Stepwise Multiple Regression Research Articles

Early motor developmental milestones and health outcomes in preadolescent children

IntroductionThe prevalence of depression and anxiety in children has risen in recent years, while childhood obesity and sedentary behavior continue to be a major public health concern. Existing evidence suggests early motor development and locomotor experiences contribute to psychosocial and physical development. By further understanding the far-reaching effects of early motor development, early life interventions aimed at preventing physical and mental health adversity may benefit from investigating early motor developmental milestones (MDM) attainment. The current study is the first to assess the longitudinal association between parent-reported gross MDM timing with objective measures of mental health, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), subcutaneous abdominal (SAAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) outcomes later in childhood.MethodIn total, 131 children aged 8–11 years (46% female) were recruited. The parents of these children reported the age of attainment for five MDMs: holding their head unsupported, rolling over, sitting unsupported, standing, and walking independently. The study encompassed a comprehensive assessment, including measures of mental health, CRF (VO2 max), body–mass index (BMI), SAAT, and VAT. Data were analyzed using multiple stepwise linear regressions, adjusting for demographic and parental factors in Step 1 and including each MDM individually in Step 2.ResultsOur findings indicated earlier rolling over and walking were associated with higher CRF during preadolescence. Earlier rolling over was also linked to healthier BMI and lower levels of VAT, lower levels of trait anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression.ConclusionThis study provides further evidence with potential clinical implications that parent-reported MDM age of attainment is related to later preadolescent physical and mental health. The age at which a child first rolls over emerges as a particularly predictive factor for various preadolescent health outcomes, highlighting the multi-finality of MDM timing in understanding developmental trajectories.

The effects of role stressors on anxiety, depression, and subjective well-being through primary appraisals

Objective This study investigated the effects of role stressors on anxiety, depression, and subjective well-being (SWB), emphasizing primary appraisal.Methods A web-based survey was conducted with 2,000 full-time employees in November 2023. The sample included 1,093 males and 907 females aged 20-64 years (mean (M)＝43.28, standard deviation (SD)＝11.96). Survey items included attributes (sex, age, occupation, and position), role stressors, primary appraisal (irrelevant, positive, harm/loss, threat, and challenge), anxiety, depression, and SWB. We conducted a stepwise multiple regression analysis with primary appraisals as the dependent variable and role stressors and attributes as independent variables. Thereafter, we conducted a stepwise multiple regression analysis with anxiety, depression, and SWB as dependent variables and primary appraisals of role stressors and attributes as independent variables.Results Valid responses were obtained from 1,260 participants employed in sales and clerical work (valid response rate: 63.0%). The final sample included 548 males and 712 females aged 20-64 years (M＝44.75, SD＝11.61). Based on the results, positive, harm/loss, threat, and challenge appraisal positively influenced "role unclearly" and "role overload." Moreover, anxiety positively influenced "harm/loss" and "threat" appraisals but negatively influenced "challenge" appraisals. Furthermore, depression positively influenced "harm/loss" and "threat" appraisals but negatively influenced "challenge" appraisals. Conversely, SWB positively influenced "positive" and "challenge" appraisals but negatively influenced "harm/loss" appraisals in role unclearly and "harm/loss" and "threat" appraisals in role overload.Conclusion The anxiety, depression, and SWB of full-time employees in sales or clerical work were correlated with their primary appraisals of role stressors.

The Causal Factors Affecting the Management of Predictive Student Relationship using Business Intelligence Concept for the Retention of Undergraduate Students

This study aims to analyze causal factors affecting predictive student relationship management for undergraduate student retention using business intelligence. Phase 1 involved identifying key factors influencing retention through document analysis, categorizing them into social, learning, teaching, and student-related factors. Social factors include student community, friendships, communication channels, and organizational culture, which promote engagement, motivation, and perseverance. Learning and teaching factors, such as supportive learning environments, scholarships, instructional design, and structured assignments, impact academic success and retention. Student-related factors, including learning abilities, academic preparedness, goals, and parental support, are essential for persistence. Data was gathered from 1,574 students at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, with 1,160 usable entries after cleansing. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) grouped these variables into five components: Student Communication Channels, Academic Proficiency, Parental Guidance, Scholarships, and Organizational Culture. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) validated the model, highlighting well-clustered factors. In Phase 2, a predictive model was developed using stepwise multiple regression, identifying impactful variables, such as note-taking abilities, scholarship counseling, peer communication, and access to advisors. The final model, with an R value of 0.881 and an adjusted R² of 0.777, demonstrated 77.7% predictive accuracy, emphasizing the combined influence of academic support, communication, financial aid, and social integration on student retention. The findings suggest that institutions should prioritize these areas to foster a conducive environment for student success.

