Nevin Manimala

Am J Hum Biol. 2021 Jul 31:e23654. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.23654. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Biological normalcy is a framework that investigates relationship(s) between statistical norms and normative views/beliefs around particular traits. This study assessed the relationships between perceptions of average body weight, healthy body weight, and weight status among adolescents.

METHODS: Adolescents recruited in southcentral Indiana, United States (n = 123) completed online questionnaires for demographics and body weight perceptions. Silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale measured perceived weight status, perceived average body weight, and perceived healthy body weight. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index-for-age percentiles. A subsample (n = 11) provided descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies during semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS: As perceived average body weight increased, selections of “healthy” silhouettes shifted downward, with smaller female silhouettes being marked healthy more often and larger male silhouettes being marked healthy less often. Additionally, perceived weight status was positively associated with perceptions around average body weight and lowest body weight perceived to be healthy for female and male silhouettes. Qualitative data demonstrated significant overlap in adolescents’ descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies as well as dual meanings for the term “normal” in adolescents’ views of body weight.

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived weight status appears to play a role in adolescents’ conceptualizations of average and healthy body weight. Additionally, Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that perceived body weight norms were associated with normative perceptions around what healthy bodies look like. This study demonstrates relationships between statistical norms and normative views around body weight, underscoring the duality in how body weight is understood to be “normal” among adolescents.

PMID:34331719 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.23654

J Med Virol. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27250. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare RT-PCR results of nasopharyngeal aspiration (NA) and nasopharyngeal swab (NS) samples in the diagnosis of COVID-19.

METHODS: NS was obtained with a dacron swab and NA was performed by aspiration cannula. The sampling was performed by an otolaryngologist to ensure standardized correct sampling from the nasopharynx. The RT-PCR was performed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The level of agreement between the result of NA and NS samples for each patient was analyzed. The Ct values were compared.

RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 56,3 years. Thirteen subjects resulted negative with both NS and NA; 20 subjects resulted positive with NA and 18 subjects resulted positive with NS. The mean values of Ct for NA samples and NS samples were 24,6±5,9 and 24±6,7, respectively. There was no statistical difference between Ct values of NA and NS samples (p=0,48).

CONCLUSION: RT-PCR for SARS-Cov2 performed with NA sample and NS sample showed a strong correlation regarding the positivity /negativity and the Ct values. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34331714 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.27250

Diabetes Ther. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s13300-021-01121-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Poor medication adherence and disordered eating are major self-care problems in patients with type 2 diabetes that worsen glycemic control and increase the risk of developing severe diabetes complications. Affective temperament, which remains mostly unchanged throughout life, is speculated to predict poor treatment response and high comorbidity. The aim of this study was to explore the link between affective temperament and poor glycemic control due to insufficient self-care.

METHODS: This single-center case-control study involved 77 outpatients divided into the ‘poor glycemic control’ group (n = 52) and the ‘better glycemic control’ group (n = 25) based on their mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over the past 12 months. All participants underwent one-on-one interviews during which they completed the following psychometric questionnaires: (1) the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0.0; (2) the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire; (3) a researcher-designed single question for assessing subclinical stress-induced overeating; and (4) the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The difference between two continuous independent variables was determined using Student’s t test. Discrete variables were compared using the Chi-square (χ²) or Fisher’s exact test. Multiple testing corrections were performed using the false discovery rate.

RESULTS: Those outpatients in the poor glycemic control group exhibited significantly more stress-induced overeating (χ² = 1.14, q statistic = 0.040) and poor medication adherence (t = 3.70, q = 0.034) than those in the better glycemic control group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of affective temperaments, clinical eating disorders, or diabetes-specific distress. Patients with stress-induced overeating (t = – 2.99, p = 0.004) and poor medication adherence (t = – 4.34, p = 0.000) exhibited significantly higher scores for cyclothymic temperament than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION: Cyclothymic temperament is significantly associated with disordered eating and/or poor medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes and is possibly linked to poor glycemic control.

