Relação entre fatores socioeconômicos e a pandemia da covid-19 / Correlation between socioeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Este artigo objetivou verificar a relação entre os fatores socioeconômicos e a pandemia da covid-19 nos municípios de médio porte mineiros. O procedimento de análise de dados foi a modelagem de equações estruturais de mínimos quadrados parciais. As variáveis utilizadas foram vulnerabilidade, saneamento, renda, agravantes, vacinação, casos de covid-19, mortalidade por covid-19, hospitalização e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Os dados foram coletados no Índice Mineiro de Responsabilidade Social, no painel de monitoramento dos casos de covid-19 e no painel de monitoramento de vacinação contra covid-19. O recorte temporal foi determinado pelo início da pandemia e a disponibilidade de dados (março de 2020 a setembro de 2021). Os resultados evidenciaram que melhores condições de saneamento estão negativamente relacionadas aos casos de covid-19, a renda está positivamente relacionada com os casos de covid-19 e a taxa de mortalidade por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis está relacionada de forma positiva com a mortalidade por covid-19. Os casos de covid-19 têm impacto negativo na hospitalização e a hospitalização tem impacto positivo na mortalidade. Os casos moderados pela vacinação estão negativamente relacionados à mortalidade por covid-19. Os resultados confirmam que condições socioeconômicas menos favoráveis tornam a sociedade mais vulnerável a covid-19.

Abstract This study investigated the correlation between socioeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic in medium-sized Minas Gerais municipalities. Data were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling, using the following variables: vulnerability, sanitation, income, aggravating factors, vaccination, COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 mortality, hospitalization and non-communicable chronic diseases. Data were obtained from the Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index, the COVID-19 cases monitoring panel and the COVID-19 vaccination monitoring panel. Data collection time frame was determined by the onset of the pandemic and data availability (March 2020 to September 2021). Results showed that better sanitation conditions are negatively related to COVID-19 cases, income is positively related to COVID-19 cases, and higher mortality from chronic noncommunicable diseases are positively related to COVID-19 mortality. COVID-19 cases have a negative impact on hospitalization and hospitalization has a positive impact on mortality. Cases, moderated by vaccination, are negatively related to COVID-19 mortality. These findings confirm that less favorable socioeconomic conditions make society more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Ergonomia en actividades académicas desde casa

Introducción: A consecuencia de la emergencia sanitaria por el virus SARS-CoV2, las actividades académicas migraron de forma repentina a un entorno de trabajo remoto; esto provocó que los hogares de todo el mundo se convirtieran en el asentamiento urgente de las estaciones de trabajo académico. La ergonomia como disciplina científica cobra relevancia al ser un aliado subsanador para mitigar los riesgos asociados con la aparición de lesiones musculoesqueléticas. De acuerdo con la memoria estadística del Instituto Mexicano de Seguridad Social, IMSS1, en el primer año de pandemia de COVID-19 se registraron 30 860 atenciones por lesiones en la región de manos y muñecas, 9696 en la zona de cabeza y cuello, 6251 dorsopatías y 1673 atenciones por astenopia a jóvenes de entre 18 a 29 años que desarrollaban actividades escolares. Objetivo: En este sentido, se aborda la presente investigación para conocer la composición de los espacios de trabajo académico en casa y analizar si existen factores o elementos que incidan en el riesgo de lesiones musculoesqueléticas en los estudiantes del nivel superior. Metodología: A través de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales que cuenta con el constructo latente de las posibles lesiones (PL) en manos, espalda, piernas, cabeza, vista, oído, agotamiento físico y la respiración, las variables observables se atribuyen a los espacios utilizados para las actividades académicas en casa, muebles y equipos, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente (CyMAT). Resultados y discusión: Se encontró que un mal diseño de la estación de trabajo académico en casa, aunado a la utilización inadecuada de los muebles y equipos, aumenta la posibilidad de presentar síntomas asociados con las LMEs y, por tanto, daños en la salud del estudiante. Conclusión: La mediación de las estaciones de trabajo a través de la implementación de elementos ergonómicos mejora de forma sustancial la calidad de trabajo académico en casa, y hace evidente la importancia de la ergonomía como disciplina científica.

