Escalation on Kihon Checklist Scores Preceding the Certification of Long-Term Care Need in the Older Population in Japan. A 9-Year Retrospective Study.

Objectives: The Kihon Checklist (KCL) is valuable for predicting long-term care (LTC) certification. However, the precise association between KCL scores and the temporal dynamics of LTC need certification remains unclear. This study clarified the characteristic trajectory of KCL scores in individuals certified for LTC need. Methods: The KCL scores spanning from 2011 to 2019 were obtained from 5630 older individuals, including those certified for LTC need in November 2020, in Iiyama City, Nagano, Japan. We analyzed the KCL score trajectories using a linear mixed model, both before and after propensity score matching. Results: Throughout the 9-year observation period, the KCL scores consistently remained higher in the certified group compared to the non-certified group. Notably, a significant score increase occurred within the 3 years preceding LTC certification. Discussion: Our findings highlight the effectiveness of continuous surveillance using the KCL in identifying individuals likely to require LTC within a few years.

Predicting neural activity of whole body cast shadow through object cast shadow in dynamic environments.

Shadows, as all other objects that surround us, are incorporated into the body and extend the body mediating perceptual information. The current study investigates the hypothesis according to which the perception of object shadows would predict the perception of body shadows. 38 participants (19 males and 19 females) aged 23 years on average were immersed into a virtual reality environment and instructed to perceive and indicate the coincidence or non coincidence between the movement of a ball shadow with regard to ball movement on the one hand, and between their body shadow and their body position in space on the other. Their brain activity was recording via a 32-channel EEG system, in which beta (13.5-30 Hz) oscillations were analyzed. A series of Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) revealed that the beta dynamic oscillations patterns of the bilateral occipito-parieto-frontal pathway associated with the perception of ball shadow appeared to be a significant predictor of the increase in beta oscillations across frontal areas related to the body shadow perception and the decrease in beta oscillations across frontal areas connected to the decision making of the body shadow. Taken together, the findings suggest that inferential thinking ability relative to body shadow would be reliably predicted from object shadows and that the bilateral beta oscillatory modulations would be indicative of the formation of predictive neural frontal assemblies, which encode and infer body shadow neural representation, that is, a substitution of the physical body.

Effects of nitrogen fertilization combined with subsurface irrigation on alfalfa yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency, quality, and economic benefits.

Proper water and fertilizer management strategies are essential for alfalfa cultivation in arid areas. However, at present, the optimal amounts of subsurface irrigation and nitrogen (N) supply for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivation are still unclear. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in 2022 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, to explore the effects of different subsurface irrigation levels (W1, 50% of ETC (crop evapotranspiration); W2, 75% of ETC; W3, 100% of ETC) and N application rates (N0, 0 kg/ha; N1, 75 kg/ha; N2, 150 kg/ha; N3, 225 kg/ha; N4, 300 kg/ha) on alfalfa yield, crop water productivity (CWP), N use efficiency (NUE), quality, and economic benefits. Besides, the least squares method and multiple regression analysis were used to explore the optimal water and N combination for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. The results showed that the alfalfa yield, crude ash content, and partial factor productivity from applied N (PFPN) were the highest under W2 level, but there was no difference in PFPN compared with that under W3 level. The branch number (BN), leaf area index (LAI), yield, CWP, irrigation water productivity (IWP), crude protein content (CPC), and economic benefits increased and then decreased with the increase of N application rate, reaching a maximum at the N2 or N3 level, while the NUE and PFPN decreased with the increase of N application rate. Considering the yield, CWP, NUE, quality, and economic benefits, W2N2 treatment was the optimal for alfalfa cultivation under subsurface irrigation. Besides, when the irrigation volume and N application rate were 69.8 ~ 88.7% of ETC and 145 ~ 190 kg/ha, respectively (confidence interval: 85%), the yield, CPC, and economic benefits reached more than 85% of the maximum. This study will provide technique reference for the water and N management in alfalfa cultivation in Northwest China.

Ecosystem-scale insights into the dynamics of dissolved organic matter in an Asia's largest brackish water lagoon: Sources, fluxes, and biogeochemical significance.