PMID:34331669 | DOI:10.1007/s13300-021-01121-y

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-14956-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Carbon emissions from tourism are an important indicator to measure the impact of tourism on environmental quality. As the world’s largest industry, tourism has many related industries and is a strong driver of energy consumption. The emission reductions it can achieve will directly determine whether China’s overall carbon emission reduction target can be met. This paper analyzes the drivers of the evolution of carbon emissions from the tourism industry in China over the period 2000-2017 as a research sample using the Generalized Dividing Index Method (GDIM), and on this basis, it uses scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulation to predict the carbon peak in tourism for the first time. The research results show that the scale of industry and energy consumption are the key factors leading to increased tourism carbon emissions, and the carbon intensity of tourism industry, energy consumption carbon intensity, investment efficiency, and energy intensity are the main factors leading to reduced carbon emissions from tourism. The scale of investment and the carbon intensity of investment have a dual effect; the scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulation used to predict peak carbon in China’s tourism industry show that the peak carbon will occur approximately in 2030. The government needs to further guide and encourage the tourism industry to increase investment activities targeting energy conservation and emission reduction. Under the conditions of strictly implementing energy conservation and emission reduction measures and vigorous promotion of the transformation and upgrading of tourism development methods, the tourism industry will have considerable potential to reduce carbon emissions.

PMID:34331642 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-021-14956-6

Qual Life Res. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s11136-021-02963-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children across different physical illnesses; estimated parent-child agreement on HRQL reports; compared HRQL between children with and without physical-mental multimorbidity; and tested if multimorbidity was associated with HRQL.

METHODS: Children aged 6-16 years (mean = 11.1; n = 198) with one physical illness and their parents were recruited from a pediatric hospital. Physical illnesses were classified according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10, mental illnesses were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents, and HRQL was measured using the KIDSCREEN-27. Children who screened positive for ≥ 1 mental illness were classified as having physical-mental multimorbidity. χ²/t tests compared sample characteristics of children with vs. without multimorbidity; Kruskal-Wallis tests compared KIDSCREEN-27 scores across ICD-10 categories; interclass correlation coefficients estimated parent-child agreement; and multiple regression examined effects of the number of mental illnesses on HRQL.

RESULTS: HRQL was similar across ICD-10 categories. Parent-child agreement was fair to good for all HRQL domains, regardless of multimorbidity status. Parent-reported HRQL was significantly lower for children with multimorbidity compared to norms across all domains, whereas child-reported HRQL was significantly lower for physical well-being, psychological well-being, and school environment. Number of mental illnesses was negatively associated with psychological well-being and school environment in a dose-response manner.

CONCLUSION: Children with physical-mental multimorbidity are vulnerable to experiencing lower HRQL, particularly for psychological well-being and school environment. Longitudinal studies documenting trajectories of HRQL and school-based interventions that target these domains of HRQL for children with multimorbidity are warranted.

PMID:34331638 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-021-02963-6

Int Ophthalmol. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s10792-021-01991-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alopecia areata (AA) on the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology.

METHODS: A total of 48 subjects were included in the present study. Twenty-three subjects were assigned to group 1 as the patient group, and 25 healthy individuals were included in group 2 as the control group. The ocular surface examination was performed, and the right eyes of all participants were included in the analysis. Both groups underwent the following tests for evaluation of ocular surface: tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Results obtained from the tests were then analyzed and compared between the groups.

RESULTS: The mean TBUT value was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.96 ± 3.4 vs 10.52 ± 4.8 s) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of the mean Schirmer I test score (p = 0.129). The mean OSDI score was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (15.48 ± 10.4 vs 9.61 ± 13.4), but the difference between both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). The mean CIC score was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (1.65 ± 0.7 vs 0.52 ± 0.5) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that AA was correlated with significant disturbances in conjunctival cytology and the tear function.

PMID:34331623 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-021-01991-y

Biomech Model Mechanobiol. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s10237-021-01499-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We consider a one-dimensional morphoelastic model describing post-burn scar contraction. Contraction can lead to a limited range of motion (contracture). Reported prevalence of burn scar contractures are 58.6% at 3-6 weeks and 20.9% at 12 months post-reconstructive surgery after burns. This model describes the displacement of the dermal layer of the skin and the development of the effective Eulerian strain in the tissue. Besides these components, the model also contains components that play a major role in the skin repair after trauma. These components are signaling molecules, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and collagen. We perform a sensitivity analysis for many parameters of the model and use the results for a feasibility study. In this study, we test whether the model is suitable for predicting the extent of contraction in different age groups. To this end, we conduct an extensive literature review to find parameter values. From the sensitivity analysis, we conclude that the most sensitive parameters are the equilibrium collagen concentration in the dermal layer, the apoptosis rate of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and the secretion rate of signaling molecules. Further, although we can use the model to simulate significant distinct contraction densities in different age groups, our results differ from what is seen in the clinic. This particularly concerns children and elderly patients. In children we see more intense contractures if the burn injury occurs near a joint, because the growth induces extra forces on the tissue. Elderly patients seem to suffer less from contractures, possibly because of excess skin.