Designing hypothesis of substituted naphthyridines as anti-HIV agent: A QSAR Approach

HIV-1 Integrase is a validated drug target for anti-HIV therapy. It is an essential enzyme required for replication of the AIDS-virus. 1,3,4-oxadiazole substituted naphthyridine derivatives act against HIV integrase and thus have the potential to become a part of anti-HIV drug regime. In present study, we have carried out QSAR study of 1,3,4-oxadiazole substituted naphthyridine derivatives. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to derive QSAR models and was evaluated for statistical significance and predictive power. The best QSAR model was selected for anti-HIV activity, having correlation coefficient (R) = 0.862, standard error of estimation (SEE) = 0.271 and cross validated squared correlation coefficient (Q2) = 0.676. The QSAR model indicates that shape index, partition coefficient and solvent accessible surface area play an important role in the anti-HIV activities of 1,3,4-oxadiazole substituted naphthyridine derivatives. The results of the present study may be useful in designing more potent analogues.

Relationship Between Geriatric Nurses' Spiritual Care Perceptions and Professional Attitudes, a Cross-Sectional Study.

This study, based on the self-determination theory, aims to explore the current situation of geriatric nurses' perceptions of spiritual care and its relationship with their professional attitude. It was conducted from February to May 2022. As the population ages, it is necessary to actively implement coping strategies. Geriatric nurses are important human resources, so we should pay attention to their perception of spiritual care for the elderly and their attitude towards the nursing profession. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 488 geriatric nurses engaged in elderly care were recruited from different hospitals in China. An online questionnaire was used to assess geriatric nurses' sociodemographics, their perception of spiritual care and their professional attitude. This study's findings indicate that the overall average score of geriatric nurses' perception of spiritual care was at a medium level (173.64 ± 27.87). Geriatric nurses' professional attitude was positively correlated with spiritual care perception (p < 0.001). The multiple stepwise linear regression model (n = 488) had an explained variance (R2 = 0.216), and three factors such as the need to enhance the ability of spiritual care through lectures and other methods were the main predictors of the perception level of spiritual care among geriatric nurses (p < 0.001). The findings demonstrated that the enhancement of professional attitudes among geriatric nurses can effectively augment their perception and implementation of spiritual care. This study's result is helpful for nursing managers to identify the weak links in the overall nursing services for elderly patients, thereby carrying out relevant intervention measures, improving the perception level of spiritual care of geriatric nurses, optimising the quality of elderly care services and achieving healthy aging. No patient or public contribution. The study focused on the current situation of geriatric nurses' perceptions of spiritual care and its relationship with their professional attitude. Therefore, the involvement of patients or the public was not deemed necessary for achieving the specific research objectives. The reporting of the study was guided by the STROBE checklist.

The Effect of Emotional Intelligence, Caring Efficacy, and Social Support on Clinical Competency of Nursing Students

Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of emotional intelligence, caring efficacy, and social support on the clinical competency of Korean nursing students. Methods We conducted a descriptive correlational study from 5th March to 10th June 10, 2020, among 257 nursing students in 3rd and 4th years who participated in clinical practice at four universities in two cities. We collected the data using a self-structured questionnaire that included 129 items from the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), the General Self-efficacy (GSE) scale, and scales on social support and clinical competency. We analyzed the data using frequency analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results The majority of the students, i.e., 80.2%, were female, 57.6% were in their 3rd year, and the students’ average age ranged from 22.91 to 4.75. The participants’ clinical competency was linked to their emotional intelligence (r =.457; p&lt;.001), their ability to care for others (r =.516; p&lt;.001), and their social support (r =.515; p^.001). There was a statistically significant difference in clinical competency based on the participants’ religion, academic performance, and satisfaction with their major and clinical practice. Factors, such as care efficacy, social support, emotional intelligence, religion, and significant satisfaction, influenced clinical competency. Conclusion Overall, 39.3% of the participants demonstrated clinical competency. The results have highlighted the need for the development of an effective educational program that can enhance emotional intelligence, care efficacy, social support, and major satisfaction, thereby promoting the clinical competency of nursing students.

