Measures Of Variability Research Articles

The impact of workplace bullying on employees’ work withdrawal behavior and the significance of psychological safety in China’s multi-ethnic regions

In China's multi-ethnic regions, the phenomenon of workplace bullying can be compared to a mental shackle, which inhibits the work enthusiasm of the bullied, makes the bullied feel depressed, frustrated, and other negative feelings, and makes many employees miserable. This study aimed to develop a correlation between workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. The data collection for this study primarily involved gathering information. through questionnaires from 357 employees within 42 Yunnan-listed enterprises in China's multi-ethnic regions. All statistical data, including frequency, proportion, average, and variability measures, were analyzed using a software tool designed to process statistical information. The finding indicated there exists a direct correlation amongst workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior in China's multi-ethnic regions. Incorporating psychological safety into the model, subsequent mediation effect testing reveals that there is a partial mediating role of psychological safety in the correlation among workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior. This research contributes to the existing theoretical investigation on the correlation among workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and their psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. Additionally, it explores how psychological safety can mediate these effects. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for enterprises operating in China's multi-ethnic regions by providing practical strategies for human resource management and conflict reduction within organizations.

Variation in adherence measures as a function of calculation methods

AimWe aim to compare different operational definitions of medication adherence as well as examine the within-patient variability among these measures among patients treated for multiple comorbid conditions.MethodsElectronically monitored adherence data from a study on comorbid conditions were examined using three different calculation methods. DAILY adherence calculated the number of administrations divided by the number prescribed, without considering inter-dose interval. TIMING used predefined inter-dose intervals. Measures were aggregated to six 30-day periods. A PILLCOUNT approach counted the total administrations divided by the expected number in each 30-day period. Within-patient variability was computed based on DAILY and TIMING results for each 30-day period.ResultsResults varied by adherence calculation method. PILLCOUNT demonstrated the largest adherence rates (89%–92%); DAILY rates were lower (79%–85%); and TIMING was the lowest (62%–68%) over the 6-month period. TIMING within-patient variability (29%–35%) was larger than DAILY (20%–25%).DiscussionDifferences among the three methods confirm the importance of the adherence definition. TIMING may underestimate medicinal effects because patients may take medication as instructed (e.g., with meals) rather than at fixed intervals. PILLCOUNT may overestimate adherence by not accounting for inconsistent use. DAILY may best provide daily estimates of correct administration. Higher variability for TIMING may indicate patients are more likely to vary time between doses. Adherence calculation methods are important in interpreting results. Variability measures provide a more complete picture of adherence and may raise the likelihood of effects on biological outcomes. We propose studies of adherence include calculation method in the definition of adherence.

Abstract 4136762: Association Between Circadian Rest/Activity Rhythms and Incident Dementia in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Alterations in circadian rest/activity rhythms (RARs) are common among older adults. RARs can be derived from accelerometry data and are routinely used as proxy measures. Evidence suggests that altered (e.g., fragmented, delayed) RARs may be risk factors for dementia. However, results have been mixed. Using data from the ARIC Study, a community-based cohort, we assessed the association between RARs and incident dementia. Methods: ARIC participants without dementia who wore the Zio XT ECG Patch in 2016-17 for > 3 days were included. RARs were obtained from an accelerometer within the Zio XT ECG Patch and measures of interdaily stability (IS; consistency), intradaily variability (IV; fragmentation), and relative amplitude (RA; strength) were derived. Dementia cases were identified through 2020 using in-person and phone-based cognitive assessments, hospitalization discharge codes, or death certificates. Cox proportional hazards models were used. Results: Of the 2,183 participants (mean [SD] age 79 [4.5] years, 58% female, 24% identified as Black), 176 (8%) developed dementia. Median follow-up time was 3 years and mean Zio XT ECG Patch wear time was 12 days. After multivariable adjustment, lower RA and higher IV were associated with incident dementia (HRs [95% CIs] per 1-SD increment: 0.65 [0.56-0.76], 1.19 [1.02-1.38]). No significant association between IS and dementia was noted; however, there was an interaction by race (p=0.03). Stratified results were not significant, but effect estimates were in opposite directions: (HRs [95% CIs] per 1-SD increment in IS: 0.78 [0.59-1.02] in Black participants and 1.17 [0.96-1.41] in white participants, respectively). No interactions by sex or APOEε4 were noted (p>0.10). Conclusion: In this community-based cohort of older adults, weaker circadian rhythm strength and fragmentation were associated with dementia risk. The association between IS and dementia may differ by race; however, this needs to be further examined in future research. Overall, measures of circadian RARs may be risk factors for dementia. Additional research is warranted to determine whether they can be novel targets for dementia prevention.

Influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on older adults on respiratory muscle strength and heart rate variability. A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionInspiratory muscle fatigue has been shown to have effects on the autonomic nervous system and physical condition. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on respiratory muscle strength and heart rate variability in older adults.Materials and methodsA randomized controlled clinical trial with double-blinding was carried out involving 24 individuals over 60 years old who demonstrated physical independence in walking and movement. Participants were distributed randomly into three groups: Inspiratory muscle fatigue, activation and control. Measurements of heart rate variability, diaphragmatic ultrasound, and maximum inspiratory pressure were taken at two stages: prior to the intervention (T1) and directly after treatment (T2).ResultsThe inspiratory muscle fatigue group exhibited decrease scores in respiratory and heart rate variability subsequent to undergoing the diaphragmatic fatigue intervention compared to both the activation and control groups (p < 0.05). Conversely, the activation group demonstrated higher values in heart rate variability and respiratory capacity variables following the inspiratory muscle activation training (p < 0.05).ConclusionsFatigue of the inspiratory musculature appears to negatively impact heart rate variability and inspiratory muscle strength in older adults.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06269042, identifier: NCT06269042.

Abstract 4113405: The Role of Cardiac Power Output and Stroke Work Index in Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Therapy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) measures of cardiac power output (CPO) and stroke work index (SWI) are existing markers of cardiac function and clinical outcomes. These metrics have not been used to evaluate the effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) therapy in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: CTEPH patients who underwent at least six BPA sessions and were included in the UC San Diego BPA registry were included for analysis. Left and right ventricular CPO and SWI during each session were recorded. Cardiac output was measured using the thermodilution technique. Differences in continuous variable measurements before versus after BPA therapy were evaluated using the Student T-test. P-value <0.05 was significant. Results: A total of 66 subjects underwent six consecutive BPA sessions (55.5% female, BMI 28.3±6.10kg/m 2 ,16.7% prior pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery) and were included for analysis. Measurements of RV function, including RVCPO (Pre-BPA 0.38±0.14 vs Post-BPA 0.30±0.13 W, p=0.001)(Figure 1) and RVSWI (Pre-BPA 16.52±5.09 vs Post-BPA 14.14±4.00 g*m/beat/m 2 , p=0.004) significantly decreased after BPA therapy. Measurements of LV function, including LVCPO (Pre-BPA 1.00±0.32 vs Post-BPA 1.04±0.31 W, p=0.523) (Figure 2) and LVSWI (Pre-BPA 37.13±10.14 vs Post-BPA 39.73±9.37 g*m/beat/m 2 , p=0.152) did not change significantly after BPA therapy. The ratio of LVCPO/RVCPO increased in stepwise fashion from baseline to the last BPA session (2.82± 0.95 vs. 3.54±1.31 W, p<0.001)(Figure 3). Conclusions: Hemodynamic work expended by the RV decreased after BPA therapy, while work expended by the LV remained unchanged during BPA therapy. The ratio of LV-to-RV work increased in a stepwise manner during consecutive BPA sessions. These measurements may be useful parameters to monitor clinical response to BPA therapy.

