Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression Analysis Research Articles

Examining the relationship between patients who have undergone brain surgery and their fear of falling and pain, cognitive status, functional mobility, anxiety, and depression

Background/Aim: Patients who have undergone brain surgery are at risk of falling. Fear of falling causes an increase in the risk of falling and a decrease in movement and daily life activities. However, no previous research has investigated the fear of falling experienced by patients who have undergone brain surgery or the factors that affect it. This study aims to examine the relationship between fear of falling and pain, cognitive status, functional mobility, anxiety, depression, and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in patients who have undergone brain surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 115 patients who had undergone brain surgery. The data were collected via a Patient Information Form, the Fear of Falling Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Itaki Fall Risk Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Glasgow Coma Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test. IBM SPSS 22.0 software was used for descriptive statistics, correlation, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Of the 115 patients, 73.1% were afraid of falling. Multiple linear regression analysis of the fear of falling in patients who had undergone brain surgery reveals that age (β=0.217, P=0.004), number of postoperative mobilizations (β=-0.141, P=0.031), a reported history of falling (β=0.155, P=0.032), the Timed Up and Go Test (β=0.372, P<0.001), and anxiety (β=0.358, P<0.001) were significant predictors of fear of falling. These variables explained 63% of the common variance. Conclusion: Age, number of mobilizations, falling experience, functional mobility, and anxiety level can affect the fear of falling in patients after brain surgery. To mitigate this fear, it is important to plan care with reference to these variables from the time of the brain surgery until the patient is discharged. In addition, there is a need for further studies on falling and the fear of falling after brain surgery.

Support Vector Machine-Based Global Classification Model of the Toxicity of Organic Compounds to Vibrio fischeri.

Vibrio fischeri is widely used as the model species in toxicity and risk assessment. For the first time, a global classification model was proposed in this paper for a two-class problem (Class - 1 with log1/IBC50 ≤ 4.2 and Class + 1 with log1/IBC50 > 4.2, the unit of IBC50: mol/L) by utilizing a large data set of 601 toxicity log1/IBC50 of organic compounds to Vibrio fischeri. Dragon software was used to calculate 4885 molecular descriptors for each compound. Stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was used to select the descriptor subset for the models. The ten molecular descriptors used in the classification model reflect the structural information on the Michael-type addition of nucleophiles, molecular branching, molecular size, polarizability, hydrophobic, and so on. Furthermore, these descriptors were interpreted from the point of view of toxicity mechanisms. The optimal support vector machine (SVM) model (C = 253.8 and γ = 0.009) was obtained with the genetic algorithm. The SVM classification model produced a prediction accuracy of 89.1% for the training set (451 log1/IBC50), of 80.0% for the test set (150 log1/IBC50), and of 86.9% for the total data set (601 log1/IBC50), which are higher than that (80.5%, 76%, and 79.4%, respectively) from the binary logistic regression (BLR) model. The global SVM classification model is successful, although it deals with a large data set in relation to the toxicity of organics to Vibrio fischeri.

Changes in canopy microclimate of faba bean under intercropping at controlled nitrogen levels and their correlation with crop yield.

The relationship between the microclimate of the intercropping faba bean canopy and yield, and its response to nitrogen application, was studied in the crop canopy to clarify that intercropping and nitrogen application changed the microclimate of the faba bean canopy and affected the yield. In field experiments in Eshan and Xundian, the growth index, light transmittance, interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation, temperature, relative humidity, and yield of the faba bean were determined using three planting methods (wheat monoculture, faba bean monoculture, and wheat-faba bean intercropping) and four nitrogen application levels, N0 (0 kg/hm2 ), N1 (45 kg/hm2 ), N2 (90 kg/hm2 ), and N3 (180 kg/hm2 ). The results showed that the application of nitrogen improved the growth index of monoculture and intercropping broad beans significantly, reduced the canopy light transmittance and temperature significantly, and increased the interception rate and relative humidity of photosynthetic effective radiation significantly. Compared with N0, the yield of broad bean in both places was the highest in N1, which increased by 14% (Eshan) and 15% (Xundian). Multiple linear stepwise regression and path analysis showed that the decrease in canopy light transmittance during the faba bean pod-setting stage and the interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation during pod-bulging stage, caused by excessive nitrogen application, were the main climatic and ecological factors limiting the increase in the intercropping faba bean yield in Eshan and Xundian respectively. The optimum nitrogen application rate recommended in production is 45kg/hm2 , to reduce the nitrogen application rate and maximize the productivity of the wheat and faba bean system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Usefulness of newly devised food intake score in removable denture wearers.

