Two-way Analysis Of Covariance Research Articles

Effectiveness of AR-Based Formative Peer Assessment on Chinese Writing Performance of Students with Different Cognitive Styles

The ability to communicate effectively in writing and produce clear and cohesive text is a necessary skill in both educational settings and the workplace, yet many young students struggle to organize their thoughts and engage in deep thinking. To address these challenges, an augmented reality (AR) application titled “Explore Wild Animals” has been used to help students organize information; however, it may not accommodate different cognitive styles. Integrating formative peer assessment (FPA) strategy into AR-based instruction can enhance knowledge construction and address diverse cognitive needs. This study, conducted from May to June 2023, empirically investigates the effects of FPA in an AR environment on the writing performance of learners with field-independent (FI) and field-dependent (FD) cognitive styles. A total of 89 fifth-grade pupils from China were randomly assigned to two groups: one group adopting FPA in an AR environment (AR-FPA), and the other group adopting FPA in a conventional PowerPoint (PPT) version 2410 environment (FPA). The results of a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicate that the AR-FPA group outperformed the FPA group in writing performance. Specifically, FI learners benefitted more from the AR-FPA approach, while FD learners performed better with the FPA approach. However, multiple linear regression analysis reveals that the peer feedback quality and features showed little to no significant correlation with feedback providers’ writing performance, regardless of cognitive style. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating AR and FPA in enhancing educational outcomes, providing practical insights for promoting the sustainability of technology-enhanced learning and teaching practices.

The effects of a dyadic empowerment-based heart failure management (De-HF) programme on self-care and HRQL : a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background The ever-growing epidemiology of heart failure (HF) and its detrimental impacts on patients’ quality of life and healthcare cost urge for effective interventions to ameliorate the modifiable prognostic factors. As substantial evidence suggests ineffective self-care as an important candidate especially for the post-discharge outcomes, various care approaches are developed to optimize this behavioral outcome. However, even family carers are heavily involved in the self-care process, dyadic approach to improve the health outcomes of both interactive partners are least applied in the HF transitional care model. Purpose To evaluate the effects of a dyadic empowerment-based heart failure management program (De-HF) on dyadic health and hospital service utilization outcomes. Methods This double-blind RCT randomized 88 HF patient-carer dyads to receive the De-HF program or a dialectic education program, after hospital discharge. Based on the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management, the 16-week De-HF Program, comprising i) a dyadic assessment, ii) five online empowerment modules and iii) follow-up telecare, integrated explicit strategies (scenario-based training, teach-back and goal-setting) to actively engage the care dyads in collaborative disease management. Figure 1 is the graphical presentation of the De-HF Program. The primary outcome is health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the care dyads. Secondary outcomes include patients’ self-care as well as shared care and perceived control of the dyad. Results The mean age of the HF patients was 76.8 (9.4). The patients were in moderate disease severity [NYHA II/II: 56/44%; mean LVEF = 42.5%]. Figure 2 shows the consort flow diagram. After adjusting the socio-demographic characteristic, two-way analysis of covariance showed that patients in the De-HF program showed significantly greater improvement in patients’ self-care domains [Mean difference in change of score (95% CI): Self-care maintenance = 7.15 (1.82-12.46),Cohen’s d = 0.26, p=0.009; Self-care management = 10.04(3.29-16.79), Cohen’s d=0.65, p=0.004; symptom perception = 15.59 (8.20-22.98), Cohen’s d=0.928, p<0.001] and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score [Mean different in the change of score (95% CI) = -11.45 (-18.24 - -4.66). Cohen’s d = -0.742, p=0.001]. The patient-carer dyads also have significantly greater improvement in perceived control (p=0.001) and collaborative disease management in terms of joint decision-making (p=0.001) and sense of reciprocity (p=0.026). Conclusion Dyadic science has evolved in self-care research for HF. This trial provides the first evidence to inform the positive effects of a theory-based dyadic transitional care program in improving the collaborative self-care management in a family context and patient health outcome. Longer-term evaluation on the effects of De-HF program on health service utilization outcomes and cost-effectiveness will be followed.The De-HF Managment ProgramThe Consort Flow Diagram

Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analysis of Manganese-Associated Parkinsonism: a Case-Control Study in Brescia, Italy.

