Search Results (62,775)

Objectives: A better understanding of the conditions leading to overweight and obesity is fundamental due to the ever-increasing phenomenon of excess body weight. This study aimed to determine how the occurrence of restrained eating in young adulthood, food-restricted types, and food experiences related to food restrictions originating in childhood correlate with excessive body weight among young adults. Methods: The data were collected in Poland in 2020–2021 using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview technique as a cross-sectional study among 358 young adults. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Restrictions associated with limiting intake of sugar-rich foods were more characteristic of those with normal body weight (52.7%) than those with excessive body weight (39.2%). Weak positive correlations were found between childhood experiences of weight control restrictions and restrained eating (0.222), using food restrictions (0.143), the number of restrictions (0.152), using restrictions on sugar (0.149), and food rich in fat (0.105) in early adulthood. Childhood food experiences related to weight control restrictions favored having excessive body weight in young adults by 53% after adjusting for sex and age. Conclusions: The results showed that it is advisable to develop interventions to increase parents’ awareness of the possible long-term consequences of practices related to controlling children’s eating behavior. Full article

The effects of three dietary oils (rapeseed oil, camellia oil, linseed oil) with different fatty acid compositions on the growth performance, digestion and gut microbiota of SD rats after 8 weeks of feeding were studied. The serum metabolic index and liver histomorphology of rats were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer and light microscope. Furthermore, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology was used to analyze the gut microbiota. It was found that these differences in fatty acid composition had no significant effect on body fat and liver tissue. However, after digestion, the rapeseed oil group showed lowest triglyceride content (1.22 ± 0.15) and a lower LDL/HDL ratio (0.41 ± 0.02). For gut microbiota distribution, the linseed oil group showed a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio (6.11 ± 0.54) and a high proportion of Lactobacillus. These data indicate that both the unsaturated fatty acid content and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids collectively had an effect on digestion metabolism, and the influence order may be n-3 unsaturated fatty acids > unsaturated fatty acid content. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a major cause of ischemic stroke, disproportionately affecting populations with significant vascular risk factors. Although ICAS imposes a considerable health burden, research on this condition in Central Asia remains scarce, especially among the Kazakh population. This study analyzes demographic characteristics, treatment outcomes, and procedural challenges associated with ICAS in 216 patients treated at a single institution. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with ≥70% intracranial artery stenosis confirmed by imaging and presenting with ischemic symptoms. All patients underwent angioplasty and stenting with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, stenosis characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: The median age was 63.5 years (IQR: 57–68.6), and 73.7% were male. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (98%), followed by ischemic heart disease (58%) and diabetes mellitus (40.9%). Multi-location ICAS was significantly associated with patients over 75 years of age (p = 0.025). Additionally, obesity and stenosis severity greater than 70% showed trends toward significance, with p-values of 0.064 and 0.079, respectively. Stenosis predominantly affected the internal carotid artery (54.5%) and vertebrobasilar system (31.6%). The average hospital stay was longer for posterior circulation stenosis (7.1 days) compared to anterior circulation (4.7 days). The periprocedural complication rate was 0.7%, with two deaths attributed to ischemic complications. At follow-up, four patients experienced worsening mRS scores (>2), particularly those with severe stenosis in the basilar artery and M1 segment. Conclusions: ICAS in the Kazakh population is strongly associated with hypertension and aging, with posterior circulation stenosis contributing disproportionately to worse outcomes. The low complication rates highlight the safety of modern endovascular techniques. However, further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for severe and multi-location ICAS, particularly in Central Asian populations. Full article