AI-enhanced video drama-making for improving writing and speaking skills of students learning English as a foreign language

ABSTRACT Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), have been used by teachers to enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. However, few studies have employed AI in the making of video dramas to facilitate EFL learning. In this study, AI was used to recognize the authentic context of a drama and provide students with meaningful lexical resources, including vocabulary and sentence structures, to inspire them in their writing. Video-to-text recognition (VTR) and AI methods were used to develop an AI-enhanced video drama (AI-EVD) application for EFL learning, and its effectiveness for improving EFL writing and speaking was investigated by recruiting 77 university students in three groups: an experimental group (EG), which used the app, and control groups, which used the app without AI features (CG1) or participated in conventional learning (CG2). Learning achievement in the EG was significantly higher than that in CG1 or CG2. An analysis of the correlation between learning behavior and learning achievement showed that VTR-generated vocabulary, generative pretrained transformer (GPT)-generated sentences, and a pronunciation correction mechanism significantly improved the students’ performance. Further analysis with a stepwise multiple regression model revealed that the GPT-generated sentences feature was the learning behavior with the strongest effect on writing and speaking skills. Moreover, the AI-EVD application was perceived as being easy to use, helpful, and engaging according to the results of student questionnaires and interviews. Therefore, the AI-EVD application can motivate EFL students, enable them to produce meaningful video dramas, and improve their writing and speaking skills.

Assessing Employers’ Satisfaction with Marist education among Business Graduates of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Philippines

Marist education is an educational approach that emphasizes the holistic development of students’ academic competence, character, and cultural sensitivity. This study assessed the satisfaction of various organizations’ and companies’ employers towards the Business graduates of an institution offering Marist education, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), and identified competencies and skills that influence satisfaction. The study was participated by company owners, managers, and supervisors of private and government establishments in Region XII, Philippines. The data were analyzed and interpreted using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that NDMU Business graduates possess a very high level of professional knowledge and a high level of professional skills. They also exhibit a very high level of non-professional competencies in terms of their values, interpersonal skills, and work attitude. Overall, employers are very highly satisfied with the work quality, quantity, efficiency, and organizational performance of the NDMU Business graduates. This implies that the University is able to produce graduates who are highly competent and meet the standard of the industry. Among the competencies identified, it became evident that knowledge, values, and work attitude can significantly influence employers’ satisfaction with business graduates of NDMU. The findings of the study can help educational institutions tailor their programs to better meet the demands of the industry. Data-driven studies can provide quantifiable data needed for making decisions to ensure graduates are well-prepared, relevant, and competitive.

Reaction Time in Fibromyalgia Patients.

Fibromyalgia has unknown aetiology and is associated with reduced information processing speed and therefore prolonged reaction time. However, the processes underlying this are unknown. First, to compare the reaction time in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and a matched group of normal controls. Second, to assess whether detailed symptoms of pain and autonomic function, as well as measures of tinnitus, fatigue, daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. The between-groups mean serial five-choice reaction time difference was assessed in a cohort of fibromyalgia patients and in a matched group of normal controls in an analytical casecontrolled study. With the mean serial five-choice reaction time as the dependent variable for the fibromyalgia group, a mixed stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with inputs relating to pain, dysautonomia, tinnitus, fatigue, daytime sleepiness and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The mean (standard error) serial five-choice reaction time for the fibromyalgia group was 448.4 (23.0) ms, compared with 386.3 (8.3) ms for the control group (p = 0.007). The final multiple linear regression model (p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.772) contained 13 predictors: eight sensory pain and three affective pain parameters, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG and IgA assay results. Certain sensory and affective pain parameters, as well as Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, appear to be predictors of reaction time in fibromyalgia. Further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which they affect information processing is warranted and may shed light on the aetiology of fibromyalgia.

Anti-aquaporin-5 and anti-poly-U-binding-factor-60kDa protein antibodies in primary Sjögren's disease patients: preliminary data and correlation with disease activity indices.

