Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y los estados de ánimo en estudiantes de instituciones educativas de Antioquia, Colombia / Quality of life related to the health and mood states of students in educational institutions from Antioquia, Colombia / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e ao humor em estudantes de instituições de ensino em Antioquia, Colômbia

Introducción: La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y los estados de ánimo son indicadores cruciales del bienestar en adolescentes, pero su relación con estudiantes de Antioquia, Colombia, no ha sido ampliamente estudiada. Objetivo: Determinar la CVRS y los estados de ánimo en escolares de Antioquia-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal con 1957 escolares de 9 a 20 años. Se aplicaron mediciones de CVRS, ansiedad, depresión, hostilidad y alegría, actividad física, comportamiento sedentario, apoyo social de padres y nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: La calidad de vida alta (CVA) es más elevada en hombres, personas con alegría, estudiantes con apoyo de padres, activos físicamente y personas de nivel socioeconómico alto y medio. AL aumentar un año de edad, disminuye en un 15 % la CVA, y al aumentar la depresión, la ansiedad y el comportamiento sedentario disminuye la CVA. Además, los niveles de depresión y ansiedad son mayores en mujeres, estudiantes mayores, sin apoyo de los padres y personas sedentarias. Conclusiones: La CVRS se asocia con estados de ánimo, actividad física, comportamiento sedentario y apoyo de los padres; mientras que los estados de ánimo se asocian con el sexo, el apoyo de los padres, la CVS y el sedentarismo.

Introduction: Even though health-related quality of life (HRQL) and mood states are key indicators of the well-being of adolescents, their relationship has not been analyzed in students from Antioquia, Colombia. Objective: To determine HRQL and mood states in schoolchildren from Antioquia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,957 schoolchildren and adolescents aged between 9 and 20 years. Measurements of HRQL, anxiety, depression, hostility and happiness, physical activity, sedentary behavior, parental social support, and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: A high quality of life (HQL) was observed more frequently in male participants, students with parental support, physically active, and those belonging to medium and high socioeconomic status. HQL decreased 15% as their age increased by one year. Also, HQL was reduced when depression, anxiety, and sedentary behavior increased. Furthermore, depression and anxiety levels were higher in women, older students, as well as in those without parental control and with sedentary behavior. Conclusions: HRQL is associated with mood states, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and parental support. In contrast, mood states are related to gender, parental support, HQL, and sedentary lifestyle.

Introdução: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (CVRS) e os estados de humor são indicadores cruciais de bem-estar em adolescentes, mas sua relação com estudantes de Antioquia, Colômbia, não foi amplamente estudada. Objetivo: Determinar a CVRS e os estados de humor em escolares de Antioquia-Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal com 1.957 escolares de 9 a 20 anos. Foram aplicadas medidas de QVRS, ansiedade, depressão, hostilidade e felicidade, atividade física, comportamento sedentário, apoio social dos pais e nível socioeconômico. Resultados: A alta qualidade de vida (CVA) é maior em homens, pessoas com alegria, estudantes com apoio parental, fisicamente ativos e pessoas de nível socioeconômico alto e médio. À medida que a idade aumenta em um ano, diminui em 15% o CVA, e ao aumentar a depressão, a ansiedade e o comportamento sedentário aumentam, o CVA diminui. Além disso, os níveis de depressão e ansiedade são mais elevados nas mulheres, nos estudantes mais velhos, sem apoio dos pais e nas pessoas sedentárias. Conclusões: A QVRS está associada a estados de humor, atividade física, comportamento sedentário e apoio parental; enquanto os estados de humor estão associados ao sexo, apoio parental, CVS e estilo de vida sedentário.

Insights into the flavor endowment of aroma-active compounds in cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) to stewed beef.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most commonly used spices in stewed beef to enrich and improve its aroma during the stewing process. Gas chromatography ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS), Q Exactive GC-Orbitrap-MS-O (QE-GC-MS/O), combined with sensory evaluation were employed to analyze the flavor endowment of aroma-active compounds in cloves to stewed beef. A total of 173 volatiles were identified in the clove powder (CP), stewed beef with clove (SBC), and stewed beef with salt (SBS), of which 21 volatiles were considered as aroma-active compounds. The concept of flavor endowment of aroma-active compounds in cloves was defined innovatively, and the endowment rate values (ERVs) of stewed beef were calculated. Nine aroma-active compounds in cloves were found to have a flavor endowment effect on stewed beef, while the terpenoids exhibited high ERVs. Despite the low ERV of eugenol, it still significantly impacted the aroma profile of SBC due to its high odor activity value (OAV) and flavor dilution (FD) factor. These volatiles offered mainly the clove, herbal, anise, and floral odor to stewed beef, which was also confirmed by sensory evaluation. These findings indicated that the terpenoids, phenolics and ethers in cloves had a significant influence on the overall aroma of stewed beef through the flavor endowment, which contributed to the precise use of cloves and improved the aroma of stewed beef.