A twenty-four month long observational study conducted in an Asia's largest brackish water ecosystem, Chilika Lagoon, India, aimed to unravel dissolved organic matter (DOM) dynamics in this tropical brackish water ecosystem. The study assessed the interplay between allochthonous and autochthonous DOM sources during lean and active flow periods based on regional rainfall. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrogen (DON), and phosphorus (DOP) fluxes were analyzed, considering catchment runoff, phytoplankton production, benthic-pelagic interactions, and sea-lagoon exchanges as contributors. Contrary to conventional thinking, the study found autochthonous processes to be more significant than conservative mixing in shaping DOM dynamics. It introduced a novel conceptual model illustrating the multifaceted origins of DOM, encompassing catchment runoff, phytoplankton, benthic-pelagic interactions, bacterial activity, and sea-lagoon exchanges. These findings underscore the importance of holistic management strategies for Chilika Lagoon to preserve its ecological health, given its vital role in global carbon cycling, fisheries, and aquaculture.

Postoperative C-reactive protein levels correlate with reduced spinal column mobility after median sternotomy: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The sternum is connected to the spinal column via the ribs, forming the thorax. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the effect of a midline sternotomy on the spinal column, but no in vivo studies have been conducted to date. We investigated the changes in the range of motion of the spinal column before and after midline sternotomy and the perioperative factors that have the greatest influence. Methods: The participants were patients who had undergone cardiac surgery through a standby midline sternotomy. Spinal range of motion in forward flexion was measured before and after surgery. The following perioperative factors were investigated: operating time, days to postoperative measurement, C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement on the third postoperative day, the day of the start of bed release, and the stage of bed release progression on the second postoperative day. Statistics were compared between the two groups before and after surgery for each factor. Multiple regression analysis (forced entry method) was then performed with the change in spinal range of motion, which showed statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative groups, as the dependent variable and each perioperative factor as the independent variable. Results: The study included 93 patients. Postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in thoracic spine range of motion. Multiple regression analysis showed that an increase in CRP on the third postoperative day was responsible for the decrease in thoracic range of motion (ß=-0.30, P<0.01). Conclusions: After median sternotomy, thoracic spine range of motion was decreased and correlated with postoperative inflammation.

COVID-19 information seeking and individuals' protective behaviors: examining the role of information sources and information content.

BACKGROUND: Seeking COVID-19 information promotes individuals to adopt preventive behaviors, including wearing a mask, social distancing, staying away from risky places, and washing hands. This study aims to investigate which information and sources individuals relied on in seeking COVID-19 information and further examine their roles in individuals' adoption of preventive behaviors. METHODS: Through a statistical analysis of 1027 valid responses from citizens in different Chinese cities in 2022 to the self-designed items in an online survey, this study identified individuals' preferred information sources and content on COVID-19. Regarding the information sources and content, the study used multiple regression analysis to examine their associations with individuals' preventive behaviors, and further applied fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore their configurations that increase the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. RESULTS: Individuals preferred information about the newest prevention and control policies, precautions and treatment, and symptoms from the sources of workplace and community, social media, and social live streaming services. Additionally, individuals' preventive behaviors were positively related to the workplace and community (ß = 0.202, p <.001), social live streaming services (ß = 0.089, p <.01), government department websites (ß = 0.079, p <.05), television (ß = 0.073, p <.05), and online news media (ß = 0.069, p <.05), but were negatively associated with newspapers (ß=-0.087, p <.05). Regarding information content, precautions and treatments (ß = 0.211, p <.001), the newest prevention and control policies (ß = 0.173, p <.001), symptoms (ß = 0.152, p <.001), and official rumor-dispelling information (ß = 0.082, p <.05) had a positive relationship with individuals' preventive behaviors. In addition, fsQCA results presented eight configurations that promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors. The total coverage and solution consistency values were 0.869 and 0.987, respectively. Furthermore, COVID-19 information content, the sources of social media and interpersonal sources, and official news media played an essential role in increasing the likelihood of individuals adopting preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that individuals seek various COVID-19 information from multiple sources. The direct and degree of association of information sources and content with individuals' preventive behaviors vary from source to source and from content to content. Information sources and content could combinatorially promote individuals to adopt preventive behaviors through several configurations.

Influence of Orographic Factors on the Distribution of Lichens in the Franz Josef Land Archipelago.