Excessive Manganese (Mn) exposure is neurotoxic and can cause Mn-Induced Parkinsonism (MnIP), marked by cognitive and motor dysfunction. Although metabolomic and lipidomic research in Parkinsonism (PD) patients exists, it remains limited. This study hypothesizes distinct metabolomic and lipidomic profiles based on exposure status, disease diagnosis, and their interaction. We used a case-control design with a 2×2 factorial framework to investigate the metabolomic and lipidomic alterations associated with Mn exposure and their link to PD. The study population of 97 individuals was divided into four groups: non-exposed controls (n=23), exposed controls (n=25), non-exposed with PD (n=26) and exposed with PD (n=23). Cases, defined by at least two cardinal PD features (excluding vascular, iatrogenic, and traumatic origins), were recruited from movement disorder clinics in four hospitals in Brescia, Northern Italy. Controls, free from neurological or psychiatric conditions, were selected from the same hospitals. Exposed subjects resided in metallurgic regions (Val Camonica and Bagnolo Mella) for at least 8 continuous years, while non-exposed subjects lived in low-exposure areas around Lake Garda and Brescia city. We conducted untargeted analyses of metabolites and lipids in whole blood samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), followed by statistical analyses including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and Two-Way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Metabolomic analysis revealed modulation of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (Impact=0.05, p=0.001) associated with disease effect; butanoate metabolism (Impact=0.03, p=0.004) with the exposure effect; and vitamin B6 metabolism (Impact=0.08, p=0.03) with the interaction effect. Differential relative abundances in 3-sulfoxy-L-Tyrosine (β=1.12, FDR p<0.001), glycocholic acid (β=0.48, FDR p=0.03), and palmitelaidic acid (β=0.30, FDR p<0.001) were linked to disease, exposure, and interaction effects, respectively. In the lipidome, ferroptosis (Pathway Lipids=11, FDR p=0.03) associated with the disease effect and sphingolipid signaling (Pathway Lipids=9, FDR p=0.04) associated with the interaction effect were significantly altered. Lipid classes triacylglycerols, ceramides, and phosphatidylethanolamines showed differential relative abundances associated with disease, exposure, and interaction effects, respectively. These findings suggest that PD and Mn exposure induce unique metabolomic and lipidomic changes, potentially serving as biomarkers for MnIP and warranting further study.

Preference for solitude paradox: The psychological influence of social isolation despite preference

BackgroundAlthough a preference for solitude (PS) may mitigate the negative effects of social isolation (SI) owing to the enjoyment of time alone, its impact on mental health and its underlying factors remain unclear. MethodsAn Internet survey was conducted with 9000 individuals aged 20–79 years in September 2023 and the analyses were performed across three generations. SI was defined as contact with non-cohabitating family members or relatives and friends/neighbors less than once a week. The PS scale, which was used to assess whether a person preferred spending time alone, stratified respondents into three PS-level groups. Mental health status was evaluated using the K6 (distress symptoms), the WHO-5 (well-being), and the UCLA Loneliness Score (severity of loneliness) as the main outcomes. The mediation analyses assessed whether troublesomeness in socializing, a potential negative aspect of PS, could explain the association between PS and mental health status. ResultsA mixed-design two-way analysis of covariance showed that both SI and PS had significant main effects on all outcomes without interactions across generations, indicating that SI and higher PS were associated with poor mental health status. The association between higher PS and poor mental status was mediated by socializing troublesomeness across generations. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design prevented making causal inferences from the results. Additionally, sampling bias from Internet surveys may limit the generalizability of the results. ConclusionsThe results confirmed that there is no protective effect of PS on social isolation-related poor mental health. The hassle of socializing may partly explain why people with a higher PS experience poor mental status, including greater loneliness.

