Is the Bland-Altman plot method useful without inferences for accuracy, precision, and agreement?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to propose a comprehensive alternative to the Bland-Altman plot method, addressing its limitations and providing a statistical framework for evaluating the equivalences of measurement techniques. This involves introducing an innovative three-step approach for assessing accuracy, precision, and agreement between techniques, which enhances objectivity in equivalence assessment. Additionally, the development of an R package that is easy to use enables researchers to efficiently analyze and interpret technique equivalences. METHODS Inferential statistics support for equivalence between measurement techniques was proposed in three nested tests. These were based on structural regressions with the goal to assess the equivalence of structural means (accuracy), the equivalence of structural variances (precision), and concordance with the structural bisector line (agreement in measurements obtained from the same subject), using analytical methods and robust approach by bootstrapping. To promote better understanding, graphical outputs following Bland and Altman's principles were also implemented. RESULTS The performance of this method was shown and confronted by five data sets from previously published articles that used Bland and Altman's method. One case demonstrated strict equivalence, three cases showed partial equivalence, and one showed poor equivalence. The developed R package containing open codes and data are available for free and with installation instructions at Harvard Dataverse at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/AGJPZH. CONCLUSION Although easy to communicate, the widely cited and applied Bland and Altman plot method is often misinterpreted, since it lacks suitable inferential statistical support. Common alternatives, such as Pearson's correlation or ordinal least-square linear regression, also fail to locate the weakness of each measurement technique. It may be possible to test whether two techniques have full equivalence by preserving graphical communication, in accordance with Bland and Altman's principles, but also adding robust and suitable inferential statistics. Decomposing equivalence into three features (accuracy, precision, and agreement) helps to locate the sources of the problem when fixing a new technique.

Temporal trend in the incidence of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection in Brazil, by macro-region, Federative Unit, sex and age group, 2010-2021 / Tendencia temporal de la incidencia de coinfección tuberculosis-VIH en Brasil, por macrorregión, Unidad Federativa, sexo y grupo de edad, 2010-2021 / Tendência temporal da incidência de coinfecção tuberculose-HIV no Brasil, por macrorregião, Unidade da Federação, sexo e faixa etária, 2010-2021

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the temporal trend in the incidence of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection in Brazil, by macro-region, Federative Unit, sex and age group, from 2010 to 2021. Methods: This was a time series study using surveillance data to estimate average annual percentage changes (AAPC), and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) via joinpoint regression. Results: 122,211 cases of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection were analyzed; a falling trend was identified for Brazil as a whole (AAPC = -4.3; 95%CI -5.1;-3.7), and in the country's Southern (AAPC = -6.2; 95%CI -6.9;-5.5) and Southeast (AAPC = -4.6; 95%CI -5.6;-3.8) regions, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021); the greatest falling trend was seen in Santa Catarina (AAPC = -9.3; 95%CI -10.1;-8.5), while the greatest rising trend was found in Tocantins (AAPC = 4.1; 95%CI 0.1;8.6); there was a rising trend among males, especially in Sergipe (AAPC = 3.9; 95%CI 0.4;7.9), and those aged 18 to 34 years, especially in Amapá (AAPC = 7.9; 95%CI 5.1;11.5). Conclusion The burden and trends of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection were geographically and demographically disparate.