Introduction: As a result of the health emergency of the SARS-CoV2 virus, academic activities suddenly migrated to a remote work environment, causing homes around the world to become the urgent settlement of academic workstations. Ergonomics as a scientific discipline becomes relevant as it is a healing ally to mitigate the risks associated with the appearance of musculoskeletal injuries. According to the statistical report of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, IMSS1, in the first year of the COVID 19 pandemic, 30,860 care for injuries in the hands and wrists region, 9,696 in the head and neck area, 6,251 dorsopathies and 1,673 care for asthenopia were registered to young people between 18 and 29 years old who develop school activities. Objective: In this sense, this research is addressed to know the composition of academic workspaces at home and analyze if some factors or elements affect the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in students of the higher level. Methodology: Through a structural equations model that has the latent construct of possible injuries (PL) in the hands, back, legs, head, eyesight, hearing, physical exhaustion, and breathing; the observable variables are attributed to the spaces used for academic activities at home, furniture and equipment, conditions and environment (CyMAT) Results and discussion: It is explored that a bad design of the academic workstation at home coupled with the inappropriate use of furniture and equipment increases the possibility of presenting symptoms associated with SCI and therefore, damage to the student's health. Conclusion: The mediation of workstations through the implementation of ergonomic elements substantially improves the quality of academic work at home, making evident the importance of ergonomics as a scientific discipline

Ecuación de referencia espirométrica en varones de 2 regiones del norte peruano ubicadas entre 0 a 100 metros sobre el nivel del mar: Estudio transversal

Objetivo: Determinar los valores de referencia de espirometría y formular una ecuación de predicción de valores espirométricos en población económicamente activa (PEA) de regiones con altitud 0-100 m.s.n.m. Métodos: Se seleccionaron a los participantes del estudio considerando los criterios de selección del estudio. Se recogió la información sobre las variables consideradas en el estudio: Capacidad Vital Forzada (CVF) y Volumen Espiratorio Forzado en el primer Segundo (VEF1), datos sociodemográficos y medidas antropométricas. Se dividió a la muestra en dos grupos para poder formular la ecuación de referencia y para evaluar su confiabilidad en un subgrupo de validación mediante las pruebas de correlación intraclase, T de Student para muestras pareadas y los gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1052 participantes varones. Los rangos normales de CVF y VEF1 calculados fueron de CVF de 3.48 -5.47 y VEF1 de 2.83 - 4.41. Mediante una regresión lineal múltiple, se obtuvieron las siguientes fórmulas: CVF = 2.206 - 0.131 (Altitud Geográfica) - 0.014 (Edad) + 0.045 (Talla) y VEF1 = 1.589 - 0.08 (Altitud Geográfica) - 0.015 (Edad) + 0.033 (Talla). En los análisis de confiabilidad, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las medias entre los valores predichos por la ecuación y los valores reales, aunque en los gráficos de Bland-Altman no se evidenció un sesgo significativo y los coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CVF-ICC: 0.69; VEF1-ICC: 0.70) se encontraban dentro de un rango adecuado. Conclusiones: Las ecuaciones de CVF y VEF1 desarrolladas permiten predecir adecuadamente los valores espirométricos en PEA masculina de las regiones incluidas en el estudio.

Objective: Determine the spirometry reference values and formulate an equation to predict spirometric values in the economically active population (EAP) in regions with an altitude of 0-100 m.a.s.l. Materials and Methods: Study participants were selected considering the study selection criteria. Information was collected on the variables considered in the study: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements. The sample was divided into 2 groups to be able to formulate the reference equation and to assess its reliability in a validation subgroup using intraclass correlation tests, Student's t-test for paired samples, and Bland-Altman plots. Results: 1052 male participants were selected. The normal ranges for FVC and FEV1 calculated were FVC 3.48 - 5.47 and FEV1 2.83 - 4.41. Using multiple linear regression, the following formulas were obtained: FVC = 2.206 - 0.131 (Geographic Altitude) - 0.014 (Age) + 0.045 (Height) and FEV1 = 1.589 - 0.08 (Geographic Altitude) - 0.015 (Age) + 0.033 (Height). In the reliability analyses, a statistically significant difference was found in the means between the values predicted by the equation and the real values, although the Bland-Altman plots did not show a significant bias and the intraclass correlation coefficients (FVC- ICC: 0.69; FEV1-ICC: 0.70) were within an adequate range. Conclusions: The developed FVC and FEV1 equations allow adequate prediction of spirometric values in male PEA of the regions included in the study.

Green Products Purchase Intention in Chilean Consumers: Comparing Three Models Using Structural Equations / Intención de Compra de Productos Ecológicos en Consumidores Chilenos: Comparación de Tres Modelos por Ecuaciones Estructurales

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare three models: the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and its extended form (ETPB), to predict the intention of Chilean consumers for purchasing green products. Five hundred people were surveyed, establishing an inter-rater reliability analysis, and a discriminant, convergent and construct validity using three structural equation models (SEM). The results showed that the ETPB model is useful to explain the consumption behavior intention for green products based on a triple bottom line, whose main contribution is the indirect effect of EC on the model. The study found that of the three variables, PBC was the strongest predictor of purchase intention, followed by attitude. In conclusion, both the ETPB model and the green products purchase intention instrument contribute to broaden the studies about consumer behavior in sustainable marketing in Chile.