Safety of a Novel Continuous Glucose Monitoring–Informed Insulin Bolus Calculator Mobile Application for People With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND Managing bolus insulin dosing can be a significant burden for people with diabetes, many of whom have limited numeracy skills. Insulin bolus calculators (IBCs) may improve glycemia as well as treatment satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety of a novel, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-informed IBC mobile device app that applies trend arrow adjustments to bolus insulin dose recommendations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This clinical trial was an open-label, industry-sponsored single-arm study conducted at two sites. Fifty-four participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were enrolled and used the IBC app on their mobile device for 30 days. Study participants were adults who were already using CGM and dosing bolus insulin. The analysis examined both noninferiority and superiority of time in range (TIR) during the study period compared with baseline. Other important end points included hypoglycemia, glucose variability, nocturnal and diurnal TIR, and diabetes distress. The per-protocol (PP) group was defined as participants who used the IBC >30 times during the study. RESULTS Mean TIR improved by 3.8% (95% CI 0.7–6.9%) from 69.2 to 73.0% (P = 0.017) in the PP group. This TIR corresponds to a mean of 0.9 more hours per day spent in range, and the improvement was driven by those with type 2 diabetes. There was no increase in measures of hypoglycemia or diabetes distress. Exploratory analysis revealed a reduction in measures of glucose variability. In addition, individuals with type 1 diabetes had greater improvements in diurnal TIR than in nocturnal TIR. CONCLUSION A CGM-informed IBC app that applies trend arrow adjustments to bolus insulin dose recommendations improved TIR without increasing hypoglycemia or diabetes distress in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Is Greener Better? Quantifying the Impact of a Nature Walk on Stress Reduction Using HRV and Saliva Cortisol Biomarkers

The physiological impact of walking in nature was quantified via continuous heart rate variability (HRV), pre- and post-walk saliva cortisol measures, and self-reported mood and mindfulness scores for N = 17 participants who walked “The Green Road” at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. For N = 15 of the participants, HRV analysis revealed two main groups: group one individuals had a 104% increase (mean) in the root mean square standard deviation (RMSSD) and a 47% increase (mean) in the standard deviation of NN values (SDNN), indicating an overall reduction in physiological stress from walking the Green Road, and group two individuals had a decrease (mean) of 42% and 31% in these respective HRV metrics, signaling an increase in physiological stresses. Post-walk self-reported scores for vigor and mood disturbance were more robust for the Green Road than for a comparable urban road corridor and showed that a higher HRV during the walk was associated with improved overall mood. Saliva cortisol was lower after taking a walk for all participants, and it showed that walking the Green Road elicited a significantly larger reduction in cortisol of 53%, on average, when compared with 37% of walking along an urban road. It was also observed that the order in which individuals walked the Green Road and urban road also impacted their cortisol responses, with those walking the urban road before the Green Road showing a substantial reduction in cortisol, suggesting a possible attenuation effect of walking the Green Road first. These findings provide quantitative data demonstrating the stress-reducing effects of being in nature, thus supporting the health benefit value of providing access to nature more broadly in many settings.

Response and seismic resilience of metro tunnels under normal fault dislocation evaluated based on the quantitative method of concrete damage state

The damage to tunnels crossing active fault zones caused by earthquakes can be of a severe and irreversible nature. The paper defines the quantification of the concrete damage state based on the uniaxial compression equation and the tensile-compression curve equation. Furthermore, the paper refines the concrete damage level in conjunction with the damage factor and crack width formulas, which is one of the most significant factors affecting the durability of concrete. A three-dimensional refinement model, constructed using ABAQUS software, was employed to analyse the mechanical response and seismic resilience of the tunnel structure under normal fault displacement with variable section mitigation measures. The model incorporated a number of key parameters, including fortification length, joint location and thickness. The following conclusions were obtained: the tunnel structure is susceptible to tensile damage and the damage is widely distributed under normal fault d; the use of variable section measures can help improve and reduce the overall damage of the cross-fault metro tunnel structure; the use of tensile damage state classification to assess the damage of the tunnel structure can determine the location and extent of the damage; an appropriate protection length is required, too long/short does not maximise the mitigation effect of setting variable section measures; an appropriate lining length is required; and the lining structure is not suitable for the tunnel structure. An appropriate location and thickness of the lining structure will help to reduce the overall damage to the structure. The application of localised reinforcement to the structure, in conjunction with variable section, serves to minimise the probability of collapse of the tunnel as a whole and to enhance the seismic resilience of the underground structure across the active fault zone.