In primary Sjögren's disease (pSjD), in addition to glandular inflammation and atrophy, functional secretion impairment may contribute to dryness. Altered protein distribution and antibodies against aquaporin-5 (anti-AQP5) and poly-U-binding factor 60kDa protein (anti-PUF60) have been reported in pSjD and may be specifically implicated in the glandular secretive processes. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of serum anti-AQP5 and anti-PUF60 antibodies and their correlations with clinical and laboratory features of pSjD. Blood samples from pSjD patients and healthy donors (HD) were collected, and anti-AQP5 and anti-PUF60 antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences between groups were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests, and odds ratios (OR) of high disease activity were assessed by multivariate stepwise backward multiple regression and adjusted for clinical covariates. Serum samples from 36 pSjD patients and 8 HD were analysed, and anti-AQP5 and anti-PUF60 antibody levels were not significantly different between groups. However, pSjD patients with high disease activity (n. 10) had significantly higher levels of anti-AQP5 antibodies compared to those with low-moderate disease activity (p<0.001). At logistic regression analysis, variables associated with high disease activity were anti-AQP5 (OR 128.9, 95% CI 2.7-615), C-reactive protein (OR 12.9, 95% CI 1.2-137.2), and C4 <10 mg/dl (OR 60, 95% CI 1.1-318.9). Our pilot study confirms that anti-AQP5 antibodies may discriminate pSjD patients with high disease activity. These findings offer valuable clinical implications for managing pSjD patients, potentially identifying patients at high risk of glandular deterioration.

Determinats factors self-management barriers: characteristics, spiritual well-being, and religiosity in type 2 diabetes patients

Holistic nursing needs to evaluate barriers to self-management, insight from characteristics, religiosity, and spiritual well-being to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus type 2. This study aimed to identify the determining factors that affect the barriers to self-management and the variables affecting them among Indonesian patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 101 patients recruited via purposive sampling from March to May 2023. The research instruments used were the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Islamic Religiosity Scale, and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. The potential multicollinearity effects among the predictors of the barriers to self-management were also evaluated using multiple linear stepwise regression and collinearity analysis of variable inflation factors (VIFs). Most of the respondents had moderate spiritual well-being (52.2%) and high Islamic religiosity (60.4%) but also had barriers to self-management (55%). The F value of 5.888 with a probability of 0.004 (&amp;lt;0.05) showed that based on their regression coefficients, spiritual well-being, and Islamic religiosity simultaneously affected the barriers to self-management by 10.7%. The determinants that were found to affect the barriers to self-management were spiritual well-being and religiosity. These results suggest that it is necessary to develop an intervention model to improve the self-management of T2DM with a holistic approach.

Resting energy expenditure in patients with liver cirrhosis: Indirect calorimetry vs. predictive equations.

The objective of our study was to explore the accuracy of previously published prediction equations in predicting resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). We also aimed to develop a novel equation to estimate REE for Chinese patients with LC. In 90 patients with LC, the agreement between REE measured by Indirect calorimetry (IC) and predictive equations was quantified using paired T-test and visualized using a Bland-Altman Plot. Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was used to measure a linear correlation between REE measured by IC and different predictive equations. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to create a new REE equation. The estimated REEs of previous equations were underestimated against REE measured by IC (1610 ± 334 kcal). Lean body mass (LBM) was positively correlated with REE measured by IC (r = 0.723, p < 0.01). The newly derived estimation equation for REE (kcal) was 1274.3 - 209.0 * sex - 5.73 * age + 3.69 * waist circumference + 22.89 * LBM. The newly derived estimation equation was found to have a Pearson-r value of 0.765 compared with REE measured by IC. REE in liver cirrhosis was underestimated by using predictive equations. The new predictive equation developed by using age, sex, waist circumference, and LBM may help estimate REE in Chinese patients with LC accurately and easily.

Contribution of Organic Carbon, Moisture Content, Microbial Biomass-Carbon, and Basal Soil Respiration Affecting Microbial Population in Chronosequence Manganese Mine Spoil

