TThe aim of the work is to present a newly developed stand and methodology of accelerated tests of fatigue strength of flexible propellers and fins. The paper presents the design and concepts of the measuring elements used in the research. Test methodology and water stressing were devel-oped. The mechanical properties of the following materials were presented: Arnitel EL-550 and QUEO 8230 with the addition of PP / EVA 50/50 (polypropylene / ethylene-vinyl acetate) - in the proportion of 70/30 (QUEO 8230 / additive). The constructed test stand and a new method of fa-tigue testing of biomimetic fins made it possible to determine the number of fin movement cy-cles under a given load, which may facilitate the determination of a warranty for a newly intro-duced product. The current consumption by the fin drive and video monitoring allowed for the selection of the range of the number of movement cycles and the determination of the moment of fatigue cracks until the fin structure loses its capacity. During the analysis, the test results showed that the fins made of Arnitel EL-550 did not show changes in the measured values of the current and the force generated by the fin. For a fin made of QUEO 8230, at 35,000 cycles, there is a decrease in the current and force consumed, which indicates the initiation of fatigue damage to the fin. The performed tests can be the basis for the development of standards for the fatigue strength of flexible propellers.

The increasing availability of longitudinal data (repeated numerical observations of same units at different times) requires the development of flexible techniques to automatically detect common errors in such data. Besides obvious and easily identifiable cases, such as missing or out-of-range data, large longitudinal dataset often present problems not easily traceable by the techniques used for generic datasets. In particular, elusive and baffling problems are i) inversion of one or more values from one unit to another; ii) anomalous jumps in the series of values, iii) errors in the timing of the values due to a recalculation operated by the data providers to compensate previous errors. This work proposes a statistical-mathematical approach based on a system of indicators that is able to capture the complexity of the described problems by working at the formal level, regardless of the specific meaning of the data. The proposed approach identifies suspect erroneous data and is applicable in a variety of contexts. We implement this approach in a relevant database of European Higher Education institutions (ETER) by analyzing Total academic staff, that is one of the most important variables, used in empirical analysis as proxy of size and also considered by policy makers at European level.

The emotion of disgust protects individuals against pathogens, and it has been found that during pregnancy, it is elevated. Physiological mechanisms discussed in relation to these changes include immune markers and progesterone levels. The aim of this study is to assess the association between steroids and disgust in pregnancy. In a sample of 179 pregnant women, we have analyzed blood serum steroid concentrations and measured disgust sensitivity by text-based questionnaires in the first and third trimester. We found positive correlations between disgust sensitivity and the levels of C19 steroids, including testosterone, but also its precursors in the Δ5 pathway (androstenediol, DHEA, and their sulfates) and the Δ4 pathway (androstenedione). Furthermore, positive correlations between disgust sensitivity and 5α/β-reduced C19 steroid metabolites were consistently present in both trimesters. In the first trimester, we found a positive association between disgust sensitivity and 17-hydroxypregnanolone as well as some estrogens. In the third trimester, we have observed positive associations between disgust sensitivity and cortisol as well as immunoprotective Δ5 C19 7α/β-hydroxy-steroids. Our study has thus shown that disgust sensitivity is positively correlated with immunomodulatory steroids, and in the third trimester, steroids may reflect potential maternal anxiety-related symptoms.

This longitudinal study examined the development of executive function and calibration accuracy in pre-adolescents. Two hundred sixty two students(127 females) from grades 4 (n = 91), 5 (n = 89) and 6 (n = 82) took measures of executive function and performance calibration in a sport task, three times within a period of 20 months. A latent growth curve modeling analysis showed a significant relation between the rates of change of executive function and calibration. Further, the results showed a dynamic interplay in the development of executive function and calibration. There were significant inter-individual differences in the estimated population means both in executive function and calibration and in the rate of change of executive function, but not in the rate of change for calibration. The age of the participants had a positive effect only on the estimated population mean of executive function.

Few studies have examined the dietary protein intake and sources in combination with the longitudinal changes in brain structure markers. Our study aimed to examine the association between dietary protein intake and different sources of dietary protein with the longitudinal rate of change in brain structural markers. A total of 2723 and 2679 participants from the UK Biobank were included in the analysis. The relative and absolute amounts of dietary protein intake were calculated through a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. The longitudinal change rates of brain structural biomarkers were computed using two waves of brain imaging data. We utilized multiple linear regression to examine the association between dietary protein and different sources and the longitudinal changes in brain structural biomarkers. Restrictive cubic splines were used to explore nonlinear relationships, and stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Increasing the proportion of animal protein in dietary protein intake is associated with a slower reduction in the total hippocampus volume (THV, β: -0.02524, P<0.05), left hippocampus volume (LHV, β: -0.02435, P<0.01) and right hippocampus volume (RHV, β: -0.02544, P<0.05).Higher intake of animal protein relative to plant protein is linked to a lower atrophy rate in THV (β: -0.01249, P<0.05) and LHV (β: -0.01173, P<0.05) and RHV (β: -0.01193, P<0.05). Individuals with higher intake of seafood exhibit lower longitudinal rate of change in HV compared to those with no consume (THV, β: -0.004514; P<0.05; RHV, β: -0.005527, P<0.05). In subgroup and sensitivity analyses, there was not a significantly alteration. A moderate increase in the intake and proportion of animal protein in the diet, especially from seafood, is associated with a lower longitudinal change rate in hippocampus volume.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is utilized to study entropy generation for the rarefied steady state laminar 2-D flow of air-Al2O3 nanofluid in square cavity equipped with two solid fins at the hot wall. Such flows are of great importance in industrial applications, such cooling of the electronic equipment’s and nuclear reactors. In the current study, effects of Knudsen number (Kn), Rayleigh number (Ra) and the nano solid particles volume fraction (ϕ) on the entropy generation are investigated. The values of parameters considered in this work are as follows: 0≤Kn≤0.1, 〖10〗^3≤Ra≤〖10〗^6,0≤ϕ≤0.2. Length of the fins (LF) is considered to be fixed and equals to 0.5 m, whereas the location of the fins with respect to the lower wall (HF) is set to 0.25 and 0.75 m. Simulations demonstrate that there is an inverse direct effect of Kn on the entropy generation. Moreover, it is found that when Ra is less than 104, the entropy generation, due to the flow, increases as ϕ increases. In addition, the entropy generation due to the flow will decrease at Ra greater than 104 as ϕ increases. Moreover, the entropy generation due to heat will increase as both the ϕ and Ra increase. In addition, a correlation model of the total entropy generation as a function of all of the investigated parameters in this study is proposed. Finally, an optimization technique is adapted to find out the conditions at which the total entropy generation is minimized

It is commonly recognized that a ship’s ability to maintain stability is dependent upon the way its loads are distributed. This means making sure the center of gravity is sufficiently low and evenly distributed. Yet when a ship encounters turbulent water with extremely large wave amplitudes, load distribution is a critical factor in determining how stressed the ship becomes. In particular, this article examines several methods for increasing the ship's longitudinal strength to prevent ship structural damage during hogging and sagging. This research presents a number of proposed techniques to enhance the longitudinal strength of cargo ships in order to guarantee minimal stress and deformation during sagging and hogging. The first method is the stern-to-bow use of curved support structures to increase the longitudinal strength of a cargo ship. And another way to stiffen the lateral plate is the proposed use of different designs of the side plate, such as wavy curves, stars, etc. To further boost the strength, the lateral plate upper part is suggested to curve upward. A numerical simulation using ANSYS of the stiffened plate when subjected to uniform load distribution and fixed support on either end shows that there is a decrease in deformation of the plate when we use wavy curved plates compared with those of the other plate stiffening methods used, and furthermore, curving the plate on top increases its strength during sagging as well as hogging. Finally, the use of a curved support structure further enhanced the overall longitudinal strength of the vessel.

In the face of escalating cybercriminal sophistication, an innovative approach to network anomaly detection has been pursued in this longitudinal study, integrating computational data analytics in a geographic, organizational, and behavioral context. A data-driven scoring mechanism was employed to systematically analyze and correlate source countries of IP addresses and organization-associated Autonomous System (AS) Numbers (ASN) with network anomalies. Significant correlations between certain countries, specific organizations, and high behavior scores were identified through the data analytics. An increase in connection requests was also found to be linked with elevated behavior scores. Validated by cross-validation techniques, these findings emphasize the necessity for continuous model recalibration. The transformative role of integrative data analytics in cybersecurity is underscored, paving the way for the development of more sophisticated, context-aware anomaly detection systems. Specifically, the analysis underscores the need for organizations to adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity that can keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.

In this study, the thermal behavior of a PCM-based heat sink in the presence of horizontal fins was numerically investigated. These types of heat sink can be effective in electronic cooling applications. Independent variables included aspect ratio (AR), number of horizontal fins (n) and their length (LR), while the objective function was defined to maximize the safe operation time (tmax). The incorporation of horizontal fins has a positive effect (thermal conductivity enhancement) as well as a negative effect (latent heat reduction). Based on the results, the optimal number of horizontal fins was five. As the number of fins rises up to five, the incremental effect of thermal conductivity improvement (positive effect) was superior to the decremental effect of the latent heat reduction (negative effect), hence the objective function (tmax) improved. However, with a further increase in the number of fins upon five, the negative effect prevailed over the positive effect and therefore the safe operation time diminished.

To better understand anogenital warts (AGW) natural history and dynamic of HPV6/11 infection in regional hairs, 32 newly diagnosed AGW male patients and 32 age-matched healthy controls were closely followed. During enrollment and six follow-up visits (every 2.6 months) 43 AGW tissue and 1,232 anogenital and eyebrow hair samples were collected. This represents the closest longitudinal monitoring of AGW patients to date. Patients were treated according to standard-of-care. HPV6/11 prevalence was 19.9% in patients’ hair samples (HPV6 B1 in 87.5%) and 0% in controls. The highest HPV6/11 prevalence was found in pubic hairs (29.0%) and lowest in eyebrows (7.1%). Odds for HPV6/11-positive hairs increased with smoking, shaving anogenital region and age. A close association between HPV6/11 presence in hairs and clinically visible AGW was observed. The proportion of patients with visible AGW and HPV6/11-positive hairs declined during follow-up with similar trends. No particular HPV6/11 variant was linked with increased AGW recurrence, but sublineage HPV6 B1 showed significantly higher clearance from hairs. Despite treatment, 78.1% and 62.5% of AGW patients experienced one and two/more post-initial AGW episodes, respectively. Patients having HPV6/11-positive hairs or visible AGW at preceding visit demonstrated substantially higher odds for presenting with visible AGW in subsequent visit.

The goal of newborn screening is to improve health outcomes by identifying and treating affected newborns. This manuscript provides an overview of a data tool to facilitate the longitudinal collection of health information on newborns diagnosed with a condition through NBS. The Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN) developed the Longitudinal Pediatric Data Resource (LPDR) to capture, store, analyze, visualize, and share genomic and phenotypic data over the lifespan of NBS identified newborns to facilitate understanding of genetic disease, and to assess the impact of early identification and treatment. NBSTRN developed a consensus-based process using clinical care experts to create, maintain, and evolve question and answer sets organized into common data elements (CDEs). The LPDR contains 24,172 core and disease-specific CDEs for 118 rare genetic diseases, and the CDEs are being made available through the NIH CDE Repository. The number of CDEs for each condition average of 2,200 with a range from 69 to 7,944. The LPDR is used by state NBS programs, clinical researchers, and community-based organizations. Case level, de-identified data sets are available for secondary research and data mining. The development of the LPDR for longitudinal data gathering, sharing, and analysis supports research and facilitates the translation of new discoveries into clinical practice.

This paper focuses on a joint model to analyse longitudinal proportion and survival data. After transforming the longitudinal proportional data by a logit function, we adopt a partially linear mixed-effect model for it, in which nonlinear function of time is fitted via using B-splines technique and a centered Dirichlet Process Mixture Model (CDPMM) is specified for a general distribution of random effects. The survival data is assumed to a Cox proportional hazard model, the sharing random effects joint model is developed for the two types of data. Combining the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, we propose a Bayesian Lasso (BLasso) method to simultaneously estimate unknown parameters and select important covariates. Simulation studies are conducted to investigate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods. An example from the MA.5 research experiment is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.

Millions of children in developing countries face preventable deaths due to inadequate vaccination and malnutrition, in part due to insufficient monitoring and the absence of official identification. A reliable fingerprint recognition system can be a practical solution to address this issue. However, the scarcity of longitudinal fingerprint datasets for young children leads to unresolved questions regarding the earliest age for fingerprint biometric use, the frequency of enrollment required for reliable recognition, and the methods to accommodate agerelated changes. A few recent studies introduced high-resolution fingerprint scanners and showed promising recognition performance for young children. However, these studies were conducted on a small dataset over a shorter period with limited diversity; further evaluation of their finding is essential. This study assessed the effectiveness of a high-resolution contactless scanner in a controlled, diverse longitudinal dataset of children (0-15 years). Our results indicate that infants can be enrolled at five days old and reliably recognized after two months with a TAR= 100% @ FAR = 0.1%, and children aged 4-15 years can be recognized after one year with a TAR= 98.72% @ FAR = 0.1%.

The global population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to low exposure to sunlight and low intake of the vitamin through diet. The aim was to investigate in women the association between vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone (PTH), ultraviolet radiation, lifestyle, ethnicity, social conditions, and residential greenness. A 1-year longitudinal study assessed vitamin D status in 309 women, latitude 51° 14' N. Blood samples were taken four times throughout the year for analysis of 25(OH)D and serum PTH concentration. After each seasonal visit, the individuals completed 4-day diet diaries and used two dosimeter badges for 1 week to estimate weekly UVR exposure. A questionnaire was applied to provide information about lifestyle and their ethnicity. Residential greenness was measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), within a 1000 m radius around each participant’s home address. Women living in greener spaces were more likely to have improved vitamin D status (RR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.13 – 2.02), as well as those who were more exposed to UVR (RR: 2.05; 95%CI: 1.44 – 2.92). Our results provided a first insight into the connection between vitamin D, residential greenness, and lifestyle in a region of temperate climate and with a high degree of urbanization.