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar la tendencia temporal de la incidencia de la coinfección tuberculosis-VIH en Brasil, por Macrorregión, Unidad Federativa, sexo y grupo de edad, 2010-2021. Métodos Estudio de series de tiempo, con datos de vigilancia para la estimación de cambios porcentuales anuales promedio (CPAP) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) vía joinpoint regression. Resultados Se analizaron 122.211 casos de coinfección tuberculosis-VIH; se identificó tendencia decreciente en Brasil (CPAP = -4,3; IC95% -5,1;-3,7) y en las regiones Sur (CPAP = -6,2; IC95% -6,9;-5,5) y Sudeste (CPAP = -4,6; IC95% -5,6;-3,8), aumentando durante la pandemia de covid-19; mayor tendencia decreciente ocurrió en Santa Catarina (CPAP = -9,3; IC95% -10,1;-8,5) y creciente en Tocantins (CPAP = 4,1; IC95% 0,1;8,6); hubo tendencia al aumento en el sexo masculino, especialmente Sergipe (CPAP = 3,9; IC95% 0,4;7,9), y en los de 18 a 34 años, especialmente Amapá (CPAP = 7,9; IC95% 5,1;11,5). Conclusión Había disparidades territoriales y demográficas en la carga y las tendencias de la coinfección tuberculosis-VIH.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a tendência temporal da incidência da coinfecção tuberculose-HIV no Brasil, por macrorregião, Unidade da Federação, sexo e faixa etária, 2010-2021. Métodos Estudo de séries temporais, com dados de vigilância, para a estimativa de variações percentuais anuais médias (VPAM) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%), por joinpoint regression. Resultados Foram analisados 122.211 casos de coinfecção tuberculose-HIV; identificou-se tendência decrescente no país (VPAM = -4,3; IC95% 5,1;-3,7) e em suas regiões Sul (VPAM = -6,2; IC95% -6,9;-5,5) e Sudeste (VPAM = -4,6; IC95% -5,6;-3,8), acentuada durante a pandemia de covid-19 (2020-2021); observou-se maior tendência decrescente em Santa Catarina (VPAM = -9,3; IC95% -10,1;-8,5) e maior tendência crescente no Tocantins (VPAM = 4,1; IC95% 0,1;8,6); houve tendência de incremento no sexo masculino, destacando-se Sergipe (VPAM = 3,9; IC95% 0,4;7,9), e na faixa etária de 18-34 anos, sobressaindo-se o Amapá (VPAM = 7,9; IC95% 5,1;11,5). Conclusão Verificaram-se disparidades territoriais e demográficas na carga e nas tendências da coinfecção tuberculose-HIV.

Factors and Their Impact on Treatment Effect of Acupuncture in Different Outcomes: A Meta-Regression of Acupuncture Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results.@*OBJECTIVE@#To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes.@*METHODS@#Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects.@*RESULTS@#The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.

Hp infection rate, antibody typing and logistics regression analysis of 1111 physical examination people in plateau area / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection rate and antibody typing of 1111 physical examination people in plateau area, and to analyze the risk factors of Hp infection by logistics regression analysis. Methods 1111 healthy people with physical examination in plateau area from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The Hp infection rate and antibody typing were calculated, and the risk factors of Hp infection were analyzed by logistics regression analysis. Results The Hp infection rate of physical examination people in plateau area was 62.47% (694/1 111). The infection rate of type I HP in infected patients was higher than that of type Ⅱ HP(75.50% vs 24.50%) (χ2=361.141, P2=4.418, 8.708, 16.565, 32.583, P=0.036, 0.003, 2=5.153, P=0.023). Often eating pickled or barbecued foods [OR (95%CI)=2.038 (1.049-3.961)], history of chronic gastric disease [OR(95%CI)=1.706 (1.132-2.569)] and family members living together≥4 [OR (95%CI)=1.857 (1.135-3.037)] were risk factors of Hp infection, and regular garlic consumption [OR (95%CI)=0.559 (0.346-0.903)] was a protective factor (P=0.036, 0.011, 0.014, 0.018). Conclusion The Hp infection rate and antibody Ure positive rate are higher in physical examination people in plateau area, and chronic gastric disease history and often eating pickled or barbecued foods are risk factors of Hp infection.

Analysis of factors influencing elevated blood pressure and overweight/obesity and their comorbidities among Tibetan middle school students in Lhasa City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and overweight/obesity and their comorbidities among Tibetan middle school students in Lhasa, and to analyze their association with lifestyle and other factors, so as to provide a basis for the intervention measures targeting elevated blood pressure, overweight and obesity among middle school students in high altitude area.@*Methods@#Using a stratified cluster random sampling method in September 2021, a total of 1 488 Tibetan junior and high students from Lhasa City were investigated with blood pressure measurement, physical examination and questionnaire survey. The influencing factors of elevated blood pressure, overweight and obesity and their comorbidities association were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.@*Results@#The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and their comorbidities were 17.8%, 17.4% , 5.0% respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age( OR =0.81), residence, body mass inex(BMI) and gender were the influencing factors of elevated blood pressure; and the risks of elevated blood pressure in female students were higher than male students ( OR =1.89), suburban students were higher than urban students ( OR =8.06), overweight and obesity groups were higher than normal groups ( OR =2.55, 2.87) ( P <0.05). Adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, residence and school, and BMI (only for elevated blood pressure), daily screen time ≥2 h was positively correlated with elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and its comorbidities ( OR =1.56, 1.59 , 2.51) ( P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity are relatively high in Lhasa. Longer screen time is a common factor affecting with elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and comorbidities among Tibetan students. Measures should be taken intervene in the lifestyle of Tibetan students, in order to reduce elevated blood pressure and overweight/obesity.