With the acceleration of the aging process in China, chronic diseases have become one of the main health threats for older adults, creating significant pressure on society and the healthcare system. As information technology and artificial intelligence advance rapidly, smart health services have become readily accessible. However, utilization rates among the older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses, remain low, preventing them from fully benefiting from these advanced technologies. The value of mobile health (mHealth) services can only be realized through sustained use. Therefore, this study empirically investigates the continuous use intention of mHealth services from the perspective of older adults with chronic illnesses, integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM). A total of 372 questionnaires were collected from various cities in China, and data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that perceived ease of use (β = 0.155, p = 0.004; β = 0.116, p = 0.027) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.175, p = 0.001; β = 0.151, p = 0.004) have a significant positive impact on attitude and perceived value. Perceived enjoyment significantly influences attitude (β = 0.147, p = 0.010), while perceived risk (β = −0.189, p < 0.001; β = −0.281, p < 0.001) and perceived cost (β = −0.155, p = 0.003; β = −0.130, p = 0.022) have a significant negative impact on attitude and perceived value. Both attitude (β = 0.357, p < 0.001) and perceived value (β = 0.314, p < 0.001) positively impact continuous intention. In total, only one of the twelve hypotheses was not supported. This study not only provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of the integrated TAM and VAM model in the mHealth field but also offers theoretical insights and practical recommendations for product optimization and promotion to mHealth service providers and designers. Full article

Background: Esophageal cancer is a major public health issue, yet risk factors for its occurrence are still insufficiently known. This study aimed to estimate the global burden of esophageal cancer and its risk factors. Methods: This ecological study presented the incidence, mortality, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) of esophageal cancer in the world. This study collected the Global Burden of Disease study data from 1990 to 2019. Trends in esophageal cancer burden were assessed using the joinpoint regression analysis and calculating the average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: Globally, in 2019, in both sexes and all ages, the ASR for the incidence of esophageal cancer was 6.5 per 100,000 and for mortality, 6.1 per 100,000. The global proportion of DALYs for esophageal cancer attributable to selected behavioral, metabolic, and dietary risk factors was similar in males and females: chewing tobacco (3.8% vs. 5.1%), diet low in fruits (10.1% vs. 12.6%), diet low in vegetables (3.3% vs. 4.6%), and high body mass index (18.8% vs. 19.3%). However, the proportion of DALYs for esophageal cancer attributable to smoking and alcohol use was 4–5 times higher in males than in females (50.1% vs. 11.3%, and 29.6% vs. 5.1%, respectively). From 1990 to 2019, a significant decrease in global trends in rates of DALYs for esophageal cancer attributable to smoking (AAPC = −1.6%), chewing tobacco (AAPC = −0.5%), alcohol use (AAPC = −1.0%), a diet low in fruits (AAPC = −3.1%), and a diet low in vegetables (AAPC = −3.6%) was observed, while a significant increase in trends was observed in DALYs rates for esophageal cancer attributable to a high body mass index (AAPC = +0.4%). Conclusions: More epidemiological research is needed to elucidate the relationship between esophageal cancer and certain risk factors and guide prevention efforts. Full article

Background and Objectives: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) define abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) as “bleeding from the uterus that is abnormal in regularity, volume, frequency, or duration and occurs in the absence of pregnancy”. The impact of AUB on the physical and psychosocial well-being of adolescent girls can be significant. In this study, we aim to investigate the menstrual cycle characteristics in adolescent Sudanese schoolgirls and the prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Almatamah locality, Sudan. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and menstrual cycle parameters. Weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and hemoglobin levels were determined. Logistic regression was also performed. Results: Of the 162 girls in the study, 27.2% had frequent cycles, 3.7% had infrequent cycles, 2.5% had prolonged menses duration, 44.4% had irregular cycles, and 21.0% had heavy menstrual bleeding. The overall prevalence of AUB in the study was 64.8%. None of the investigated factors (chronological age, maternal education or occupation, gynecological age, BMI, and hemoglobin level) were associated with AUB. Conclusions: In conclusion, the prevalence of AUB was high among the study participants, with irregular cycles, frequent cycles, and heavy menstrual bleeding being the most common types. Full article