During a geobotanical study of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, 111 lichen species were recorded on 130 sample plots. The significance of orographic factors in the distribution of lichens was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis. It was found that the absolute altitude and distance from the glacier are of the greatest importance for crustose lichens, while for fruticose lichens, the most critical factors were the slope exposure and steepness. Along the altitudinal gradient, the number of species decreased (from 88 to 25). The highest number of species (90) was recorded at distances of 0.1 to 1.0 km from the glacier edge, which is explained by the unstable species composition of areas recently released from under the glacier. The number of species in all groups generally decreased (from 81 to 52) with increasing slope steepness. With an increasing heat supply of slopes (on a gradient from northern to southern), the number of species steadily increased in all groups (from 39 to 75). The low sum of the explained variance values for the first two PCA components (21%) characterizes the specificity of the natural environment of polar deserts, where there is no leading environmental factor.

An acceptance analysis of a sexual health education digital tool in resource-poor regions of Kenya: an UTAUT based survey study.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are a concern in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in low-income areas. Access to sexual health information is limited, partly due to the absence of comprehensive sex education in the national school curriculum and social taboos. In response to these challenges, this study introduces a web-based prototype, designed to provide essential sexual health information, targeting 18 to 35-year-old Kenyans, focusing on contraception, menstruation, and female genital mutilation. METHOD: Aiming to investigate young adults' behavioral intention to use a digital tool for sexuality education, by analyzing factors affecting acceptance and usability in low-income and resource-poor regions in Kenya. To explore the acceptability and use of the developed digital tool, this study used a modified version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), complemented by the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. For statistical analysis, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Linear Regression was used. Regarding the reporting of the E-survey results, the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-surveys (CHERRIES), was considered. RESULTS: Survey information from 77 persons (69 female, 7 male, 1 diverse) were collected. A modified UTAUT appears as an appropriate model for measuring the constructs and integrating evidence-based approaches to advanced and safe sexual healthcare information. Results from the SEM showed perceived usefulness, attitude towards healthcare integrated evidence technology, and usability as well as having a significant positive impact on the acceptance, the intention to use as well as wellbeing. Having the resources and knowledge necessary for the usage of a digital tool turns out to have a significant negative impact. A SUS score of 67.3 indicates the usability of the tool for sexual health information, assessed as okay. CONCLUSIONS: The study adopts validated methods to assess the acceptability and usability of a digital sexual health education tool in Kenya. Emphasizing its potential effectiveness and highlighting the influence of cultural and contextual factors on technology adoption.

Measuring and imaging of transcutaneous bilirubin, hemoglobin, and melanin based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

Significance: Evaluation of biological chromophore levels is useful for detection of various skin diseases, including cancer, monitoring of health status and tissue metabolism, and assessment of clinical and physiological vascular functions. Clinically, it is useful to assess multiple different chromophores in vivo with a single technique or instrument. Aim: To investigate the possibility of estimating the concentration of four chromophores, bilirubin, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and melanin from diffuse reflectance spectra in the visible region. Approach: A new diffuse reflectance spectroscopic method based on the multiple regression analysis aided by Monte Carlo simulations for light transport was developed to quantify bilirubin, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and melanin. Three different experimental animal models were used to induce hyperbilirubinemia, hypoxemia, and melanogenesis in rats. Results: The estimated bilirubin concentration increased after ligation of the bile duct and reached around 18 mg/dl at 50 h after the onset of ligation, which corresponds to the reference value of bilirubin measured by a commercially available transcutaneous bilirubin meter. The concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin and that of deoxygenated hemoglobin decreased and increased, respectively, as the fraction of inspired oxygen decreased. Consequently, the tissue oxygen saturation dramatically decreased. The time course of melanin concentration after depilation of skin on the back of rats was indicative of the supply of melanosomes produced by melanocytes of hair follicles to the growing hair shaft. Conclusions: The results of our study showed that the proposed method is capable of the in vivo evaluation of percutaneous bilirubin level, skin hemodynamics, and melanogenesis in rats, and that it has potential as a tool for the diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinemia, hypoxemia, and pigmented skin lesions.

Similar Material Proportioning Tests and Mechanical Properties Based on Orthogonal Design.