Association between obesity and dyslipidemia among rural primary and middle school students in Students Nutrition Improvement Program Areas of Zhejiang Province / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#The study aimed to analyze the association between different types of obesity and dyslipidemia among rural primary and middle school students in Zhejiang Province, so as to inform strategies for prevention and control of childhood obesity and hyperlipidemia.@*Methods@#As part of Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students, 1 244 participants were selected by stratified cluster random sampling in 5 counties of Zhejiang Province during September to December 2021. Physical examination, detection of blood lipid and questionnaire survey were conducted. The Chi -square test and Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between different types of obesity and dyslipidemia.@*Results@#The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia were 15.11%, 12.46%, 17.60%, and 21.78%. Obesity and abdominal obesity were correlated to high risk of high triglycerides ( OR =3.97, 95% CI =2.54-6.20; OR =4.45, 95% CI =2.95- 6.72 )( P <0.05). Compared with the non overweight and obese group with normal waist circumference,the overweight and obesity group were correlated to high risk of high cholesterol ( OR=2.53, 95%CI =1.45-4.42, P <0.05). Abdominal overweight or obese group had the highest risk for dyslipidemia and triglycerides ( OR =1.82, 95% CI =1.33-2.48; OR =3.64, 95% CI =2.45-5.43) ( P < 0.05).@*Conclusions@#The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia are relatively high in rural primary and middle school students of Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students in Zhejiang Province. Abdominal obesity is a more important risk factor for hyperlipidemia. Waist circumference should be the focus of considerable attention.

Relationship between depressive symptoms, negative life events, and resilience in primary and secondary school teachers / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between depressive symptoms, negative life events and resilience among primary and secondary school teachers, so as to provide a reference for mental health promotion in school teachers.@*Methods@#During November to December 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted using convenient cluster sampling method to select 11 332 in service teachers from 38 schools in 8 provinces (cities) including Beijing, Guangdong, Anhui, Hubei, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items, a self developed 21-item Adverse Life Events questionnaire, and a 10-item Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to assess depressive symptoms, experiences of negative life events, and resilience levels of the teachers, respectively. The relationship between depressive symptoms, negative life events and psychological resilience were analyzed by multiple linear regression and stratified regression.@*Results@#The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school teachers was 14.0%. Negative life events of primary and secondary school teachers were positively correlated with depressive symptoms ( r =0.35), while psychological resilience was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms ( r =-0.45) ( P <0.05). After adjusting for possible covariates including gender and marital status, negative life events were positively correlated with depressive symptoms ( β=0.22, P <0.01). Resilience played a moderating role in the association of negative life events with depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school teachers ( B=-0.15, P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#Negative life events experiences are associated with higher level of depressive symptoms among school teachers. However, resilience might mitigate the negative effects of negative life events on depressive symptoms, playing a protective role in teachers mental health.

Relationship between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms in college students: a cohort study / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the association between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms among college students, so as to provide evidence for promoting physical and mental health of college students.@*Methods@#Using a cohort study design,a baseline survey of 1 415 college students in Shenyang Normal University in 2017 followed for three years from 2018 to 2020. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Selfrating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate the physical activity levels and depressive symptoms of college students. According to the level of physical activity at baseline (MET ·h/week), participants were divided into three groups [T1 (≤36.4), T2 (>36.4-89.3) and T3 (>89.3)]. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between baseline physical activity levels and the incidence of depressive symptoms during the school years.@*Results@#In the 3year followup (2018-2020), 852 (60.2%) participants exhibited depressive symptoms. The numbers of individuals with depressive symptoms in the T1, T2, and T3 groups were 324, 268, and 260, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who participated in higher levels of physical activity decreased the risk of depressive symptoms by 34.2% [T2: OR(95%CI) = 0.658 (0.500-0.866)] and 38.9% [T3:OR(95%CI)=0.611(0.465-0.804)] compared with T1 group after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, healthrelated factors, and baseline depressive symptoms as covariates. The sexstratified analysis showed a negative correlation between physical activity levels and the incidence of depressive symptoms in female college students. Compared with T1 group, higher levels of physical activity reduced the incidence of depressive symptoms by 39.6% [T2: OR(95%CI)=0.604(0.445-0.820)] and 37.7% [T3: OR(95%CI)=0.623(0.459-0.846)], respectively (P<0.01). However, there was no significant correlation between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms in male college students (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#There is an inverse relationship between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that schools should reduce the risk of depressive symptoms by promoting physical activity levels among college students.