Although the food intake score (FIS) from conventional food intake questionnaires is widely used, the evaluation method, number of foods and food selection used in the questionnaire can be improved. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a newly devised FIS in removable denture wearers. A total of 219 removable denture wearers were asked about their food intake, and three types of FIS (FIS1, FIS2 and FIS3) were calculated as subjective parameters. FIS1 and FIS2 are conventional FISs, while FIS3 is the FIS devised in this study. The amount of glucose extracted (AGE) when participants chewed gummy jelly was used as an objective parameter. The relationship between the three FISs and that between each FIS and AGE were investigated. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed with AGE as the dependent variable and age, sex and FIS as independent variables. The three types of FISs were positively correlated. A positive correlation was also found between FIS and AGE. The correlation coefficient was the largest in FIS2 and decreased in the order of FIS3 > FIS1; however, the values of FIS2 > FIS3 were similar. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex and FIS were significantly associated with AGE. For denture wearers, the newly devised FIS3 was useful and evaluated masticatory performance, as well as or better than FIS1 and FIS2.

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the health professionals (COMET-HP) study: depression, suicidal tendencies and conspiracism.

The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p < 0.0001). Suicidal tendencies were at least doubled in terms of RASS scores. Approximately one-third of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop clinical depression was associated with a history of Bipolar disorder (RR = 4.23). The current study reported findings in health care professionals similar in magnitude and quality to those reported earlier in the general population although rates of clinical depression, suicidal tendencies, and adherence to conspiracy theories were much lower. However, the general model of factors interplay seems to be the same and this could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable.

Prediction of performance in a 100-km run from a simple equation.

This study aimed to identify predictive variables of performance for a 100-km race (Perf100-km) and develop an equation for predicting this performance using individual data, recent marathon performance (Perfmarathon), and environmental conditions at the start of the 100-km race. All runners who had performed official Perfmarathon and Perf100-km in France, both in 2019, were recruited. For each runner, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), age, the personal marathon record (PRmarathon), date of the Perfmarathon and Perf100-km, and environmental conditions during the 100-km race (i.e., minimal and maximal air temperatures, wind speed, total amount of precipitation, relative humidity and barometric pressure) were collected. Correlations between the data were examined, and prediction equations were then developed using stepwise multiple linear regression analyses. Significant bivariate correlations were found between Perfmarathon (p<0.001, r = 0.838), wind speed (p<0.001, r = -0.545), barometric pressure (p<0.001, r = 0.535), age (p = 0.034, r = 0.246), BMI (p = 0.034, r = 0.245), PRmarathon (p = 0.065, r = 0.204) and Perf100-km in 56 athletes The, 2 prediction equations with larger sample (n = 591) were developed to predict Perf100-km, one including Perfmarathon, wind speed and PRmarathon (model 1, r² = 0.549; standard errors of the estimate, SEE = 13.2%), and the other including only Perfmarathon and PRmarathon (model 2, r² = 0.494; SEE = 14.0%). Perf100-km can be predicted with an acceptable level of accuracy from only recent Perfmarathon and PRmarathon, in amateur athletes who want to perform a 100 km for the first time.