Are physical fitness, a history of childbirth and injury history related to knee valgus in female Canadian Armed Forces members during a bodyweight overhead squat movement?

ObjectivesA history of childbirth is associated with musculoskeletal injury (MSKi) in female members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). While previous injury and pregnancy impact knee kinematics, it is unclear...

The variability of anthropometric and body composition parameters in middle-aged women associated with menopause and smoking

Menopause and its related hormonal changes are associated with the variation of body composition, especially impacting adipose tissue metabolism and the reduction of lean mass. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of smoking during menopause on the subsequent effects on body composition. The sample comprised of 572 Slovak women aged between 39 and 65 years (49.67±6.2). Standard anthropometric techniques were used to collect anthropometric measurements, whereas bioelectrical parameters were measured utilizing a mono-frequency bioimpedance analyzer (BIA 101). Data on menopausal status, physical activity, and smoking habits were obtained via a specific questionnaire. In postmenopausal women, our results showed a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers in BMI, TBW%, ECW%, ICW%, MM%, FFM%, FM% (p &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were observed in premenopausal women, although two-way analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between smoking and menopausal status on the FM% (p &lt; 0.001), FFM% (p &lt; 0.001), and MM% (p = 0.002), whilst controlling for age and physical activity. In our sample group of middle-aged women, the combined impact of menopause and smoking appeared to influence anthropometric parameters and body composition.

Increased anterior insula connectivity associated with cognitive maintenance in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a longitudinal study.

The insula, a crucial hub of the human brain network, can be divided into anterior and posterior regions. Previous studies have reported that different insula subregions play various roles in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). However, the longitudinal changes in the functional connectivity (FC) of each insula subregion in aMCI patients over time remain unclear. Twenty aMCI patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and neuropsychological assessments at baseline and at the 15-month follow-up. FMRI data were preprocessed using SPM 12 and the CONN toolbox. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to compare longitudinal changes in the FC of each insula subregion with covariates including sex, age, education, follow-up interval, volume of gray matter, and global correlation (GCOR). Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between insula subregional FC and neuropsychological performance in aMCI patients. In aMCI patients, the right anterior insula exhibited significantly increased FC with the left anterior cingulate cortex, whereas the left posterior insula exhibited decreased FC with the right precuneus compared with HCs. Furthermore, FC between the right anterior insula and left anterior cingulate cortex was significantly correlated with global cognition at follow-up. The current findings revealed different functional alterations in the insula subregions and provided new insights into the neurodegenerative process in aMCI patients.

The Effects of Question-Answer-Relationship (QAR) Instruction on Standardized Reading Comprehension Test Scores of Third-Grade Students

Despite many school reform initiatives designed to ensure reading proficiency for all students, recent reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal that only 37 percent of fourth-grade students and only 34 percent of eighth-grade students performed at or above the proficiency levels measured in reading (NAEP, 2017). This quantitative study used a non-equivalent control group design to examine the impact of direct instruction of the Question-Answer-Relationship (QAR) strategy on standardized reading test scores of third-grade students. It also specifically examined the impact of direct instruction of the QAR strategy on traditionally underserved students' standardized test scores. A two-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted. Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores in the group receiving treatment of the QAR strategy (64.580) were higher than the mean post-test scores of students who did not receive QAR instruction (56.382). Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of students who did not receive QAR instruction (56.382). Adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of historically underserved students showed no significant differences (60.05 and 60.90, respectively). In addition, adjusted marginal mean post-test scores of historically underserved and non-historically underserved students who received QAR instruction showed no significant differences (54.48 and 58.29).

Effect of multiple sclerosis and aging on prospective memory using the ecological test of prospective memory.