The growth factor content as an indicator of platelet counts in platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: Platelet contains growth factors that enhance tissue repair mechanisms, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA and -AB), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to significantly improve the treatment of tendon injuries compared with hyaluronic acid and placebo. The topic of agreement between platelet concentrations and growth factors has been covered in some previous studies, but growth factor levels did not correlate well with platelet concentrations. METHOD: In this study, autologous PRP was prepared by concentrating platelets through a J6-MI centrifuge. The automatic hematology analyzer Sysmex XN-20 was used to analyze the platelet concentration in PRP, and the PRP growth factors were determined by ELISA, including PDGF, transforming growth factor- ß1 (TGF-ß1), and EGF. Statistical analysis was conducted on data from 107 patients who received autologous PRP using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis revealed PDGF, TGF, and EGF had a strong positive correlation with the platelet concentration of the final PRP product (r = 0.697, p < 0.0001; r = 0.488, p < 0.0001; r = 0.572, p < 0.0001, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong positive correlation between the concentration of platelets in the final PRP product and the levels of PDGF-AB, TGF-ß, and EGF. These results suggested straightforward and cost-effective growth factor tests can provide valuable information about platelet content in PRP.

Application of electroencephalogram (EEG) in the study of the influence of different contents of alcohol and Baijiu on brain perception.

Alcoholic beverages flavour is complex and unique with different alcohol content, and the application of flavour perception could improve the objectivity of flavour evaluation. This study utilized electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess brain reactions to alcohol percentages (5 %-53 %) and Baijiu's complex flavours. The findings demonstrate the brain's proficiency in discerning between alcohol concentrations, evidenced by increasing physiological signal strength in tandem with alcohol content. When contrasted with alcohol solutions of equivalent concentrations, Baijiu prompts a more significant activation of brain signals, underscoring EEG's capability to detect subtleties due to flavour complexity. Additionally, the study reveals notable correlations, with δ and α wave intensities escalating in response to alcohol stimulation, coupled with substantial activation in the frontal, parietal, and right temporal regions. These insights verify the efficacy of EEG in charting the brain's engagement with alcoholic flavours, setting the stage for more detailed exploration into the neural encoding of these sensory experiences.

Exposure of individuals aged 18-44 years to personal care products in Beijing, China: Exposure profiles, possible influencing factors, and risk assessment.

Personal care products (PCPs) are a class of emerging pollutants that have attracted public concern owing to their harmful effects on humans and the environment. Biomonitoring data is valuable for insight the levels of PCPs in the human body and can be crucial for identifying potential health hazards. To gain a better understanding of timely exposure profiles and health risk of reproductive-age population to PCPs, we determined six parabens, six benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, and three disinfectants in 256 urine samples collected from young adults aged 18-44 years in Beijing, China. The urinary levels of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OHBP) were significantly higher in summer compared to winter, suggesting these compounds have different seasonal usage patterns. Moreover, the total concentration of 15 PCPs in female was 430 ng/mL, approximately two times higher than that in male. P­chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), as a new type of antibacterial agent, has the greatest level among all target analytes, indicating the increasingly use of this antibacterial alternative recently. Five potential influencing factors that lead to the elevated exposure level of PCPs were identified. Over 19% of the target population had a high hazard index value (greater than 1) which was attributed to exposure to propyl paraben (PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), BP-3 and PCMX, indicating that PCPs may pose a relatively high exposure risk at environmental levels that should be a cause for concern.

Development of an equation to predict delta bilirubin levels using machine learning.