Relationship among screen time，depressive symptoms and sleep parameters among college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between daytime or nighttime screen time, sleep duration, bedtime, sleep quality and depressive symptoms, so as to provide reference for preventing depression symptoms in college students.@*Methods@#A total of 1 259 college students in one university in Beijing were recruited by using a cluster random sampling method for online and offline questionnaire surveys in October 2022 and April to May 2023. The sleeping quality, depression symptoms and screen time of participants were measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Chinese Version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II-C) and Screen Time Questionnaire. Logistic ordered regression and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation among screen time, sleep parameters and depressive symptoms.@*Results@#The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 24.9 %. There was no significant correlation between daytime screen time and depressive symptoms for a week after controlling for night screen time in a week, gender and age ( OR= 1.00 , 95%CI=1.00-1.01, P >0.05). There was a significant correlation between night screen time and depressive symptoms for a week ( OR=1.05, 95%CI=1.03-1.06, P <0.01) after controlling for daytime screen time in a week, gender and age. However, after controlling for the weekday sleep duration, weekend bedtime, and sleep quality step by step, there was no significant correlation between the night screen time for a week and the depressive symptoms ( OR=1.01, 95%CI= 0.99 -1.02, P >0.05). After adjusting for gender and age, multiple linear regression analysis found that the duration of one week s night vision screen had statistical significance in predicting weekday sleep duration, weekend sleep time and sleep quality ( β=-0.29, 0.45, 0.26, P <0.05). There were positive correlation between the duration of sleep on study days, the duration of sleep on rest days, and the quality of sleep with depressive symptoms（ OR =1.27,1.39,1.45， P <0.01）.@*Conclusions@#Excessive night screen time has a greater impact on sleep problems and depressive symptoms. Reducing nighttime video and improving sleep habits are potential intervention goals for reducing depression symptoms in college students.

Associations of family functioning and parental styles with anxiety symptoms among high grade primary school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among high grade primary school students in Guangzhou and their correlation with family functioning and parental parenting styles, so as to provide theoretical basis and guidance for family based interventions for children s anxiety symptoms.@*Methods@#From June to September 2022, a multi stage cluster random sampling method was employed to select 5 396 students from grades 4 to 6 in 13 primary schools in Guangzhou. The Family Functioning Assessment Scale for Children, Parental Bonding Instrument, and Spence Children s Anxiety Scale Short Version were used for the survey. Inter group comparison was analysed by t test or analysis of variance. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the effects of family function and parental parenting styles on anxiety symptoms in primary school students.@*Results@#The average score for anxiety symptoms among high grade primary school students in Guangzhou was (11.63±10.88). In terms of parenting styles, mothers scored higher than fathers in the dimensions of "care" (25.63±4.92) and "control" (5.08±2.58) compared to fathers ( 24.74± 5.50, 5.00±2.51) ( t =15.80, 4.21, P <0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of parents on the dimension of "encouragement of independence"（12.98±4.06,13.05±3.95)( t =-1.77， P >0.05）. After adjusting for general demographic characteristics, the results of linear regression analysis showed that primary school students family functioning ( B =0.47) and parental "control" ( B =0.67, 0.75) were positively associated with anxiety symptoms scores ( P <0.01). Meanwhile, parental "care" ( B =-0.53,-0.55) and "encouragement of independence" ( B =-0.62,-0.68) were negatively associated with anxiety symptom scores ( P <0.01). These associations remained statistically significant even after further adjusting for family functioning ( P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#Family functioning, parenting styles are closely associated with anxiety symptoms among high grade primary school students. Positive family functioning and parenting styles may mitigate childhood anxiety symptoms, whereas excessive parental control may increase the risk of childhood anxiety symptoms.

Tobacco use and associated factors among high school students in Shannan City, Tibet in 2023 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the current situation and related factors of tobacco use among high school students in Shannan City, so as to provide reference for tobacco control strategies for high school students.@*Methods@#A self administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 10 052 high school students from 6 high schools in Shannan City, Tibetan Autonomous Region by census methods from April to July in 2023. The comparison of rates was conducted by using Chi square test, and the influencing factors of tobacco use among high school students were analyzed using binomial classification Logistic regression.@*Results@#The rate of high school students in Shannan City trying cigarettes was 17.63%, and the current smoking rate was 10.07%, both of which were higher in boys than girls, and higher in urban areas than in rural areas ( χ 2 gender = 1 262.35 , 869.79; χ 2 area =35.90, 29.16, P <0.01). The smoking rate of students with parents and good friends smoking was higher than that of students with parents and good friends not smoking( χ 2= 190.50 ,1 741.44), and the current smoking rate showed an upward trend with age and age ( χ 2 trend =74.87, 122.86)( P <0.01). The tobacco dependence rate was 41.80%; 75.30% wanted to quit smoking, 83.99% had received smoking cessation assistance, but had received less professional smoking cessation assistance ( 13.41 %). Logistic regression analysis showed that vocational high school students, senior students (second and third grade), parents smoking (both smoking, mother smoking), and good friends smoking (some smoking, most smoking, all smoking) were positively correlated with smoking cigarettes among high school students ( OR=1.51, 1.54, 2.17, 2.22, 1.69, 5.30, 13.28, 8.59, P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The smoking rate of high school students in Shannan City is high and second hand smoke exposure is common. Vocational high schools are the key to prevention and control. Effective cooperation between families, schools, and society should be strengthened to create a smoke free environment and protect students from tobacco hazards.