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar los modelos de teoría de acción razonada (TAR), teoría de comportamiento planificado (TCP) y su forma extendida (TCPE), para predecir la intención de compra de productos ecológicos en consumidores chilenos. Se encuestaron 500 personas y se estableció un análisis de fiabilidad interjuez, validez discriminante, convergente y de constructo a través de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). Los resultados señalan que el modelo TCPE es útil para explicar la intención de comportamiento de consumo ante productos verdes con base en una triple línea de fondo, cuya principal contribución es el efecto indirecto de PA sobre el modelo. De las tres variables, se evidencia que el CCP era la predictora más fuerte de la intención de compra, seguida de la actitud. En conclusión, tanto el modelo TCPE como el instrumento de intención de compra de productos verdes contribuyen a la ampliación de estudios sobre el comportamiento del consumidor en marketing sustentable en Chile.

Research on the driving mechanism of residents′ willingness to participate in tiered medical care based on harmonious management theory / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To construct and validate a theoretical model of residents′ willingness to participate in tiered medical care based on harmonious management theory, providing reference for promoting the tiered medical care system and aiding governmental decision-making.Methods:Based on the harmonious management theory and literature review, a model capturing residents′ propensity to engage in tiered medical care was formulated. Using convenience sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 2 067 residents from 24 communities in Zhejiang province from April to May 2022. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the survey results, and multilevel linear regression and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the driving mechanism of residents′ willingness to participate in tiered medical care.Results:The willingness rate of residents to participate in tiered medical care was 69.7%, which was at an average level. Regression insights highlighted the positive influence of policy support perception ( β=0.170, P<0.01), awareness of management mechanisms ( β=0.093, P<0.01), cognitive attitudes ( β=0.102, P<0.01), and trust levels ( β=0.244, P<0.01) on residents′ participation willingness. In contrast, resource allocation perceptions lacked a significant effect ( β=0.065, P>0.05). The structural equation model revealed that cognitive attitudes played a mediating role in the " policy system perception → participation willingness" and " management mechanism perception → participation willingness" pathways, with effect sizes of 0.030 and 0.039, respectively. Trust levels also mediated these paths, with effect sizes of 0.039 and 0.045, and entirely mediated the " resource allocation perception → participation willingness" path, registering an effect size of 0.053. Conclusions:The harmonious management theory can be used to explain the formation mechanism of residents′ willingness to participate in tiered medical care. The government and medical institutions urgently need to further improve residents′ awareness of tiered medical care, focus on enhancing residents′ trust, and further improve policies and management measures such as financial investment, medical insurance reimbursement, and referral systems.

Factors affecting medical device management in COVID-19 pandemic / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To explore the factors affecting the management of medical devices in the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide guidance for the management of medical devices in public health emergencies.Methods:A total of 184 hospitals caring COVID-19 patients in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui and Shandong were selected, and clinical engineers were randomly sampled. A self-compiled questionnaire was used to conduct an online survey on factors affecting medical device management during the COVID-19 pandemic from August to December 2021.The index system of influencing factors of medical device management during the COVID-19 pandemic was determined through an exploratory factor analysis, and then the structural equation model was used to verify the rationality and scientificity of the index system, while the relative weight method was used to calculate the weight of the index system.Results:277 valid questionnaires were recovered. Through the exploratory factor analysis, an index system of influencing factors of medical device management was established, which consisted of such level-indexes as the human factor, device factor, material factor, method factor, and environment factor, as well as 17 level-2 indexes. The fitness-indexes of the second-order structural equation model were finally fitted as follows: the chi-square to freedom ratio was 2.606, the approximate root mean square error was 0.076, and the value of value-added adaptation index, non-standard adaptation index and comparative adaptation index were 0.921, 0.903 and 0.920, respectively. The weights of the method factor, human factor, device factor, material factor and environment factor of the level-1 indexes were 0.216, 0.191, 0.175, 0.274 and 0.144, respectively. Such factors as manpower, regulations and institutional processes, and information technology ranked top three among the 17 level-2 indexes, which were 0.090, 0.082 and 0.080 respectively.Conclusions:The influencing factor model of medical device management during the COVID-19 pandemic in this study is ideal; human factors and method factors are the influencing factors deserving high priority in medical device management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring sufficient human resources, improving laws, regulations and processes, as well as enhancing information management level are breakthroughs expected in medical device management.