OBJECTIVE: Delta bilirubin (albumin-covalently bound bilirubin) may provide important clinical utility in identifying impaired hepatic excretion of conjugated bilirubin, but it cannot be measured in real-time for diagnostic purposes in clinical laboratories. METHODS: A total of 210 samples were collected, and their delta bilirubin levels were measured four times using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data collected included age, sex, diagnosis code, delta bilirubin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin, serum hemolysis value, hemolysis index, icterus value (Iv), icterus index (Ii), lipemia value (Lv), and lipemia index. To conduct feature selection and identify the optimal combination of variables, linear regression machine learning was performed 1,000 times. RESULTS: The selected variables were total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, Iv, Ii, and Lv. The best predictive performance for high delta bilirubin concentrations was achieved with the combination of albumin-direct bilirubin-hemoglobin-Iv-Lv. The final equation composed of these variables was as follows: delta bilirubin = 0.35 × Iv + 0.05 × Lv - 0.23 × direct bilirubin - 0.05 × hemoglobin - 0.04 × albumin + 0.10. CONCLUSION: The equation established in this study is practical and can be easily applied in real-time in clinical laboratories.

Biological variation of methylmalonic acid in urine in spanish population.

BACKGROUND-AIM: Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is currently the best biomarker of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. However, for a correct interpretation of the patient's results it is necessary to know its biological variation (BV). No BV data are available for urine MMA values, as measured by mass spectrometry. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the within- and between-person coefficients of variation (CVw, CVg) for MMA in a healthy population, and the associated index of individuality (II), as well as to define quality specifications based on BV and the reference change value (RCV). METHODS: Random urine samples from 34 healthy volunteers were collected over four consecutive weeks. Samples were stored at -80 °C until analysis in a single analytical run. MMA excretion was quantified by tandem liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results were normalized to urine creatinine. The coefficients of variation were estimated by CV-ANOVA. Confidence intervals (95 %) were calculated. Quality specifications were defined according to international recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 128 samples were included. The coefficients of variation were CVw = 35.7 % (26.1-45.3) and CVg = 67.7 % (58.3-77.0). The associated II was 0.5 and the RCV was 88.1 %. CONCLUSION: Considering the II obtained, MMA in urine has high individuality, therefore, RCV is better to evaluate serial clinical results. Our results will contribute to a better clinical interpretation of this biomarker and will represent a great aid when defining analytical performance specifications for this magnitude.

Un análisis integrado entre la calidad de vida y las necesidades de apoyo de personas adultas con discapacidad intelectual en Chile / An integrated analysis between the quality of life and the support needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Chile

El paradigma de apoyos y el de calidad de vida se han transformado en guías fundamentales para los avances en el ámbito de la discapacidad intelectual (DI). Con base en una muestra de 93 personas adultas con DI, se analiza, desde un enfoque cuantitativo no experimental, la relación entre la calidad de vida y las necesidades de apoyo, aplicando la escala INICO-FEAPS y la escala de Intensidad de Apoyos (SIS) para cada constructo. Los principales resultados evidencian que existe una relación fuerte e indirecta entre calidad de vida y necesidades de apoyos, y también la relevancia de analizar dichos resultados desde variables como grado de discapacidad, sexo o nivel socioeconómico. La discusión permite inferir la necesidad de discutir nuevas estrategias en torno a categorías como el grado de discapacidad, la autodeterminación e inclusión social, como elementos facilitadores de la calidad de vida y apoyos desde un enfoque integral que contribuya al desarrollo de estrategias de programas sociales para la población con DI. (AU)

The support paradigm and the quality of life paradigm have become fundamental guides for progress in the field of Intellectual Disability (ID). Based on a sample of 93 adults with ID, the relationship between Quality of Life and Support Needs is analyzed from a non-experimental quantitative approach, applying the INICO-FEAPS scale and the SIS Support Intensity scale for each construct. The main results show that there is a strong and indirect relationship between quality of life and support needs, and the relevance of analyzing these results from variables such as the degree of disability, sex or socioeconomic level. The discussion allows us to infer the need to discuss new strategies around categories such as the degree of disability, self-determination and social inclusion, as facilitating elements of quality of life and supporting a comprehensive approach that contributes to the development of social program strategies for the population with ID. (AU)

Un análisis integrado entre la calidad de vida y las necesidades de apoyo de personas adultas con discapacidad intelectual en Chile / An integrated analysis between the quality of life and the support needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Chile

