). A higher proportion of residents of the most urban LTC homes had at least one hospitalization in the last 90 days of life compared with rural residents (23.7% versus 9.9% palliative hospitalizations and 28.3% versus 15.9% non-palliative hospitalizations [p ⟨ 0.001]). Individuals with dementia residing in urban LTC homes are more likely to receive care in the hospital and to die outside a LTC home than their counterparts living in rural LTC homes. The findings of this work will inform efforts to improve end-of-life care for older adults with dementia living in LTC homes.

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Clinical Symptoms and Paraclinical Outcomes in Women Diagnosed With Fibrocystic Breast Disease: An Interventional Study

Fibrocystic breast disease is the most common benign breast disease in women, and it is necessary to investigate the most effective treatment method to reduce its symptoms. Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the effect of melatonin supplementation on clinical symptoms and paraclinical outcomes in women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease. Investigating the Effects of melatonin supplementation on clinical symptoms and paraclinical outcomes in women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease. The present study is a controlled intervention-placebo treatment conducted on women suffering from fibrocystic breast disease aged 18-40. This interventional study was conducted on 66 patients (33 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group). Melatonin supplement of 3 mg was administered to the intervention group and a placebo to the control group for 12 weeks. Patient information, symptoms, and paraclinical outcomes were recorded at the beginning of the study before the intervention and 12 weeks after the intervention. After collecting the data, we analyzed it using SPSS version 16 software and appropriate statistical tests. The findings of this study showed that melatonin administration in patients with fibrocystic breast disease reduced anxiety, depression, improved sleep quality, increased TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity), and decreased MDA (Malondialdehyde). However, both study groups did not have statistically significant differences in the average pain and hs-CRP before and after the intervention. According to the findings of the study and the identification of the positive effect of melatonin on laboratory indicators and symptoms in patients with fibrocystic breast disease, it is recommended to prescribe melatonin in addition to standard treatment to witness a better and faster recovery, and in this way, the quality of life of patients can be increased.

Determinants of nutritional status, students’ learning achievement and physical activity: a cross sectional study in Jayapura City, Papua, Indonesia

Optimal learning achievement is often obtained through the consumption of nutritious and balanced food, which prevents poor nutritional statuses. This is particularly relevant to Junior High School students aged 12-15 years, who are more prone to experience malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determinants of students’ learning achievement according to nutritional status, nutritional knowledge, students’ diet, physical activity, and learning interest. This was a descriptive correlation cross-sectional study. Three hundred and fifty Junior High School students in Jayapura Municipality, Papua Province, Indonesia was involved as sample in this study. The study sample were taken by accidental sampling method. The primary data (knowledge of nutrition, diet, physical activity, interest in learning, nutritional status, and learning achievement) and secondary data were obtained from relevant sources and analyzed using frequency distribution analysis and statistical path analysis tests. The results showed the indirect effect of exogenous variables on the endogenous, where nutritional knowledge and students diet influenced nutritional status (p-value = 0.001), but physical activity had no impact (p-value = 0.167). Meanwhile, the direct effect of exogenous variables on the endogenous showed that nutritional knowledge, interest in learning, and nutritional status influenced students’ achievement (p-value = 0.001). Thus, nutritional status plays a significant role in determining students’ learning achievement. Nutrition knowledge and students diet indirectly affect learning achievement through nutritional status. Nutritional status, nutritional knowledge, and interest in learning directly affect the learning achievement of junior high school students. It is important to improve nutritional status through nutritional knowledge as well as students’ diet, therefore this would eventually improve learning achievement. Keywords: nutrition status, students, achievement, physical activity, interest in learning

Differences between non-obese and obese patients with hypertension according to gender

Abstract Introduction In recent years, obesity has escalated markedly, emerging as a one of major worldwide health issue. The frequency of obesity in both adults and children is rising at an alarming rate, leading to severe consequences for public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as much as 13% of the global population is grappling with obesity. Numerous research studies have established that obesity not only heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure, but also exacerbates complications in individuals already suffering from these conditions. Purpose The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the differences between non-obese and obese patients admitted to the cardiology department due to hypertension according to gender. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 486 medical records of patients who had been admitted to the Institute of Heart Diseases of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland) between January 2017 and June 2021. The study group was divided in two ways. The division of patients was into one of two groups based on the following cut-off BMI values: non-obese (BMI &amp;lt; 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30). The study was conducted following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the independent Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University, protocol no. KB-837/2022. The significance level for all statistical tests was set to 0.05. R 4.3.0. was used for computations. Results Women accounted for 53% of the study group and were significantly older than men (64.7±12.8 vs. 60.5±11.8, p=0.466). Women with obesity had significantly higher triglycerides (TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations than women who were not affected by obesity. Men with obesity had significantly higher TG levels, lower HDL levels, more more frequent to have diabetes (DM) and less frequent stroke in the past compared to men without obesity. (Table 1 and 2) Conclusions This study highlights important differences between patients with hypertension without and with obesity, with notable gender differences. Women with obesity showed differences only in laboratory test results, while men with obesity showed differences in laboratory test results and comorbidities. These findings emphasize the need for gender-specific management strategies and research in hypertension and obesity, underscoring the distinct cardiovascular risks associated with obesity in both genders.

The relationship between gender, body mass index, and length of hospital stay in patients with hypertension

Abstract Introduction Globally, hypertension impacts approximately 40-45% of the adult demographic. This condition serves as a changeable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and its escalation demonstrates a direct correlation with heightened mortality rates and the onset of additional medical issues, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cerebrovascular accidents. The financial burden of CVD management is substantial, marking it as a significant issue in public health worldwide. Influencing factors that contribute to the duration of a patient's hospital stay (LOS) encompass both suboptimal nutritional status and the coexistence of other health conditions. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess whether there are sex differences in the prognostic impact of BMI, as calculated on admission to the cardiology department, on the length of hospital stay in patients with hypertension (HT). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 486 medical records of patients who had been admitted to an University Hospital between January 2017 and June 2021. Linear regression was used to analyse the impact of selected variables on continuous outcomes. Regression parameters with 95% confidence intervals were shown. The significance level for all statistical tests was set to 0.05. R 4.3.0. was used for computations. Results Women accounted for 53% of the study group and were significantly older than men (64.7±12.8 vs. 60.5±11.8, p=0.466). The mean BMI in women was 28.49±5.39 and in men 29.14±4.88. In an unadjusted linear regression mode, underweight, overweight and obesity by BMI were not independent predictors of longer hospitalization in either sex. The same result was noted after adjusting the model for patient age. After adjusting the model for comorbidities for women, a significant independent predictor of prolonged hospitalization was a prior MI, which prolonged hospitalization by an average of 1,727 days (B=1,727, p=0.034). For men, none of the analyzed features was a statistically significant predictor of length of hospitalization. Conclusions The result of body mass index score assessed at the time of a patient's admission to the cardiology department is not a predictor of length of hospitalization in both men and women with hypertension.

Francisco J. Ayala: Testing his Ideas on Biological Progress

Francisco J. Ayala was one of the great scholars of progress in biological evolution. For Ayala, progress consists of a net directional change in some characteristic that improves the descendants in a given lineage relative to the ancestors. This is an axiological proposal, but not at all unscientific. The traits are objective properties that can be measured in individuals, populations, or species and, ultimately, the entire evolutionary tree. Here, we develop Ayala’s ideas about progress and propose that the trait where the trend can be contrasted is probably the complexity of genomes. We also consider the need to apply statistical tests to determine whether trends, if they exist, are passive products of evolution from the simplest to the most complex or whether, on the contrary, there is directionality or a process driven, among other things, by natural selection.