The genus of Nitraria L. are Tertiary-relict desert sand-fixing plants, which are an important forage and agricultural product, as well as an important source of medicinal and woody vegetable oil. In order to provide a theoretical basis for better protection and utilization of species in the Nitraria L., this study collected global distribution information within the Nitraria L., along with data on 29 environmental and climatic factors. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to simulate the globally suitable distribution areas for Nitraria L. The results showed that the mean AUC value was 0.897, the TSS average value was 0.913, and the model prediction results were excellent. UV-B seasonality (UVB-2), UV-B of the lowest month (UVB-4), precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), the DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and annual precipitation (bio12) were the key variables affecting the distribution area of Nitraria L, with contributions of 54.4%, 11.1%, 8.3%, 7.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The Nitraria L. plants are currently found mainly in Central Asia, North Africa, the neighboring Middle East, and parts of southern Australia and Siberia. In future scenarios, except for a small expansion of the 2030s scenario model Nitraria L., the potential suitable distribution areas showed a decreasing trend. The contraction area is mainly concentrated in South Asia, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, North Africa, Libya, as well as in areas of low suitability in northern Australia, where there was also significant shrinkage. The areas of expansion are mainly concentrated in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to the Iranian plateau, and the Sahara Desert is also partly expanded. With rising Greenhouse gas concentrations, habitat fragmentation is becoming more severe. Center-of-mass migration results also suggest that the potential suitable area of Nitraria L. will shift northwestward in the future. This study can provide a theoretical basis for determining the scope of Nitraria L. habitat protection, population restoration, resource management and industrial development in local areas. Full article

Millennials and Gen Z now dominate the global workforce, each with distinct reward preferences influencing motivation and creativity. Understanding these distinctions is critical for improving employee retention and performance. This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for both cohorts. The main goals are to determine reward preferences, examine the mediation effects of moral importance of work and learning attitudes, and assess their impact on creative performance. Using online survey, data were collected from 319 individuals in India and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Results show that while intrinsic rewards were not significantly related to the moral importance of work for either generation, extrinsic rewards were linked to moral importance only for Gen Z. Extrinsic rewards also had no significant impact on learning attitudes for Gen Z, but they did for millennials. Additionally, the moral importance of work was unrelated to creative performance for millennials, but it had a significant impact on Generation Z. By examining these dynamics, this study aims to provide insights into generational shifts in workplace values in the Indian context, highlighting implications for employee’s creative performance that align with each generation’s unique priorities and ethical considerations. Full article

Weeds significantly impact crop yields and quality, necessitating strict control. Effective weed identification is essential to precision weeding in the field. Existing detection methods struggle with the inconsistent size scales of weed targets and the issue of small targets, making it difficult to achieve efficient detection, and they are unable to satisfy both the speed and accuracy requirements for detection at the same time. Therefore, this study, focusing on three common types of weeds in the field—Amaranthus retroflexus, Eleusine indica, and Chenopodium—proposes the HAD-YOLO model. With the purpose of improving the model’s capacity to extract features and making it more lightweight, this algorithm employs the HGNetV2 as its backbone network. The Scale Sequence Feature Fusion Module (SSFF) and Triple Feature Encoding Module (TFE) from the ASF-YOLO are introduced to improve the model’s capacity to extract features across various scales, and on this basis, to improve the model’s capacity to detect small targets, a P2 feature layer is included. Finally, a target detection head with an attention mechanism, Dynamic head (Dyhead), is utilized to improve the detection head’s capacity for representation. Experimental results show that on the dataset collected in the greenhouse, the mAP for weed detection is 94.2%; using this as the pre-trained weight, on the dataset collected in the field environment, the mAP for weed detection is 96.2%, and the detection FPS is 30.6. Overall, the HAD-YOLO model has effectively addressed the requirements for accurate weed identification, offering both theoretical and technical backing for automatic weed control. Future efforts will involve collecting more weed data from various agricultural field scenarios to validate and enhance the generalization capabilities of the HAD-YOLO model. Full article