El paradigma de apoyos y el de calidad de vida se han transformado en guías fundamentales para los avances en el ámbito de la discapacidad intelectual (DI). Con base en una muestra de 93 personas adultas con DI, se analiza, desde un enfoque cuantitativo no experimental, la relación entre la calidad de vida y las necesidades de apoyo, aplicando la escala INICO-FEAPS y la escala de Intensidad de Apoyos (SIS) para cada constructo. Los principales resultados evidencian que existe una relación fuerte e indirecta entre calidad de vida y necesidades de apoyos, y también la relevancia de analizar dichos resultados desde variables como grado de discapacidad, sexo o nivel socioeconómico. La discusión permite inferir la necesidad de discutir nuevas estrategias en torno a categorías como el grado de discapacidad, la autodeterminación e inclusión social, como elementos facilitadores de la calidad de vida y apoyos desde un enfoque integral que contribuya al desarrollo de estrategias de programas sociales para la población con DI. (AU)

The support paradigm and the quality of life paradigm have become fundamental guides for progress in the field of Intellectual Disability (ID). Based on a sample of 93 adults with ID, the relationship between Quality of Life and Support Needs is analyzed from a non-experimental quantitative approach, applying the INICO-FEAPS scale and the SIS Support Intensity scale for each construct. The main results show that there is a strong and indirect relationship between quality of life and support needs, and the relevance of analyzing these results from variables such as the degree of disability, sex or socioeconomic level. The discussion allows us to infer the need to discuss new strategies around categories such as the degree of disability, self-determination and social inclusion, as facilitating elements of quality of life and supporting a comprehensive approach that contributes to the development of social program strategies for the population with ID. (AU)

Mecánica y energética durante la marcha en cinta caminadora en adultos uruguayos saludables: efecto del IMC y la edad / Mechanics and energy during treadmill walking in healthy uruguayan adults: effect of BMI and age / Mecânica e energia durante a caminhada em esteira em adultos uruguaios saudáveis: efeito do IMC e Idade

La evaluación de la marcha en cinta caminadora puede resultar relevante para la toma de decisiones clínicas. No obstante, factores demográficos como la edad y el IMC pueden alterar la interpretación de los resultados. Nuestro objetivo fue obtener variables espacio- temporales, energéticas y costo de transporte durante la velocidad autoseleccionada en cinta caminadora para una muestra representativa de adultos uruguayos (n=28) y evaluar si diferentes rangos de edades e IMC pueden ser factores a tener en cuenta en pruebas clínicas donde se consideren dichas variables. Participaron 17 hombres y 11 mujeres (39,3 ± 14,8 años, 75,9 ± 12,5 kg, 1,74 ± 0,09 m, IMC 25,2 ± 4,06). Se realizó una reconstrucción 3D del movimiento en forma sincronizada con el consumo energético. Se obtuvieron valores de referencia y luego de agrupar los participantes según su IMC y rango de edad se compararon los datos mediante test de t (p≤0.05). Los resultados revelaron discrepancias significativas en las medidas espacio-temporales y energéticas de los adultos uruguayos al caminar en cinta con respecto a la literatura. La marcha difiere entre adultos jóvenes y de mediana edad en su velocidad autoseleccionada (p=0,03), longitud de zancada (p=0,01), trabajo mecánico externo (<0,001) y recuperación de energía mecánica (0,009), destacando la importancia de considerar la edad en evaluaciones clínicas. El IMC no influyó significativamente en estas variables. Estos hallazgos subrayan la necesidad de ajustar las interpretaciones de las pruebas clínicas de la marcha sobre cinta caminadora en adultos uruguayos de mediana edad (45 a 65 años).

Treadmill gait assessment can be relevant for clinical decision-making. However, demographic factors such as age and BMI may alter result interpretation. Our aim was to obtain spatiotemporal, energetic, and cost of transport variables during self-selected treadmill walking speed for a representative sample of Uruguayan adults (n=28) and to assess if different age ranges and BMI could be factors to consider in clinical tests involving these variables. Seventeen men and eleven women participated (39.3 ± 14.8 years, 75.9 ± 12.5 kg, 1.74 ± 0.09 m, BMI 25.2 ± 4.06). A synchronized 3D motion reconstruction was performed with energy consumption. Reference values were obtained and data were compared using t-tests (p≤0.05), after grouping participants by BMI and age range. Results revealed significant discrepancies in spatiotemporal and energetic measures of Uruguayan adults walking on the treadmill, compared to the literature. Gait differed between young and middle-aged adults in their self-selected speed (p=0.03), stride length (p=0.01), external mechanical work (p<0.001), and mechanical energy recovery (0.009), emphasizing the importance of considering age in clinical evaluations. BMI did not significantly influence these variables. These findings underscore the need to adjust interpretations of treadmill gait clinical tests in middle-aged Uruguayan adults (45 to 65 years).