Prospective memory (PM) is the ability to remember to produce an action at a specific moment in the future signaled by the occurrence of a specific event (event-based [EB] condition), a time or a time interval (time-based [TB] condition). Detection of the appropriate moment corresponds to the prospective component, while production of the appropriate action corresponds to the retrospective component. Although PM difficulties have been reported in healthy aging and in association with multiple sclerosis (MS), PM has not been examined in older persons with MS (PwMS). The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the decline in PM performance with advancing age is influenced by the presence of MS. This study also aimed to clarify the type of PM impairment (prospective vs. retrospective component in TB and EB conditions) in MS as a function of age. A total of 80 participants were recruited and separated into four groups: older PwMS (n = 20), younger PwMS (n = 20), older controls (n = 20), and younger controls (n = 20). PM and its components were measured using the Test Ecologique de Mémoire Prospective (TEMP), an experimental ecological tool using naturalistic stimuli developed by our laboratory that has been validated in previous studies. On the TEMP total score, a two-way analysis of covariance showed a main effect of age, a main effect of the presence of MS, as well as a significant Age × Disease interaction. Direct comparison between EB and TB conditions revealed that for the prospective component, only older PwMS had more difficulty in the TB than in the EB condition, whereas the retrospective component score was significantly lower in the TB than in the EB condition in all groups except in younger controls. The TEMP revealed a marked impairment in PM in older PwMS compared to older controls and young PwMS. This impairment was particularly evident on the prospective component in the TB condition. Retrospective difficulties noted in the TB condition in all, but younger controls reflect the arbitrary nature of the cue-action link that is particularly sensitive to episodic memory difficulties often observed in aging and MS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Lower cerebrovascular reactivity in prefrontal cortex and weaker negative functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex and insula contribute to white matter hyperintensity-related anxiety or depression

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with higher anxiety or depression (A/D) incidence. We investigated associations of WMHs with A/D, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and functional connectivity (FC) to identify potential pathomechanisms. MethodsParticipants with WMH (n = 239) and normal controls (NCs, n = 327) were assessed for A/D using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The CVR and FC maps were constructed from resting-state functional MRI. Two-way analysis of covariance with fixed factors A/D and WMH was performed to identify regional CVR abnormalities. Seed-based FC analyses were then conducted on regions with WMH × A/D interaction effects on CVR. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the utility of these measurements for identifying WMH-related A/D. ResultsParticipants with WMH related A/D exhibited significantly greater CVR in left insula and lower CVR in right superior frontal gyrus (SFG.R), and HAMA scores were negatively correlated with CVR in SFG.R (r = −0.156, P = 0.016). Insula–SFG.R negative FC was significantly weaker in WMH patients with suspected or definite A/D. A model including CVR plus FC changes identified WMH-associated A/D with highest sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, NCs with A/D exhibited greater CVR in prefrontal cortex and stronger FC within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and executive control network. LimitationsThis cross-sectional study requires validation by longitudinal and laboratory studies. ConclusionsImpaired CVR in SFG.R and weaker negative FC between prefrontal cortex and insula may contribute to WMH-related A/D, providing potential diagnostic imaging markers and therapeutic targets.

Types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults: Does race/ethnicity matter?

To explore racial/ethnic differences in relation between types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults in the USA. The sample limited to racially/ethnically diverse adults aged ≥55 (n = 879) was drawn from the third wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The NSHAP provides self-identified racial/ethnic categories (non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) of respondents who were categorized into three groups by experience of bereavement: non-loss, spousal loss, and parental loss. Using the weights, a two-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post-test was conducted to explore the main effect of types of loss and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on depressive symptoms. Spousal loss reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-loss or parental loss. Based on the interaction between types of loss and race/ethnicity; however, distinctive patterns were observed. Blacks and Hispanics who lose a parent reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-Hispanic Whites did. An increase in depressive symptoms after bereavement manifested distinctively based on racial/ethnic background and the relationship with the deceased. This implies that it is necessary to develop coping strategies concerning race/ethnicity and whom they lose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 266-272.