Analysis of the relationship between management capability of general practice team leaders and the team performance in community health service centers based on structural equation model / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the relationship between capacity of general practice team leaders and the team performance in community health service centers.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire survey was conducted between November and December 2022, among general practice team leaders and general practitioners (GPs) from 18 community health service centers in the urban and suburban areas of shanghai selected by stratified sampling method. The personal information questionnaire, leadership of general practice team leader questionnaire,and work performance scale of general team members were used for the survey. The relationship between leadership of general practice team leaders and team performance was analyzed based on structural equation model (SEM).Results:A total of 944 questionnaires were distributed and 856 valid ones were returned with a response rate of 91.0%, including 110 general practice team leaders and 749 were GPs. The SEM analysis showed that some dimensions of the management ability of the general practice team leader had significant effect on the employee organization loyalty (organizational management: β=0.37, teaching and research management: β=-0.29, strategy and cultural construction: β=0.23, personal quality: β=0.11) and work performance (special business management: β=0.95, organizational management: β=0.54) (all P<0.05); and employee organization loyalty played a partial mediator role in relationship between leadership of general practice team leaders and work performance with a mediating effect of 39.50%. Conclusion:The management ability of the general practice team leader directly affect or indirectly affect the work performance of team members through team members′ organizational loyalty.

Analysis of influencing factors of caregiver preparedness at discharge of patients with chronic heart failure based on the individual and family self-management theory / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:A structural equation model of the influencing factors on caregiver preparedness at discharge of patients with chronic heart failure was constructed based on the individual and family self-management theory, and the main paths influencing caregiver preparedness were explored.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 345 caregivers of patients with chronic heart failure who were hospitalized in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from October 2020 to August 2021 were selected as research objects by convenience sampling method, and they were investigated by Caregiver Preparedness Scale, Family APGAR Index, Herth Hope Index, Social Support-Rating Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. The influencing factors on caregiver preparedness at discharge of patients with chronic heart failure were analyzed.Results:The total score of Caregiver Preparedness Scale, Family APGAR Index, Herth Hope Index, Social Support-Rating Scale, and Positive and Negative Coping Subscale of Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire in patients with chronic heart failure was (20.79 ± 4.92), (8.05 ± 1.43), (35.34 ± 4.47), (43.89 ± 6.56), (24.38 ± 5.21), (11.21 ± 4.26) points. Caregiver preparedness in patients with chronic heart failure was positively correlated with family function, hope, positive coping and social support ( r values were 0.213-0.383, all P<0.01), and negatively correlated with negative coping ( r=-0.546, P<0.01). Family function and social support in patients with chronic heart failure could directly or indirectly affect caregiver preparedness (total effect value: 0.380, 0.212), hope and negative coping directly affected caregiver preparedness (total effect value: 0.200, -0.433), and could account for 39% of the total variation in caregiver preparedness. Conclusions:Caregiver preparedness of patients with chronic heart failure needs further improvement. The effective ways to improve caregiver preparedness are to pay attention to family function, improve hope level, increase social support and reduce negative coping.

Risk factors of new-onset hypertriglyceridemia in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center analysis / 器官移植

Objective To identify the risk factors of new-onset hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in kidney transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 149 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to serum triglyceride (TG) level after operation, they were divided into the non-HTG group (TG≤1.7 mmol/L, n=60) and new-onset HTG group (TG>1.7 mmol/L, n=89). Baseline data of all recipients were compared between two groups. The risk factors of HTG in kidney transplant recipients were analyzed by generalized estimating equation (GEE), and validated by multiple regression equations. Results No significant differences were observed in baseline data between two groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the incidence of HTG in the middle and high tacrolimus (Tac) concentration groups was higher than that in the low Tac concentration group [odds ratio (OR) 3.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-7.93, P=0.018 in the middle Tac concentration group; OR 5.11, 95%CI 1.31-19.98, P=0.019 in the high Tac concentration group]. Compared with type-A blood recipients, the risk of new-onset HTG was significantly increased in type-O blood counterparts (OR 2.77, 95%CI 1.14-6.71, P=0.024). The risk of new-onset HTG was decreased along with the increase of preoperative globulin level (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.87-0.99, P=0.043). At postoperative 3 months, Tac blood concentration in the new-onset HTG group was significantly higher compared with that in the non-HTG group, and significant difference was observed (P<0.05). Multiple regression equations confirmed that the risk of new-onset HTG in type-O blood kidney transplant recipients was higher than that in type-A blood counterparts, and the risk of new-onset HTG in the middle and high Tac concentration groups was higher than that in the low Tac concentration group (all P<0.05). Conclusions Type-O blood kidney transplant recipients are more prone to HTG. It is necessary to strengthen postoperative monitoring and control of blood lipids. The blood concentration of Tac probably affects the new-onset HTG in kidney transplant recipients. Maintaining an appropriate blood concentration of Tac may be beneficial to lowering the risk of HTG.