A avaliação da marcha na esteira pode ser relevante para a tomada de decisões clínicas. No entanto, fatores demográficos como idade e IMC podem alterar a interpretação dos resultados. Nosso objetivo foi obter variáveis espaço-temporais, energéticas e custo de transporte durante a velocidade de caminhada autoselecionada na esteira para uma amostra representativa de adultos uruguaios (n = 28) e avaliar se diferentes faixas etárias e IMC podem ser fatores a serem considerados em testes clínicos que envolvam essas variáveis. Dezessete homens e onze mulheres participaram (39,3 ± 14,8 anos, 75,9 ± 12,5 kg, 1,74 ± 0,09 m, IMC 25,2 ± 4,06). Foi realizada uma reconstrução tridimensional do movimento sincronizada com o consumo de energia. Foram obtidos valores de referência e os dados foram comparados usando testes t (p≤0,05), após agrupar os participantes por IMC e faixa etária. Os resultados revelaram discrepâncias significativas nas medidas espaço-temporais e energéticas dos adultos uruguaios ao caminhar na esteira, em comparação com a literatura. A marcha diferiu entre adultos jovens e de meia-idade em sua velocidade autoselecionada (p=0,03), comprimento da passada (p=0,01), trabalho mecânico externo (<0,001) e recuperação de energia mecânica (0,009), destacando a importância de considerar a idade em avaliações clínicas. O IMC não influenciou significativamente essas variáveis. Esses achados destacam a necessidade de ajustar as interpretações dos testes clínicos de marcha na esteira em adultos uruguaios de meia- idade (45 a 65 anos).

Cervical cancer screening delay and associated factors among women with HIV in Lesotho: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, and women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are particularly at risk of developing it. Regular screening effectively prevents morbidity and mortality. This mixed-methods study quantitatively assessed cervical cancer screening uptake and qualitatively explored the process of undergoing cervical cancer screening to understand possible reasons for delayed screening among women with HIV in Lesotho. METHODS: Between October 2020 and March 2022, the Viral load Triggered ART care in Lesotho (VITAL) trial enrolled women aged 18 years and older with HIV who were taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cervical cancer screening delay was defined as reporting a screening that occurred more than two years ago or never having been screened. Cervical cancer screening uptake and the association between screening delay and sociodemographic variables were assessed using a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model accounting for clustering at clinic level. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women to obtain information on awareness, perceptions, and barriers to cervical cancer screening and were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative data were available for 3790 women. Among them, cervical cancer screening was delayed in 1814 (47.9%), including 1533 (40.5%) who were never screened. Compared to women aged 25 to 39 years, women aged 18 to 24 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-3.7), women aged 40 to 59 years (aOR 1.3; CI 1.1-1.6), and women older than 60 years (aOR 3.9; CI 3.0-5.1) were at higher risk of screening delay. Furthermore, time on ART below 6 months (aOR 1.6; CI 1.1-2.3) compared to above 6 months was associated with screening delay. Qualitative data identified limited awareness of cervical cancer risks and screening guidelines, misconceptions and fears created by the influence of other women's narratives, and low internal motivation as the main barriers to screening uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer screening delay was common. Limited personal awareness and motivation as well as the negative influence of other women were the primary internal barriers to cervical cancer screening. Awareness and screening campaigns in Lesotho should consider these factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04527874, August 27, 2020.

Electromyographic analysis of bilateral upper trapezius muscles at different levels of work-pace among sewing machine operators.