Additional growth of the spine and changes in spinal alignment after posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Previous studies have evaluated growth in spinal height immediately following surgical posterior correction of idiopathic scoliosis, yet have not reported on further spinal growth following surgery. The aims of this study were to investigate the characteristics of spinal growth after scoliosis surgery and determine whether they affect spinal alignment. The study included 91 patients (mean age 13.93 years) who underwent spinal fusion using pedicle screws for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The study population included 70 female and 21 male patients. The height of the spine (HOS), length of the spine (LOS), and spinal alignment parameters were measured on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the variables that affected HOS gain from growth. The patients were divided into two groups, the growth group and the nongrowth group, according to whether the HOS gain from growth exceeded 1 cm, to analyze the effect of spinal growth on its alignment. The mean (± SD) HOS gain from growth was 0.88 ± 0.66 (range -0.46 to 3.21) cm, with 40.66% of patients exhibiting growth ≥ 1 cm. This increase was significantly related to young age, male sex, and a small Risser stage (sex: b = -0.532, p < 0.001, male = 1, female = 2; Risser stage: b = -0.185, p < 0.001; age: b = -0.125, p = 0.011; adjusted R2 = 0.442). The variation in LOS was similar to that of HOS. Thoracic kyphosis and upper instrumented vertebra-lowest instrumented vertebra Cobb angle were reduced in both groups, with a greater reduction observed in the growth group. Patients with an increase in HOS < 1 cm showed a larger lumbar lordosis and a greater tendency for the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) to shift backward and the pelvic tilt to decrease (anteverted pelvis) than in the growth group. The spine still has growth potential after corrective fusion surgery for AIS, and 40.66% of the patients in this study continued to vertically grow by 1 cm or more. Unfortunately, the height changes cannot be accurately predicted by currently measured parameters. Changes in the sagittal alignment of the spine may affect the vertical growth increment.

Estimating Sugarcane Yield in a Subtropical Climate Using Climatic Variables and Soil Water Storage

Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in the world, and this crop’s response to climate and soil water storage is essential for optimal management and genetic/yield improvements. The objective of our study was to build a multivariate model to estimate sugarcane yield in the subtropical conditions of the northwestern Paraná region using climatic and soil water storage variables. Observed yield data was used from experiments conducted at the Experimental Station of the Sugarcane Genetic Improvement Program of the Universidade Federal do Paraná. The sugarcane varieties RB72454, RB867515, RB966928, and RB036066 were analyzed in the 1998–2006, 2008, 2018 and 2019 harvest years. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with repeated cross-validation was developed to estimate sugarcane yield given climate and soil water storage variables for crop growth phases. The accumulated degree days in Phases I and II and soil water storage in Phase II of development significantly impacted sugarcane yield. The multiple linear regression model, with accumulated degree days and soil water storage in Phases I and II of development, successfully predicted sugarcane yield for analyzed varieties. Sugarcane production models like the one we developed can improve crop management for greater sustainability and climate change adaption in Brazil and other areas.

Evaluation of water management on arsenic methylation and volatilization in arsenic-contaminated soils strengthened by bioaugmentation and biostimulation

Arsenic (As) fate in paddy fields has been one of the most significant current issues due to the strong As accumulation potential of rice plants under flooded conditions. However, no attempt was done to explore As methylation and volatilization under non-flooded conditions. Herein, we investigated the effects of water management on As methylation and volatilization in three arsenic-contaminated soils enhanced by biostimulation with straw-derived organic matter and bioaugmentation with genetic engineered Pseudomonas putida KT2440 (GE P. putida). Under flooded conditions, the application of biochar (BC), rice straw (RS) and their combination (BC+RS) increased total As in porewater. However, these effects were greatly attenuated under non-flooded conditions. Compared with RS amendment alone, the combination of GE P. putida and RS further promoted the As methylation and volatilization, and the promotion percentage under non-flooded conditions were significantly higher than that under flooded conditions. The combined GE P. putida and RS showed the highest efficiency in As methylation (88 µg/L) and volatilization (415.4 µg/(kg·year)) in the non-flooded soil with moderate As contamination. Finally, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis presented that methylated As, DOC and pH in porewater were the most important factors contributing to As volatilization. Overall, our findings suggest that combination of bioaugmentation with GE P. putida and biostimulation with RS/BC+RS is a potential strategy for bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated soils by enhancing As methylation and volatilization under non-flooded conditions.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in people living with HIV in Norway