Analysis of high school students health literacy level and related factors / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the level of health literacy and influencing factors of Chinese general high school students, so as to provide scientific evidence for health promotion of high school students.@*Methods@#A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was used to conduct an on site survey on the health literacy status of 8 265 high school students in 31 provinces of China by using the National Health Literacy Monitoring Questionnaire from October 2018 to June 2019. SPSS 25.0 software was used to conduct one way test and multifactor Logistic regression analysis of different demographic characteristics.@*Results@#The health literacy level of Chinese general high school students was 7.1%; the three dimensions of literacy were ranked in descending order as follows: basic skills (21.3%), healthy lifestyles and behaviors (20.5%), and basic knowledge and concepts of health (7.8%); and the literacy levels of the six categories of health issues, in descending order, were basic medical care (88.3%), health information (75.9%), safety and first aid (51.0%), infectious disease prevention (44.2%), scientific health concept (39.0%) and chronic disease prevention (5.5%). Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnicity, region, family residence, school type, grade level, and father s education were the factors influencing the health literacy level of Chinese high school students( OR=2.08, 0.60/0.24, 0.44, 0.71, 1.41 /0.51, 1.37, P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The overall health literacy level of Chinese high school students is low，ethnicity, region, family residence, school type, grade level and father s education are factors influencing the health literacy level of Chinese high school students. It is recommended that all departments at all levels focus on categorized governance to improve the health literacy level of high school students, taking into account the realities and characteristics of high school students health literacy level.

Effects of community building environment and sports with fitness APP usage on physical exercise habits in teachers in the Yangtze River Delta Region / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the effects of community building environment and sports with fitness APP usage and their interactions on teachers exercise habits in the Yangtze River Delta Region, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of a sports and health promotion intervention program for teachers.@*Methods@#A total of 2 530 in service teachers from four provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, namely, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui Province, were sampled in May-June 2023 by using convenient cluster random sampling method. Self designed questionnaire was used to collect the basic information of the surveyed teachers, Physical Activity Building Environment Evaluation Questionnaire and the Sports with Fitness APP Usage Questionnaire were used to measure the teachers subjective perception of the community building environment and the usage of sports with fitness APP, respectively. Physical Exercise Habituation Scale was used to assess the level of exercise habits. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the effects of community building environment and sports with fitness APP usage on physical exercise, and the interaction effects were analyzed by using additive and multiplicative models.@*Results@#Among all the teachers surveyed, 658 of them reported good physical exercise habits (26.0%), and differences in the rate of physical activity habit formation by gender, age, years of teaching, as well as subject of teaching were statistically significant ( χ 2=42.94, 39.73, 35.47, 218.23 , P <0.05). Teachers with physical exercise habits had significantly higher community building environment scores and sports and fitness APP use than teachers without exercise habits ( t =12.17,16.54, P <0.05). Adjusting for the confounders of age, gender, years of teaching experience, and subjects taught, multifactorial unconditional Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of teachers having good physical exercise habits increased by 22% for every 1-point increase in the community building environment score on average ( OR =1.22, 95% CI =1.11-1.40), and the probability of teachers having good physical exercise habits increased by 16% for every 1-point increase in the sports with fitness APP score on average ( OR = 1.16 , 95% CI =1.03-1.31) ( P <0.05). Interaction analyses showed that there was an additive interaction between the effects of community building environment and sports and fitness APP use on teachers physical exercise habits after adjustment, and the 95% CI for RERI , API and SI were 1.17 -1.65, 0.12-0.46 and 1.78-3.33 ( P <0.05), respectively, and there was no multiplicative interaction ( P >0.05).@*Conclusions@#The community building environment and the usage of sports & fitness APP show impacts in the formation of teachers physical exercise habits in the Yangtze River Delta region, and there is an interaction effect. Enhancing the construction of smart sports centers around the community can provide a high quality external environment for the physical exercise habits formation.

Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function in adolescents / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function in Chinese adolescents, so as to provide a reference for promoting the overall development of Chinese adolescents physical and mental health.@*Methods@#From September to December 2022, a total of 5 018 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi, and Urumqi were selected by stratified cluster sampling method to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function. Pearson s correlation and linear hierarchical regression were performed to analyze the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions.@*Results@#Among the sample of adolescents, maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) was negatively correlated with the refreshing(1-back, 2-back) and conversion executive function responses ( r=-0.07, -0.12, -0.12, P <0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that VO 2max was negatively correlated with the reaction times of the refreshing(1-back, 2-back) and conversion functions ( B=-2.99, -6.44, -1.69, P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#Higher cardiorespiratory fitness among adolescents is associated with better performance in executive function. Teenagers should strengthen high intensity cardiopulmonary endurance exercise to promote the improvement of executive function.

Correlation of uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry and β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels during postmolar evacuation surveillance: A pilot study in a tertiary hospital / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background@#During postmolar evacuation surveillance, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) regression levels can predict invasive disease while Doppler ultrasound can assess in vivo tumor neovascularization and quantify uterine blood supply. As an ancillary tool to β-hCG monitoring, ultrasound can detect the early presence of viable trophoblastic tissues and identify patients at risk of developing postmolar gestational trophoblastic Neoplasia (PMGTN). @*Objective@#The objective of this study was to correlate uterine artery Doppler ultrasound with β-hCG levels during pre- and postmolar evacuation surveillance among patients with complete mole.@*Materials and Methods@#A cohort of patients with sonographic diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole and managed with suction curettage in the same institution were prospectively followed up after evacuation. The pre- and postmolar evacuation surveillance period was at days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Monitoring of serum β-hCG levels was based on the standard regression curve. For Doppler ultrasound parameters, monitoring of the systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and peak systolic velocity (PSV) was based on its relationship with its serum β-hCG levels. The ultrasound images generated were archived and reviewed by the authors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze median differences. For the correlation of uterine artery Doppler flow parameters, analysis for the test of difference used Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis for the odds ratio.@*Results@#Sixteen of the 23 enrolled patients completed the protocol (16 of 23, 69.50%). A majority had spontaneous remission (13; 81%) while 3 cases (19%) presented increasing and plateauing β-hCG levels. The pre- and post evacuation median β-hCG levels showed a significant decrease (P = 0.001). As post evacuation β-hCG levels decreased, PSV also decreased (r = 0.478, P = 0.061) while Doppler parameters, RI, PI, and S/D ratio increased. However, when post evacuation β-hCG levels rose or plateaued, Doppler parameters decreased. These changes had statistical correlation (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the magnitude of the relationship for β-hCG and Doppler parameters was moderate and ranged from 0.524 to 0.581. Among the Doppler parameters, the S/D ratio and RI of the right uterine artery strongly predicted a rise in β-hCG levels. The odds ratio of predicting increased β-hCG levels and risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia by the right S/D ratio were − 2683.67 (confidence interval [CI] = −271.692–5095.655; P = 0.034) and by the right RI − 66,193.34 (CI = −161,818.107–29,431.433; P = 0.046). Notably, Doppler parameter changes appeared early at day 14 up to day 35 and before the appearance of abnormal β-hCG regression patterns.@*Conclusion@#There is a strong correlation between uterine artery Doppler flow changes and β-hCG levels during postmolar evacuation surveillance. The inverse relationship of the S/D ratio, PI and RI, and β-hCG regression patterns confirms spontaneous remission of the disease. For patients with abnormal β-hCG patterns, this relationship is altered. The Doppler changes become erratic, unpredictable, and significantly decreased. These changes were detected as early as 2 weeks post evacuation. Thus, the use of ultrasound as an adjunct to β-hCG post evacuation surveillance can predict abnormal β-hCG regression patterns and identify patients at risk of developing postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (PMGTN).

Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite concentration with sleep quality in workers / 环境与职业医学

Background Sleep is a crucial physiological activity for the human body, and research has shown that air pollution can affect sleep quality. However, the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure, neurotoxic compounds in air pollutants, and sleep quality remains uncertain. Objective To evaluate the association of PAHs exposure with sleep quality, and to provide evidence for improving sleep quality. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design. We selected 632 workers from a coking plant of a large state-owned enterprise as the exposure group, and 477 workers from the energy and power plant of the same enterprise as the control group. All workers worked in three shifts. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic information including gender, years of service, age, educational level, smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of fried foods, cooking frequency, types of cooking fuels. Worker's post-shift morning midstream urine was sampled to determine the concentrations of eight PAHs metabolites (OH-PAHs) using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Worker's sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A higher PSQI score indicated a lower sleep quality. Associations of urinary OH-PAHs levels with sleep quality in the workers were analyzed using linear regression, Bayesian kernel-machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation. Results The median (P25, P75) concentration of total OH-PAHs in the exposure group [88.84 (46.27, 151.96) μg·L−1] was higher than that in the control group [54.33 (24.86, 97.97) μg·L−1]. Additionally, the PSQI score (\begin{document}$ \overline{x}\pm {s} $\end{document}) in the exposure group (5.16±3.84) was higher than that in the control group (4.60±3.17). The multiple linear regression revealed that an increase in the sum of the concentrations of eight OH-PAHs after natural logarithmic transformation (lnΣ8OH-PAHs) was associated with an increase of 0.3646 (95%CI: 0.1337, 0.5955) in PSQI score, and an increase in lnΣlow-ring OH-PAHs was associated with an increase of 0.2954 (95%CI: 0.0941, 0.4967) in PSQI score. The BKMR analysis demonstrated that PSQI score was gradually increased as the increasing of lnΣ8OH-PAHs concentration. The quantile g-computation analysis indicated that a quantile increase in lnΣ8OH-PAHs concentration was associated with an increase of 0.4062% (95%CI: 0.1176%, 0.6949%) in PSQI score. Conclusion Compared to the controls, the coking workers show a higher concentration of urinary OH-PAHs and report worse sleep quality. The concentration of OH-PAHs is significantly negatively associated with sleep quality.

Association between exposure to multiple metals and lung function in welders by multi-pollutant statistical models / 环境与职业医学

Background Welders' exposure to welding fumes with multiple metals leads to decreased pulmonary function. Previous studies have focused on single metal exposure, while giving little attention to the impact of metal mixtures. Objective To assess the association between metal levels in urine and blood of welders and pulmonary function indicators, and to identify key metals for occupational health risk assessment. Methods Questionnaire surveys, lung function tests, urine and blood sampling were conducted among welders and control workers in a shipyard in Shanghai. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect the concentrations of 12 metals such as vanadium, chromium, and manganese in urine and blood. Spearman correlation was applied to analyze the correlations between the metals in urine and blood. Multiple linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze the relationships between mixed metal exposure and pulmonary function parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced vital capacity as a percentage of predicted value (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percentage of predicted value (FEV1%), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). Results This study enrolled 445 subjects, including 322 welders (72.36%) and 123 controls (27.64%). The mean age of the 445 participants was (37.64±8.80) years, and 87.19% participants were male. The welders had significantly higher levels of urinary cadmium (0.88 vs 0.58 μg·L−1), blood chromium (5.86 vs 5.06 μg·L−1), and blood manganese (24.24 vs 21.38 μg·L−1) than the controls (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation coefficients between the metals in urine and blood ranged from −0.46 to 0.68. After adjustment for confounders, the multiple linear regression indicted that the urine molybdenum of the welders was negatively correlated with FVC and FEV1. There were also negative correlations between the molybdenum in blood and FVC, FVC%, FEV1, and FEV1%, and between the copper in blood and FEV1/FVC. The WQS model showed that FEV1 and FVC decreased by 0.112 L and 0.353 L with each quartile increase of metal mixture concentrations in urine and blood among the welders respectively, and the leading contributors were copper, zinc, vanadium, and antimony. The BKMR model showed a negative overall effect of metal mixtures in urine and blood among the welders on FVC, FVC%, FEV1, and FEV1%, and the univariate exposure response-relationship between the molybdenum concentration in urine or blood and FVC, FVC%, FEV1, or FEV1% had an approximately linear decreasing trend. Meanwhile, there may be an interaction of cadmium with manganese, nickel, or vanadium, and an interaction of vanadium with iron, molybdenum, zinc, or copper, when different metals in urine among the welders interacted with FEV1%. Conclusion Exposure to multiple metals in welders leads to a decline in lung function, with molybdenum, antimony, copper, and zinc as the leading contributors.