Applying an osteopathic intervention to improve mild to moderate mental health symptoms: a mixed-methods feasibility randomised trial.

The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in the United Kingdom necessitates the exploration of novel treatment modalities. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of four osteopathic interventions on psychophysiological and mental health outcomes. A mixed-methods feasibility study with an explanatory sequential design was implemented. The quantitative phase involved randomising 42 participants into four intervention groups: (1) high-velocity and articulation techniques (HVAT), (2) soft-tissue massage (STM), (3) craniosacral therapy (CST), and (4) a combination approach. Primary outcome measures encompassed recruitment rate, assessment duration, questionnaire completion, intervention attrition, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included validated assessments of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological flexibility, heart rate variability (HRV), and interoception, administered pre- and post-intervention. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to evaluate pre-post intervention changes. The qualitative phase comprised semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. The study achieved a recruitment rate of 21 eligible participants per month, with 54.8% of respondents meeting eligibility criteria. All 33 participants who completed the study underwent interventions and assessments within the allocated one-hour timeframe, with full questionnaire completion. The attrition rate was 21%. No adverse events were reported. Qualitative analysis revealed positive participant experiences, with themes highlighting good practitioner communication, intervention accessibility, and increased bodily awareness. Some participants found the questionnaire battery burdensome. Exploratory quantitative analyses showed variations in effects across interventions for heart rate variability, interoceptive accuracy, and mental health measures, but these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size. This study provides evidence supporting the feasibility and acceptability of a larger-scale RCT investigating osteopathic interventions for individuals presenting with mild psychological symptoms. The preliminary findings suggest potential efficacy in improving mental health outcomes, warranting further investigation. Trial registration NCT05674071, registered 06/01/2023.

Analisis Pengaruh Penerapan Strategi Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Keputusan Pembelian pada UMKM Serba Nanas Alam Sari Subang Jawa Barat

UMKM One of the producers in Subang offering processed pineapples is Serba Nanas Alam Sari. Processed pineapple sales are erratic. Businesses must create a strong marketing mix strategy in order to overcome consumer preferences and market rivalry. The purpose of this study is to examine how purchase decisions at Serba Nanas Alam Sari UMKM in Subang, West Java, are affected by the application of a marketing mix approach. In order to collect data for this study, 100 UMKM customers were given questionnaires. Mixed methods were used in this research. The techniques employed for gathering data included surveys, interviews, documentation, and observation. A Likert scale is used for variable measurement, and MSI is used to alter it. Multiple linear regression data analysis was used to ascertain the impact of place, promotion, price, and product variables on consumer purchase decisions. The study's findings indicate that the significant value is less than 0.05, indicating that purchase decisions are influenced by product, price, place, and promotion all at the same time. With a result of 1,042, the product variable has the biggest impact. This is due to the product's variety, good taste, and guaranteed product quality. The variables that affect promotion, pricing, and location are next in line. Based on the study's findings, Serba Nanas Alam Sari UMKM can benefit from an efficient marketing plan that combines quality products, competitive pricing, effective distribution, and eye-catching promotions to influence more customers' purchases.

Attentional focus modulates physiological response to arousal in a competitive putting task

Attentional focus during the execution of perceptual motor tasks has been shown to affect performance outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the physiological changes prompted by attentional focus in various levels of stress. Thirty-six healthy young males and females were randomized into groups and directed on attentional focus in a staged putting competition scenario intended to elicit competitive anxiety. External focus groups experienced less internal workload at all arousal levels and preserved heart rate variability measures when audiovisual distraction was introduced.

Relationship between heart rate variability and echocardiography indices of cardiac function in healthy individuals.