BackgroundDespite the advances in the treatment of HIV, people living with HIV (PLHIV) still experience impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of the study was to explore factors associated with HRQOL in a well-treated Norwegian HIV population.MethodsTwo hundred and forty-five patients were recruited from two outpatient clinics to participate in this cross-sectional study of addiction, mental distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, fatigue, somatic health, and HRQOL. The latter was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the adjusted associations between demographic and disease-related variables and HRQOL.ResultsThe study population was virologically and immunologically stable. Their mean age was 43.8 (SD = 11.7) years, 131 (54%) were men, and 33% were native Norwegians. Compared with the general population (published in previous studies), patients reported worse SF-36 scores for five of eight domains: mental health, general health, social function, physical role limitation, and emotional role limitation (all p < 0.001). Compared with men, women reported better SF-36 scores within the domains vitality (63.1 (23.6) vs. 55.9 (26.7), p = 0.026) and general health (73.4 (23.2) vs. 64.4 (30.1), p = 0.009). In the multivariate analyses, higher SF-36- physical component score values were independently associated with young age (p = 0.020), being employed, student, or pensioner (p = 0.009), low comorbidity score (p = 0.015), low anxiety and depression score (p = 0.015), being at risk of drug abuse (p = 0.037), and not being fatigued (p < 0.001). Higher SF-36-mental component score values were independently associated with older age (p = 0.018), being from a country outside Europe or from Norway (p = 0.029), shorter time since diagnosis, low anxiety and depression score (p < 0.001), answering ‘no’ regarding alcohol abuse (p = 0.013), and not being fatigued (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHRQOL was poorer in PLHIV than in the general population in Norway. It is important to focus on somatic and mental comorbidities when delivering health-care services in the ageing population of PLHIV to improve HRQOL even among a well-treated group of PLHIV as found in Norway.

Scale effects of land use on river water quality: a case study of the Tuojiang River Basin, China.

Assessing the scale effects of land use on water quality is of great significance for effectively controlling nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in river basins. In this study, redundancy analysis (RDA) and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) analysis were applied to assess the effects of land use on water quality across multiscales in the Tuojiang River Basin. All monitoring sections were classified into three groups according to the characteristics of land use and cluster analysis of water quality. Results showed that the improvement in water quality of rivers in the Tuojiang River Basin lies in the emphasis and protection of the small-scale scope. Concomitantly, the linkages between individual water quality parameter and land use were highly dependent on spatial scales and regional basis. For the upstream group A, urban land is the main source of COD and TN pollution, while industrial and rural residential land contributed the most to TP pollution. Water body exhibits favorable effects on ammonia nitrogen due to its absorption and degradation, together with the growth of phytoplankton within it. For group B in the middle-lower reaches, controlling the input of organic fertilizers in paddy field will effectively alleviate COD pollution. Increasing the proportion of grassland near the riparian zone can have a positive effect on TN and TP pollution. It should continue to strengthen the strict supervision of NH3-N concentration in wastewater discharge from industrial enterprises. Our results can provide important information for land use planning and making multiple scale measures for water quality conservation.

Lipoprotein Subfractions Associated with Endothelial Function in Previously Healthy Subjects with Newly Diagnosed Sleep Apnea-A Pilot Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) activates several pathophysiological mechanisms which can lead to the development of vascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. The association between ED and OSA has been described in several studies, even in previously healthy subjects. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) were generally considered to be atheroprotective, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to be an atherogenic component of lipoproteins. However, recent findings suggest a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions (8-10) and LDL subfractions (3-7). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endothelial function and lipid subfractions in previously healthy OSA subjects. We prospectively enrolled 205 subjects with sleep monitoring. Plasma levels of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and their subfractions were assessed. Endothelial function was determined using peripheral arterial tonometry, and reperfusion hyperemia index (RHI) was assessed. Plasma levels of small and intermediate HDL subfractions have statistically significant pro-atherogenic correlations with endothelial function (p = 0.015 and p = 0.019). In other lipoprotein levels, no other significant correlation was found with RHI. In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, small HDL (beta = -0.507, p = 0.032) was the only significant contributor in the model predicting RHI. In our studied sample, a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions in previously healthy subjects with moderate-to-severe OSA was proven.