Shaking table tests serve as an effective method to simulate landslides triggered by seismic activities. These laboratory experiments necessitate the use of materials that mimic those encountered in real-world scenarios. For this investigation, materials analogous to field conditions for the shaking table tests were formulated using quartz sand, barite powder, iron powder, gypsum, rosin, and alcohol. Within the model test compositions, iron powder, barite powder, and quartz sand acted as aggregates; gypsum functioned as an additive, and a solution of rosin and alcohol was employed as a binder. Employing the orthogonal design method, the physical and mechanical parameters of these analogous materials were ascertained through double-sided shear tests, as well as uniaxial compression and splitting tests. Subsequent analyses included extreme difference and regression assessments targeting the determinants influencing the physical and mechanical characteristics of these materials. The ultimate goal was to determine the optimal mixing ratios for the model test materials. The findings revealed that the physical and mechanical properties of analogous materials at varying ratios span a broad spectrum, fulfilling the criteria for distinct rock model experiments. A thorough examination of the factors impacting the physical and mechanical properties of these materials was undertaken, elucidating their respective influences. Based on the relative significance of each determinant on the mechanical attributes of the analogous materials, dominant factors were identified for a multiple regression analysis, from which the regression equations corresponding to the test ratios were derived.

Children's understanding of financial literacy and parents' choice of financial knowledge learning methods in Malaysia.

Financial literacy is an essential lifelong skill that should be taught to children at any age. It holds the key to develop a generation of adults who are knowledgeable about money and the economy. Additionally, OECD (2018) suggests that using digital tools could significantly enhance financial literacy and well-being. Therefore, this paper aims to:(i)assess the financial literacy level of primary school children in the northern region of Malaysia and(ii)explore interactive and engaging methods for teaching financial literacy.The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) approach, resulting in 419 primary school students aged 7 to 12 and their parents. An online questionnaire was employed, and multi-regression analysis was conducted. The findings highlighted those primary students displayed a high level of financial literacy, scoring above 80 % on the questionnaire. Furthermore, parents expressed a preference for their children to enroll in personal finance subjects offered by schools, have financial assignments or activities at school, and engage in online financial games. The study emphasized the crucial roles of schools, teachers, and active parental involvements to enhance financial literacy. This study recommends incorporating interactive and attractive teaching methods through in-class and online activities at the school level.

Developing a prototype system of computer-aided appointment scheduling: A radiology department case study.

BACKGROUND: Scheduling patient appointments in hospitals is complicated due to various types of patient examinations, different departments and physicians accessed, and different body parts affected. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the radiology scheduling problem, which involves multiple radiological technologists in multiple examination rooms, and then proposes a prototype system of computer-aided appointment scheduling based on information such as the examining radiological technologists, examination departments, the patient's body parts being examined, the patient's gender, and the patient's age. METHODS: The system incorporated a stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA) model to predict the number of examination images and then used the K-Means clustering with a decision tree classification model to classify the patient's examination time within an appropriate time interval. RESULTS: The constructed prototype creates a feasible patient appointment schedule by classifying patient examination times into different categories for different patients according to the four types of body parts, eight hospital departments, and 10 radiological technologists. CONCLUSION: The proposed patient appointment scheduling system can schedule appointment times for different types of patients according to the type of visit, thereby addressing the challenges associated with diversity and uncertainty in radiological examination services. It can also improve the quality of medical treatment.

Mega-city construction engineering to residential satisfaction: new insights from Yan' an of China.

Introduction: The contradiction among population, economy and urbanization has gradually intensified, and the Mountain Excavation and City Construction (MECC) project is one of the special solutions. Nevertheless, there are few comparative studies on the project index studies and effect of MECC projects on residential satisfaction. To remedy this deficiency, this study base on the Yan'an new district (YND) reconstruction project, attempting to analyze the specific influencing factors prerelocation and post-relocation from the perspective of residential satisfaction. Methods: After conducting reliability and validity analysis on each dimension, multiple linear regression and paired t-test were used to analyze and compare the questionnaire data. Results: The results show that the residential satisfaction index of the YND is indeed higher than that of the Yan'an old district (YOD). Concurrently, the decisive factors of residential satisfaction are also different. Specifically, the interpersonal communication, supporting facilities, community environment and economic income are significant in the YOD, but only the aspect of supporting facilities is negative significant. The supporting facilities, community environment, economic income and urban development are all positive significant in the YND. The satisfaction factors of middle-aged people in YOD and YND have the most significant differences, and the significance of each dimension is different. Discussion: The research results of this study provide a comparative perspective at the micro-level for evaluating China's urban construction, and it supplies specific directions for future urban development and the improvement of old cities through the new residential satisfaction index.

Instructors' self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and challenges in transitioning to online learning.

Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study investigated instructors' online teaching self-efficacy during the sudden, COVID-19-induced transition to online teaching. The pandemic has forced instructors to shift to online teaching, arming them with valuable hands-on experience in this alternative teaching mode. This study examined instructors' online teaching self-efficacy, perceived benefits, intention to implement online teaching strategies in their future teaching, and the challenges encountered during this transition. A total of 344 instructors completed the developed and validated questionnaire. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression modeling, using the stepwise estimation technique. The findings demonstrate that affiliated universities, the quality of online learning, and previous use of learning management systems (LMS) are significant predictors of instructors' online teaching self-efficacy. Online teaching self-efficacy, along with gender, quality of online learning, and professional training are significant predictors of the perceived benefits of online learning during emergencies. Meanwhile, the quality of online learning and professional training are significant predictors of instructors' intention to implement online teaching strategies and learning technology tools. Instructors ranked remote assessment as the most challenging factor in online teaching during emergencies, and internet access or internet speed as the first and most complicated hindrance for students in this transition. This study helps in understanding instructors' online teaching self-efficacy during the sudden transition and the positive consequences of shifting to the online mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the higher education field. Recommendations and implications are discussed.

Las actitudes y autoconcepto físico como condicionantes de la práctica de actividad física / Atitudes e autoconceito físico como determinantes da prática da actividade física / Attitudes and physical self-concept as determinants of physical activity practice

La práctica habitual de actividad física (AF) en la adolescencia es elemental para gozar de buena salud a lo largo de la vida; por tanto, estudiar las variables que condicionan el comportamiento de esta es de gran importancia para reforzar o modificar oportunamente la conducta a fin de garantizar una sociedad más saludable. En ese sentido, el objetivo principal este estudio fue examinar la correlación y relación entre las actitudes y el autoconcepto físico con la práctica de AF en adolescentes peruanos. Se trata de una investigación empírica de corte asociativo en el que participaron 1264 escolares con edades entre 14 y 17 años (15.51±.94), provenientes de instituciones públicas y privadas de Lima y Callao, Perú, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, un cuestionario de actitudes hacia la práctica de actividad físico-deportiva, un cuestionario de autoconcepto físico y un inventario de actividad física habitual. Los resultados, en primer lugar, evidenciaron que la mayor puntuación de correlación entre las variables estudiadas se dio entre actitudes y práctica de AF (.511), que fue corroborada por un tamaño del efecto grande (.25). En segundo lugar, se encontró que el 25.1 % de la variabilidad de la práctica se debe a los cambios en las actitudes y el autoconcepto físico. Además, según el análisis de regresión múltiple el modelo planteado resultó ser válido (y = - .560 + .894x1+0.94x2). Así, por un lado, se explica que por cada punto que se aumenta en actitudes (x1), la práctica de AF aumenta .894 en promedio, manteniendo constante el autoconcepto físico (x2); por otro lado, por cada punto que se aumenta en autoconcepto físico (x2), la práctica de AF aumenta .94 en promedio, manteniendo constante las actitudes (x1). En conclusión, se demuestra que las actitudes y/o el autoconcepto físico de los adolescentes condicionan la práctica de AF. (AU)

The regular practice of physical activity (PA) in adolescence is essential for good health throughout life; therefore, studying the variables that condition PA behavior is of great importance to reinforce or modify behavior in a timely manner in order to guarantee a healthier society. In this sense, the main objective of this study was to examine the correlation and relationship between attitudes and physical self-concept with PA practice in Peruvian adolescents. This is an empirical research of an associative nature in which 1264 schoolchildren aged between 14 and 17 years (15.51±.94), from public and private institutions in Lima and Callao, Peru, participated in a sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire of attitudes towards the practice of physical-sports activity, a physical self-concept questionnaire and an inventory of habitual physical activity. The results, firstly, showed that the highest correlation score between the variables studied was between attitudes and PA practice (.511), which was corroborated by a large effect size (.25). Second, 25.1 % of the variability in practice was found to be due to changes in attitudes and physical self-concept. In addition, according to the multiple regression analysis, the model proposed proved to be valid (y = -.560 + .894x1+0.94x2). Thus, on the one hand, it is explained that for eachpoint that is increased in attitudes (x1), PApractice increases .894 on average, keeping physical self-concept constant (x2); on the other hand, for each point thatis increased in physical self-concept (x2), PA practice increases .94 on average, keepingattitudes constant (x1). In conclusion, it isshown that the attitudes and/or physical self-concept of adolescents condition PA practice. (AU)