Association between animal protein intake, oral frailty and calf circumference in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the Shika study

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between oral frailty (OF), nutrient intake and calf circumference (CC) in middle-aged and older adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingResidents of four model districts of Shika town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan,...

Interaction of 5-HTTLPR and SLE disease status on resting-state brain function

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common clinical manifestation. In SLE patients, cerebral function is a more sensitive predictor of central nervous system damage, and abnormalities in cerebral function may be apparent before substantial neuropsychiatric symptoms occur. The 5-hydroxynyptamine(5-HT) system has the ability to interact with the majority of the neurochemical systems in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing brain function. Serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is an essential element of the 5-HT system gene polymorphism and is directly related to the control of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT)gene expression. The relationship between 5-HTTLPR and functional brain measurements in SLE patients requires more investigation because it is one of the most attractive imaging genetics targets for shedding light on the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric lupus.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) images were collected from 51 SLE patients without obvious neuropsychiatric manifestations and 44 healthy volunteers. Regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were selected as indicators for evaluating brain function. In accordance with the Anatomical Automatic Labeling template, the gray matter was divided into 116 regions. The mean ReHo value, mean ALFF value, and mean fALFF value of each brain region were extracted. 5-HTTLPR genotypes of all research objects were tested by polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to investigate whether there is an interaction effect between SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype on resting-state brain function.ResultsIn SLE patients with S/S homozygosity, there were notably lower mean ReHo, mean ALFF, and mean fALFF values observed in the right parietal, inferior angular gyrus, and the right paracentral lobule compared to healthy controls. However, this distinction was not evident among carriers of the L allele. Within the S/S genotype, SLE patients exhibited decreased mean ReHo in the left posterior cingulate gyrus, reduced mean fALFF in the left caudate nucleus, and diminished mean ALFF in the left temporal pole: superior temporal gyrus, in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, no such differences were discerned among carriers of the L allele. Notably, among L allele carriers, SLE patients displayed a higher mean ReHo value in the right hippocampus compared to the HC group, while demonstrating a lower mean ALFF value in the left medial and paracingulate gyrus in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, these differences were not apparent among S/S homozygotes.ConclusionsBrain function in the right parietal and inferior angular gyrus and the right paracentral lobule is affected by the interaction effect of SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype.

Atrophy of the cholinergic regions advances from early to late mild cognitive impairment.

We investigated the volumetric changes in the components of the cholinergic pathway for patients with early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) and those with late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI). The effect of patients' apolipoprotein 4 (APOE-ε4) allele status on the structural changes were analyzed. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were collected. Patients' demographic information, plasma data, and validated global cognitive composite scores were included. Relevant features were extracted for constructing machine learning models to differentiate between EMCI (n = 312) and LMCI (n = 541) and predict patients' neurocognitive function. The data were analyzed primarily through one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of covariance. Considerable differences were observed in cholinergic structural changes between patients with EMCI and LMCI. Cholinergic atrophy was more prominent in the LMCI cohort than in the EMCI cohort (P < 0.05 family-wise error corrected). APOE-ε4 differentially affected cholinergic atrophy in the LMCI and EMCI cohorts. For LMCI cohort, APOE-ε4 carriers exhibited increased brain atrophy (left amygdala: P = 0.001; right amygdala: P = 0.006, and right Ch123, P = 0.032). EMCI and LCMI patients showed distinctive associations of gray matter volumes in cholinergic regions with executive (R2 = 0.063 and 0.030 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) and language (R2 = 0.095 and 0.042 for EMCI and LMCI, respectively) function. Our data confirmed significant cholinergic atrophy differences between early and late stages of mild cognitive impairment. The impact of the APOE-ε4 allele on cholinergic atrophy varied between the LMCI and EMCI groups.

Sex Differences in Alterations of Brain Functional Network in Tobacco Use Disorder.