The effect of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir on viral clearance and length of hospital stay in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused heavy burdens on national healthcare systems. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) may be one of the most promising therapeutic drugs, with reports of up to 89% reduction rates in hospitalization risk and death among patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of developing severe disease. However, limited studies have investigated the effects of this class of drugs on viral clearance and length of hospital stay. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of patients infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and investigated the effects of oral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir on viral clearance and length of hospital stay in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients at high risk for progression to severe disease. The median SARS-CoV-2 negative conversion time was 16 (13-20) versus 13 (10-16)days (control group versus nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group, p< 0.001), the median length of hospital stay was 13 (10-16) versus 12 (13-14) days (control group versus nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group, p = 0.01), and the SARS-CoV-2 negative conversion time and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group than in the control group. When controlling for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, severity status of COVID-19, use of antibiotic agent, and COVID-19 vaccine received, multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment was negatively associated with the SARS-CoV-2 negative conversion time and length of hospital stay. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir reduces the viral clearance time and length of hospital stay in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir might be a promising drug to reduce the virus load and the heavy burden of healthcare systems.

Optimal Timing of Repositioning Surgery for a Plate-Haptic Toric Intraocular Lens: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

To evaluate risk factors for significant rotation and determine optimal timing for repositioning surgery following a plate-haptic toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent the plate-haptic toric IOL implantation at seven hospitals in Shanghai. IOL rotation and residual astigmatism were compared before and after repositioning surgery. Risk factors for significant IOL rotation after cataract surgery were identified by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Spearman's and linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with IOL rotation after repositioning. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the optimal timing for repositioning surgery. Among 2,745 eyes implanted with the toric IOL, 46 eyes (1.68%) of 45 patients underwent repositioning surgery. Axial length and lens thickness were significantly associated with IOL rotation before repositioning. After repositioning surgery, IOL rotation and residual astigmatism were significantly reduced (all P < .001). IOL rotation after repositioning was negatively associated with the timing of repositioning surgery (all P < .001). The ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off for the timing of repositioning surgery was 15 days or greater. The prevalence of repositioning surgery after the plate-haptic toric IOL implantation was 1.68%, and the optimal timing for repositioning surgery was recommended to be 2 to 3 weeks after cataract surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(2):120-126.].

Myanmar's Land Cover Change and Its Driving Factors during 2000-2020.

Land use/cover change (LUCC) research occupies an important place in the study of global change. It is important for the ecological protection and long-term development of a place. Current research is lacking in the study of dynamic changes at the national level in Myanmar over long time periods and sequences. Quantitative research on the driving factors of LUCC is also lacking. This paper uses the GLC_FCS30 (Global Land-Cover product with Fine Classification System) dataset and socio-economic statistical data in Myanmar to conduct the study. The dynamic change process of LUC (land use/cover) was investigated using the land use dynamic degree, land use transfer matrix, and Sankey diagram. Principal component analysis was used to derive the main drivers of LUCC. The drivers were quantified using multiple linear stepwise regression analysis and specific factors were analyzed. The spatial scope of the study is Myanmar, and the temporal scope is 2000-2020. Results: (1) In 2020, the spatial distribution of LUC in Myanmar shows predominantly forests and croplands. Forests account for 56.64% of the country's total area. Agricultural land accounts for 25.59% of the country's total area. (2) Over the time scale of the study, the trend of LUCC in Myanmar showed significant shrinkage of evergreen broad-leaved forest and deciduous broad-leaved forest (a total shrinkage of -3.34 × 104 km2) and expansion of the other land types. (3) Over the time scale of the study, the dynamic changes in LUCC in Myanmar most occurred as an interconversion between two land types, such as between cropland and deciduous broad-leaved forest, evergreen broad-leaved forest and shrubland, deciduous broad-leaved forest and shrubland, evergreen broad-leaved forest and evergreen needle-leaved forest, and evergreen broad-leaved forest and deciduous broad-leaved forest. (4) The dynamics of LUC in Myanmar is mainly influenced by the socio-economic level of the country. Among them, the impact of agricultural level is the most obvious. Specifically, Myanmar's LUCC is mainly driven by urban population, urbanization rate, industrial value added, food production, and total population. Our research will enable the Myanmar government to make more scientific and rational land management and planning and to make more informed decisions. After understanding the basic situation of LUCC in Myanmar, the hydrological effects, biodiversity changes, and ecological service function changes due to land change in the region can be explored. This is the direction of future research.