Permeable asphalt pavement refers to an asphalt mixture layer with an air void content of more than 18% and internal water permeability and drainage capabilities, which can quickly drain away water on the road surface, improve rainy day travel safety and ride comfort. This paper aims to explore the optimal asphalt mixture mix design for long longitudinal slope roads. By using CT scanning technology to analyze the air void content of different rotated and compacted asphalt mixture specimens, and extensively testing and evaluating the performance of permeable pavement mixtures, the following conclusions are drawn: Based on the research philosophy of functional integration, a new asphalt mixture gradation suitable for long longitudinal slope roads is proposed, with the optimal key factor composition being: 0.075mm passing rate of 7%, 2.36mm passing rate of 20%, 9.5mm passing rate of 55%, and oil-stone ratio of 4.8%. The FAM mixture was divided into three parts for air void analysis, with the upper part having a slightly higher air void content than the lower part. The air void distribution diagram of the FAM mixture is concave, with higher air void rate curves on both sides and a lower middle curve. Compared with laboratory dry measurement method, CT scanning test showed slightly higher air void content in specimens. Through dynamic modulus testing, the strength requirement for road asphalt mixture in pavement structure design was evaluated. It was found that at high temperature conditions (50℃), the minimum dynamic modulus value of the FAM mixture was 323 MPa, with a peak value of 22746MPa at a temperature of -10℃ and a frequency of 25HZ. The dynamic modulus value at high temperature conditions is lower than at low temperature conditions, while the dynamic modulus value at high frequency conditions is higher than at low frequency conditions. This study provides useful information and experimental data for the design of new asphalt mixtures for long longitudinal slope roads, and has conducted in-depth research on the air void distribution and performance of the mixture, providing strong support for related research fields and practical applications.

Excessive online behaviors refer to harmful or disproportionate use of digital network applications. Such behaviors are likely to be associated with escapist motives. Our aim was to analyze whether escapism predicts excessive gambling, excessive gaming, and excessive internet use over time. A longitudinal sample of Finnish residents aged 18–75 years (N = 1,022, 51.27% male) was surveyed at three time points in 6-month intervals: April 2021 (Time 1), October–November 2021 (Time 2), April–May 2022 (Time 3). Of the original Time 1 respondents, 66.80% took part in the surveys at both Time 2 and Time 3. All surveys included measures for excessive gambling (Problem Gambling Severity Index), excessive gaming (Internet Gaming Disorder Test), and excessive internet use (Compulsive Internet Use Scale). Three escapism-specific questions were used to construct a dedicated escapism variable. Socio-demographic variables, alcohol consumption, and psychological distress were used as controls. The study was conducted with multilevel regression analyses using hybrid models. Our research showed that escapism had strong within-person effects on excessive gambling, B = 0.18, p = .003; excessive gaming, B = 0.50, p < .001; and excessive internet use, B = 0.77, p < .001 over time. The between-person effect of escapism was demonstrated on excessive gaming B = 0.91, p <.001; and excessive internet use B = 0.61, p = .036. Adverse societal events and uncertain times can manifest in excessive online behaviors motivated by escapism, highlighting a need to focus prevention efforts on healthy coping methods.

The importance of cognitive health for academic success is well-recognized. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in first grade at school. 133 South Estonian children aged 6-7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7-8 years when they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative handgrip strength and standing long jump tests, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in pre-school with perceptual, conceptual or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, higher MF in preschool predicted higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for con-founders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed predominantly predict later cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher muscular fitness in preschool predicted better verbal skills in first grade at school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.

Widespread patterns of poor dietary behavior are a key factor causing the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases around the world. Research provides initial insights into the potential of food literacy (FL) to empower individuals to improve their dietary behavior. Yet, studies on FL interventions in working adults are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of a comprehensive 3-week workplace health promotion program (WHPP) on FL and dietary intake (DI) and to examine the association between FL and DI in a sample of 144 German office workers (30.0% female). Using two random intercept mixed linear regression models, we found significant strong improvements for both FL (β = 0.52, p < .0001) and DI (β = 0.63, p < .0001) after the WHPP when compared to baseline. Significant long-term improvements at 18 months where strong for FL (β = 0.55, p < .0001) and small for DI (β = 0.10, p < .0001). FL showed a significant moderate effect on DI across all measurement time points (β = 0.24, p < .0001). Our study fills a gap of long-term findings in the literature on FL interventions, offers insights into underlying mechanisms, and provides recommendations for effective WHPPs.

Background: Studies have linked bats to outbreaks in human populations such as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Method: We carried out a longitudinal survey from August 2020 to July 2021 at two sites in Zimbabwe with bat-human interactions: Magweto cave and Chirundu farm. A total 1732 and 1866 individual bat faecal samples were collected respectively. Coronaviruses and bat species were amplified using PCR systems respectively. Results: Analysis of the coronavirus sequences revealed a high genetic diversity and we identified different sub-viral groups in the Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus genus. The established sub-viral groups fell within the described Alphacoronavirus sub-genera: Decacovirus, Duvinacovirus, Rhinacovirus, Setracovirus and Minunacovirus and for Betacoronavirus sub-genera: Sarbecoviruses, Merbecovirus and Hibecovirus. Our results showed an overall proportion for CoV positive PCR tests of 23.7% at Chirundu site, 16.5% and 38.9% at Magweto site for small insectivorous bats and Macronycteris gigas respectively. Conclusion: The higher risk of bat coronaviruses exposure for humans ranged from December to March in relation to higher viral shedding peaks of coronaviruses in the parturition, lactation and weaning months of the bat populations at both sites. We also highlight the need to further document viral infectious risk in human/domestic animal populations surrounding bat habitats in Zimbabwe.

Outliers can influence regression model parameters and change the direction of the estimated effect, over-estimating or under-estimating the strength of the association between a response variable and an exposure of interest. Identifying visit-level outliers from longitudinal data with continuous time-dependent covariates is important especially when the distribution of such variable is highly skewed at follow-up visits. The primary objective was to identify potential outliers at follow-up visits using interquartile range (IQR) statistic, motivated by a large TEDDY dietary longitudinal and time-to-event data with a continuous time varying vitamin B12 intake as the exposure of interest and time to developing Islet Autoimmunity (IA) as the response variable. The IQR method was also applied to simulated data. To assess the impact of IQR-method detected outliers, data was analyzed using Cox-proportional hazard model with robust sandwich estimator. Partial residual diagnostic plots were used to detect highly influential outliers. Results showed how some of the detected outliers had large influence on the Cox regression model and changed both the direction of hazard ratios and the strength of association with the risk of developing IA. In conclusion, the IQR method is useful in identifying potential outliers at visit-level which can be further investigated.

In current diagnostic systems, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are still conceptualized as distinct categorical entities. Recently, both clinical and genetic evidence have challenged this Kraepelinian dichotomy. There are only few longitudinal studies addressing the potential overlaps between these conditions. Here, we present design and first results of the PsyCourse study, an ongoing transdiagnostic study of the affective-to-psychotic continuum that combines longitudinal deep phenotyping and dimensional assessment of psychopathology with an extensive collection of biomaterial. Within the DSM-IV framework, we compare two broad diagnostic groups: one consisting of predominantly affective and one of predominantly psychotic disorders. Depressive, manic, and psychotic symptoms as well as global functioning over time were analyzed. Furthermore, we explore the effects of polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia on diagnostic group membership and address their effects on non-participation in follow-up visits. While phenotypic results show differences in both current psychotic and manic symptoms, depressive symptoms did not vary between both groups. Polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia significantly explained part of the variability of the diagnostic group. Furthermore, there was a trend that a higher polygenic loading for schizophrenia was associated with attrition. Because of its unique properties, the PsyCourse study presents a prime resource for the interrogation of complex genotype-phenotype relationships.

The present paper presents findings from the follow-up of 185 of these nurses who had been involved in the front-line care of COVID-19 patients in urban centres in Northern England, during and after the “second wave” of COVID patients in November, 2020. Measures of adjustment, stress (including PTSD), and Maslowian self-actualization were added to earlier measures of personality, adjustment, work-life stress, and career intention. Cluster analysis identified three types in the 2020-2023 cohort: I ‘Actualizing Professionals’; (N=62); II ‘Strong Professionals’ (N=56); III ‘Highly Stressed Nurses’ (N=45). These latter very stressed nurses included all nurses (N=16) identified as having PTSD symptoms.

Background: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported chewing status and increases in waist circumference (WC) after 1 year in 10,870 Japanese adults who had received health checkups. Subsequently, 8,068 participants were included in the final analysis at follow-up. Methods: Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire at baseline; 1,080 (13%) respondents were diagnosed as having poor chewing status. We defined an increase in WC of ≥ 5 cm after 1 year as an unhealthy increase; in total, 613 (7.5%) respondents met this criterion. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, WC, body mass index (BMI), and chewing status, an increase in WC ≥ 5 cm was found to be positively associated with gender (females: odds ratios [ORs]: 1.206; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.008–1.443), WC (ORs: 0.967; 95% CIs: 0.954–0.981), BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2; ORs: 2.194; 95% CIs: 1.715–2.808), and chewing status (poor; ORs: 1.356; 95% CIs: 1.084–1.697). Conclusions: These findings suggest that self-reported poor chewing status is associated with increases in WC after 1 year in Japanese adults.

Introduction: Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in nursing leadership, influencing organizational dynamics and patient care. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of Emotional Intelligence on leadership in Primary Health Care in the Greek context. Methods: A longitudinal experimental design assessed the effects of an educational intervention on EI and leadership among Greek Primary Health Care nurses. Questionnaires, including the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire - form 5x (MLQ), were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in Emotional Intelligence and adoption of transformational leadership styles compared to the control group. Tables highlighted nuanced changes in leadership dynamics post-intervention. Conclusions: Educational interventions effectively enhance nurses' Emotional Intelligence and influence leadership styles, emphasizing the need for tailored professional development programs in nursing education.

The United States is plagued with the highest rates of preventable metabolic diseases it has ever seen, and while poor nutrition is increasingly recognized as a critical contributing factor, good nutrition has been shown to be a potent factor in prevention and management of these illnesses. Notably, nutrition is inextricably intertwined with farming practices and the stewardship of our environment – particularly its soil. In this proposal, we propose a method to expose medical students to basic agricultural and environmental knowledge regarding the production of food, as well as educate them in practical nutrition education within the interactive, case-based, and longitudinal preclinical curriculum at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU SOM). We propose a two-part approach; first: integrating relevant topics in nutrition, culinary medicine, and farming practices into the preclinical blocks through Official Learning Objectives, and second: an optional 8-week, zero credit elective for students interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of these topics. Through these interventions, we believe courses like this will support a generation of physicians able to understand health from soil to plate with a consideration for the environment in addition to exemplifying healthful lifestyles themselves. We believe these kinds of future physicians will be the most effective in treating (and ideally reversing) the chronic disease epidemic.

Prior research shows that individuals who have exhibited antisocial behavior are in poorer health than their same-aged peers. A major driver of poor health is aging itself, yet research has not investigated relationships between offending trajectories and biological aging. We tested the hypothesis that individuals following a life-course persistent (LCP) antisocial trajectory show accelerated aging in midlife. Trajectories of antisocial behavior from age 7 to 26 years were studied in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a population-representative birth cohort (N=1037). Signs of aging were assessed at age 45 years using previously validated measures including biomarkers, clinical tests, and self-reports. First, we tested whether the association between antisocial behavior trajectories and midlife signs of faster aging represented a decline from initial childhood health. We then tested whether decline was attributable to tobacco smoking, antipsychotic medication use, debilitating illnesses in adulthood, adverse exposures in childhood (maltreatment, socioeconomic disadvantage) and adulthood (incarceration), and to childhood self-control difficulties. Study members with a history of antisocial behavior had a significantly faster pace of biological aging by midlife, and this was most evident among individuals following the LCP trajectory (β, .22, 95%CI, .14, .28, p.001). This amounted to 4.3 extra years of biological aging between ages 25-45 years for Study members following the LCP trajectory compared to low-antisocial trajectory individuals. LCP offenders also experienced more midlife difficulties with hearing (β, -.14, 95%CI, -.21, -.08, p.001), balance (β, -.13, 95%CI, -.18, -.06, p.001), gait speed (β, -.18, 95%CI, -.24, -.10, p.001), and cognitive functioning (β, -.25, 95%CI, -.31, -.18, p.001). Associations represented a decline from childhood health. Associations persisted after controlling individually for tobacco smoking, antipsychotic medication use, midlife illnesses, maltreatment, socioeconomic status, incarceration, and childhood self-control difficulties. However, the cumulative effect of these lifestyle characteristics together explained why LCP offenders have a faster Pace of Aging than their peers. While older adults typically age-out of crime, LCP offenders will likely age-into the healthcare system earlier than their chronologically same-aged peers. Preventing young people from offending is likely to have substantial benefits for health, and people engaging in a LCP trajectory of antisocial behaviors might be the most in need of health promotion programs. We offer prevention and intervention strategies to reduce the financial burden of offenders on health care systems and improve their wellbeing.