Effect of mental health on tobacco use among adolescents in rural Sichuan： mediation of life satisfaction / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the current situation of tobacco use among rural adolescents in Sichuan Province and its influencing factors， to explore the relationship between smoking behavior and psychosocial influencing factors of rural adolescents in Sichuan Province， and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of smoking among rural adolescents. MethodsAn "Adolescent Health Questionnaire" was used as the survey tool to investigate 2 671 students in the 8th and 11th grades of two township middle schools in Zizhong County， Sichuan Province. The structural equation model in Mplus 7.0 was used to analyze the relationship between adolescent tobacco use behavior， mental health， and life satisfaction. ResultsAmong the surveyed adolescents， 28.3% （756/2 671） had tried tobacco products， and 9.5% （255/2 671） had used tobacco products in the past 30 days. The prevalence of tobacco use was higher among boys （16.6%） than girls （3.5%）， and among 11th grade students （21.9%） compared to 8th grade students （7.3%）， with statistically significant differences （χ2=131.99 and 4.24， both P<0.05）. The current tobacco use rate increased with the increase in monthly allowance （χ2=46.96， P<0.05）. The structural equation model of smoking behavior showed that mental health had a positive and direct impact on smoking behavior， and an indirect impact on smoking behavior through living environment satisfaction. Living environment satisfaction had a negative and direct impact on smoking behavior with the mediating effect accounting for 19.2% of the total effect. The non-standardized mediating effect of mental health on smoking behavior through life environment satisfaction and its 95%CI were 0.007 （0.002‒0.012）. ConclusionAdolescent smoking behavior is a complex psychosocial behavior， and the situation of adolescent tobacco use in rural areas in Sichuan is severe. There is a correlation between adolescent tobacco use behavior and psychosocial influencing factors. Psychosocial influencing factors can predict adolescents’ tobacco use behavior. Attention should be paid to the important role of psychosocial influencing factors when intervening in rural adolescents’ smoking behavior.

Human papillomavirus vaccination behaviors among gynecological outpatients based on extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the factors affecting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination behaviors among gynecological outpatients based on extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), so as to provide insights into the development of HPV vaccination behavioral interventions.@*Methods@# Patients at ages of 45 years and younger that were admitted to the outpatient department of gynecological of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from October 2021 to August 2022 were recruited, and the factors affecting HPV vaccination behaviors were identified using UTAUT2.@*Results@#A total of 431 female outpatients were enrolled, including 163 patients at ages of 36 to 45 years (37.82%), 272 cases with an educational level of college degree and above (63.11%) and 253 patients with per capita monthly household income of more than 3 000 Yuan (58.70%). The coverage of HPV vaccination was 24.36%, and the main cause of non-vaccination was difficulty in high-valent HPV vaccine appointment. Price value, social impact and efficacy expectation posed a positive impact on HPV vaccination behaviors via intention of vaccination (β=0.11, 0.08, 0.07, all P<0.05) and intention of vaccination and effort expectancy (β=0.10, 0.07, 0.06, all P<0.05), and effort expectancy played a mediating effect between intention of vaccination and vaccination behaviors (β=0.28, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Efficacy expectation, social impact, price value, intention of vaccination and effort expectancy may positively affect HPV vaccination behaviors.

A mathematic equation derived from host-pathogen interactions elucidates the significance of integrating modern medicine with traditional Chinese medicine to treat infectious diseases / 中西医结合学报

The prognosis of infectious diseases is determined by host-pathogen interactions. Control of pathogens has been the central dogma of treating infectious diseases in modern medicine, but the pathogen-directed medicine is facing significant challenges, including a lack of effective antimicrobials for newly emerging pathogens, pathogen drug resistance, and drug side effects. Here, a mathematic equation (termed equation of host-pathogen interactions, HPI-Equation) is developed to dissect the key variables of host-pathogen interactions. It shows that control of pathogens does not necessarily lead to host recovery. Instead, a combination of promoting a host's power of self-healing and balancing immune responses provides the best benefit for host. Moreover, the HPI-Equation elucidates the scientific basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a host-based medicine that treats infectious diseases by promoting self-healing power and balancing immune responses. The importance of self-healing power elucidated in the HPI-Equation is confirmed by recent studies that the tolerance mechanism, which is discovered in plants and animals and conceptually similar to self-healing power, improves host survival without directly attacking pathogens. In summary, the HPI-Equation describes host-pathogen interactions with mathematical logic and precision; it translates the ancient wisdoms of TCM into apprehensible modern sciences and opens a new venue for integrating TCM and modern medicine for a future medicine. Sun J. A mathematic equation derived from host-pathogen interactions elucidates the significance of integrating modern medicine with traditional Chinese medicine to treat infectious diseases. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4):324-331.