This study evaluated the relationship between HRV and echocardiography indices of cardiac function. Healthy individuals (N = 30) aged 33 ± 10 years old, underwent short-term resting HRV assessment and transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis. Time domain - (i.e. R-R interval, root mean square of successive RR interval difference (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) and frequency domain-measures of HRV (i.e. high-frequency power (HF), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency normalised (HFnorm) and low-frequency normalised (LFnorm)). Echocardiography indices of cardiac function included; Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left- and right-ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS, and RV GLS), left atrial strain: left atrial reservoir (LAres), left atrial conduit (LAcon) and left atrial contraction (LACT). The mean values for HRV time-domain measures were: R-R (991 ± 176 ms), SDNN (50.9 ± 21.5 ms), and RMSSD (46.8 ± 29.4 ms); and frequency-domain: LF (727 ± 606 ms2), HF (415 ± 35 ms2), LFnorm (56 ± 19.4) and HFnorm (36.5 ± 18.8). Mean values for indices of cardiac function were LVEF (59.9% ± 2.8%), LV-GLS (19.2% ± 1.4%), RV-GLS (21.7% ± 2.7%), LAres (36.8% ± 6.99%), LAcon (26.2% ± 6.95%) and LACT (12.3% ± 3.56%). There was a significant negative relationship between HF and LV-GLS (r = -0.47, p = 0.01) and RMSSD and LVEF (r = -0.39, p = 0.03) respectively. Heart rate variability measures such as high frequency power and RMSSD are associated with left ventricle systolic function in healthy individuals.

Biodiversity risk and firm performance: Evidence from US firms

AbstractBiodiversity loss is considered as a critical global challenge with significant implications for ecosystems, economies, and societies. While the importance of biodiversity conservation is widely acknowledged, the extent to which biodiversity risk impacts firm performance remains an under‐explored area of research. This paper examines how biodiversity risk affects firm performance using a new measure of firm‐level biodiversity risk generated from textual analysis of firms' 10‐K reports. Our multivariate analysis shows that biodiversity risk significantly hinders performance of firms in the United States during the 2001–2021 period. The finding holds well after controlling various confounding factors, using alternative variable measurements, model specifications, and correcting for endogeneity problems in the biodiversity risk‐firm performance nexus. Besides decreasing sales growth and profitability, biodiversity risk increases in the cost of goods sold, as explained by the Cobb–Douglas production function. Interestingly, we find that the effect is stronger for firms in biodiversity‐sensitive industries, weaker for firms with more product innovation, and remains insignificant for firms with top‐tier performance. Our study provides policy and practical implications for businesses to mitigate biodiversity risk in this contemporary era of ecological degradation.

The behavioral and physiological correlates of affective mood switching in premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe manifestation of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that begin in the mid-to-late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when estradiol and progesterone levels precipitously decline, and remit after the onset of menses. Remotely monitoring physiologic variables associated with PMDD depression symptoms, such as heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, and physical activity, holds promise for developing an affective state prediction model. Switching into and out of depressive states is associated with an increased risk of suicide, and therefore, monitoring periods of affective switching may help mitigate risk. Management of other chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, has benefited from remote digital monitoring paradigms that enable patients and physicians to monitor symptoms in real-time and make behavioral and medication adjustments. PMDD is a chronic condition that may benefit from real-time, remote monitoring. However, clinical practice has not advanced to monitoring affective states in real-time. Identifying remote monitoring paradigms that can detect within-person affective state change may help facilitate later research on timely and efficacious interventions for individuals with PMDD. This narrative review synthesizes the current literature on behavioral and physiological correlates of PMDD suitable for remote monitoring during the menstrual cycle. The reliable measurement of heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, and physical activity, with existing wearable technology, suggests the potential of a remote monitoring paradigm in PMDD and other depressive disorders.

Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of short-term measurement of heart rate variability on rest in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Measures reflecting cardiac sympathovagal activity, particularly those associated with heart rate variability (HRV), are widely recognized and utilized in both scientific and clinical contexts. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of short-term HRV parameters in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 103 patients (both sexes) diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. HRV was analyzed using both linear and nonlinear methods. Reliability was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1), minimum detectable change (MDC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). According to Fleiss’ criteria, excellent reliability was demonstrated, with ICC values ranging from 0.970 to 0.999 for Examiner 1, and from 0.956 to 0.999, for Examiner 2. In the inter-examiner analysis, the ICCs of HRV parameters ranged from 0.972 to 0.999. SEM values for intra-examiner reliability for Examiner 1 ranged from 0.02 to 5.64, with MDC values from 0.05 to 15.64, and CV (%) from 0.28 to 8.04. For Examiner 2, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 8.18, MDC values from 0.05 to 22.68, and CV (%) from 0.24 to 8.14. For inter-examiner reliability, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 6.17, MDC from 0.06 to 17.11, and CV (%) from 0.34 to 9.81. Across all analyses, CVs for HRV parameters remained below 10%. Considering different time points and different examiners, short-term resting HRV measurements in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, as evaluated using a portable heart rate device, exhibit high reliability.

Assessing variable importance in survival analysis using machine learning

SUMMARY Given a collection of features available for inclusion in a predictive model, it may be of interest to quantify the relative importance of a subset of features for the prediction task at hand. For example, in HIV vaccine trials, participant baseline characteristics are used to predict the probability of HIV acquisition over the intended follow-up period, and investigators may wish to understand how much certain types of predictors, such as behavioral factors, contribute toward overall predictiveness. Time-to-event outcomes such as time to HIV acquisition are often subject to right censoring, and existing methods for assessing variable importance are typically not intended to be used in this setting. We describe a broad class of algorithm-agnostic variable importance measures for prediction in the context of survival data. We propose a nonparametric efficient estimation procedure that incorporates flexible learning of nuisance parameters, yields asymptotically valid inference, and enjoys double-robustness. We assess the performance of our proposed procedure via numerical simulations and analyze data from the HVTN 702 vaccine trial to inform enrollment strategies for future HIV vaccine trials.

A longitudinal investigation of the determinants of stroke survivors’ utilisation of a healthy lifestyle for stroke rehabilitation in Australia

This study aimed to determine the longitudinal predictors of lifestyle behaviours among stroke survivors in New South Wales, Australia. This longitudinal study utilised data from the baseline survey (2005–2009) and a sub-study survey (2017) of the 45 and Up Study. Physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and supplement use were included as dependent variables. Generalised estimating equation models were employed to assess the longitudinal association between the dependent variable and demographic and health status measures. The average age of the participants (n = 576) was 67 (SD = 9) years at baseline and 76 (SD = 9) years at the sub-study survey time, with 54.9% being male. The longitudinal analysis revealed that the likelihood of moderate/high physical activity significantly declined over time and was lower among participants with diabetes, but was higher among those with university education. The likelihood of smoking was significantly higher in females, moderate/high-risk alcohol consumers, and those with depression, but was lower among supplement users. The likelihood of moderate/high-risk alcohol consumption significantly declined with time, and was lower among females, but higher among smokers. The likelihood of supplement use significantly declined over time, but was higher among females and/or those with asthma. Our findings help illustrate that many stroke survivors may benefit from further support in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of their stroke management and long-term rehabilitation, which is crucial to optimising their quality of life and successful secondary stroke prevention.

Association of longitudinal changes in 24-h blood pressure level and variability with cognitive decline.

A high office blood pressure (BP) is associated with cognitive decline. However, evidence of 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring is limited, and no studies have investigated whether longitudinal changes in 24-h BP are associated with cognitive decline. We aimed to test whether higher longitudinal changes in 24-h ambulatory BP measurements are associated with cognitive decline. We included 437 dementia-free participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study with prospective data on 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and cognitive function, which was assessed using the selective reminding test (SRT) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Using multivariate linear mixed regression models, we analyzed the association between longitudinal changes in measures of 24-h ambulatory BP levels and variability with cognitive decline. Over a median follow-up of 4 years (interquartile range, 2-5 years), longitudinal changes in 24-h BP level were not associated with cognitive function ( P ≥ 0.09). Higher longitudinal changes in 24-h and daytime BP variability were related to a decline in SRT-delayed recall score; the adjusted scores lowered from -0.10 points [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.16 to -0.04) to -0.07 points (95% CI, -0.13 to -0.02). We observed that a higher nighttime BP variability during follow-up was associated with a decline in the MMSE score (adjusted score lowered from -0.08 to -0.06 points). Higher 24-h BP variability, but not BP level, was associated with cognitive decline. Prior to or in the early stages of cognitive decline, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring might guide strategies to reduce the risk of major dementia-related disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Дослідження впливу фаз менструального циклу на функціональний стан кваліфікованої ветеранки спорту з дзюдо