Workers are driven to work faster in the industrial work environment to meet high productivity targets. An increased work pace leads to increased muscle activation. However, the effect of work pace on bilateral upper trapezius muscles during sewing machine operation in an industrial work environment has not been thoroughly investigated in experimental studies. Therefore, this research aims to conduct an experimental study to analyze the bilateral upper trapezius muscle activity of industrial sewing machine operators at different levels of work pace. Thirty subjects (15 males, and 15 females) continuously performed the sewing operation for two hours in an industrial work environment. Experiments were conducted for two levels of work pace i.e. low pace (100% of standard cycle time) and high pace (120% of standard cycle time). Electromyographic signals were recorded from the bilateral upper trapezius muscles. The EMG amplitude (RMS) among the muscles was computed. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in muscle activity was observed with an increased work pace. In this study, right upper trapezius muscle activity increased by 30.4% during high work pace tasks compared to low pace, while the left upper trapezius showed a 24.12% increase. The right upper trapezius showed a mean difference of 0.696 (%MVC), and the left upper trapezius showed 0.399 (%MVC), both indicating greater activity during high-pace tasks. The increase in muscle activity with time indicated the presence of muscle fatigue among sewing machine operators. Furthermore, higher muscular activity was observed among females than males. This research highlights the critical need to balance productivity goals with the health and safety of workers, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and associated work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis of pubic bone mimicking neoplasm: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis (XO) is a rare disease characterized radiologically by an osteolytic lesion with cortical expansion or disruption. Differentiating this condition from other osteolytic diseases such as primary or metastatic bone neoplasms is imperative. Several case reports have been published on XO, with previous reports predominantly identifying bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus as causative organisms. However, fungal infection-induced XO has not yet been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with a tumor-like osteolytic lesion in the pubic bone. The patient had experienced pelvic pain and intermittent febrile episodes for 2 months. Plain radiography revealed an osteolytic lesion in the right pubic tubercle. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a cystic bone tumor or tubercular infection. Surgical intervention included curettage of the lesion and irrigation with normal saline. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed abundant foamy histiocytes with inflammatory infiltrates consistent with XO. Culture of the osteolytic lesion confirmed an Aspergillus species infection and antifungal treatment was initiated. At 1-year follow-up, no evidence of local recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, XO requires differentiation from similar conditions and is treated with surgical intervention and targeted medical therapy based on the identified organisms. Clinicians should be mindful that XO can also be induced by fungal infections and that combination antifungal treatments may be beneficial in such cases.

Development and validation of assessment instruments for cervical collar and spinal board placement in simulated environments for nursing students in the care of polytrauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple trauma injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in people under the age of 45 and require prompt and specialised care. However, medical and nursing education programmes do not always include specific training in emergency pre-hospital care, resulting in a lack of basic practical skills in trauma management. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate two instruments for assessing nursing students' competence in cervical collar and spinal board application in simulated pre-hospital emergency scenarios. METHOD: This is an instrumental study that involves the development of two assessment instruments and the evaluation of their psychometric properties in a sample of 392 nursing students. Content validity was assessed using expert judgement, by calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) for each item and the scale level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) for the instruments. Exploratory factor analysis using the MINRES extraction method and Promax rotation was performed to analyse the performance of the items and structure of the rubrics. Internal consistency was analysed using the Omega coefficient and inter-rater agreement was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Initially, two rubrics were obtained: one with six items for cervical collar placement (S-CVI/Ave = 0.86) and one with nine items for spinal board placement (S-CVI/Ave = 0.81). Both had a single-factor structure, with all items having factor loadings greater than 0.34 for the cervical collar rubric and 0.56 for the spinal board rubric, except for item 2 of the cervical collar rubric (λ = 0.24), which was subsequently removed. The final cervical collar rubric (five items) had an overall internal consistency of 0.84 and the spinal board rubric had an overall internal consistency of 0.90, calculated using the Omega statistic. The weighted Kappa coefficient for each item ranged from acceptable (0.32) to substantial (0.79). These results show that we have successfully developed two sufficiently valid instruments to assess the immobilisation competencies proposed in the objective of the study. CONCLUSION: Whilst further research is needed to fully establish their psychometric properties, these instruments offer a valuable starting point for evaluating nursing students' competence in cervical collar and spinal board application in simulated pre-hospital scenarios.

Improving working memory by electrical stimulation and cross-frequency coupling.

Working memory (WM) is essential for the temporary storage and processing of information required for complex cognitive tasks and relies on neuronal theta and gamma oscillations. Given the limited capacity of WM, researchers have investigated various methods to improve it, including transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which modulates brain activity at specific frequencies. One particularly promising approach is theta-gamma peak-coupled-tACS (TGCp-tACS), which simulates the natural interaction between theta and gamma oscillations that occurs during cognitive control in the brain. The aim of this study was to improve WM in healthy young adults with TGCp-tACS, focusing on both behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes. Thirty-one participants completed five WM tasks under both sham and verum stimulation conditions. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings before and after stimulation showed that TGCp-tACS increased power spectral density (PSD) in the high-gamma region at the stimulation site, while PSD decreased in the theta and delta regions throughout the cortex. From a behavioral perspective, although no significant changes were observed in most tasks, there was a significant improvement in accuracy in the 14-item Sternberg task, indicating an improvement in phonological WM. In conclusion, TGCp-tACS has the potential to promote and improve the phonological component of WM. To fully realize the cognitive benefits, further research is needed to refine the stimulation parameters and account for individual differences, such as baseline cognitive status and hormonal factors.