Advantage analysis of flow-through cell method in quality evaluation of Chinese patent medicine: a case study of Danshen Tablets / 中国中药杂志

To explore the quality consistency evaluation method for multi-component traditional Chinese medicine and establish a dissolution evaluation method suitable for the characteristics of multi-component Chinese patent medicine, this study discussed the characteristics and advantages of the flow-through cell method in the dissolution evaluation of Chinese patent medicine by comparing the impact of the small cup method and the flow-through cell method on the dissolution behavior of water-soluble and lipid-soluble major active components of Danshen Tablets. Dissolution tests were performed using the small cup method as described in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the newly introduced flow-through cell method(closed-loop method) with water solution containing 0.5% SDS as dissolution medium. Cumulative dissolution curves of the water-soluble component salvianolic acid B and the lipid-soluble component tanshinone Ⅱ_A in Danshen Tablets were plotted, and fitting and similarity analysis of the dissolution models was conducted to identify the characteristics and advantages of the flow-through cell method. For the small cup method, 150 mL of water containing 0.5% SDS was used as the dissolution medium, with a rotation speed of 75 r·min~(-1) and a temperature of(37±0.5) ℃, and 3 mL of samples were taken at 15, 30 min, 1, 2, and 4 h, with fresh dissolution medium added at the same temperature and volume. For the flow-through cell method, a closed-loop system was used. Danshen Tablets were placed in the flow-through cell with approximately 6.7 g of glass beads, and 150 mL of water containing 0.5% SDS was used as the dissolution medium. The flow rate was set at 20 mL·min~(-1), and the temperature and sampling were the same as the small cup method. The results showed that compared with the small cup method, the flow-through cell method had stronger discriminative power and higher sensitivity in distinguishing the dissolution behavior of the two components, and could better reflect the differences in formulation quality, especially for water-insoluble lipid-soluble components. Given that there were no essential differences in the in vitro release kinetics between the two methods, the flow-through cell method could not only replace the traditional small cup method but also better guide the formulation development and identify quality issues of formulations.

Factors affecting high-frequency hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in an automobile manufacturing company / 环境与职业医学

Background The influencing factors of noise hazards in the automotive manufacturing industry are complex, diverse, and mutually correlated, resulting in significant health impacts on workers. Objective To explore the application of generalized estimating equations (GEE) to analyze the factors affecting high-frequency hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in an automotive manufacturing company, guiding enterprises to scientifically carry out employee hearing protection programs. Methods The data of occupational health field evaluation and occupational health surveillance of an automobile manufacturing company for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2022 were collected, and 806 noise-exposed workers with pure tone hearing test results for all five consecutive years were selected as study participants. The retrieved indicators were gender, physical examination year, noise intensity, blood pressure, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, platelet counts, concentrations of hemoglobin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, smoking, drinking, etc. Gender, noise intensity, blood pressure, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, concentrations of hemoglobin, platelet counts, glutamate aminotransferase, glutamate aminotransferase, smoking, and drinking were set as independent variables, and occurrence of high-frequency hearing loss was set as a dependent variable, and GEE were constructed by using the statistical software of SPSS 20.0 to analyze the influencing factors of high-frequency hearing loss. Results Of the 806 workers, 698 were male (86.6%) and 108 were female (13.4%). The detection rates of high-frequency hearing loss in each year from 2018 to 2022 were 66.4% (535/806), 69.8% (563/806), 70.0% (564/806), 68.9% (555/806), and 68.2% (550/806), respectively. The detection rate of high-frequency hearing loss in the company was varied significantly by gender, lowered white blood cell counts, lowered red blood cell counts, lowered platelet counts, smoking, and drinking (P<0.05). The results of GEE analysis showed that after adjusting for selected confounding factors and excluding interaction effects, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss was higher in men than in women (P=0.001; OR=1.907, 95%CI: 1.286, 2.829); it was higher in workplace with disqualified noise intensity than in those without (P=0.043; OR=1.289, 95%CI: 1.009, 1.648); it was also higher in smokers than in non-smokers (P=0.004; OR=1.507, 95%CI: 1.137, 1.999). Conclusion Gender, noise intensity, and smoking are the main influencing factors of high-frequency hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in this automobile manufacturing company. Controlling smoking and reducing noise exposure intensity may reduce the occurrence of high-frequency hearing loss in workers.