Longitudinal dispersion coefficient (LDC) plays an essential role in modeling the transport of pollution and sediment in the natural rivers. As a result of transportation processes, the concentration of pollution changes along the river. Different studies have been conducted to provide simple equations for estimating LDC. In this study, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), M5P and Random Forest (RF) examined to predict the LDC in the natural streams. The hydraulic and geometric features of different rivers gathered for developing the mentioned models for LDC estimation and various statistical criteria were utilized to scrutinize of the models. Furthermore, the Taylor chart was used to evaluate the models and achieved results showed that among machine learning models, M5P displayed the superior performance with CC of 0.823, SI of 0.812, NS of 0.577 and WI of 0.879. As well, S-D model with CC of 0.795 SI of 0.827, NS of 0.558 and WI of 0.890 had more precise results than other empirical models. The results indicates that the developed M5P model with simple formulations was superior to other machine learning models and empirical models and therefore, it can be used as a proper tool for estimating LDC in natural rivers.

Longitudinal image registration of pulmonary computed tomography (PCT) images may serve as an essential tool for investigating the relationship between radiation dose distribution and the occurrence and phenotype of radiation-induced lung disease (RILD). Although numerous longitudinal registration algorithms have been developed for PCT, most similarity-based approaches are not suitable for PCT involving RILD due to the complex tissue variation between two PCT images. Moreover, conventional feature-based approaches might fail to find a sufficient number of matched pairs of feature points due to the disparate lung deformation caused by breathing and RILD. To overcome the challenges resulting from RILD, component structure coherence point drift (CSCPD) was proposed to establish a deformation model by decomposing the chest into several components and matching them with individual parameters based on coherence point drift (CPD). Moreover, a regional vascular point matching (RVPM) algorithm was proposed to generate a vascular subtree and to substantially increase the number of corresponding pairs between two images. Eventually, the components were recomposed and aligned by a thin plate spline algorithm. A performance assessment on 15 pairs of PCT images of patients with RILD yielded recall and precision values of 0.85 and 0.89 for RVPM, respectively. Moreover, the target registration error of CSCPD with RVPM (2.3 ± 1.79) was significantly better than that of conventional CPD with RVPM (2.95 ± 1.89) and conventional CPD (5.04 ± 2.87). Therefore, the proposed registration system is robust enough to address the disparate deformation of lungs with RILD, and it improves registration accuracy within the parenchyma.

A better study of the postnatal retinal development is not only essential for the in-depth understanding of the nature of the vision system but also may provide insights for treatment developments of eye conditions, such as retinopathy of premature (ROP). To date, quantitative analysis of postnatal retinal development is primarily limited to endpoint histological examination. This study is to validate in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) for longitudinal monitoring of postnatal retinal development in developing mouse eyes. Three-dimensional (3D) frame registration and super averaging were adopted to investigate the fine structure of the retina. Interestingly, a hyporeflective layer (HRL) between the nerve fiber layer (NFL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) was observed in developing eyes and gradually disappeared with aging. To interpret the observed retinal layer kinetics, a model based on eyeball expansion, cell apoptosis, and retinal structural modification was proposed.

We design an asymmetric nonlinear optical nanoantenna composed of a dielectric nanodisk and an adjacent nanobar. The proposed composite structure made of AlGaAs exhibits resonant response at both the fundamental and doubled frequencies. Being driven by the strong magnetic dipole resonance at the pump wavelength and a high-quality mode at the harmonic wavelength, the efficient second-harmonic radiation is generated predominantly along the vertical directions under the normally incident plane-wave excitation.

Objectives: Understanding the intersection of age, ethnicity, and disability will become increasingly important as the global population ages and becomes more diverse. By 2060, Hispanics will comprise 28% of the U.S. population. This study examines critical associations between sensory impairment, social isolation, and cognitive functioning among Hispanic older adults. Methods: Our sample consisted of 557 Hispanic older adults that participated in Rounds 1-3 or Rounds 5-7 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Longitudinal mediation models across a three-year span were estimated using Mplus with vision, hearing, and dual sensory impairment predicting cognitive functioning directly and indirectly through social isolation. Results: Findings indicated that cognitive functioning was concurrently and, in certain cases, longitudinally predicted by vision and dual sensory impairment, and by social isolation. Contrary to expectations, vision and hearing impairment were not predictive of social isolation. Dual sensory impairment was associated with social isolation, yet no significant indirect associations were found for sensory impairments predicting cognitive functioning through social isolation. Discussion: The finding that social isolation did not mediate the relationship between sensory impairment and cognitive decline among Hispanic older adults in the U.S. is contrary to findings from other studies that were not specifically focused on this population. This finding may be evidence that culturally motivated family support and intergenerational living buffer the impact of sensory impairments in later life. Findings suggest that Hispanic older adults experiencing dual sensory impairments may benefit from interventions that foster social support and include family members.

Background: COVID-19 crisis has changed the conditions of many throughout the globe. One negative consequence of the on-going pandemic is anxiety brought by uncertainty and the COVID-19 disease. Increased anxiety is a potential risk factor for wellbeing at work. This study investigated psychological, situational, and socio-demographic predictors of COVID-19 anxiety using longitudinal data. Methods: Nationally representative sample of Finnish workers (N = 1308) was collected before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Eighty percent of the participants responded to the follow-up study (N=1044). COVID-19 anxiety was measured with a modified Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Psychological and situational predictors included perceived loneliness, psychological distress, technostress, personality, social support received from work community, and remote working. Also, number of socio-demographic factors were investigated. Results: Perceived loneliness, psychological distress, technostress, and neuroticism were identified as robust psychological predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. Increase in psychological distress and technostress during the COVID-19 crisis predicted higher COVID-19 anxiety. Recent change in work field and decreased social support from work community predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Women and young people experienced higher anxiety. Conclusions: Different factors explain workers’ COVID-19 anxiety. Increased anxiety can disrupt wellbeing at work, emphasizing organizations’ role in maintaining an inclusive and caring work culture and providing technical and psychological support to workers during crisis.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the association between human blood type and COVID-19 infection in both inpatient and longitudinal populations at our institution in South Florida and (2) identify the association between blood type and severity of COVID-19 infection via presence of cellular biomarkers of severe infection in hospitalized individuals. Methods: This study consists of (1) a single-center retrospective analysis of 669 of 2,741 COVID-19 positive screened patients seen from January 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021 at the University of Miami Emergency Department (ED) who tested positive for COVID-19 infection and had a documented ABO blood type and (2) a longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 immunity study (“CITY”) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine consisting of 185 survey participants. COVID-19 outcome rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each ABO blood type and Rh group using Chi-squared tests for categorical and ANOVA for continuous variables in the inpatient cohort and Chi-squared tests for the longitudinal cohort, all executed in R studio. Results: Our inpatient cohort had a mean age of 53.6 (± 17.9) years with 48% males and 52% females. When compared to patients with other blood types, those with O- demonstrated less risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia (26.7% for O- vs. 69.2% for type A-, 56.5% for A+, 71.4% for AB+, 53.7% for B+, 51.5% for O+, p-value= 0.003 via Chi-squared test) and decreased mortality due to COVID-19 infection (17.0% mortality for O vs. 26.3% for A, 29.2% for B, p-value= 0.012 via Chi-squared test). Blood type O- demonstrated less elevated levels of LDH than did other blood types (p-value= 0.001, ANOVA) and a higher frequency of clinically accepted baseline levels of troponin (0.04 ng/mL) (p-value= 0.026, ANOVA) (Figure 1). Most of the longitudinal cohort was ABO blood grouping type O (47% (87/185)), with 33.5% type A, 14.1% B, and 5.4% AB. Most individuals were Rh positive (85.9%). There was no significant association found between COVID status (infection vs. non-infection) and ABO (Chi-squared test (3, N = 185) = 1.8, p = 0.6) or Rh (Chi-squared test (1, N = 185) = 0.16, p = 0.7) blood typing. Nearly all participants had been vaccinated (95.1% (176/185)), with a majority reporting primary vaccination with Pfizer (57.8% (107/185)), followed by Moderna (33% (61/185)), and Johnson & Johnson (4.3% (8/185)). 8 participants (4.3%) were unvaccinated. Conclusions: In an inpatient setting, blood type O sustained less risk of COVID-19 mortality and O- demonstrated less risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia. In a longitudinal setting, there was no association found between blood type and COVID-19 severity. As the novelty of COVID-19 infection declines with time, further studies on risk-stratification by blood type are encouraged.

Globally, increasing rates of obesity are one of the most important health issues. The association between breakfast skipping and body weight is contradictory between cross-sectional and interventional studies. The systematic review and meta-analyses aim to summarize this association based on observational longitudinal studies. We included prospective studies on breakfast skipping and overweight/obesity or weight change in adults. Literature was searched until September 2020 in PubMed and Web of Science. Summary RRs with a 95% CI were estimated in pairwise meta-analyses by applying a random-effects model. In total, 9 studies were included in the systematic review and 6 of them were included in the meta-analyses. The meta-analysis indicated an 13% increased RR for overweight/obesity when breakfast was skipped on ≥ 3 days per week compared to ≤ 2 days per week (95% CI: 1.06, 1.21, n=3 studies). The meta-analysis on weight change displays a 21% increased RR for weight gain for breakfast skippers compared to breakfast eaters (95% CI: 1.05, 1.40, n=2 studies). The meta-analysis on BMI change displayed no difference between breakfast skipping and eating (RR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.05, n=2 studies). This study provides low meta-evidence for an increased risk for overweight/obesity and weight gain for breakfast skipping.

Early-life adversity can profoundly impact individual development, yet some demonstrate resilience. Longitudinal studies tracking individuals over extended periods have aided our understanding of resilience and growth following adverse childhood experiences. This paper reviews insights from influential studies like the Kauai Longitudinal Study, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, and the Dunedin Study. It explores key findings on risk and protective factors, adaptation trajectories, and long-term outcomes associated with resilience. Theoretical frameworks and methodological considerations are discussed. The paper examines how this research informs interventions, policies, and support systems for fostering resilience. It highlights the need for diverse samples, integrating biological and environmental factors, and investigating intergenerational impacts. By synthesizing longitudinal research, this paper elucidates complex pathways to resilience and positive development despite early adversity, offering insights for research and supporting vulnerable populations.

The objective of this quantitative study was to examine the impact of selected factors on the level and state of public health in local self-government units in 2021, with the consideration of data from 2020 and 2019. This survey included 77 out of 145 local self-government units in the Republic of Serbia and examined six dimensions defined by the Law on Public Health: social care for the public health of the city/municipality in regard to the physical, mental, and social health of the population; health promotion and disease prevention; the environment and health; working environments and population health; the organization and functioning of the health system; and actions in emergency situations. The results of the Pearson correlation showed that there were statistically significant correlations between the effectiveness of the realized program budget and microbiologically defective drinking water samples from the so-called village water supply systems, defective samples of drinking water from public taps, unsatisfactory analyses of wastewater samples, the total number of air samples on an annual level for PM25s, and the number of mandated fines issued. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the local self-government units that received assistance from the Permanent Conference of Cities and Municipalities were 5.6 times more likely to perform analyses of their health status. Furthermore, we determined that the units of local self-governments that appointed a coordinator of the health council identified vulnerable groups in the analysis of the state of health four and a half times more often. In contrast, the units of local self-governments that prepared health status analyses could be used to identify vulnerable groups to a six times greater extent within the framework of the health status analysis. The results showed that in improving the state of public health at the local level, it is necessary to provide systematic institutional support to cities and municipalities in exercising their responsibilities. Based on these results, recommendations were made for the further development of support, i.e., the planning of further activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of the health councils and local self-government units in this area.

Background: Both of cognitive decline and unhealthy lifestyle have been associated with an increased risk of mortality in older people. We aimed to investigate whether lifestyle behaviors might modify the association between cognitive function and the risk of all-cause mortality in Chinese older populations. Methods: The study included 5,124 individuals free of dementia in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2011 to 2018. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination in 2011. A lifestyle score was calculated on the basis of five lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet and body mass index. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to examine the association between baseline cognitive function and all-cause mortality, with an interaction term of cognitive function and lifestyle score being added to the models Results: During a median follow-up of 6.4 years, we documented 1,461 deaths. Both higher cognitive function (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.96–0.97) and healthier lifestyle (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87–0.97) were significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality. We found that lifestyle significantly modified the association of cognitive function with mortality (P for interaction = 0.004). The inverse association between high cognitive function and mortality was more prominent among participants with healthier lifestyle. Of note, among the lifestyle scores component, diet showed a significant interaction with mortality (P for interaction = 0.003), with the protective HR of the all-cause mortality associated with higher MMSE scores was stronger among participants with healthy diets compared with unhealthy diets. Conclusion: Our study indicates that cognitive decline is associated with an increased risk of mortality, and such relations are modified by overall lifestyle, with healthy diet being the major contributor.

Glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, shows limited response to standard therapies like te-mozolomide (TMZ). Recent findings from the REGOMA trial underscore a significant survival improvement offered by regorafenib (REGO) in recurrent glioblastoma. Our study aimed to propose a 3D ex vivo drug response precision medicine approach to investigate recurrent glio-blastoma sensitivity to REGO and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumor resistance or responsiveness to treatment. 3D glioblastoma organoids (GB-EXPs) obtained from 18 patients’ resected recurrent glioblastoma tumors were treated with TMZ and REGO. Drug responses were evaluated using NAD(P)H FLIM, stratifying tumors as responders (Resp) or non-responders (NR). Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 16 tissue samples, and whole-transcriptome analysis on 13 GB-EXPs treated and untreated. We found 35% (n=9) and 77% (n=20) of tumors responded to TMZ and REGO, respectively, with no instances of TMZ-Resp be-ing REGO-NR. Exome analysis revealed a unique mutational profile in REGO-Resp tumors compared to NR tumors. Transcriptome analysis identified distinct expression patterns in Resp and NR tumors, impacting Rho GTPase and NOTCH signaling, known to be involved in drug response. In conclusion, recurrent glioblastoma tumors were more responsive to REGO com-pared to TMZ treatment. Importantly, our approach enables a comprehensive longitudinal ex-ploration of the molecular changes induced by treatment, unveiling promising biomarkers in-dicative of drug response.