Purpose: to investigate the influence of menstrual cycle phases on the functional status of a qualified female veteran judo athlete. Material and methods. The following methods were used in the study: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; generalization of advanced practical experience; measurement of sensorimotor reactions and determination of heart rate variability indices; methods of mathematical statistics. A qualified veteran female judo athlete (Master of Sports of Ukraine) in the age category F2 (1983-1979) took part in the study. We performed 84 measurements of heart rate variability (n=42, HRV in the supine position; n=42, heart rate variability during the test task dedicated to measuring the choice reaction). The measurement was performed using two computer programs for mobile devices running iPadOS «Research HRV» and «HRV SR+CR» during morning hours (7-8 hours) and afternoon hours (17-18 hours). Results: analysis of the dynamics of changes in heart rate variability parameters obtained in the supine position indicates an increase in sympathetic activity in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Analysis of comparisons of heart rate variability parameters in different phases of the menstrual cycle indicates that the greatest number of statistically significant (p<0,05) differences is observed in the first half of the day. These changes indicate the dynamics of the decrease in the tone of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system in the follicular phase when performing test tasks provided by the computer program «HRV SR+CR». Analysis of the study results indicates that the indicators of heart rate variability are also influenced by the measurement conditions. The test tasks of the computer program «HRV SR+CR» provide cognitive load and concentration of attention, especially in the second stage, where it is necessary to choose the sought-after figure. During cognitive tasks there is an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate variability. High level of heart rate variability is associated with better cognitive functions and adaptive response to stress. Consequently, these differences in heart rate variability obtained using the «Research HRV» and «HRV SR+CR» programs may be the result of interactions between physiological changes during the menstrual cycle as well as the influence of measurement conditions. Understanding the changes in heart rate variability indices during test tasks related to the manifestation of the choice reaction provides information about the influence of cognitive load and attention concentration on the functional state of the female athlete. This will allow to plan the training process of wrestling taking into account the phases of the menstrual cycle and functional capabilities that are inherent in high-skilled female athletes. Conclusions. The parameters of heart rate variability and sensorimotor reaction time provide information about the functional state of martial artists. Understanding of metabolic and hormonal processes in different phases of the menstrual cycle of qualified wrestlers will allow to optimize their training loads and recovery measures.

A case study of canal seepage quantification using gain/loss method and electrical resistivity tomography in an intensively managed water resource system in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, United States

Monitoring groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) interactions is essential for effectively managing the available water resources in semi-arid and arid environments. The focus of this study was to quantify how much SW is being exchanged with the shallow GW aquifer in the Treasure Valley (TV), Idaho, USA. Previous water budgets estimated regional canal seepage without incorporating canal variability and flow measurement uncertainty. To address this, we applied both direct (gain/loss) and indirect (electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)) techniques. Direct seepage measurements were taken on canals capturing a range of different characteristics in the TV. The discrete measurements were then used to estimate the total seepage anticipated to be lost from these canals during the irrigation season. Our findings showed high seepage variability across the canals. The ERT inversion approach was utilized before and after the irrigation season by applying an advanced inversion scheme to better constrain the canal seepage spatial variability and uncertainty by quantifying changes in the saturated zone with 2D-ERT results. Temporal changes in the subsurface resistivity were observed due to the lateral flow from the nearby surface canal during the irrigation season. The combination of these approaches improves our understanding of SW-GW interactions in intensively managed irrigation systems.