A prática regular da actividade física (AF) na adolescência é essencial para uma boa saúde ao longo da vida; por conseguinte, o estudo das variáveis que condicionam o comportamento da AF é de grande importância para reforçar ou modificar o comportamento de forma atempada, a fim de assegurar uma sociedade mais saudável. Neste sentido, o principal objectivo deste estudo era examinar a correlação e relação entre as atitudes e o autoconceito físico com a prática de AP em adolescentes peruanos. Trata-se de uma investigação empírica de natureza associativa na qual participaram 1264 alunos com idades compreendidas entre os 14 e os 17 anos (15,51±,94) de instituições públicas e privadas em Lima e Callao, Peru. Foi-lhes administrado um questionário sócio-demográfico, um questionário de atitudes relativamente à prática da actividade físico-desportiva, um questionário de auto-conceito físico e um inventário da actividade física habitual. Os resultados, em primeiro lugar, mostraram que a maior pontuação de correlação entre as variáveis estudadas foi entre as atitudes e a prática de AF (.511), o que foi corroborado por uma grande dimensão de efeito (.25). Em segundo lugar, verificou-se que 25,1% da variabilidade na prática era devida a mudanças de atitudes e autoconceito físico. Além disso, de acordo com a análise de regressão múltipla, o modelo foi considerado válido (y = -.560+ .894x1+0,94x2). Assim, por um lado, explica-se que para cada ponto que é aumentado em atitudes (x1), a prática de PA aumenta .894 em média, mantendo constante o autoconceito físico (x2); por outro lado, para cada ponto que é aumentado em autoconceito físico (x2), a prática de PA aumenta .94 em média, mantendo constantes as atitudes (x1). Em conclusão, é demonstrado que as atitudes e/ou o autoconceito físico dos adolescentes condicionam a prática de AP. (AU)

Longitudinal development of muscle strength and relationship with motor unit activity and muscle morphological characteristics in youth athletes.

Neural and morphological adaptations determine gains of muscle strength. For youth athletes, the importance of morphological adaptation is typically highlighted based on the change in maturity status. However, the long-term development of neural components in youth athletes remains unclear. The present study investigated the longitudinal development of muscle strength, muscle thickness (MT), and motor unit firing activity of the knee extensor and their relationships in youth athletes. Seventy male youth soccer players (mean ± SD age = 16.3 ± 0.6 years) performed neuromuscular, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC), and submaximal ramp contraction (at 30 and 50% MVC) tests with knee extensors, two times with a 10-month measurement interval. High-density surface electromyography was recorded from the vastus lateralis and decomposed to identify each individual motor unit activity. MT was evaluated by the sum of the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius thicknesses. Finally, sixty-four participants were employed to compare MVC and MT, and 26 participants were employed to analyze motor unit activity. MVC and MT were increased from pre to post (p < 0.05, 6.9 and 1.7% for MVC and MT, respectively). Y-intercept of the regression line between median firing rate vs. recruitment threshold was also increased (p < 0.05, 13.3%). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the gains of both MT and Y-intercept were explanatory variables for the gain of strength. These findings suggest that the neural adaptation could also make the important contribution to the strength gain for the youth athletes over a 10-month training period.

The first rib as a method of adult age-at-death estimation in a modern South African sample.

An age-at-death estimation method using the first rib may be particularly advantageous as this rib is relatively easy to identify, not easily damaged postmortem, and associated with less mechanical stresses compared to other age indicators. Previously, mixed results have been achieved using the first rib to estimate age-at-death. This study aimed to develop and test an age-at-death estimation method using the first rib. An identified modern black South African sample of 260 skeletons were used to collect age-related data from the first rib. Multiple linear regression analysis equations were created from this data for male, female, and combined samples. When tested on a hold-out sample, equations generated mean inaccuracies of 7-13 years for point estimates. The 95% confidence intervals contained the true age in 11-33% of individuals depending on the equation used, but wider intervals generated using 95% prediction intervals contained true ages for 100% of individuals. Point estimate inaccuracies are comparable to other age-at-death estimation methods and may be useful if single indicator estimation is unavoidable in the case of missing or damaged bones. However, combined methods that use indicators from many areas of the skeleton are preferable and may reduce interval widths.