Epidemiological trend analysis of liver cancer incidence in Luzhou City， Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological distribution and temporal trends of liver cancer incidence among Luzhou residents from 2016‒2022， and to provide a theoretical basis for improving liver cancer prevention and treatment strategies in Luzhou. MethodsData on liver cancer incidence among Luzhou residents from 2016 to 2022 were collected， and the incidence rate， age-specific incidence rate， and annual percentage change （APC） were calculated. A Joinpoint regression model was used to fit a time series segment to the monthly number of new cases in each district and county of Luzhou to explore the trend of liver cancer incidence rate. ResultsThe incidence rate of liver cancer in Luzhou increased from 22.96/105 in 2016 to 32.31/105 in 2022. The incidence rate of liver cancer in men was higher than that in women in both 2016 and 2022， and the incidence rate of liver cancer in men increased from 34.83/105 in 2016 to 47.95/105 in 2022， with an APC of 3.3%； the incidence rate of liver cancer in women increased from 10.50/105 in 2016 to 15.95/105 in 2022， with an APC of 3.0%， and the differences in the change trends were not statistically significant （P>0.05）.The incidence of liver cancer was low in the age group of 0‒<40 years from 2016 to 2022 and increased with age； the incidence of liver cancer in the age group of 55 years and above was increasing at an average annual rate of 16.4%. ConclusionThe overall incidence of liver cancer in Luzhou is on the rise， and the incidence of liver cancer in men is higher than that in women. Middle-aged and elderly men are the key population for liver cancer prevention and treatment， and liver cancer prevention and treatment should be carried out in a targeted manner， taking into account regional development differences.

Analysis of direct drinking water quality and its influencing factors in primary and secondary schools in Nanjing City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the quality and influencing factors of direct drinking water in schools in Nanjing City, so as to provide basis for management of school drinking water.@*Methods@#From April to July 2023, direct drinking water equipment from 146 primary and secondary schools were selected from Nanjing City using a stratified random sampling method and tested for colony forming units (CFU) and permanganate index. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between groups, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.@*Results@#The CFU and permanganate levels of school direct drinking water in Nanjing City were 1.00(0.00,15.50)CFU/mL and 0.47(0.26, 0.75)mg/L, respectively. The CFU level increased when the filter replacement time exceeded 3 months and when the water source was piped, while the permanganate index increased when the filter replacement time exceeded 3 months and using activated carbon technology ( Z =-2.21, -3.92, -2.31, -8.45 , P <0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the replacement time of filter element exceeding 3 months was positively correlated with the CFU level, and the process type involving activated carbon, a laid pipe network and a filter replacement time exceeding 3 months were positively correlated with the permanganate index( β =167.08, 0.32, 0.35, 0.11, P ＜0.05).@*Conclusions@#There are certain problems with the water quality of primary and secondary school direct drinking water in Nanjing City. Schools should promptly replace the filter and maintain the drinking water equipment to ensure the hygiene and safety of campus water quality.

Association between the ratio of dietary vitamin A to body weight and hypertension in children / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between the ratio of dietary vitamin A (VitA) to body weight and hypertension among children, so as to provide a reference for blood pressure control through dietary nutritional interventions and childhood hypertension prevention.@*Methods@#Utilizing the baseline survey and followup sample data from the Healthy Children Cohort established in urban and rural areas of Chongqing from 2014 to 2019, structured quantitative dietary questionnaire and selfdesigned questionnaire were used to investigate the information of dietary intake and socioeconomic characteristics of 15 279 children, as well as blood pressure, height, weight measurement. The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight was divided into four groups based on quartiles [≤P25(Q1), >P25~P50(Q2), >P50~P75(Q3), >P75(Q4)]. Generalized linear regression models and Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between ratio of dietary VitA to body weight with blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension.@*Results@#The results of the 2014 baseline survey indicated that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as demographic indicators and nutritional intake, significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) among different groups categorized by the ratio of dietary VitA to body weight (F=157.57, 44.71, 95.92, P<0.01). The baseline ratio of dietary VitA to body weight in children exhibited a negative correlation with DBP, SBP and MAP at baseline and in 2019[baseline: β(95%CI)=-0.65(-0.89--0.42), -0.22(-0.42--0.01), -0.36(-0.56--0.16); 2019: β(95%CI)=-0.77(-1.34--0.19), -0.62(-1.21--0.02), -0.77(-1.34--0.19), P＜0.05]. Compared to Q1 group, the risk of hypertension decreased among children in Q4 at baseline and followup in 2019 [OR(95%CI)=0.63(0.49-0.81), 0.18(0.08-0.42), P<0.01].@*Conclusions@#The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight is significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure levels among children, and dietary VitA deficiency is an independent risk factor for hypertension among children. Measures should be taken to actively adjust childrens dietary nutrition and reduce the risk of childhood hypertension.