Study on the Relationship between Five-state Personality and Cattell's 16 Personality Factors Based on Structural Equation Model / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between five-state personality and Cattell's 16 personality factors. MethodsA total of 913 students recruited from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from November 2020 to January 2021 were assessed by using the Five-state Personality Test Form and the 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire （16PF）. The five-state personality scores were compared with national norms and gender differences were examined. Additionally， a structural equation model was established and the model fit was assessed using comparative fit index （CFI）， Tucker-Lewis index （TLI）， and root mean square error of approximation （RMSEA）. The five-state personality （Taiyang， Shaoyang， Yin-yang balance， Shaoyin and Taiyin） was used as individual outcome variables while the 16PF factors was employed as predictor variables. Based on standardized parameter estimation results， we explored the relationships between the five-state personality and 16PF. ResultsA total of 913 students were recruited， and 756 valid samples were obtained after excluding unqualified questionnaires. Among these， the scores of Taiyang， Shaoyang and Taiyin in the 756 school students were significantly lower than the national norms， while the scores of Yin-yang balance was significantly higher （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The scores of Taiyang， Shaoyang， Yin-yang balance and Shaoyin were significantly higher than in males compared to females （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Regarding the relationship between the dimensions of five-state personality and 16PF， the model demonstrated a good fit with CFI and TLI values of 0.993 and 0.980， respectively， and an RMSEA value of 0.027. The 16PF factors， including dominance， social boldness， vigilance， rule-consciousness， tension， and emotional stability， positively predicted the Taiyang personality traits， while privateness and apprehension negatively predicted the Taiyang personality traits （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. For Shaoyang personality traits， factors such as liveliness， social boldness， dominance， and tension positively predicted them， while rule-consciousness， apprehension， and privateness negatively predicted Shaoyang perso-nality traits （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. In the case of Yin-yang balance personality traits， perfectionism， rule-consciousness， emotional stability， and self-reliance positively predicted them， while apprehension negatively predicted Yin-yang balance personality traits （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Regarding Shaoyin personality traits， perfectionism， emotional stability， self-reliance， rule-consciousness， and vigilance positively predicted them， while dominance， social boldness， and liveliness negatively predicted Shaoyin personality traits （P＜0.01）. Apprehension， tension， vigilance， and self-reliance positively predicted Taiyin personality traits， while social boldness， rule-consciousness， and intelligence negatively predicted Taiyin personality traits （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionThere is a significant correlation between five-state personality test and 16PF with 16PF factors capable of predicting five-state personality factors. The five-state personality demonstrates scientific validity and effectiveness.

Muito além do trauma: uma investigação sobre o papel das reações peritraumáticas sobre o transtorno de estresse pós-traumático / Beyond the trauma: an investigation of the role of peritraumatic reactions on posttraumatic stress disorder

O Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (TEPT) é uma condição debilitante que impacta significativamente a qualidade de vida dos seus portadores. Dentre vários fatores de risco para o TEPT, as reações peritraumáticas (RP), como a imobilidade tônica peritraumática (ITP), dissociação (DP) e reações físicas de pânico (RFP), estão entre as mais investigadas. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos avaliou essas RP separadamente, e o elo entre elas e o TEPT ainda não foi bem compreendido. Portanto, essa tese teve como objetivos: (i) estimar simultaneamente o efeito das três RP sobre o TEPT utilizando um instrumento validado; e (ii) avaliar se há efeito indireto da ITP sobre o TEPT mediado pelo sentimento de culpa/vergonha. Utilizamos modelagem de equações estruturais para analisar dados de 3211 participantes do Rio de Janeiro e de São Paulo. Tratamos as RP como variáveis latentes, selecionando desconfundidores específicos para cada reação. Nossas exposições foram as RP, sendo TEPT o desfecho. Calculamos odds ratios e intervalos de confiança de 95%. Utilizamos o Bayesian Information Criterion para comparar o ajuste de modelos não aninhados. Quando analisadas separadamente, todas as RP alcançaram significância estatística. No entanto, apenas DP (ORDP=1,8; IC95%:1,3-2,4) e RFP (ORRFP=2,5; IC95%:1,8-3,4) permaneceram estatisticamente significativas quando incluímos as três reações em um modelo com seus respectivos desconfundidores e correlações entre elas. Os resultados sugeriram um possível efeito da ITP sobre o TEPT (ORITP=1,4; IC95%:1,0-1,9). As interações entre as RP não foram estatisticamente significativas. Ao investigarmos o sentimento de culpa/vergonha como mediador entre ITP e TEPT, o efeito indireto alcançou apenas significância estatística limítrofe (ORITP(TNIE)=1,1; IC95%:1,0-1,2). Os efeitos direto (ORITP(PNDE)=1,3; IC95%: 0,8-1,8) e total (ORITP(TE)=1,4; IC95%:0,9-1,9) para ITP perderam significância quando todas as RP, seus desconfundidores e correlações entre elas fizeram parte do mesmo modelo. As demais RP, no entanto, permaneceram estatisticamente significativas (ORDP=1,7; IC95%:1,3-2,3 e ORRFP=2,5; IC95%:1,8-3,4). Nossos resultados mostraram que a DP e as RFP aumentaram o risco de TEPT mesmo quando consideradas em conjunto. A ITP pode ter efeito sobre o risco de TEPT, mas esse achado deve ser interpretado com cautela devido a significância limítrofe dessa RP em nosso modelo final. Também não identificamos uma mediação significativa entre ITP e TEPT pelos sentimentos de culpa/vergonha. Contudo, a significância limítrofe encontrada para o efeito indireto demanda investigações adicionais. Nossos achados reforçam a ideia de que as reações peritraumáticas devem ser analisadas e compreendidas como ocorrências simultâneas. Também seria oportuno que estudos envolvendo culpa/vergonha, ITP e TEPT focalizassem traumas caracterizados por aprisionamento e impossibilidade de escapar, dado que estas experiências são apontadas como mais susceptíveis para desencadear a ITP. (AU)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that greatly impacts quality of life. Among several PTSD risk factors, peritraumatic reactions (PR) such as peritraumatic tonic immobility (PTI), dissociation (PD) and physical panic reactions (PPR) are some of the most investigated. However, several studies have assessed these PR separately, and the pathway connecting them to PTSD is not well understood. Therefore, this thesis aimed to: (i) simultaneously estimate the effect of the three PR on PTSD using a validated instrument; and (ii) assess if there is an indirect effect of PTI on PTSD mediated by feelings of guilt/shame. We used structural equation modelling to analyse data from 3211 participants from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. We treated the PR as latent variables and selected specific confounders for each reaction. Our exposures were the PR, and PTSD was the outcome. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each analysis. We also employed the Bayesian Information Criterion to compare the goodness of fit between non-nested models. Separately, all PR achieved statistically significant results. However, only PD (ORPD=1.8; 95%CI:1.3-2.4) and PPR (ORPPR=2.5; 95%CI:1.8-3.4) remained statistically significant when all three were included in a model with their respective confounders and correlations among all PR. Our findings suggested a possible effect of PTI on PTSD (ORPTI=1.4; 95%CI:1.0-1.9). Interactions between the PR were not statistically significant. When we investigated feelings of guilt/shame as the mediator between PTI and PTSD, the indirect effect achieved a borderline statistical significance (ORPTI(TNIE)=1.1; 95%CI:1.0-1.2). Direct (ORPTI(PNDE)=1.3; 95%CI:0.8-1.8) and total (ORPTI(TE)=1.4; 95%CI:0.9-1.9) effects lost their significance when all PR, their confounders and correlations were included in the same model. The other PR remained statistically significant (ORPD=1.7; 95%CI:1.3-2.3 and ORPPR=2.5; 95%CI:1.8-3.4). Our findings showed PD and PPR to increase the risk of PTSD even when considered in tandem. PTI could have an effect on PTSD, but this must be considered cautiously, as this PR only reached borderline significance in our final model. Feelings of guilt/shame did not significantly mediate PTI's effect on PTSD. However, a borderline statistical significance in the indirect effects warrants further investigation. Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that peritraumatic reactions should be analysed and understood as simultaneous occurrences, not as separate entities. It would also be appropriate for studies concerning guilt/shame, PTI and PTSD to focus on traumas characterized by imprisonment and feelings of inescapability, given that these experiences are allegedly more likely to trigger PTI. (AU)