Associations between cardiac structure and function and depressive disorder: A centenarian study in China

BackgroundDepressive disorder is a common comorbidity in patients with cardiovascular diseases and is associated with increased hospitalization and death rates. The relationships between cardiac structure and function and depressive disorder remains unclear in the older adults, especially in centenarians. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible associations between cardiac structure and function and depressive disorder among centenarians. MethodsIn the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale scores and echocardiography were used to evaluate depressive disorder and cardiac structure and function, respectively. All information, including epidemiological questionnaires, physical examinations, and blood tests, was obtained following standardized procedures. ResultsA total of 682 centenarians were enrolled in the study (mean age: 102.35 ± 2.72 years). The prevalence of depressive disorder in centenarians is 26.2% (179 older adults), of whom 81.2% (554 older adults) are women. Centenarians with depressive disorder have significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction (60.02 ± 3.10) and interventricular septum thickness (9.79 ± 1.54). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis detected positive associations of left ventricular ejection fraction (Bets: 0.093) and interventricular septum thickness (Bets: 0.440) with Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Both left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio: 1.081) and interventricular septum thickness (odds ratio: 1.274) were independently associated with depressive disorder in multiple logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05, all). ConclusionsThe prevalence of depressive disorder remains very high, and associations were found between left ventricular ejection fraction, interventricular septum thickness, and depressive disorder in Chinese centenarians. Future studies should focus on their temporal relationships to improve cardiac structure and function, prevent depressive disorder, and achieve healthy aging by coordinating their relationships.

Mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students returning to face-to-face learning after Covid-19 restrictions.

This study aimed to examine the mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students and the associating factors after returning to face-to-face (in-person) learning after Covid-19 restrictions. A cross-sectional study informed by student consultations was conducted using a survey design. Mental health and wellbeing were assessed using self-report items on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on data collected between December 2021 and June 2022. N = 1160 students participated; 69.6% between 16 and 25 years, 67.9% studying in the UK, 66.5% studying away from home, 60.2% identified as she/her, 59.8% studying at the undergraduate degree level, 42.5% belonging to non-White ethnic backgrounds, 29.6% identifying as having additional needs and 22.8% as sexual minority. Moderate anxiety (M = 13.67, SD = 9.92) and depression (M = 17.04, SD = 11.56) scores were mainly reported. Wellbeing scores (M = 20.31, SD = 3.93) were lower than the estimate for the pre-pandemic general population. Gender expression, sexuality, age, ethnicity, having additional needs, and level and location of study was associated with mental health or wellbeing. Individual coping styles, levels of self-efficacy and physical activity were also associated with mental health or wellbeing. Many students returning to further and higher education after Covid-19 restrictions experienced reduced mental health and wellbeing, and some students were at greater risk. Providing student-centred interventions focusing on self-efficacy, coping styles and physical activity may help improve the mental health and wellbeing of students.