The research was carried out to determine the potential effect of microbiota, organic carbon, percentage of moisture content, and microbial biomass concentration as an evaluator of variation in basal soil respiration rate. Relative distribution and composition of the microbial population were estimated from six different chronosequence manganese mine spoil (MBO0, MBO2, MBO4, MBO6, MBO8, MBO10) and forest soil (FS). The variation was seen in moisture content (6.494±0.210-11.535±0.072)%, organic carbon (0.126±0.001- 3.469± 0.099)%, MB-C (5.519±1.371- 646.969± 11.428) μg.g-1 of soil. A positive correlation was shown between OC with MB-C (r = 0.938; p&lt; 0.01) and moisture content (MC) (r = 0.962; p&lt; 0.01). Variation in the basal soil respiration (BSR) and microbial metabolic quotients (MMQ) was shown to range between 0.352 ± 0.007- 0.958 ±0.014μg CO2-C.g-1 and 6.5× 10-3 - 1.481×10-3 μg CO2-C.g-1 microbial-C.h-1 with BSR: OC from (2.793-0.276)% respectively. This result shows that there is a gradual increase in OC, MC, MB-C, and BSR across seven different sites due to progressive enhancement in soil fertility that leads to the initialization of succession. Stepwise multiple regression analysis further confirms the degree of variability added by microbial biomass C, moisture content, organic carbon, and microbial population on basal soil respiration in microbes. Principal component analysis enables the differentiation of seven different soil profiles into independent clusters based on cumulative variance given by physico-chemical and microbial attributes that indicate the level of degradation of land and act as an index to restore soil fertility.

Relationship between the morphology of the posterior pole of the eyeball and changes in choroidal structure and blood flow in myopia.

The eyeball axial length (AL) is an important biological indicator of myopia, which has been widely studied. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between eye shape and fundus structural changes in myopia. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the shape of the posterior pole of the eye, and choroidal characteristics by comparing with the relationship between AL and choroidal characteristics. And to investigate the clinical significance of the shape of the posterior pole in the pathophysiological changes related to myopia. In this study, the data of 147 eyes (22 emmetropic and 125 myopic) of participants aged 20-30 years, examined in 2021, were collected. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to analyze the posterior-pole images, choroidal thickness (ChT), choroidal vascular volume (CVV), and three-dimensional choroidal vascular index (3DCVI). The least squares method was used to fit the ellipse that was most consistent with the actual shape of the posterior pole. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to investigate the relationships between the fitting posterior-pole vertex curvature (fPVC), and ChT, CVV, and 3DCVI. The mean AL of the participants was 25.15±1.35 mm (22.30-27.92 mm), the mean spherical equivalent was -3.59±2.62 D (+0.5 to -11.75 D), and the mean fPVC was 0.158±0.036 mm-1. The fPVC was positively correlated with the AL (r=0.639, P<0.001)and negatively correlated with the spherical equivalent (r=-0.666, P<0.001). The AL and fPVC were independently negatively correlated with the ChT and CVV in the macular region (0-6 mm). In the peripheral area (6-9 mm), the fPVC (ChT: β=-0.529, P<0.001; CVV: β=-0.441, P<0.001) was more closely associated with the ChT and CVV than the AL (ChT: β=-0.140, P=0.127; CVV: β=-0.127, P=0.190). The 3DCVI may be nonlinearly correlated with the AL and fPVC, and the relationship curve between the fPVC and 3DCVI was clearer than that between the AL and 3DCVI. In addition to the AL, the shape of the posterior pole is related to the ChT and choroidal vascular changes, and more closely related to the peripheral choroid than AL. Our findings provide another perspective for the prevention and monitoring of myopic-related pathological changes in clinical practice.

Methane degassing in global river reservoirs and its impacts on carbon budgets and sustainable water management

Degassing methane (CH4) through reservoir water compromises hydroelectricity's presumed low-carbon status, which has emerged as a critical hotspot for global carbon dynamics. However, a comprehensive understanding of the involved pathways remains elusive, hindering the accurate estimation of global reservoirs' carbon budget (emission-to-burial ratio). This study presents a holistic upscaling approach to assess methane degassing in global river reservoirs and its impacts on carbon budgets. Firstly, a machine learning model is utilized to characterize the contributions of climate and human factors to annual water residence time. Secondly, the stepwise multiple linear regression method is used to calculate CH4 degassing emissions for each reservoir. Finally, to systematically tackle all sources of uncertainty, separate uncertainty analyses are implemented for the estimates of degassing emissions, areal emissions, and organic carbon burial. Analyzing 30-year data from 6695 reservoirs worldwide, our assessment considers water residence time, temperature, catchment area, and reservoir size. Findings indicate that water releases contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions from reservoirs, elevating the carbon budget by 20 % from 2.02 to 2.18 TgC/year, underscoring the previously underestimated significance of CH4 degassing in shaping the carbon cycle impact of river reservoirs. We propose a redefined threshold for low carbon credits, suggesting that reservoirs with power densities exceeding 6.1 MW/km2, instead of the conventional 4 MW/km2, should qualify. This study underscores the need for sustainable water management and reshaping the carbon dynamics associated with hydroelectricity. Future research can advocate Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance water management and mitigate carbon emissions by multi-objectively optimizing reservoir operations.