Many studies have found sex differences in alterations of brain function in cigarette-smoking adults from the perspective of functional activity or connectivity. However, no studies have systematically found different alteration patterns in brain functional topology of cigarette-smoking men and women from three perspectives: nodal and network efficiency and modular connections. Fifty-six tobacco use disorder (TUD) participants (25 women) and 66 non-TUD participants (28 women) underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. The whole-brain functional networks were constructed, and a two-way analysis of covariance with false discovery rate correction (q < 0.05) was performed to investigate whether men and women TUD participants had different alterations in the topological features at global, modular, and nodal levels. Compared to non-TUD participants, men but not women TUD participants showed significantly lower global efficiency (lower intermodular connections between the visual and executive control and between the visual and subcortical modules did not pass the correction) and significantly lower nodal global efficiency in the right superior occipital gyrus, bilateral fusiform gyrus, the right pallidum, right putamen, the bilateral paracentral lobule, the postcentral gyrus, and lower nodal local efficiency in the left paracentral lobule. Men and women TUD participants have different topological properties of brain functional network, which may contribute to our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in TUD. Compared to non-TUD participants, we found men but not women TUD participants with significantly lower network metrics at global, modular, and nodal levels, which could improve our understanding of neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in TUD and lay a solid foundation for future sex-based TUD prevention and treatment.

Psychological Distress Trends and Effect of Media Exposure Among Community Residents After the Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush.

It is unclear how exposure to and perception of community trauma creates a mental health burden. This study aimed to examine the psychological distress trends among community residents in acute stress reaction, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder phases following the Seoul Halloween crowd crush. A three-wave repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted with participants after the incident. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with post hoc Bonferroni test was adopted to examine temporal changes in psychological distress and psychological outcomes resulting from media impacts. A two-way ANCOVA was adopted to examine the interaction effects of time and relevance to victims on psychological distress. A total of 807, 1,703, and 2,220 individuals participated in the three waves. Anxiety (estimated mean [standard error of the mean]: 2.28 [0.03] vs. 2.12 [0.02] vs. 2.03 [0.02]; P < 0.001), depression (2.22 [0.03] vs. 2.01 [0.02] vs. 1.90 [0.02]; P < 0.001), and anger (2.70 [0.03] vs. 2.66 [0.02] vs. 2.49 [0.02]; P < 0.001) gradually improved. However, sense of safety initially worsened and did not recover well (2.96 [0.03] vs. 2.75 [0.02] vs. 2.77 [0.02]; P < 0.001). The interaction effect of time and relevance to the victim were significant in depression (P for interaction = 0.049), anger (P for interaction = 0.016), and sense of safety (P for interaction = 0.004). Among participants unrelated to the victim, those exposed to graphics exhibited higher levels of anxiety (2.09 [0.02] vs. 1.87 [0.07]; P = 0.002), depression (1.99 [0.02] vs. 1.83 [0.07]; P = 0.020), and anger (2.71 [0.03] vs. 2.47 [0.08]; P = 0.003) at W2 and higher anger (2.49 [0.02] vs. 2.31 [0.06]; P = 0.005) at W3. Community residents indirectly exposed to trauma also experienced psychological distress in the early stages after the incident. A significant impact of media which might have served as a conduit for unfiltered graphics and rumors was also indicated.

Relationship between coronary artery disease with dyslipidaemia and trace mineral intake: a cross-sectional analysis of the Shika study

Abstract Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia (DL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or between trace minerals intake and CAD is well known separately, the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown. We hypothesize that the relationship between trace mineral intake and CAD may differ depending on whether or not the individual has DL. The present study analysed the relationships among trace mineral intake, DL, and CAD in middle-aged and older adults living in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. This study included 895 residents following the exclusion of those with genetic risk carriers for familial hypercholesterolemia. Trace mineral intake was evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Interactions were observed between DL and CAD with zinc (p = 0.004), copper (p = 0.010), and manganese intake (p &lt; 0.001) in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates such as sex, age, body mass index, and current smokers and drinkers. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that zinc (odds ratio (OR): 0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.606, 0.934; p = 0.010), copper (OR: 0.175; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.726; p = 0.016), and manganese (OR: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.291, 0.839; p = 0.009) were significant independent variables for CAD in the dyslipidaemic group. The present results suggest that DL with a low trace mineral intake is associated with CAD. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm this relationship.