Aims: To assess the occurrence of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) after standard antiemetic therapy in the acute (24 h post-chemotherapy) and delayed (2–5 days post-chemotherapy) phases, as well as to identify risk factors for CINV in the acute and delayed phases. Methods: This prospective longitudinal and observational study analyzed the data of 400 breast cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy over two cycles in two hospitals. The self-report survey was developed to assess the occurrence of CINV and their associated factors. CINV was evaluated with a Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Antiemetic Tool (MAT) on days 2 and 6 of chemotherapy. The incidence of acute and delayed CINV were presented by frequency and percentage. Generalized equation estimates (GEE) was used to identify risk factors of acute and delayed CINV. Results: There were 400 evaluable patients with complete Round 1 data, 334 for Round 2 data. Among 400 patients, 29.8% and 23.5% experienced acute and delayed CINV, respectively. Risk factors associated with for acute CINV were pain/insomnia, history of CINV, history of motion sickness (MS), and highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimen, while history of MS, CINV history, number of completed chemotherapy cycle number < 3, and the incidence of acute CINV were risk factors of delayed CINV (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings may help nurses working for Chinese population in identifying patients at risk for CINV and in planning effective program to reduce the occurrence of CINV.

In this paper, we draw on recent experiences from the Young Lives study to discuss some of the ethical and practical challenges facing longitudinal cohort studies in low- and middle-income countries in the time of coronavirus. We argue that COVID-19 has instigated an ‘ethics of disruption’ for social researchers across the world, and for longitudinal cohort studies like Young Lives, this requires navigating three core considerations: first, managing research relationships and reciprocity within an observational study design; second, maintaining methodological continuity and consistency across time; and third, balancing an immediate short-term response to COVID-19 against the longer-term perspective. We refer to the study’s plan to implement a new COVID-19 phone survey to illustrate how the team are navigating this altered ethical terrain.

Healthcare personnel must face two problems of growing importance: violence in the workplace and the loss of work ability due to ageing of the workforce. Studying the relationship between these two phenomena can help to prepare effective prevention measures. In a public health company, we asked nurses to self-assess their work ability using the Work Ability Index (WAI) and we analysed the relationship between this indicator and the violence experienced in the previous and following years. 321 out of 344 nurses (99.3%) participated. In a logistic regression model, the WAI score was a significant protective factor for violence experienced in the previous year (OR=0.94 CI95%=0.90; 0.98 p&lt;0.01) and in the following year (OR=0.88 CI95%=0.84; 0.92 p&lt;0.01). In a hierarchical logistic regression model, social support acted as a protective factor (OR = 0.87 CI95% = 0.79; 0.95 for violence experienced in the previous year), while occupational stress was a significant determinant of the risk of aggression (OR=3.65 CI95%=1.90; 7.03 in the previous year, OR=3.54 CI95%=1.801; 6.947 in the following year). The difficulties that nurses encounter in carrying out their growing work demands in an environment that is not promptly adapted to their changing physical and mental conditions can lead to an increased risk of violence. Prevention of workplace violence should include organizational and ergonomic measures that reduce stress and increase staff support and work ability.

Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are adapting to changing energy demands and the shift toward renewable and decentralized energy. Circularity is increasingly relevant for DSOs as their distribution systems age and need replacing. Taking circular action, however, is generally regarded as challenging as the current circular economy (CE) landscape is highly fragmented and rarely touches the implementation level. A longitudinal case study at Dutch DSO Liander on the circu-larity of distribution transformers was used to understand empirical success factors for taking circular action and to generate prescriptive knowledge on the operationalization of circularity. Six design propositions for circular action were formulated that suggest to 1) initiate small-scale cir-cularity experiments, 2) involve technical and strategic experts, 3) synergize circularity with more urgent, primary goals 4) translate circular initiatives bottom-up and top-down, 5) collaborate with other DSOs, and 6) create multidisciplinary teams. At DSO Liander, selecting the right interventions depending on the changing context contributed to operationalizing circularity for distribution transformers and achieving circularity targets. The generalizable design propositions could assist other DSOs in optimizing their strategy toward circular action.

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) can be considered as a time-efficient, joint-friendly and highly customizable training technology that attracts a wide range of users. The present evidence map aimed to provide an overview of different non-athletic cohorts addressed by WB-EMS research. Based on a comprehensive systematic search according to PRISMA, eighty-six eligible longitudinal trials were identified that correspond with our eligibility criteria. In summary, WB-EMS research sufficiently covers all adult age categories in males and females. Most cohorts addressed (58%) were predominately or exclusively overweight/obese and in about 60% of them, diseases or conditions were inclusion criteria for the trials. Cohorts specifically addressed by WB-EMS trials suffer from cancer/neoplasm (n=7), obesity (n=6), diabetes mellitus (n=5), the metabolic syndrome (n=2), nervous system diseases (n=2), chronic heart failure (n=4), stroke (n=1), peripheral arterial diseases (n=2), knee arthrosis (n=1), sarcopenia (n=3), chronic unspecific low back pain (n=4), and osteopenia (n=3). Chronic kidney disease was an eligibility criterion in five WB-EMS trials. Finally, three studies included only critically ill patients, two further studies considered frailty as an inclusion criterion. Of importance, no adverse effects of the WB-EMS intervention were reported. In summary, evidence gaps of WB-EMS research were particular evident for cohorts with diseases of the nervous and cerebrovascular system.

This cross-country four-year longitudinal study investigated the development of processing speed throughout primary school education. The analyses were conducted on data collected from 441 schoolchildren in Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 (aged 6.42 to 11.85 years) in the Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Mixed effects growth modeling was applied to estimate average and individual growth trajectories for processing speed at two cross-country samples. Latent class growth modeling was conducted to identify different types of growth trajectories for processing speed and to compare the distribution of the types within the analyzed samples. According to the results, processing speed significantly increases across primary school years. The trajectory is characterized by nonlinear changes with more intensive growth between Grades 1 and 2, which later slows down until Grade 4. There were no significant cross-country differences in the initial score of processing speed or developmental changes in processing speed across primary school years. The development of processing speed is described by a model with three quadratic growth types but minimally differs. It is concluded that in both samples, the development of processing speed may be characterized by homogeneity, with the most intensive growth from Grade 1 to Grade 2 and subsequent linear improvement until Grade 4.

Objective: Determine the feasibility of utilizing longitudinal electronic dental record (EDR) data to track change over time in patient periodontal disease (PD) and to generate three patient cohorts: 1) patients whose disease did not change over time, 2) patients whose PD progressed, and 3) patients whose disease improved over time using informatics approaches. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 28,908 patients who received a comprehensive oral evaluation between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014, at the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) clinics. We developed and tested three automated computer applications to: 1) diagnose periodontitis cases from periodontal charting, 2) retrieve clinician-documented diagnoses from clinical notes, and 3) track disease change over time. We also evaluated the density of longi-tudinal EDR data for the following follow-up times: 1) none, 2) up to 5 years, 3) >5 and <=10 years, and 4) >10 and <=15 years Results: Thirty-four percent (n=9,954) of the study cohort had up to five years of follow-up visits with an average of 2.78 visits with periodontal charting information. An average of three patient visits per year that contained periodontal charts (63,552) were utilized to obtain a diagnosis, which is considered excellent. For clinician-documented diagnoses from clinical notes, 42% of patients (n=5,562) had at least two PD diagnoses to determine their disease change. In this cohort with cli-nician-documented diagnoses, 72% percent of patients (n=3,919) did not have a disease status change between their first and last visits, 669 (13%) patients' disease status progressed, and 589 (11%) patients’ disease improved. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing longitudinal EDR data to track disease changes over 15 years during the observation study period. We found excellent longitudinal data when diagnoses generated from periodontal charting were considered (three visits per pa-tient). This information can be now utilized for studying the clinical course of periodontitis.

: The objetive of this study was to evaluated the quality of sleep, degree of drowsiness, and stress index of dentistry students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted among dentistry students from two universities, obtaining data at baseline and 10 months after the pandemic. The Pittsburgh questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, and Cohen perceived stress scale were used to assess sleep quality, sleepiness index, and stress level, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using Generalized Estimating Equations, with binary, ordinal, and linear logistic regression. Results: Baseline sleep quality had a positive influence on sleep quality compared with the assessment after 10 months. Drowsiness is influenced by factors, such as the time of assessment, income of up to one salary, and physical activity. There was greater drowsiness 10 months after the pandemic. High stress levels were observed during both assessments. Female sex, deteriorated family relationships, and lack of physical activity increase the risk of stress. Conclusion: The quality of sleep was positively affected during the pandemic period, remaining high, and drowsiness increased.

This study evaluated the influence of methotrexate (MTX) and non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on the composition of the oral-gut microbiota in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 6 months after MTX treatment (T1), and 45 days after NSPT (T2). The composition of the oral and gut microbiota was assessed by amplifying the V4 region of the 16S gene from subgingival plaques and stools. The results of the analysis of continuous variables were presented descriptively and non-parametric tests were adopted. Thirty-seven patients (27 with periodontitis) were evaluated at T0; 32 patients (24 with periodontitis) at T1; and 28 patients (17 with periodontitis) at T2. Nine individuals were lost to follow-up. MTX tended to reduce the alpha diversity of the oral-gut microbiota, while NSPT appeared to increase the number of different species of oral microbiota. MTX and NSPT influenced beta diversity in the oral microbiota. The relative abundance of oral microbiota was directly influenced by periodontal status. MTX did not affect the periodontal condition but modified the interactions between clinical parameters and the oral-gut microbiota. MTX and NSPT directly affected the composition and richness of the oral-gut microbiota. However, MTX did not influence periodontal clinical parameters.

Myocardial involvement among critical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a worse outcome. The occurrence of an imbalance in oxygen supply results in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which leads to increased ventilation support requirement and increase risk of mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the association between hs-Troponin I level and global longitudinal strain as evidence of myocardial involvement among critical COVID-19 patients. Methods. We performed prospective cohort study from February 1st – July 31st, 2021 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya as referral center for COVID-19 care. Of the 65 critical COVID-19 included, 41 (63.1%) were men, with a median (interquartile range) age of 51.0 years (20.0-75.0).Subjects were recruited according to WHO criteria for severe COVID-19 and CDC criteria for myocarditis. All subjects recruited were examined using echocardiography to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) and blood samples were taken to measure hs-Troponin. Subjects were then followed to assess their needs for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Severe COVID-19 subjects with cardiac injury were associated with an increased need for intubation (78.5%) and an increased incidence of myocarditis (50.8%). There was an association between the use of intubation and the risk of mortality in patients (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p-value &lt;0.001). Both reduced GLS and increased hs-troponin are associated with increased myocarditis (p-value &lt;0.001 and 0.004 respectively). Reduced GLS is associated with higher mechanical ventilation needs (12.17 + 4.79 vs.15.65 + 4.90, p-value 0.02) and a higher mortality rate (11.36 + 4.64 vs. 14.74 + 4.82; p-value 0.005). Increased hs-troponin is associated with higher mechanical ventilation needs (25.33% vs. 3.56%, p-value 0.002) and a higher mortality rate (34.57% vs. 5.76%, p-value 0.002). Compared with contemporary controls, critical COVID-19 patients with myocardial involvement and elevated cardiac troponin level are associated with higher mechanical ventilation needs and a higher mortality rate.

Running is a basic form of human locomotion and one of the most popular sports worldwide. While the leg biomechanics of running have been studied extensively, few studies have focused on the upper-body movement. However, an effective arm swing and longitudinal rotation of the shoulders play an important role in running efficiency as they must compensate for the longitudinal torques generated by the legs. The aim of this study is to assess the upper-body rotation using wearable inertial sensors and to elucidate its relation to energy expenditure. Eighty-six junior elite middle and long-distance runners (37 female, 49 male) performed an incremental treadmill test with sensors attached on both shoulders, tibiae and the sacrum. Mean and total horizontal shoulder and pelvis rotation per stride were derived while energy costs were determined using respiratory gas analysis and blood sampling. Results show that shoulder and pelvis rotation increase with running speed. While shoulder rotation is more pronounced in female than in male runners, there is no sex difference for pelvis rotation. Energy cost of running and upper trunk rotation prove to be slightly negatively correlated. In conclusion, upper body rotation appears to be an individual characteristic influenced by a sex-specific body mass distribution.

Background: We aimed to assess the risk of chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related cognitive impairment in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: We randomly selected 40% of colorectal cancer patients from Korean National Health Insurance Database (NHID), 2004-2018 (N=148,848). Patients with one or more ICD-10 diagnostic codes for dementia or mild cognitive impairment was defined as cognitive impairment cases. Patients who were aged 18 or younger, diagnosed with cognitive impairment before colorectal cancer (N=8,225) and did not receive primary resection (N=45,320) were excluded. The effects of each chemotherapy agent on cognitive impairment were estimated. We additionally estimated the effect of radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients. Time-dependent competing risk Cox regression was conducted to estimate overall and age-specific hazard ratios (HR) separately for colon and rectal cancer. Results: In colon cancer, capecitabine and irinotecan was associated with higher cognitive im-pairment, while 5-fluorouracil was not. In rectal cancer, no chemotherapy agents increased the risk of cognitive impairment, nor did radiotherapy. Hazardous association of irinotecan was estimated larger in elderly patients compared with younger counterparts. Conclusion: Heterogeneous associations between various chemotherapy agents and cognitive impairment were observed. Elderly patients were more vulnerable to possible adverse cognitive effects. Radiotherapy did not increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients display an exacerbated risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and precursor lesions at young ages, mainly at the oral cavity. As patients have defects in DNA repair mechanisms, standard-of-care treatments to OSCC such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy give rise to severe toxicities. New methods for early diagnosis are urgently necessary to allow treatments in early disease stages and achieve better clinical outcomes. We have conducted a prospective, longitudinal study whereby liquid biopsies from sixteen lesion/tumor-free patients were analyzed for the presence of mutations in cancer genes. DNA from saliva and plasma were sequentially collected and deep-sequenced, and the clinical evolution followed during a median time of around 2 years. In 9/16 FA patients we detected mutations in cancer genes (mainly TP53) with molecular allele frequencies (MAF) down to 0.07 %. Importantly, all patients having mutations and clinical follow-up data after mutation detection (n=6) developed oral precursor lesions or OSCC. Lead-time between mutation detection and tumor diagnosis ranged from 23 to 630 days. Strikingly, FA patients without mutations display significantly lower risk of developing precursor lesions or OSCC. Therefore, our diagnostic approach could help to stratify FA patients into risk groups, which would allow closer surveillance for OSCC or precursor lesions.