Multiple regression analysis of risk factors related to radiation pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND: Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a severe complication of thoracic radiotherapy that may lead to dyspnea and lung fibrosis, and negatively affects patients' quality of life. AIM: To carry out multiple regression analysis on the influencing factors of radiation pneumonitis. METHODS: Records of 234 patients receiving chest radiotherapy in Huzhou Central Hospital (Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China) from January 2018 to February 2021, and the patients were divided into either a study group or a control group based on the presence of radiation pneumonitis or not. Among them, 93 patients with radiation pneumonitis were included in the study group and 141 without radiation pneumonitis were included in the control group. General characteristics, and radiation and imaging examination data of the two groups were collected and compared. Due to the statistical significance observed, multiple regression analysis was performed on age, tumor type, chemotherapy history, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), carbon monoxide diffusion volume (DLCO), FEV1/FVC ratio, planned target area (PTV), mean lung dose (MLD), total number of radiation fields, percentage of lung tissue in total lung volume (vdose), probability of normal tissue complications (NTCP), and other factors. RESULTS: The proportions of patients aged ≥ 60 years and those with the diagnosis of lung cancer and a history of chemotherapy in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); FEV1, DLCO, and FEV1/FVC ratio in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while PTV, MLD, total field number, vdose, and NTCP were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, lung cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy history, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PTV, MLD, total number of radiation fields, vdose, and NTCP were risk factors for radiation pneumonitis. CONCLUSION: We have identified patient age, type of lung cancer, history of chemotherapy, lung function, and radiotherapy parameters as risk factors for radiation pneumonitis. Comprehensive evaluation and examination should be carried out before radiotherapy to effectively prevent radiation pneumonitis.

MRI assessment of femoral head docking following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

AIMS: Eccentric reductions may become concentric through femoral head 'docking' (FHD) following closed reduction (CR) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). However, changes regarding position and morphology through FHD are not well understood. We aimed to assess these changes using serial MRI. METHODS: We reviewed 103 patients with DDH successfully treated by CR and spica casting in a single institution between January 2016 and December 2020. MRI was routinely performed immediately after CR and at the end of each cast. Using MRI, we described the labrum-acetabular cartilage complex (LACC) morphology, and measured the femoral head to triradiate cartilage distance (FTD) on the midcoronal section. A total of 13 hips with initial complete reduction (i.e. FTD < 1 mm) and ten hips with incomplete MRI follow-up were excluded. A total of 86 patients (92 hips) with a FTD > 1 mm were included in the analysis. RESULTS: At the end of the first cast period, 73 hips (79.3%) had a FTD < 1 mm. Multiple regression analysis showed that FTD (p = 0.011) and immobilization duration (p = 0.028) were associated with complete reduction. At the end of the second cast period, all 92 hips achieved complete reduction. The LACC on initial MRI was inverted in 69 hips (75.0%), partly inverted in 16 hips (17.4%), and everted in seven hips (7.6%). The LACC became everted-congruent in 45 hips (48.9%) and 92 hips (100%) at the end of the first and second cast period, respectively. However, a residual inverted labrum was present in 50/85 hips (58.8%) with an initial inverted or partly inverted LACC. CONCLUSION: An eccentric reduction can become concentric after complete reduction and LACC remodelling following CR for DDH. Varying immobilization durations were required for achieving complete reduction. A residual inverted labrum was present in more than half of all hips after LACC remodelling.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):140-147.

Short-Term Outcomes of Surgery and Rehabilitation on Activities of Daily Living after Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures: Structural Equation Modeling.

In order to explore the factors affecting patients' level of activities of daily living (ADL) on discharge after undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures at an acute care hospital, patient data were analyzed with the following statistical tools: multiple regression analysis (MRA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and simultaneous analysis of several groups (SASG). The Barthel Index (BI) on discharge was set as the objective variable, while age, sex, degree of dementia, BI on admission, number of days from admission to surgery, surgical option, and number of rehabilitation units per day were set as explanatory variables. Factors such as age, sex, degree of dementia, BI on admission, and number of rehabilitation units per day were significant in MRA. While not significant in MRA, the number of days from admission to surgery was significant in SEM. According to the SASG, the number of rehabilitation units per day was significant for patients without dementia but not for patients with dementia. Analysis of real-world data suggests that early surgery and rehabilitation affect ADL on discharge to a greater degree than the surgical method. For patients without dementia, longer daily rehabilitation was significantly associated with better ADL on discharge.