Adolescents’ Self-Determined Motivation to Learn About Safer Sex Online

Self-determined motivation fosters better learning and sustained health behaviour adoption than controlled motivation. Self-determined motivation can be strengthened by satisfying the need for autonomy. Therefore, this study investigated if adolescents’ (1) intrinsic motivation to learn about safer sex and (2) self-determined motivation to perform safer sex would be higher when an online message is presented in autonomy-supportive language compared to controlling language. Furthermore, this study also investigated if adolescents’ (1) intrinsic motivation to learn about safer sex and (2) self-determined motivation to perform safer sex changes depending on whether the online message is written by someone that is similar to them. To this end, a 2 (autonomy-supportive language vs. controlling language) x 2 (identification vs. no identification) experimental study (N = 214) was conducted using a website page about safe sex from the Dutch sexual health website sense.info. Even though we found some indications of the expected effects, a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed no significant difference for either autonomy-supportive language, identification, or an interaction of both strategies. However, we found some preliminary evidence that this could be due to a ceiling effect. We therefore recommend further exploring these strategies, considering some lessons learned.

Association of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Function with Renal Resistive Index in Individuals with and without Chronic Kidney Disease.

Age-related loss of lower extremity muscle strength is pronounced in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast, an increase in intrarenal flow pulsatility results in initial age-related changes in renal hemodynamics, leading to the development of CKD. To date, it remains unclear whether lower extremity muscle strength determines elevated renal flow pulsatility. This study aimed to determine the association of lower extremity muscle strength and function with intrarenal hemodynamics in individuals with and without CKD. One hundred seventy-six individuals without CKD (aged 63 ± 9 years) and 101 individuals with CKD (aged 66 ± 8 years) were included in this study. Using Doppler ultrasound, the renal resistive index (RI) was measured as a parameter of renal hemodynamics. Knee extensor muscle strength (KES), gait speed (GS), and the 30 s chair stand test (30s-CST) were used to measure lower extremity muscle strength and function. Multivariate analyses showed that GS and 30s-CST scores were independent determinants of renal RI, whereas the KES score was not associated with renal RI in individuals with and without CKD. In the two-way analysis of covariance, renal RI was the highest in individuals with CKD who had lower KES, GS, and 30s-CST scores. Reduced lower extremity muscle strength and function are independent determinants of elevated renal flow pulsatility in individuals with and without CKD.

Aberrant hyperfocusing in schizophrenia indicated by elevated theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of aberrant hyperfocusing, a novel framework of impaired selective attention, in schizophrenia patients by using theta phase-gamma amplitude coupling (TGC). MethodsFifty-four schizophrenia patients and 73 healthy controls (HCs) underwent EEG recording during an auditory oddball paradigm. For the standard and target conditions, TGC was calculated using the source signals from 25 brain regions of interest (ROIs) related to attention networks and sensory processing; TGC values were then compared across groups and conditions using two-way analysis of covariance. Correlations of altered TGC with performance on the Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A/B), were explored. ResultsCompared to HCs, schizophrenia patients showed elevated TGC in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and superior temporal gyrus in the standard condition but not in the target condition. Correlation analyses revealed that the TGC in the left IFG was positively correlated with the TMT-A/B completion times. ConclusionsAberrant hyperfocusing, as reflected by elevated TGC in attention-related brain regions, was related to behavioral performance on the TMT-A/B in schizophrenia patients. SignificanceThis study suggests that TGC is a electrophysiological marker for aberrant hyperfocusing of attentional processes that may result in cognitive impairments in schizophrenia patients.