Exploring the improvement path of virtual simulation experiments: based on the influencing factors and mediating effects of learning satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Virtual simulation experiment is a vital component of higher education digitalization, emerging from the deep integration of specialty disciplines and information technology. Chinese universities have invested heavily in the construction of virtual simulation experiment projects, and the number of projects is considerably large. However, the popularity and effectiveness of these projects are not satisfactory. As an important index to measure the teaching quality, analyzing the influencing factors and mediating effects of learning satisfaction of virtual simulation experiment is an effective entry point to improve the quality and efficiency of virtual simulation experiment teaching and improve the learning effect. METHODS: This study used quantitative research methods. The research sample includes 538 students from various levels of higher education institutions such as Nanjing University, Nantong University, Nanjing Medical University, and Jiangsu University, covering 11 majors. They started to study the virtual simulation experiment course for one academic year in September 2023 and conducted a questionnaire survey at the end of the course. The questionnaire survey involved four aspects, mainly from the student dimension, course dimension, the technical dimension, and the embodied dimension to evaluate the learning satisfaction of the virtual simulation experiment course. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. RESULTS: According to the results of the structural equation modeling (SEM), all of the student dimension (learning motivation {ß = 0.658,p < 0.001} and task value {ß = 0.339,p < 0.001}), course dimension (course content {ß = 0.275,p < 0.001}, course flexibility {ß = 0.052,p < 0.002}, and course quality {ß = 0.635,p < 0.001}), technical dimension (interface design {ß = 0.445,p < 0.001}, interaction design {ß = 0.151,p < 0.001}, technical adaptability {ß = 0.225,p < 0.001}, and technical reliability y{ß = 0.140,p < 0.001}), and embodied dimension (social presence {ß = 0.270,p < 0.001} and spatial presence {ß = 0.689,p < 0.001}) have positive effects on improving the learning satisfaction of virtual simulation experiments. Meanwhile, the technical dimension exhibited a mediating effect in the influence of embodied dimension on learning satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance the learning effectiveness of virtual simulation experiments, we can put forward the strategies from four dimensions including students, course, technical, and embodied to specifically address learning satisfaction. This approach would provide directional guidance for the development of medical virtual simulation experiments.

Facilitating positive emotions in people with challenges by combining conventional occupational training and a novel farming program: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: Japan has a system of occupational therapy programs known as self-reliance training (training for daily living), which helps people with various disabilities lead more meaningful lives. Recently, it has been shown that green care farms are beneficial for dementia care and that agricultural and horticultural work has a positive impact on people with intellectual disabilities and mental disorders. This study examined the health-improving effects of farm activities and developed an attractive program for adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities who use independent training facilities. The program comprised agricultural and horticultural activities such as vegetable cultivation and management, flower planting, and flower arrangement. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in any of the measures for positive mood before and after the usual program (UP). However, anger-hostility and depression-dejection improved significantly after the farm program (FP) (p < .05). Self-efficacy improved significantly after both UP and FP (p < .10). Free responses were obtained from UP (131 responses) and FP (126 responses) participants; thematic analysis of FP participants' statements revealed that positive comments included "confidence in accomplishing tasks," "anticipation and joy of growing plants," and "motivation for gardening activities."

The relationship between co-occurring traumatic experiences and co-occurring mental health domains for veterans resident in Northern Ireland.