In patients with schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome is associated with cognitive impairments. We carried out a second analysis of data from a longitudinal trial to examine the relationship between weight gain and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) over the first 6-month antipsychotic treatment. Baseline and 6-month endpoint measurements were taken for both cognitive function and body weight. Linear and logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate the bidirectional relationship between weight gain and cognitive function. Clinically relevant weight gain (CRW) was defined as an increase in body weight ex-ceeding 7%. The final analysis included 337 participants. Lower baseline scores in processing speed (OR=0.837, p=0.007), working memory and attention (OR=0.889, p=0.043), and executive function (OR=0.863, p=0.006) domains were significantly associated with CRW at the 6-month endpoint. After adjusting for confounders, CRW was found to be associated with improvement in the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (p=0.036). The findings suggest that patients with lower baseline cognitive performance experienced more substantial weight gain. Conversely, weight gain was correlated with cognitive improvements, particularly in the domain of visual learning and memory. This suggested a potential bidirectional relationship between weight gain and cog-nitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

This study examines the prospective association of egg consumption with multiple domains of cognitive function in older, community-dwelling men and women followed 16.3 years. Participants were 617 men and 898 women from the Rancho Bernardo Cohort aged 60 and older who were surveyed about egg intake/week in 1972-74, and attended a 1988-91 research visit when cognitive function was assessed with 12 tests. Analyses showed that egg intake ranged from 0-24/week (means: men=4.23.2, women=3.52.7, p<0.0001). In men, covariate-adjusted regressions showed egg intake was associated with better performance on Buschke total (p=0.04), long-term (p=0.02) and short-term (p=0.05) recall. No significant associations were observed in women (p’s>0.05). Analyses in those <60y at in 1972-74 showed egg intake was positively associated with scores on Heaton copying(p<.04) and the Mini-Mental Status Exam(MMSE;p<.02) in men, and category fluency(p<0.05) in women. Egg intake was not significantly associated with odds of poor performance on MMSE, Trails B, or category fluency in either sex. These reassuring findings suggest there are no long-term detrimental effects of egg consumption on multiple cognitive function domains, and for men, there may be beneficial effects for verbal episodic memory. Egg consumption in middle-age may also be related to better cognitive performance later in life.

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether baseline GLS and NT-proBNP and their changes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can predict the long-term clinical outcomes and the echocardiographic-based response to CRT (defined by 15% relative reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume). Methods: We enrolled 143 patients with stable, ischemic heart failure (HF) undergoing CRT-D implantation. NT-proBNP and echocardiogram were obtained before and 6 months after. The patients were followed-up (median: 58 months) for HF-related deaths and/or HF hospitalizations (primary endpoint) or HF-related deaths (secondary endpoint) Results: 84 patients achieved the primary and 53 the secondary endpoint, while 104 patients were considered as CRT-responders and 39 as non-responders. At baseline, event-free patients had higher absolute GLS values (p&lt;0.001) and lower NT-proBNP serum levels (p&lt;0001) than those achieving primary endpoint. A similar pattern was observed in favor of CRT-responders vs non-responders. In Cox regression analysis, lower baseline absolute GLS value (HR=0.77;95%CI, 0.51-1.91; p=0.002), higher baseline NT-proBNP levels (HR=1.55;95%CI, 1.43-2.01;p=0.002) and diabetes (HR=1.27;95%CI, 1.12-1.98;p=0.003) were associated with lower incidence of primary endpoint. Conclusions: In HF patients undergoing CRT-D, baseline GLS and NT-proBNP concentrations may serve as prognostic factors, while they may predict the echocardiographic-based response to CRT.

Numerous studies were published suggesting that troponin level is related to adverse outcomes in chronic cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. Our study investigated whether troponin levels gathered from an unselected blood sample taken during outpatient care are associated with adverse outcomes in a population with stable coronary artery disease. In a cohort of 949 patients with stable coronary artery disease, average age of 67.5 ± 9.5 years, 69.5% male, 52.1% diabetics, 51.6% with previous myocardial infarction, 57.9% with triple-vessel disease, 21.7% of patients encountered new events during an average period of monitoring of 2.07 ± 0.81 years. Troponin I/99th percentile categorized into tertiles emerged as an independent predictor of death and combined events risk (hazard ratio: 2.02 (1.13-3.60), p=0.017; 2.30 (1.37-3.88, p=0.002, respectively). A troponin ratio > 0.24 was able to identify 53.3% of patients at risk of death and heart failure hospitalization. In patients with stable coronary artery disease and adherent to treatment, troponin level is independently associated with death and heart failure hospitalization in a medium-term follow up.

Some of the European countries affected by COVID-19 have not learned from previous experience in China. Italy did not learn from China and Spain did neither learn from China nor from Italy. Confinement in Spain was postponed due to pressure from economic interests and traveling of infected people, especially from Madrid to the beaches in South-East Spain, was allowed. Strict confinement and border closure came late, when the curve of infected people and the death toll already had the worse trend worldwide. Tests to SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by PCR, were first unavailable and, later, faulty and/or detecting antibodies and not the virus itself. Instead of mobilizing research laboratories for making tests, and instead of making masks and ventilators, mediatic scientists asked for money for controversial clinical trials and for obtaining a vaccine. In this scenario, common sense indicates that ad hoc measures should be taken at the end of confinement in order to minimize pain. The chain of errors should be avoided in the management of next pandemics by designing Good Practice Rules (GPRs). In addition, post-confinement measures should be implemented as soon as possible to be ready for SARS-CoV-2 return next season. In this sense a longitudinal study in the most affected cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria and Pamplona) should be performed with the primary objective of detecting carriers with no symptoms, to stratify patients according to symptoms, and to early detection of virus reappearance. Also relevant is to sequence as many viruses as possible to detect possible variants; there are still patients that are PCR positive.

Delivering effective messages is critical to creating a more sustainable and resilient culture. The explosion of social media has enhanced information access but has often reinforced and polar-ized pre-existing viewpoints and norms. In contrast, digital signs are an “in your face in your space” technology that has the potential to deliver common content to a diverse local audience. Environmental Dashboard (ED) is a communications platform and set of content applications that combines information on current environmental conditions, real-time resource consumption, positive actions being taken by community members, and a community calendar. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess whether ED content delivered via digital signs in public locations would result in desirable psychological changes within a community. Participants completed surveys in six designated signage locations prior to installation (N = 174) and following two years of continuous exposure (N = 133). We observed: increases in pro-environmental social norms among people of color (a demographic emphasized); enhanced awareness of and sense of connection with the local community and ecology; increased self-reported electricity conservation; and increased perception of youth engagement (another demographic emphasized). Changes were mediated by exposure to digital signage. These findings support the hypothesis that content delivered through digital signs can strengthen pro-environmental and pro-social culture within communities.

The role of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) tumor testing in colon and endometrial carcinomas is well-established, yet the universal application of this testing faces challenges due to limited data on its efficacy in diverse populations. This retrospective study at a community hospital in Northern Indiana examined MMR immunohistochemistry (IHC) results across 549 cases. Our analysis found intact MMR expression in 469 cases, while 80 demonstrated MMR deficiency, translating to MMR deficiency rates of 10% in colon cancers and 22% in uterine carcinomas. Notably, only 16 patients (2.9%) were categorized as high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), a rate significantly lower than the 3-5-fold higher incidences reported in other Midwestern populations, including Ohio. These findings suggest that the benefits of universal cascade methylation testing, particularly in MLH1/PMS2 IHC-negative tumors, may vary significantly based on regional demographics. Given the notably lower MSI-H incidence in this study, re-evaluating reflex testing protocols in low-resource settings could lead to more targeted, cost-effective approaches without compromising diagnostic accuracy. This study challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to MMR testing, highlighting the need for tailored strategies that consider regional variations in cancer genetics.

There is a confusion in the original design concept for the tensioning of longitudinally connected reinforcement of CRTSII slab ballastless track. In order to clarify the effect of tension value of longitudinal reinforcement on mechanical characteristics of ballastless track, a three dimensional finite element model considering the nonlinear interaction between the track slab and CA mortar of CRTSII slab ballastless track was established. The mechanical characteristics of the track structure under longitudinal tension load and temperature gradient load of the longitudinal joint were calculated. A method of applying pre-stress to post-pouring concrete was proposed according to the concept of pre-stress loss of pretensioning pre-stressed concrete, reasonable tensile force value was proposed after the crack width and the reinforcement stress of the ballastless track in the operation stage were checked and calculated according to the concrete design principle. When the tension force is greater than 300 kN, it’s harmful to the bonding between the slab and mortar layer, which is prone to interlayer damage. In order to adding pre-stress to concrete of wide joints to ensure the longitudinal stability of ballastless track and the reinforcement stress and crack width to meet the design requirements. It is suggested that the tension force value should be 230 kN, and the temperature difference between reinforcement and concrete should be 30 °C before the initial curdle of wide joint concrete.

We explored how dietary behaviors (sucrose, fructose, sodium, and potassium consumption) and endured psychological stress in young adult males and females impact the vascular aging index (VAI) and CVD risk by mid-life. Data were obtained from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, an ongoing longitudinal study. Included participants (n=2,656) had un-dergone carotid artery ultrasound at year 20 allowing VAIs to be calculated. Demographics, di-etary data and depression scores were obtained at baseline and year 20. Regression analyses were used to assess the predictors of VAI. Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk of CVD, stroke and all-cause mortality. Predictors of vascular aging were found to be sex-specific. In females, CES-D scores at baseline were positively associated with VAI (B-weight=0.063, p=0.015). In males, sodium intake at year 20 positively predicted VAI (B-weight=0.145, p=0.003) and potassium intake inversely predicted VAI (B-weight=-0.160, p<0.001). BMI significantly predicted CVD, stroke, and death. Fructose consumption at year 20 was a significant predictor of CVD risk while having high blood pressure at baseline was signif-icantly associated with stroke risk. Our findings support the promotion of nutrient- specific be-havior changes to prevent vascular aging in early adulthood and CVD risk in mid-life.

Cultural practices and development level can influence a population’s household structures and mixing patterns. Within some populations households can be organized across multiple dwellings. This likely affects the spread of infectious disease spreads through these communities, however, current demographic data collection tools do not record these data. Methods: Between June–October 2018, the Contact And Mobility Patterns in remote Aboriginal Australian communities (CAMP-remote) pilot study recruited Aboriginal mothers with infants in a remote northern Australian community to complete a monthly iPad-based contact survey. Results: Thirteen mother-infant pairs (participants) completed 69 study visits between recruitment and the end of May 2019. Participants reported they and their other children slept in 28 dwellings during the study. The median dwelling occupancy, defined as people sleeping in the same dwelling on the previous night, was nine (range: 3.5–25). Participants who completed at least three responses (n=8) slept in a median of three dwellings (range: 2–9). Each month a median of 28% (range: 0%–63%) of the participants travelled out of the community. Including these data in disease transmission models amplified estimates of infectious disease spread in the study community, compared to models parameterized using census data. Conclusions: The lack of data on mixing patterns in populations where households can be organized across dwellings may negatively impact the accuracy of infectious disease models for these communities and the efficacy of public health actions they inform.

Education outside the classroom (EOtC) can be beneficial for students. The relationship between biological stress markers and sedentary behavior (SB) plus physical activity (PA) is insufficiently evaluated in school settings. This exploratory study aims to evaluate the association between students’ cortisol, plus circulating cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) levels, and their SB, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during outdoor and indoor classes in different seasons. We assessed data from an education outside the classroom (EOtC) program (n = 48; intervention group [IG], n = 37; control group [CG], n = 11). We sampled data on 3 school-days in three seasons (fall, spring, and summer) in normal teaching indoors (CG) and outdoor lessons (IG) in the forest. SB and PA were evaluated by accelerometry, and cortisol and cfDNA levels by saliva samples. The compositional data analysis approach analyzed SB and PA. Fitted Bayesian hierarchical linear models evaluated the association between cortisol and cfDNA, and SB/LPA/MVPA. A steady decline of cortisol in the outdoor setting is associated with relatively high levels of LPA. SB and MVPA tended to exhibit a similar effect in the indoor setting. CfDNA is positively associated with a relatively high amount of SB in the IG, the same association is likely for LPA and MVPA in both groups. LPA seems to support a healthy cortisol decrease in children during outdoor lessons. The relevance of SB/PA as a composition in relation to students stress response in school should be emphasized. This study facilitates the formulation of straightforward and directed hypotheses for further research.

Long Covid or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) can manifest as long-term symptoms in multiple organ systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic systems. In patients with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation is significant, and the relationship between metabolic regulation and immune response is of great interest in determining the pathophysiological mechanisms. We aimed to characterize the metabolomic footprint for recovering severe COVID-19 patients in three consecutive time points and compare metabolite levels to controls. Our findings add proof of dysregulated amino acid metabolism in the acute phase, and dyslipidemia, glycoprotein level alterations, and energy metabolism disturbances in severe COVID-19 patients 3-4 months post hospitalization.