Background and Objectives: Life satisfaction (LS) is a key aspect of mental well-being, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities (IWPDs).This study examined LS levels among IWPDs in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the effects of three independent variables: (i) sociodemographic factors, (ii) self-reported health and fitness, and (iii) self-assessed physical activity (PA). Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 271 participants using validated questionnaires. Two models analyzed the effects of the independent variables on LS: the first model included the overall level of PA, while the second examined its individual components. Results: The results indicated that females reported a higher LS than males (p = 0.011). Participants with a university degree demonstrated a significantly greater LS compared to those who did not disclose their educational status (Exp(β) = 1.104). Poor health and inactivity were linked to a lower LS, while age correlated positively with LS (odds ratio = 1.012). Additional factors, including marital status, income, education level, and mobility assistance usage, significantly impacted LS. Interestingly, PA exhibited no direct statistical effect on LS. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of equitable access to education, regular PA, support for married couples, and preventive healthcare. Special attention to young people, particularly boys, is recommended to improve LS outcomes among IWPDs in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a substantial global health concern, exacerbated by the widespread use of antibiotics and leading to the development of multidrug-resistant strains. The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal patterns of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae UTIs and antibiotic resistance, taking into account various sociodemographic, clinical, and climatic factors within the study population. Methods: A total of 3026 urine samples from patients of all ages were analyzed over a period of five years by standard microbiological methods. Climatic data for the study area were also collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the impact of sociodemographic, clinical and climatic parameters on the occurrence of UTIs. Results: The study showed a 31.4% prevalence of UTIs among the population. Notably, there was a significant increase in pyelonephritis between 2019 and 2023 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant association was found between cystitis and the long dry season, as well as the short rainy season. Furthermore, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, and co-trimoxazole. The resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from cystitis to nitrofurantoin showed a significant increase over the years (p < 0.04). Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that humidity may play a role in the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusions: UTIs show variability according to various sociodemographic, clinical, and climatic factors, with a higher risk of complications seen in individuals aged ≤ 17 years. It is important to note that cases of pyelonephritis have been increasing over time, with a noticeable seasonal variation. This study suggests that humidity may play a role in promoting antibiotic multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Full article

This paper presents a novel methodology to estimate the harmonic transfer impedances in electric power systems with multiple harmonic sources (HSs). The purpose is to determine the responsibility of each HS for the total harmonic distortion at a specific bus within the system, addressing a critical issue in the power quality field. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to estimate not only the individual HS, but also the transfer impedances between each source and the bus under analysis (BUA). Most methods for solving this problem are based on proper network modeling or restrict variations in harmonic sources to a single source at a time. The proposed methodology has overcome this limitation. For this, synchronized current and voltage phasors are measured at the BUA. Once the measurements are gathered, the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) method is applied to estimate the Norton equivalent. The harmonic transfer impedance (HTI) is then determined using the information provided by the ICA. To enhance the accuracy of HTI estimation, three procedures are employed for data mining the parameters provided by ICA over time to generate a well-conditioned system. Once the HTI is satisfactorily determined, the individual harmonic contributions (IHCs), i.e., the harmonic responsibility, can be estimated accurately. The effectiveness and performance of the method are demonstrated based on computational simulations using distribution and transmission systems. Additionally, the methodology is validated with real data collected from a Brazilian transmission system monitored by synchronized power quality measurement units. Simulated results show that the Total Vector Error (TVE) is less than 0.4%, and for the field data test, the TVE is less than 2%. Full article

(1) Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) and neurologic impairment (NI) are a growing population in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). (2) Objective: Our aim was to explore and describe the experiences and beliefs of PICU providers caring for CMC with NI. (3) Methods: A qualitative interview-based study was conducted. Participants were 20 providers (12 attendings and 8 nurse practitioners) who met inclusion criteria of being a faculty, fellow, or advanced practice provider who worked in a PICU; residents were excluded. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling until information power was reached, and came from seven PICUs across six states, with 10 participants from the authors’ home institution and 10 from external PICUs. Data were collected via recorded videoconference interviews, which were transcribed. Analysis was conducted and relevant themes were identified using the analytic technique of thematic analysis. Rigor was assured by using two coders. (4) Results: Four main themes were identified: (i) providers view CMC with NI as a distinct population of growing importance; (ii) CMC with NI have care needs that challenge traditional perceptions of PICU practice; (iii) PICU providers expressed ambivalence towards caring for CMC with NI; and (iv) some PICU providers have developed adaptive strategies. (5) Conclusions: This population challenges the typical notion of what pediatric critical care represents. Providers display ambivalence about caring for these patients but can develop strategies to make this work meaningful. Understanding PICU clinicians’ views about CMC with NI can provide insights for improved patient care and reduced provider burnout as the field adapts to this population. Full article