Impact of the type of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant on quality of life and psychopathology

<p>Despite the decrease in transplant-related mortality, patients who receive hematopoietic stem-cell transplants often suffer from short-and long-term morbidities, poorer quality of life, and psychosocial functioning deficits. Several studies have compared the quality of life and affective symptoms of patients after undergoing autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants. Some studies have reported similar or greater quality of life impairments in allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell recipients, but the findings have been inconsistent. Our purpose was to examine the influence of the type of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation on the quality of life and affective symptoms of patients.</p>. <p>The study sample comprised 121 patients with various hematological diseases who underwent hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation at St. Istv&aacute;n and St. L&aacute;szl&oacute; Hospitals, Budapest. The study had a cross-sectional design. Quality of life was evaluated using the Hungarian version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy&ndash;Bone Marrow Transplant scale (FACT-BMT). Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using Spielberger&rsquo;s State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Dep&shy;ression Inventory (BDI), respectively. Basic sociodemographic and clinical variables were also recorded. Comparisons between autologous and allogeneic recipients were analyzed using a t-test when the variables were normally distributed and a Mann&ndash;Whitney U test otherwise. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors that contributed to the quality of life and the affective symptoms in each group.</p>. <p>Quality of life (p=0.83) and affective symptoms (pBDI=0.24; pSSTAI=0.63) were similar between the autologous and allogeneic transplant groups. The BDI scores of allogeneic transplant patients indicated mild depression, but their STAI scores were similar to those of the general population. Allogeneic transplant patients with symptoms of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) experienced more severe clinical conditions (p=0.01), poorer functional status (p&lt;0.01) and received more immunosuppressive treatment (p&lt;0.01) than those without graft versus host disease. Patients suffering from graft versus host disease experienced more severe depression (p=0.01), and constant anxiety (p=0.03) than those without graft versus host disease. Quality of life was affected by depressive and anxiety symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity in both the alloge&shy;neic and autologous groups.</p>. <p>Graft versus host disease-related severe somatic complaints seemed to influence the allogeneic transplant patients&rsquo; quality of life by inducing depressive and anxiety symptoms.</p>.

Prevalence and predictors of smartphone addiction and insomnia among nurses working in the outpatient department after the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

ABSTRACT Objectives: The present study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of smartphone addiction and insomnia among nurses working in the outpatient department (OPD) after the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 117 OPD nurses between October and December 2021 using a purposive sampling technique. Two self-reported standardized scales, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and Insomnia Severity Index were used. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used. Pearson’s correlation and Scatter plot were used to determine the relationship between the study variables. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was also performed. Results: The majority of participants had slight smartphone addiction (78.6%) and suffered from sub-threshold to severe forms of insomnia (73.5%). A significant mild positive correlation was found between smartphone addiction and insomnia (r = 0.195, P &lt; 0.05). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis predicted factors such as female gender and exposure to smartphones for more than 5 years influencing smartphone addiction. A strong influence of exposure to the smartphone for more than 5 years was found on insomnia severity. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction and insomnia were identified problems among nurses working in the OPD after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring an urgent need to identify and manage various factors responsible for smartphone addiction and insomnia such as female gender and years of exposure to smartphones.

Biomechanical Factors Influencing Post-strike Ball Velocity in Football Players: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Optimising post-strike ball velocity is essential for success in football. Biomechanical factors play a significant role in determining ball speed. However, further investigation is needed to understand the specific relationships between the biomechanical factors and post-strike ball velocity in football players. Aim: To identify the key biomechanical factors contributing to post-strike ball velocity and provide insights for enhancing performance in league-level football players. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science, Tamil Nadu, India. The duration of the study was five months, from January 2022 to May 2022. The study included 25 professional male football players from national-level league teams. Participants performed maximal instep kicks while various kinematic variables were measured using Vicon cameras, Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc., (AMTI) force footplates, and a radar speed gun. Data processing was performed using Vicon Nexus software version 2.7. The data were analysed using R statistical software version 4.0.2. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post-hoc tests, were used to compare the various kick matrices across the players. Pearson’s r correlation analysis was used to check for a correlation between post-strike ball velocity and other kick matrices. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relative effects of various kick matrices on post-strike ball velocity, with significance set at a p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 18.8 years. A significant positive correlation was observed between prestrike foot velocity (r=0.58) and training experience (r=0.48) with post-strike ball velocity. Step-wise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that 39% of the variance in post-strike ball velocity could be attributed to training experience and prestrike foot velocity. Conclusion: Training experience and prestrike foot velocity could be the most important factors to consider in order to maximise post-strike ball velocity among league-level football players.