Background and Aims: Stroke is a leading cause of seizures and epilepsy in adults, but current guidelines lack strong recommendations for treating post-stroke seizures (PSE). This study aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of lacosamide combined with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with PSE and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 53 patients with PSE and AF, admitted from 2022 to 2023, received NOACs for AF management and lacosamide for seizure control. A control group of 53 patients with cardioembolic stroke, receiving NOACs, was matched by age, sex, and NIHSS scores to ensure comparability. Results: Over 24 months, 16 patients in the study group and 15 in the control group experienced new embolic events, with no significant difference between groups. Seizure control improved significantly in the study group, with reduced frequency and severity. No severe adverse effects from lacosamide were observed. Conclusions: The combination of NOACs and lacosamide is a safe and effective treatment for patients with AF and PSE, not increasing the risk of recurrent ischemic or hemorrhagic events. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

The Smart Energy Research Lab (SERL) Observatory dataset described here comprises half-hourly and daily electricity and gas data, SERL survey data, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) input data and 24 local hourly climate reanalysis variables from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for over 13,000 households in Great Britain (GB). Participants were recruited in September 2019, September 2020 and January 2021 and their smart meter data are collected from up to one year prior to sign up. Data collection will continue until at least August 2022, and longer if funding allows. Survey data relating to the dwelling, appliances, household demographics and attitudes was collected at sign up. Data are linked at the household level and UK-based academic researchers can apply for access within a secure virtual environment for research projects in the public interest. This is a data descriptor paper describing how the data was collected, the variables available and the representativeness of the sample compared to national estimates. It is intended as a guide for researchers working with or considering using the SERL Observatory dataset, or simply looking to learn more about it.

Preterm birth accounts for about 10% of births worldwide. Studying risk factors for perinatal brain damage is essential, as findings suggest that almost 20% of disabilities are linked to risks in the early stages of development. This research aimed to study longitudinal changes in intelligence from 6 to 8 years of age in a sample of 39 preterm children with a history of risk of brain damage and a control group of 35 children born at term. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC-IV) was used for cognitive measurement. The results showed that the preterm group obtained significantly lower scores than the control group. The working memory indicator significantly affected the interaction between age and prematurity. We consider that it is crucial to expand the knowledge we have about the neurocognitive development of premature infants both in specific cognitive domains and in age ranges so that the information obtained helps to predict the probability of presenting cognitive alterations from early stages and, therefore, to implement intervention strategies and programs based on scientific evidence and complemented in their design by clinical experience, empirical and theoretical knowledge of the different professionals involved in infant cognitive intervention.

Background: Availability of large longitudinal population health and aging studies, such as the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing, hold many opportunities for the examination of the development of Frailty over time. Lacking are psychometrically robust longitudinal measurement of the concepts of frailty required for accurate and reliable estimates and identification of frail individuals. Objectives. Development of a psychometrically robust longitudinal research tool of Frailty. The tool is to be easy to replicate for future use in health and aging research. Participants/Measurements. Data comes from four waves of ELSA (2014-2017); N=39,528. Six domains of health status deficits that may measure frailty were used: Mobility, Daily Function, Self-rated general health, Self-rated pain, Depression, Self-report doctor diagnoses of health. Design. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of common-self-reported deficits available across four waves of longitudinal data were compared to determine which deficits were a best fit for a research-based frailty index. Standardized regression factor scores were calculated to represent individual’s placement in factors identified from EFA. Cross-sectional validation and reliability are reported. Results. Five-Factors of Frailty found were consistent across ELSA waves. Mobility/Severe Pain, Planning/Self Care, Depression, Moderate Pain/Movement/Arthritis and Cardio-Metabolic. The variable make-up of each factor differed between males and females. Psychometric properties of the five factor frailty model were taken into account at each stage of development (factorability/sampling adequacy, cross-sectional replicability, internal consistency, low interdeterminacy, relations with age).Conclusions. Five distinct factors of an accumulation of deficits approach to frailty were found. Use and development of the five factors of frailty research tool are outlined. This research tool will aid researchers in determining the complex risk factors and outcomes of empirically derived components of frailty in ELSA.

The coupling of AC and DC power will impact the protective actions on the AC side and pose a threat to the stable operation of the interconnection system. Therefore, a new longitudinal protection method is proposed based on the comprehensive distance similarity of voltage waveforms. Initially, the measured voltage and current data are extracted to calculate the reference voltage, and the voltage waveform fitting is optimized. Subsequently, the Euclidean dynamic time warp (DTW) distance and entropy weight method are utilized to process the voltage waveform, enabling the calculation of its comprehensive distance similarity. This similarity is adopted to determine fault location. A hybrid DC multi-feed AC/DC interconnection system, incorporating line commutated converter-voltage source converter (LCC-VSC) and line commutated converter-modular multilevel converter (LCC-MMC), was established in PSCAD, and fault data was simulated and output. The effectiveness of the protection scheme was validated using MATLAB. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately distinguish between faults inside and outside a region. When compared to existing protection methods, it demonstrates superior performance in resisting transition resistance and noise interference, while also mitigating the impact of data asynchronicity. The speed and reliability of the method are further enhanced.

The United Nations Organization in its agenda for 2023 approved Health and Well-being as one of the objectives of sustainable development, in this sense, Higher Education Insti-tutions contribute with interventions to improve each human process that generates a healthy life. In Latin America as well as in European countries, studies have been con-ducted to observe psychological well-being at this stage of life. The present study analyzes in a longitudinal way the psychological well-being in three times in people who attend group dynamics programs. The sample is 668 participants, with an age range between 65 and 80 years. The sample has been distributed in two analysis groups controlling for gender and age: group 1 (with group dynamics) and group 2 (without group dynamics). The Spanish adaptation of Ryff's (2006) Psychological Well-being scale α= 0.87 was ap-plied to both groups. The scale is composed of six dimensions of psychological well-being (self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, mastery of the environment, purpose in life and personal growth). Statistical analyses showed significant differences between the two groups: greater psychological well-being and differences in the dimensions of positive relationships and personal growth in group 1. In addition, logistic regression analysis was carried out to test the predictive capacity of psychological well-being by the existence or not of group dynamics, with significant results in several dimensions. With the results obtained, we can conclude that group dynamics have a relevant role in con-tributing to the development of better levels of psychological well-being of the elderly with longitudinal increase in time. Future studies should be aimed at evaluating the value of group dynamics in the way of successful aging.

Abstract: Background: Restless Legs Syndrome /Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) has occasionally -but not consistently- been associated with cognitive, and most notably, language and executive impairment. The present study was conducted to investigate the cognitive trajectories of older individuals with RLS/WED. Methods: Participants were drawn from the randomly selected, older (>64 years), population-based HELIAD cohort. Individuals without dementia, with available neuropsychological evaluations at baseline and follow-up were considered for potential eligibility. A comprehensive assessment examining five principal components of cognition (memory, visuo-spatial ability, attention, executive function, and language) was administered to the partici-pants. Generalized estimating equations analysis was used to examine the unadjusted and adjusted (for critical factors and covariates) effects of RLS/WED on cognition over time. Results: A total of 1003 predominantly female, older (72.9 ±4.9 years) partici-pants, with follow-up evaluations after a mean of 3.09 ±0.85 years and without demen-tia at baseline and follow-up were included in the present study. Among them, 81 were diagnosed with RLS/WED at baseline. Global cognition, memory, attention, executive and visuo-perceptual skills did not differ between those with and without RLS/WED. However, the RLS/WED group performed worse on language at baseline by 0.249 of a standard deviation, while demonstrating a mitigated language decline over time, by 0.063 of a standard deviation. The unadjusted models yielded similar results. Conclu-sions: Our findings were indicative of a baseline language disadvantage among older individuals with RLS/WED, but the initial discrepancy tends to dissolve over time.

Background: The prevalence of physical inactivity has been rising in many countries in recent years, adding to the burden of non-communicable diseases and affecting overall health worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of physical activity on mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) separately for those respondents who were diagnosed with IHD and for those who were not diagnosed with IHD in their baseline health survey. Methods: In the baseline survey (2006–2008), 7100 men and women ages 45–72 were examined within the framework of the international study Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE). 6770 participants were available for statistical analysis (after excluding 330 respondents due to missing information on study variables). Physical activity was determined by leisure-time physical activities (hours/week). All participants in the baseline survey were followed up for IHD mortality events until December 31, 2018. Results: Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, it was found that moderate and higher levels of physical activity significantly reduced the risk of IHD mortality (HR=0.54 and HR=0.60 respectively) in men who were not diagnosed with IHD at baseline compared with physically inactive subjects. It was found that among men and women who were diagnosed with IHD at baseline, physical activity reduced the risk of mortality from IHD compared with those who were physically inactive (HR=0.54 and HR=0.41 respectively). Using mediation analysis, was found that physical activity directly predicted statistically lower IHD mortality (P&lt;0.05) in men and women. Conclusion: Physical activity was a significant factor that directly predicted statistically lower IHD mortality, regardless of whether subjects had IHD at baseline or not.

Background: Endotheliopathy is common pathologic findings in patients with acute and long COVID-19. It may be associated with disease severity and predispose to long-term complications. Plasma levels of a proteoglycan syndecan-1 are found to be significantly elevated in patients with COVID-19, but its roles in assessing the disease severity and predicting long-term outcome are not fully understood. Methods: 124 consecutive hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV2 infection were prospectively enrolled and blood samples were collected on admission (T1), 3-4 days following treatment (T2), and 1-2 days prior to discharge or death (T3). Plasma levels of syndecan-1 were determined using an immunosorbent assay; various statistical analyses were performed to determine the association between plasma syndecan-1 levels and disease severity or the 60-day mortality rate. Results: Compared with those in the healthy controls, plasma levels of syndecan-1 in patients with critical COVID-19 were significantly higher (p<0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference among patients with different disease severity (p>0.05), resulting from large individual variability. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that while the levels fluctuated during hospitalization in all patients, plasma syndecan-1 levels were persistently elevated from baseline in critical COVID19 patients. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that elevated plasma levels of syndecan-1 (>260 ng/mL at T1, >1018 ng/mL at T2, and >461 ng/mL at T3) were significantly associated with the 60-day mortality rate. Conclusions: Endotheliopathy, marked by glycocalyx degradation and elevated plasma syndecan-1, occurs in nearly all hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV2 infection; the elevated plasma syndecan-1 is associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Since the detection of the first COVID-19 patient, 2 years have passed, during which more than 287,862,000 people fell ill globally, of which about 1.9% died. Implementation of SARS-CoV-2 control programs required efforts from almost all countries. An important direction in the fight against COVID-19 was the formation of herd immunity, the main tool for managing the pandemic. Study goal: to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies (Abs) to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (Nc) and receptor binding domain (RBD) in the St. Petersburg population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A longitudinal cohort randomized monitoring study of Ab seroprevalence (SARS-CoV-2 Nc, RBD) was organized and conducted according to a unified methodology developed by Rospotrebnadzor with the participation of the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute. For this purpose, a cohort of 1000 volunteers was formed who participated in all five stages of seromonitoring. The cohort was divided into 7 age groups: 1-17; 18-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70; and older (70+) years. Seropositivity levels (Nc, RBD) were assessed by quantitative and qualitative enzyme immunoassays. During the 2nd year of monitoring, some volunteers were vaccinated with the GamCOVIDVac (84%) or EpiVacCorona (11.6%) vaccines approved in Russia. Statistical processing was carried out using the Excel 2010 software package. Confidence intervals for shares and percentages (95% CI) were calculated using the method of A. Wald and J. Wolfowitz with adjustment (A. Agresti, B.A. Coull). The statistical significance of differences was calculated by z-test, using the appropriate online calculator (p<0.05), unless indicated. Results. There was a trend towards: an increase in Nc seropositivity in stages 1-3 of seromonitoring, with a decrease in stages 4-5 among children and adults. The share of RBD seropositive steadily increased during all 5 stages of seromonitoring. The most frequently found were low anti-RBD Abs levels (22.6-220 BAU/ml). High Ab levels were recorded statistically significantly less frequently. Asymptomatic forms were observed in 84-88% of SARS-CoV-2 seropositive volunteers. By the 5th stage of monitoring, this indicator significantly decreased to 69.8% (95% CI: 66.1-73.4). The monitoring revealed a statistically significant increase in anti-RBD Abs, alongside a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of Nc seropositive. This dynamic was especially characteristic of persons vaccinated with GamCOVIDVac. Conclusion. Prior to the use of specific vaccines, a seroprevalence of anti-Nc Abs was noted. After the introduction of the GamCOVIDVac vaccine in adults, a decrease in the level of anti-Nc Abs was noted due to an increase in the proportion of RBD seropositive persons.

Tinnitus is a phantom sound perception in the ears or head and can arise from many different medical disorders. Currently, there is no standard treatment for tinnitus that reliably reduces tinnitus. Individual patients reported that acupressure at various points around the ear can help to reduce tinnitus, which was investigated here. With this longitudinal observational study, we report a systematic evaluation of auricular acupressure on 39 tinnitus sufferers, combined with a self-help smartphone app. The participants were asked to report about tinnitus, stress, mood, neck and jaw muscle tensions twice a day using an ecological momentary assessment study design for six weeks. On average, 123.6 questionnaires per person were provided and used for statistical analysis. The treatment responses of the participants were heterogeneous. On average, we ob-served significant negative trends for tinnitus loudness (Cohen’s d effect size: -.861), tinnitus dis-tress (d = -.478), stress (d = -.675), and tensions in the neck muscles (d = -.356). Comparison with a matched control group revealed significant improvements for tinnitus loudness (p = .027) and self-reported stress level (p = .003). The positive results of the observational study motivate fur-ther research including a randomized clinical trial and long-term assessment of the clinical im-provement.

The straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and is widely hunted for bushmeat. It is known to harbour a range of paramyxoviruses, including rubuloviruses and henipaviruses, but the zoonotic potential of these is unknown. We previously found a diversity of paramyxoviruses within a small, captive colony of E. helvum after it had been closed to contact with other bats for five years. In this study, we used under-roost urine collection to further investigate the paramyxovirus diversity and ecology in this colony, which had been closed to the outside for ten years at the time of sampling. By sampling urine weekly throughout an entire year, we investigated possible seasonal patterns of shedding of virus or viral RNA. Using a generic paramyxovirus L-gene PCR, we detected eight distinct paramyxovirus RNA sequences. Six distinct sequences were detected using a Henipavirus-specific PCR which targeted a different region of the L-gene. Sequence detection had a bi-annual pattern, with the greatest peak in July, although different RNA sequences appeared to have different shedding patterns. No significant associations were detected between sequence detection and birthing season, environmental temperature or humidity, and no signs of illness were detected in any of the bats in the colony during the period of sample collection.

Background: The myeloid-epithelial-reproductive tyrosine kinase (MERTK) is involved in hepatic steatosis, inflammation and liver fibrosis. Here we evaluated the association between the MERTK rs4374383 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and liver fibrosis progression in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective study (repeated measures design) in 208 patients who had liver stiffness measurement (LSM), which was assessed by transient elastography No patient had cirrhosis at baseline (LSM≥12.5 kPa). Results: At baseline, 53.8% were male, the median age was 47.1 years, 13.5% reported a high intake of alcohol, 10.1% were prior injection drug users, 85.3% were infected by HCV genotype 1, and 22.6% had previously failed antiviral therapy (pegylated-interferon-alpha/ribavirin). During a median follow-up of 46.6 months, 26 patients developed cirrhosis. The rs4374383 G carriers had a higher risk of increasing LSM (adjusted arithmetic mean ratio (aAMR)=1.14; p=0.006) and a higher likelihood of having an increase in LSM greater than 5 kPa (ΔLSM≥5 kPa) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.37; p=0.029], and greater than 7 kPa (ΔLSM≥7 kPa) [aOR=3.24; p=0.032], after controlling for confounding. The SNP’s association with cirrhosis progression was close to statistical significance (aOR=2.18; p=0.070). Conclusions: MERTK rs4374383 A carriers had a lower risk of liver fibrosis progression than G carriers, supporting the hypothesis that this SNP seems to have a critical role in the pathogenesis of liver disease in HCV-infected patients.

Urban cities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are faced with ambient air pollution. This is an important public health problem with models and limited monitoring data indicating high concentrations of pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Going through most global air quality index maps, however, information about ambient pollution from SSA is scarce. We evaluated the feasibility and practicality of longitudinal measurements of ambient PM_2.5 using low-cost air quality sensors (Purple Air-II-SD) across thirteen locations in seven countries in SSA. Devices were used to gather data over a 30-day period with the aim of assessing the efficiency of its data recovery rate and identifying challenges experienced by users in each location. The median data recovery rate was 94% (range: 72% to 100%). The mean 24-hour concentration measured across all sites was 38 µg/m³ with the highest PM_2.5 period average concentration of 91 µg/m³ measured in Kampala, Uganda and lowest concentrations of 15 µg/m³ measured in Faraja, The Gambia. Kampala-Uganda and Nnewi-Nigeria recorded the longest periods with concentrations>250µg/m³. Power outages, SD memory card issues, internet connectivity problems and device safety concerns were important challenges experienced when using Purple Air-II-SD sensors. Despite some operational challenges, this study demonstrated that it is reasonably practicable and feasible to establish a network of low-cost devices to provide data on local PM_2.5 concentrations in SSA countries. Such data are crucially needed to raise public-, societal and policymaker awareness about air pollution across SSA.

To analyze the predictive ability and incremental value of left ventricular longitudinal axis strain (LAS) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using standard cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for the diagnosis and prognosis of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with an indication for aortic valve replacement. We conducted a prospective study on 128 patients with severe AS and 52 volunteers. The evaluation protocol included standard biochemistry tests, novel biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis, 12-lead electrocardiograms and 24-hour Holter, the 6-minute walk test and extensive echocardiographic and CMR imaging studies. Outcomes were defined as the composite of major cardiovascular events (MACEs). Among AS patients, most (n = 17, 77.2%) of those who exhibited LGE at CMR imaging had MACEs during follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves for event-free survival showed a significantly higher rate of MACEs in patients with LGE (p < 0.01) and decreased LAS (p < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, only reduced LAS [hazard ratio 1.33, 95%CI (1.01 to 1.74), p < 0.01] and the presence of LGE [hazard ratio 11.3, 95%CI (1.82 to 70.0), p < 0.01] were independent predictors for MACEs. The predictive value increased if both LGE and reduced LAS were added to LVEF. None of the biomarkers of increased collagen turnover exhibited any predictive value for MACEs. LAS by CMR is an independent predictor of outcomes in patients with AS and provides incremental value beyond the assessment of LVEF and the presence of LGE.

This paper aims to study the surface homogenization and integrity of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by longitudinal-torsional coupled ultrasonic vibration assisted ball-end milling. A method of continuous processing between the flat surface and freeform surface connection is proposed by using ultrasonic vibration assisted ball-end precision milling, during this process, it is not necessary to exchange the cutting tool. The way has been explored for changing the homogenization of surface on Ti-6Al-4V by ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling (UVAM). Cutting experiments employing three parameters, cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut and two types of machining forms using ball-end milling with UVAM and conventional milling (CM) respectively. The high frequency cutting force, finished surface roughness, topography and residual stresses on the surface and tool wear have been measured by advanced instruments. Particularly, adopting the high frequency cutting force measurement system, it is concluded cutting force in ball-end milling decreased significantly using UVAM as against CM. Moreover, the surface roughness by UVAM with ball-end milling is much better than the CM at a high cutting speed. However, an opposite trend is observed at a low cutting speed. Especially, there is a steep decrease from Ra 0.828 μm average value at 4000 rpm to Ra 0.129 μm average value at 5000 rpm. At the same time, the homogenization of surface roughness and residual stresses decrease significantly in UVAM as compared to which in CM when taking the transversal-longitudinal ratio into consideration. Cutting experiments and measuring results are demonstrated the validity and feasibility of UVAM with ball-end milling, and this method enjoys significant advantages compared to CM process.

The aim of the study is to explore how sharing status updated and receiving Likes on Facebook, as a form of positive social feedback, correlates with current and perceived changes in Quality of Life (QoL) Sample consisted of 1577 adult Facebook users (76.3% females; 65.9% aged 18-24, 21.9% aged 25-30, 12.3% aged &gt; 30 years old). The study employed a longitudinal approach, collecting Facebook data from adult users over a 12-month period using the Graph API. Data were divided into 12 monthly segments. Two monthly indicators were calculated: the percentage of textual status updates and the average number of Likes per post. Current and perceived changes in Quality of Life (QoL) were administered as self-report measures. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the frequency of textual Facebook posts and the average received Likes. Furthermore, receivign more Likes was positively associated with a higher current QoL, and perceived improvements in QoL correlated with an increase in Likes over time. The study suggests that online positive social feedback, measured through Likes on Facebook, is associated with both current QoL and perceived improvements in QoL among adult Facebook users. This highlights the potential impact of online social interactions on individual well-being.

Background and objectives: Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain significantly impacts physical activity and quality of life in the elderly, potentially influencing mortality. This study explored the relationship between MSK pain, physical activity, muscle mass, and mortality among older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 1000 participants of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA), a prospective, population-based cohort study of people aged 65 years or older. Survival status was tracked over a 5-year period. Correlations between Low back pain (LBP), knee pain, regular exercise, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and other variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analyzes were used to identify independent risk factors for mortality. Results: Of the total participants, 829 (82.9%) survived after a 5-year period. Survivors tended to be younger, had a higher BMI, and were more active in regular exercise. In contrast, non-survivors exhibited a higher prevalence of both LBP and knee pain, along with increased instances of multiple MSK pain. Lower ASM correlated moderately with LBP and knee pain, whereas higher ASM was associated with regular exercise Lower ASM was moderately associated with LBP and knee pain, while higher ASM correlated with engagement in regular exercise. There was a moderate correlation between LBP and knee pain, both of which were associated with a lack of regular exercise. Age, sex, ASM, and regular exercise were significant predictors, even though MSK pain itself did not directly predict all-cause mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the independent association between ASM, regular exercise, and mortality. Although MSK pain did not directly correlate with all-cause mortality, the non-survivor group had higher levels of both single and multiple MSK pain. Recognizing the interplay of MSK pain, physical activity, and muscle mass for older adults, the research underscores the need for holistic strategies to enhance health outcomes in older individuals with MSK pain.

Teacher self-efficacy (TSE) significantly influences teacher well-being and pedagogical quality, thereby impacting student learning outcomes. Despite the recognized effectiveness of Lesson Study (LS) in shaping teachers' practices and beliefs, there is a research gap in TSE, particularly in higher education. To address this, we conducted a longitudinal study at a northeastern Chinese university, tracking TSE evolution in three English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, encompassing both novices and experienced educators, during a six-month LS program. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data, encompassing interviews, surveys, and observations. Underpinned by Bandura and Wyatt's self-efficacy theory, the impact of LS on teachers' TSE development was explored and interpreted. Our findings shed light on the many ways in which LS effects individual teachers' TSE. Notably, both novice and experienced teachers improved significantly in TSE, especially in the domains of instructional techniques and student engagement. However, in the context of classroom management, there was considerably less growth. Furthermore, our research identifies a number of challenges that can have a negative impact on teachers' TSE, such as adapting to students' changing needs, dealing with limited resources, managing time constraints, navigating the school examination system, and overcoming initial resistance to the LS approach.

In pursuit of sustainable human survival, the effective utilization of renewable energy has become critical to technological advancement. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology, which generates electricity by leveraging the temperature differential between surface and deep ocean waters, enables stable power generation around the clock. In this domain, the combination of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and heat exchangers has exhibited immense potential for ameliorating the deficiencies of conventional OTEC. This study uses numerical simulation to investigate the fluid dynamics characteristics of heat exchangers with flat fins and different types of longitudinal vortex generators (LVGs) under the same number of fins. The research encompasses heat exchangers with rectangular, triangular, and trapezoidal LVGs. Concurrently, the analysis examines how the vortices generated by the LVGs influence the thermoelectric performance of the TEGs. The results demonstrate that heat exchangers integrating flat fins and LVGs can enhance the power generation efficiency of TEGs. However, the pumping power required by the LVGs constrains the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Compared to rectangular and triangular LVGs, trapezoidal LVGs achieve a superior balance between output and pumping power. Heat exchangers utilizing trapezoidal LVGs can attain the highest TEG thermoelectric conversion efficiency with a specific seawater flow velocity. Overall, these findings provide valuable reference information for applying TEGs and heat exchangers in OTEC design.

Neuraminidase (NA)-based immunity could reduce the harmful impact of novel antigenic variants of influenza viruses. Detection of neuraminidase-inhibiting (NI) antibodies in parallel with anti-hemagglutinin (HA) antibodies may enhance research of immunogenicity and duration of antibody response to influenza vaccines. To assess anti-NA antibodies after vaccination with seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines, we used the enzyme-linked lectin assay, and anti-HA antibodies were detected in hemagglutination inhibition assay. The dynamics of anti-NA antibody response differed depending on the virus subtype: antibodies to A/H3N2 virus neuraminidase increased later than antibodies to A/H1N1pdm09 subtype neuraminidase, and persisted longer. In contrast to HA antibodies, the fold increase in antibody titers to NA after vaccination poorly depended on the preexisting level. At the same time, NA antibody level after vaccination directly correlated with titers before vaccination. Difference was found in response to NA antigen between split and subunit adjuvanted vaccines and in NA functional activity in the vaccine formulations.

This paper addresses the grammatical challenges associated with the development of clause complexity, focusing on the performance of a group of monolingual Spanish-speaking schoolchildren with Specific Language Impairment/Developmental Language Disorder (SLI/DLD) in a longitudinal corpus of oral narrative samples. The study examines the presence of interclause relations of subordination and equivalence (hypotaxis and parataxis) in language samples of two groups: an experimental group made up of 24 schoolchildren with SLI/DLD and a control group made up of 24 schoolchildren with typical development (TD). The results show that while both groups use parataxis as the most common relation between clauses in all school grades, there is a significant decrease in paratactic relations and a significant increase in hypotactic relations from first to fourth grade of primary education. Although the development patterns are highly similar, the SLI/DLD group shows greater difficulties in mastering more complex (hypotactic) relations in fourth grade compared to the control group, indicating that they are less sophisticated in the use of these types of complex relations. These findings suggest that focused support on the most complex structures is needed towards the fourth grade of primary education, given the demands of the school academic register from 6 and 7 years of age, and the potential problems that the development of clause complexity can cause in school-age children.

Only cross-sectional studies have demonstrated muscle deficits in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). The impact of functional impairments on altered muscle growth remains unclear. This prospective longitudinal study modelled the morphological muscle growth in 87 children with SCP (age range 6 months to 11 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I/II/III=47/22/18). Repeated ultrasound assessments were performed during 2-year (y) follow-up with an interval of minimal 6 months. Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound was applied to assess medial gastrocnemius muscle volume (MV), mid-belly cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle belly length (ML). Non-linear mixed models compared trajectories of (normalized) muscle growth between GMFCS-I versus GMFCS-II&amp;III. MV and CSA growth trajectories showed piecewise model with 2 breakpoints, with the highest growth before 2y and negative growth rates after 6-9y. Before 2y, children with GMFCS-II&amp;III already showed lower growth rates compared to GMFCS-I. From 2-9y, the growth rates did not differ between GMFCS-levels. After 9y, a more pronounced reduction in normalized CSA was observed in GMFCS-II&amp;III. Different trajectories in ML growth were shown between the GMFCS-level subgroups. These longitudinal trajectories could be used to monitor the SCP muscle pathology during childhood and to optimize treatment planning and goals aiming to stimulate muscle growth

In the present work the problem of the attenuation of longitudinal sound oscillations in a conducting medium are considered. The proposed approach is based on the dynamic interaction of electron gas with the lattice vibrations. This interaction is manifested in the modification of kinetic equation for electrons. The process is accompanied by generation of an electric field.