INTRODUCTION: Veterans residing in Northern Ireland (NI) likely experience higher levels of co-occurring lifetime trauma exposure and associated co-occurring mental health symptoms, due to the Troubles. As NI veterans have been subject to little exploration it is difficult to know how to support them. This exploratory study explored the co-occurrence of mental health symptoms as a function of co-occurring traumatic experiences. METHODS: Two latent class analyses (LCA) were conducted on NI veteran data (n = 609). One LCA factored endorsements of 16-lifetime traumatic events, with a separate LCA exploring the co-occurrence of symptoms across six mental health domains. Mental health symptom classes were considered as a function of trauma classes, military-specific variables, gender and age. RESULTS: Three trauma classes were identified: High Multi Trauma (10.84%); High Combat/Conflict (47.62%); Moderate Combat Conflict (41.54%), and three mental health symptom classes: High Co-occurring Mental Health (19.38%); High Depression Moderate Anxiety/Alcohol (24.63%); Moderate Alcohol/Normative (55.99%). Significant predictors of High Co-occurring Mental Health class membership were UDR service, 'Worst' military trauma and High Multi Trauma class membership. Both combat classes had a negative relationship with the High Co-occurring Mental Health. Predictors of the High Depression Moderate Anxiety/Alcohol class were High Multi Trauma class membership and UDR service, with Age and Moderate Combat Class membership having a negative relationship. DISCUSSION: NI veterans could be labelled as 'traumatised' due to high levels of combat/conflict exposure, yet the two combat classes seemed unrelated to membership of poorer mental health classes. UDR membership indicated that living in one's theatre of war could have mental health implications. It was concerning that 45% experienced some co-occurring mental health symptoms with 19% experiencing the poorest symptoms. Hazardous alcohol use appeared unrelated to poor mental health. Further research is needed, utilising robust methods. No clinical inferences are to be made from this exploratory study.

Association of brown adipose tissue activity with circulating sex hormones and fibroblast growth factor 21 in the follicular and luteal phases in young women.

BACKGROUND: Thermogenesis is influenced by fluctuations in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. The thermogenic activity and mass of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are regulated by endocrine factors, including sex hormones and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, the relationship between human BAT and these endocrine fluctuations within individuals remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to assess variations in BAT activity between the luteal and follicular phases and identify correlations with circulating levels of sex hormones and FGF21. METHODS: Healthy young women were enrolled in an observational study. Measurement of BAT activity and blood analyses were performed in both the follicular and luteal phases. BAT activity was analyzed using thermography with 2-h cold exposure. Plasma 17ß-estradiol, progesterone, and FGF21 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A comparative analysis within individuals was conducted in 13 women to compare the follicular and luteal phases. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out in 21 women during the follicular phase only. RESULTS: Plasma 17ß-estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly higher in the luteal phase, whereas plasma FGF21 level was significantly higher in the follicular phase. Comparison analysis found no significant differences in cold-induced BAT activity between the follicular and luteal phases in young women. Correlation analysis in both comparison and sensitivity analyses found that plasma 17ß-estradiol and progesterone levels were not associated with BAT activity, whereas plasma FGF21 levels were significantly and positively correlated with BAT activity only in the follicular phase. In addition, plasma 17ß-estradiol levels in the follicular phase were significantly and positively associated with plasma FGF21 levels in both the comparison and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The thermogenic activity of BAT during cold exposure was comparable between the follicular and luteal phases in young women. Higher BAT activity was associated with elevated levels of plasma FGF21 only in the follicular phase, which is related to increased plasma 17ß-estradiol levels.

Job satisfaction and happiness keys in the prosocial behavior of citizens in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Satisfaction and happiness are two widely studied topics in current literature. Human beings need to find happiness. However, for many authors, satisfaction is a prerequisite for happiness. Satisfaction, in turn, can be approached from different perspectives, such as job satisfaction, health satisfaction, and social life satisfaction. This research analyses the relationship between these variables and their influence on proactive social behaviour. METHODS: The present study utilised the European Social Survey, an academic survey conducted across Europe in its round 10, carried out between 2022 and 2023, with a database of 25,311 valid responses. Structural equation modelling analysis conduct using PLS-SEM with the Smart PLS software. RESULTS: The results demonstrate a direct and significant relationship between overall satisfaction and happiness and between happiness and prosocial behaviour. Similarly, a solid indirect relationship exists between satisfaction and prosocial behaviour in society. Furthermore, job satisfaction is among the variables influencing overall satisfaction and happiness. However, it is not the most important, with satisfaction with social life being the most influential on satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Happiness is one of the main variables that influence people's lives. As we have observed, this happiness has a direct and solid relationship with the individual's level of satisfaction, with job satisfaction and satisfaction with social life being the most influential in this relationship between satisfaction and happiness. Therefore, these conclusions must be understood by both workers and employers and public administrations. Additionally, the relationship between happiness and prosocial behaviour is an interesting topic that the governments of countries and regions in Europe should consider.