In the context of sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization in China, understanding and addressing psychological poverty traps among rural farm households is crucial. The poverty mindset represents a crucial factor affecting rural poverty. This study focuses on two key questions: first, whether and how material poverty influences the poverty mindset; and second, whether this psychological state affects economic behavior, potentially intensifying material poverty. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2014–2018, the data collection employed a multi-stage stratified sampling approach. Multiple methods, including questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, were utilized to gather information. Through matching and merging processes based on personal questionnaire IDs, a total of 30,143 observations were obtained over a three-year period. We employ Causal Mediation Analysis (CMA) to examine the micro-level mechanisms between material and psychological poverty among rural farm households. Our findings reveal three key insights. First, material poverty significantly reduces aspiration levels and behavioral capabilities of rural farm households, with impoverished groups scoring approximately 10% lower than non-poor groups. Second, this negative impact operates through two primary channels: stigma effects (self-stigmatization 11.29%, social stigma 4.71%) and psychological resource depletion (negative emotions 1.5%, psychological stress 1.27%). Third, psychological poverty reinforces material poverty through aspiration failure (72.3%) and capability deficiency (75.68%), creating a self-perpetuating “psychological poverty trap” that particularly affects agricultural production efficiency. These findings suggest that sustainable agricultural development requires addressing both material and psychological dimensions of rural poverty. Policy recommendations include strengthening psychological support for farm households, enhancing agricultural capacity building, mitigating stigma effects in rural communities, and reconstructing psychological resources for sustainable development. This integrated approach can help break psychological poverty traps, improve agricultural productivity, and support rural revitalization in China. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a valuable fruit crop for fresh consumption. Due to its early availability in season, it achieves relatively high prices on the market. Self-fertile cultivar Lapins is one of the world’s leading sweet cherry varieties. Intensive cherry production seeks for new technologies such as using more adaptable rootstocks and microbiological products that could help plants adopt more sustainable growth in different soils/climates. The aim of this work is to determine the substrate properties, vegetative growth, leaf chlorophyll and mineral content of maiden trees grafted on three different rootstocks due to the application of growth-promoting rhizobacteria. A pot experiment was carried out on one-year-old maiden trees of cv. Lapins grafted on SL 64, MaxMa 14 and Gisela 5 and grown in 12 L plant pots filled with commercial substrate. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense was added by watering the plants with 1.12 g L⁻¹ per pot once a month (T₁) or every two months (T₂) from March to September with seven treatments in T₁ and four treatments in T₂. At the same time, control (C) plants were watered with rainwater. Plant height, trunk circumference and leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI) were measured. In addition, shoot growth and internode number were measured in three development stages (BBCH 34, 39 and 91). The substrate and leaf samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory in accordance with established procedures. Data were processed by ANOVA and the Tukey test. Results have showed that rootstock affected substrate electrical conductivity (EC); nitrate (NO₃⁻), phosphorous (P₂O₅), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content, including mineral nitrogen (N) content; tree height, circumference, shoot length and internode number; the leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI); and leaf potassium (K), Ca and Mg content. Furthermore, treatment significantly affected the CCI, average internode length, ammonia (NH₄⁺) and Ca content in the substrate and leaf N, Ca and Mg content. Rhizobacteria A. brasilense can be used as an additional biofertilizer in sustainable agricultural practices for obtaining healthier sweet cherry maiden trees, but microbial biotechnology rules must be respected. Full article