Studies show Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) influence on infant growth were conflicted. This study aims to determine the relationship between HMO profiles and weight growth indicators of infants ages 0-4 months in Indonesia. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 120 mother-infant pairs aged 0 – 4 months from the hospital and Public Health Center in Jakarta between August 2021 – May 2022. The gene analysis for the Secretor and Lewis status of the mother were performed by using targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Sanger at baseline. The HMO profiles (2'FL, LNFP I, LNT, LNnT, 3'SL, and 6'SL), breast milk calories, and fat were examined at 0, 2, and 4 months. Weight for age z-score, weight for length z-score, infection episode, and mother's body mass index were examined every month. Data were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman correlation test (correlation coefficient), general linear model for repeated measures ANOVA test and Friedman test (mean difference between and within groups, respectively) and logistic regression unadjusted OR (association between dependent and independent variables), with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Infants' weight velocities were higher among high LNT and 3'SL levels in the second month, and in high 2'FL and LNFP I mothers in the fourth month. HMO profile (2’FL, LNFP I, and LNT) of lactating mothers have a positive relationship with weight growth indicators, and innovative interventions to enhance HMO concentration among mothers should be considered as one of the ways to improve infant growth.

Low-intensity noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) can improve static and dynamic postural deficits in patients with bilateral vestibular loss (BVL). In this study, we aimed to explore the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical substrates underlying nGVS treatment effects in a rat model of BVL. Regional brain activation patterns and behavioral responses to repeated 30-min nGVS treatment in comparison to sham stimulation were investigated by serial whole-brain [18F]-FDG-PET measurements and quantitative locomotor assessments before and at 9 consecutive time points up to 60 days after chemical bilateral labyrinthectomy (BL). [18F]-FDG-PET revealed a broad nGVS-induced modulation on regional brain activation patterns encompassing biologically plausible brain networks in the brainstem, cerebellum, multisensory cortex and basal ganglia during the entire observation period post-BL. nGVS broadly reversed brain activity adaptions occurring in the natural course post-BL. Parallel behavioral locomotor assessment demonstrated a beneficial treatment effect of nGVS on sensory-ataxic gait alterations, particularly in the early stage of post-BL recovery. Stimulation-induced locomotor improvements were finally linked to nGVS brain activity responses in the brainstem, hemispheric motor and limbic networks. In conclusion, combined [18F]-FDG-PET and locomotor analysis discloses the potential neurophysiological and neuroanatomical substrates that mediate previously observed therapeutic nGVS effects on postural deficits in patients with BVL.

Basketball is a highly anaerobic game, that consists of high-intensity efforts followed by lower-intensity efforts. Postural deformities can be a limiting factor in achieving maximal performances in basketball. Flat feet are one of the most common deformities and they can lead to poorer performances, discomfort and pain. In this research we made an attempt to link the degree of feet flatness with sports performances among Icelandic adolescent basketball players. A sample of 100 basketball players was tested on a podoscope to establish the degree of feet flatness and all participants performed countermovement jump, 20m sprint and pushups in 30 seconds. No significant correlation was observed between feet status and sports performances. No differences were found between groups with and without flat feet, which indicates that feet flatness was not a limiting factor in achieving better results. However, we state that only strong and healthy feet might lead to excellent performance.

Atrophy quantification is fundamental for understanding brain development and diagnosing and monitoring brain diseases. FSL-SIENA is a well-known fully-automated method that has been widely used in brain magnetic resonance imaging studies. However, intensity variations arising during image acquisition that may compromise evaluation, analysis and even diagnosis. In this work, we study whether intensity standardisation can improve longitudinal atrophy quantification. We considered seven methods comprising z-score, fuzzy c-means, Gaussian mixture model, kernel density, histogram matching, white stripe, and removal of artificial voxel effects by linear regression (RAVEL). We used a total of 330 scans from two publicly-available datasets, ADNI and OASIS. In scan-rescan assessments, that measures robustness to subtle imaging variations, intensity standardisation did not compromise the robustness of FSL-SIENA significantly (p>0.1). In power analysis assessments, that measures the ability to discern between two groups of subjects, three methods led to consistent improvements in both datasets with respect to the original: fuzzy c-means, Gaussian mixture model, and kernel density estimation. Reduction in sample size using these three methods ranged from 17% to 95%. The performance of the other four methods was affected by spatial normalisation, skull stripping errors, presence of periventricular white matter hyperintensities, or tissue proportion variations over time. Our work evinces the relevance of appropriate intensity standardisation in longitudinal cerebral atrophy assessments using FSL-SIENA.

Intensive care nurses are highly prone to occupational stress and burnout, affecting their physical and mental health. The occurrence of the pandemic and related events increased nurses’ workload and exacerbated stress and burnout. We conducted a prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study with a cohort of nurses working in a medical ICU (COVID unit; n = 14) and cardiovascular ICU (non-COVID unit; n = 5). Each participant was followed for six 12-hour shifts. Validated questionnaires measured occupational stress and burnout prevalence. Wrist-worn wearable technologies recorded physiological indices of stress. Participants elaborated on the contributors to stress via post-study questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical and qualitative methods. Participants who cared for COVID patients at the COVID unit were 3.71 times more likely to experience stress (p &lt; .001) in comparison to non-COVID unit participants. No differences in stress levels were found when the same participants worked with COVID and non-COVID patients at different shifts at the COVID unit. The cohorts expressed similar contributors to stress including communication tasks, patient acuity, clinical procedures, admission processes, proning, labs, and assisting coworkers. Nurses in COVID units, irrespective of whether they care for a COVID patient, may experience high occupational stress and burnout.

(1) Background: Reduced magnesium (Mg) levels may be associated with a faster de-cline in renal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of serum and uri-nary Mg levels with body composition and inflammatory markers; (2) Methods: Lon-gitudinal study with patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing non-dialysis treatment in stages 3A, 3B and 4. Venous samples were collected after a 12-hour night fast. Body composition was evaluated by Double X-Ray Emission Absorptiometry and Air Displacement Plethysmog-raphy; (3) Results: The sample consisted of 134 patients. In the adjusted linear regression model, uric acid, percentage of lean mass and ali-mentar intake of Mg were positively associated with the sergic Mg. Triglyceride levels, WC and fat mass percentage were negatively associated with serum Mg. For the Mg urinal, in the adjusted model, the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), IL (interleukin 6), food intake of Mg and the percentage of lean mass showed a positive correlation.; (4) Conclusions: Serum Mg levels were positively associated with lean mass and negatively with total and central body fat and urinary Mg was positively associated with IL6 and lean mass.

Very poor oral health, common among older adults, is associated with cognitive decline.This study aimed to investigate the association between denture use, chewing ability, and cognitive function in Korean middle-aged adults using samples representing middle-aged people at the national level. This longitudinal study included 9,998 middle-aged adults via Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging 7th special survey data. Denture use, chewing ability, health-related factors, and general characteristics were assessed by the Computer Assisted Personal Interview. After controlling general characteristics using a generalized estimating equation model, the association of denture use and MMSE scores with chewing ability of those with or without dentures and MMSE scores were analysed. Twenty-four percent of participants wore dentures among them, 35.1% complained of difficulty chewing when wearing dentures. Among participants who did not wear dentures, 16.4% complained of difficulty chewing. MMSE scores were lower among denture-wearers than non-denture wearers (β = -0.026, p < 0.001). In both groups, MMSE scores decreased with chewing difficulty and were significantly reduced among non-denture wearers (p < 0.05). Chewing ability was closely associated with cognitive function. Given the negative effect of difficulty chewing on cognitive function, maintaining chewing ability should be of great concern.

This study examines the psychological repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on a medical team in an Israeli general hospital. The research explores the professional quality of life, burnout symptoms, secondary traumatic stress, and mindfulness among team members across three distinct phases of the pandemic. Analysis was conducted for different subgroups based on job roles and seniority, allowing for an evaluation of the phase-specific effects on the ProQOL (Professional Quality of Life) and mindfulness. Results align with established crisis trajectories, encompassing honeymoon/heroic phases, inventory, disillusionment, and recovery. The findings demonstrate a negative correlation between compassion satisfaction and burnout, as well as between mindfulness and burnout/secondary traumatic stress. Remarkably, male doctors exhibit a more pronounced negative impact on mindfulness compared to their female counterparts, primarily comprising healthcare workers. Temporal analysis reveals significant differences in compassion satisfaction and mindfulness, with baseline measurements being notably higher. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the vulnerability of male doctors, emphasizing the crucial role of hospital management in conveying the message and implementing effective measures to support professional quality of life. These findings underscore the necessity of prioritizing the well-being of medical professionals, particularly male doctors who face unique challenges in seeking assistance.

Background: Pediatric forearm fractures represent a substantial proportion of childhood injuries, requiring effective and minimally invasive treatments. Our study investigated the mid-term outcomes of biodegradable poly-L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) intramedullary implants in managing diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. Methods: A follow-up cohort study was conducted with 38 patients treated with PLGA implants. Control examinations were performed one year post-operation, assessing bone healing through radiographic evaluations and functional outcomes using injured and uninjured limb range of motion (ROM) comparisons. Scarring was evaluated employing the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and satisfaction via a questionnaire. Results: Children were predominantly female (76.4%), with a mean age of 9.71 (SD: 2.69) years. Effective fracture stabilization and bone healing were found in all patients, with a minor reduction (mean difference of -1.5°, p = 0.282) in elbow flexion on the operated side (139.3°) compared to the intact (140.8°). Elbow extension presented negligible average changes (0.2°, p= 0.098). Forearm movements were slightly reduced on the operated side (mean pronation: 80.8° vs. 83.7°, p= 0.166; average supination: 83.5° vs. 85.7°, p= 0.141). Wrist palmar flexion and dorsiflexion showed no significant differences. VSS ratings indicated minimal scarring (mean guardian and doctor scores were 1.13 and 0.55, respectively, p= 0.020), and all patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Biodegradable implants are effective for pediatric forearm fractures, providing stable bone healing while preserving functional ROM with minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction. PLGA proved to be a viable alternative to traditional metal implants, eliminating secondary removal surgeries.

Longitudinal studies tracing high-risk samples over decades have illuminated powerful pathways of resilient adaptation among individuals who overcome adversities faced early in life. This research demonstrates resilience is a common phenomenon driven by dynamic interactions between individual traits and environmental resources that enable positive adjustment despite adversity exposure. For clinical social workers supporting clients impacted by childhood trauma, abuse, violence and other adversities, understanding these resilience processes is vital for developing strengths-based, trauma -informed interventions that enhance positive adaptation. This paper synthesizes key findings from landmark longitudinal resilience studies and explores specific practice implications for resilience-oriented clinical assessment, intervention planning, prevention efforts, and social worker training. By integrating resilience research insights, social workers can more effectively identify and cultivate clients' innate capacities for resilience, facilitating a journey towards posttraumatic growth.

A new longitudinal flow heat dissipation theory for cylindrical batteries is proposed in order to increase the energy density and uniform temperature performance of cylindrical lithium-ion battery packs while also shrinking their size by roughly 10%. First, a genetic algorithm is used to identify the single cell's thermal properties. Based on this, modeling and simulation are used to examine the thermal properties of the longitudinal flow-cooled battery pack. It is found that the best coolant flow scheme has one inlet and one outlet from the end face, taking into account the cooling effect of the battery pack and engineering viability. Lastly, Thermal Dummy Cells (TDC) is used to conduct a validation test of the liquid cooling strategy. Additionally, the simulation and test results demonstrated that the liquid cooling solution can keep the battery pack's maximum temperature rise under the static conditions of a continuous, high-current discharge at a rate of 3C to 20 °C and under the dynamic conditions of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) to 2 °C. In applications where the space requirements for the battery pack are quite severe, the longitudinal flow cooling method has some advantages.

This study analyzes the relationship between the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and the mobility patterns of the Portuguese population. By reducing mobility, the idea is that contacts are reduced, countering the spread of the virus in the community. As an indicator of the spread of the virus, the reproduction number (Rt) was used. Data from Google's Community Mobility Reports was used to evaluate changes in mobility patterns. This report uses location data from Android mobile phone users. The locations are divided into retail and recreation, grocery and pharmacy, parks, transit stations, workplaces and residential. In this year of the COVID-19 crisis in Portugal, population mobility patterns have changed over the various phases of the pandemic. At first, all mobility was affected uniformly, with the population avoiding much of the activity outside the home. In a second phase, there was some adaptation, and the areas considered to be of lower risk had less impact, emphasizing the changes in the relationship between daily life and the workplace.

In this paper, an upper bound of the longitudinal elastic modulus of unidirectional fibrous composites is proposed according to strength of materials approach, on the premise that the fiber is much stiffer than the matrix. In the mathematical derivations, the concept of boundary interphase between fiber and matrix was also taken into account and the main objective of this work is the attainment of an upper bound for the interphase stiffness with respect to fiber concentration by volume. The novel element here is that the authors have not taken into consideration any specific variation law to approximate the interphase modulus. The theoretical results arising from the proposed formula were compared with those obtained from some reliable theoretical models as well as with experimental data found in the literature, and a satisfactory agreement was observed.