Does socioeconomic factors and child behavior contribute to caregiver's stress in families of children with disabilities in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

This study explored whether socioeconomic factors and child behavior are associated with caregiver stress in families of children with disabilities aged 2 to 17 living in Jordan. This study employed a cross-sectional design using an online survey. The survey, distributed mainly on social media, consisted of questions on demographics, child disability using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS), caregiver stress levels using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and child behavior using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics, correlation testing (Pearson and Spearman tests), and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to identify whether caregiver stress was associated with child disability and behavior and 4 socioeconomic factors (caregiver age, employment status, child disability, and child gender). In total, 161 caregivers completed the survey. Being older, employed, and having a female child were associated with less caregiver stress (P = .010, P = .017, and P = .009, respectively). Having a child with a higher disability score and more behavioral problems was associated with higher caregiver stress. Our findings highlight the importance of developing a comprehensive evaluation process to identify how child disability affects different areas of caregivers' lives, and interventions to address caregiver stress. We recommend implementing policies to increase access to mental health services and parenting resources, particularly for young and unemployed caregivers.

Stronger association between morning serum cortisol level and diurnal time in range in type 2 diabetes?

BackgroundThe hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is thought to play a vital role in glucose homeostasis and diabetes. This study investigated the association between morning serum cortisol and time in range (TIR), including daytime TIR, in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods310 patients with T2DM had serum cortisol measured at 8 a.m. All participants underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for three consecutive days, then TIR and glycemic variability (GV) parameters were evaluated. Using 100 g standard steamed bread meal test, blood glucose, C peptide and insulin at different points were collected to assess insulin sensitivity and islet function.ResultsPatients with higher serum cortisol exhibited lower TIR and TITR (P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the negative correlation between cortisol and daytime TIR (r=-0.231, P < 0.001) was stronger than that of overnight TIR (r=-0.134, P = 0.028). Similarly, there existed a negative correlation between cortisol and pancreatic function indicators such as HOMA-β, insulinogenic index (IGI), area under the curve of C-peptide within half an hour (AUCCp0.5 h) and three hours (AUCCp3h) (r=-0.248, -0.176, -0.140, -0.185, respectively, P < 0.05). In contrast, cortisol was positively associated with TAR (r = 0.217, P < 0.001) and GV parameters including MBG, MAGE, LAGE, HBGI, MODD, ADDR (P of MAGE and MODD > 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression revealed that cortisol was an independent contributor of TIR, TITR and diurnal TIR, with diurnal TIR of stronger relevance.ConclusionsMorning serum cortisol is negatively correlated with TIR, especially diurnal TIR and positively associated with GV parameters. Inappropriate cortisol secretion may have an adverse influence on glucose homeostasis in T2DM.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a multivariate analysis of Spanish Red Cross users living alone

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the relationships between loneliness, social relations (family and non-family), and perceived health in older adults living alone in Spain. Methods The sample included 306 Spanish older adults aged 65–95 (M = 78.08, SD = 6.95) who lived alone and were Red Cross users. Bivariate relationships were tested before conducting a Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis to examine the impact of both objective and subjective components of loneliness on perceived health. Results Older participants showed worse health status, less frequent and less close relationships with their family and friends, and a higher risk of non-family isolation. Additionally, participants with lower perceived health were found to have both less frequent and closer family and non-family relations, a higher sense of loneliness, and were older. Multivariate analysis revealed that non-family relations, feelings of loneliness, and age significantly predicted 17.9% of the explained variance in perceived health (adjusted R 2 = .18, p < .001). Conclusions This research highlights the importance of non-family relations in preventing and mitigating feelings of loneliness and improving older adult’s health. These findings are particularly important as they inform the development of effective interventions and strategies to manage loneliness, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for older individuals living alone. Such strategies should be designed to increase opportunities to expand the non-family networks.