PMID:34331622 | DOI:10.1007/s10237-021-01499-5

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02282-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate whether mitochondrial content, activity, and morphology differ in prepubertal versus adult ovarian follicles.

METHODS: Ovarian tissue was collected from 7 prepubertal girls (age 1-10 years) and 6 adult women (age 20-35 years). Primordial and primary follicles were isolated from frozen-thawed prepubertal and adult ovarian tissue and their viability was assessed. Mitochondrial content was investigated by TOMM20 immunostaining of prepubertal and adult ovarian tissue, while mitochondrial activity in isolated follicles was analyzed by MitoTracker CM-H2XRos and JC-1. Frozen-thawed ovarian tissue from the same patients was also evaluated by transmission electron microscopy to examine mitochondrial morphology.

RESULTS: Higher TOMM20 staining was detected in prepubertal follicles compared to their adult counterparts, indicating the presence of more mitochondria in prepubertal follicles. Analysis of mitochondrial activity by MitoTracker showed higher fluorescence intensity in prepubertal follicles, suggesting that follicles in this group are more active than adult follicles. JC-1 analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference in the inactive/active ratio between the two groups. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis by TEM detected morphological differences in the shape and cristae of prepubertal mitochondria, probably suggesting a mechanism of response to autophagy.

CONCLUSION: Differences in the number, activity, and morphology of mitochondria were reported, suggesting that consequential modifications might occur during puberty, which could be the window of opportunity required by mitochondria to undergo changes needed to reach maturity, and hence the capacity for ovulation and fertilization.

PMID:34331619 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-021-02282-2

Semin Ophthalmol. 2021 Jul 30:1-5. doi: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1955939. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Binocular balancing is an important component of refractive correction to avoid asthenopic complaints. Polaroid filters are commonly used for binocular balancing; they rely on subjective examination and cannot represent daily visual activities. We describe a new examination approach to evaluate binocular balance with retinoscopy, which is an objective examination method and does not require strict patient cooperation.

METHODS: Healthy young individuals with refractive errors (under the age of 40) were included in this study. Each patient was examined by three different ophthalmologists in the same room at 20-min intervals. The first ophthalmologist performed refractive examination separately for each eye, the second physician used binocular balance tests with polaroid glasses, and the third physician practiced binocular balance test with retinoscopy. After completion of clinical examinations, autorefractometry was repeated with cycloplegia. The difference between the spherical equivalents (SE) of the eyes was calculated for each method and compared with the SE difference obtained by cycloplegic autorefractometry. The SPSS 21.0 software was used for the statistical tests.

RESULTS: The study included 30 patients (16 males, 14 females) and the mean age of the patients was 21 ± 8.5 years (range 10-37 years). There was no significant difference between the four groups for the interocular difference of SE (Greenhouse-Geisser F = 1.390, p = 0.257). The highest correlation was found between the retinoscopic binocular balance technique and cycloplegic autorefractometry (r = 0.878, p < 0.001). In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the 95% limits of agreement supported strong agreement.

CONCLUSION: Currently used binocular examination tests are subjective and some patients give inconsistent answers impairing the reliability of the outcome. These tests cannot be performed on patients with limited ability to cooperate. This study demonstrates that the use of retinoscopy in the evaluation of binocular balance delivers reliable results and is a low-cost, practical approach to address the above-mentioned problems.

PMID:34330203 | DOI:10.1080/08820538.2021.1955939

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2021 Jul 30:1-11. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1953662. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal trends and dynamics of financial hardship among older adults in the U.S. between 2006 and 2016 using the Health and Retirement Study. Sample included a total of 13,537 eligible person observations with a median age of 68 years. Financial hardship included measures of difficulty paying bills, food insecurity, taking less medication due to cost, and ongoing financial strain. Regression analyses were performed using a three-wave quadrennial model to estimate the prevalence of financial hardship over time, to explore temporal patterns and identify persistent hardship. Findings reveal that 51% of respondents who experienced food insecurity at one or more waves were transient. This pattern was similar to respondents who experienced ongoing financial strain (52% transient). Respondents who reported difficulty paying bills (68%) and reduced medications due to cost (62%) were also transient. Significant predictors across all four domains of financial hardship include age, years of education, marital status, self-rated health. Being African American was positively associated with reduced medication use and food insecurity. This study provides insight into the temporal dynamics of financial hardship in later life. It also highlights the contiguous, intermediate and transient nature of financial hardship among older adult populations.

PMID:34330197 | DOI:10.1080/01634372.2021.1953662