Integrating Water Quality Index (WQI) and Multivariate Statistics for Regional Surface Water Quality Evaluation: Key Parameter Identification and Human Health Risk Assessment

Assessing regional water quality and evaluating the associated risks to human health posed by aquatic contaminants are paramount for conserving and managing surface water resources and formulating effective local policy decisions. This study utilizes 17 water quality parameters collected monthly from nine national monitoring stations in Nanning City, China, from January 2021 to March 2023, i.e., water temperature (WT), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), permanganate index (CODMn), chemical oxygen demand (COD), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), fluoride (F-), selenium (Se), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb). Analyses were performed utilizing the Water Quality Index (WQI) and multiple stepwise regression to ascertain seasonal and spatial variations in water quality and to identify key water quality parameters. Human health risks were evaluated, focusing on eight heavy metals. The results indicated that the average WQI for the designated area was 94.1, with individual monitoring stations displaying WQIs ranging from 93.22 to 96.44, categorizing the water quality as “excellent”. The WQI exhibited seasonal fluctuations, peaking in spring and winter while decreasing in summer and autumn. All measured parameters met national standards for Class I and II surface waters. The stepwise regression analysis facilitated the construction of minimized WQI models (WQImin) derived from three different training and testing datasets, with a WQImin model incorporating six key parameters, i.e., DO, CODMn, NH3-N, Hg, WT, and Se. The concentration of heavy metals in the water exhibited a sequence of Zn (3.35 µg/L) &gt; Cr (2.00 µg/L) &gt; Cu (1.36 µg/L) &gt; As (1.29 µg/L) &gt; Se (0.32 µg/L) &gt; Pb (0.17 µg/L) &gt; Cd (0.03 µg/L) &gt; Hg (0.01 µg/L), with all metals adhering to the Class I standard. Children are more susceptible to the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination than adults, exhibiting a total environmental health risk of 1.28 times greater. Cr was identified as the predominant contributor to the aggregate health risk, accounting for over 80% of the risk in adults and children, followed by As (19.1%). Future protection efforts are recommended to prioritize the control of Cr and As concentrations in Nanning City.

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Combined with Ground Vegetation Surveys for the Study of the Age of Rodent Mounds

Background: Rodents severely damage the ecological environment of grasslands, and rodent mounds of different ages require distinct management strategies. Understanding the age of these mounds aids in formulating targeted restoration measures, which can enhance grassland productivity and biodiversity. Current surveys of rodent mounds rely on ground exposure and mound height to determine their age, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Remote sensing methods can quickly and easily identify the distribution of rodent mounds. Existing remote sensing images use ground exposure and mound height for identification but do not distinguish between mounds of different ages, such as one-year-old and two-year-old mounds. According to the existing literature, rodent mounds of different ages exhibit significant differences in vegetation structure, soil background, and plant diversity. Utilizing a combination of vegetation indices and hyperspectral data to determine the age of rodent mounds aims to provide a better method for extracting rodent hazard information. This experiment investigates and analyzes the age, distribution, and vegetation characteristics of rodent mounds, including total coverage, height, biomass, and diversity indices such as Patrick, Shannon–Wiener, and Pielou. Spectral data of rodent mounds of different ages were collected using an Analytical Spectral Devices field spectrometer. Correlation analysis was conducted between vegetation characteristics and spectral vegetation indices to select key indices, including NDVI670, NDVI705, EVI, TCARI, Ant, and SR. Multiple stepwise regression and Random Forest (RF) inversion models were established using vegetation indices, and the most suitable model was selected through comparison. Random Forest modeling was conducted to classify plateau zokor rat mounds of different ages, using both vegetation characteristic indicators and vegetation indices for comparison. The rodent mound classification models established using vegetation characteristic indicators and vegetation indices through Random Forest could distinguish rodent mounds of different ages, with out-of-bag error rates of 36.96% and 21.74%, respectively. The model using vegetation indices performed better. Conclusions: (1) Rodent mounds play a crucial ecological role in alpine meadow ecosystems by enhancing plant diversity, biomass, and the stability and vitality of the ecosystem. (2) The vegetation indices SR and TCARI are the most influential in classifying rodent mounds. (3) Incorporating vegetation indices into Random Forest modeling facilitates a precise and robust remote sensing interpretation of rodent mound ages, which is instrumental for devising targeted restoration strategies.