Experiencia del síntoma en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo: comprobación de un modelo conceptual / Symptom Experience in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Testing a Conceptual Model / Experiência de sintomas nas Síndromes Coronarianas Agudas: verificação de um modelo conceitual

Introducción: el síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) se caracteriza por diferentes síntomas, por lo cual la experiencia varía de persona a persona. El Modelo conceptual del manejo de los síntomas (MCMS) de Dodd aborda este aspecto que requiere ser comprobado dentro de la práctica de enfermería. Objetivo: comprobar los postulados de la dimensión de la experiencia de los síntomas del Modelo conceptual de Dodd en personas con síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: comprobación teórica por medio de ecuaciones estructurales. Participaron 256 individuos con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo, seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se recolectaron datos clínicos, sociodemográficos y se midió la evaluación y respuesta a los síntomas con cinco instrumentos válidos. Se realizó un análisis estadístico con ajuste absoluto, ajuste incremental y ajuste de parsimonia del cual derivó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: se comprobó la relación bidireccional entre la severidad del síntoma (evaluación) y la toma de decisiones (respuesta al síntoma). Se conformó un modelo que explica el 44 % de la varianza sobre la toma de decisiones. Sobre esta variable también influyen otras variables como la evaluación cognitiva y el control personal. Conclusión: este modelo conceptual permitió comprender la dimensión de la experiencia del síntoma en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo, comprobando sus postulados en la práctica.

Introduction: acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is characterized by different symptoms, so the experience varies from person to person. Dodd's Conceptual Model of Symptom Management addresses this aspect that requires testing within nursing practice. Objective: to test the postulates of the symptom experience dimension of Dodd's Conceptual Model of Symptom Management in persons with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: theoretical testing by means of structural equations. A total of 256 individuals with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, selected by stratified probability sampling, participated. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected, and symptom assessment and response were measured with five valid instruments. Statistical analysis was performed with absolute adjustment, incremental adjustment and parsimony adjustment from which a structural equation model was derived. Results: the bidirectional relationship between symptom severity (assessment) and decision making (symptom response) was tested. A model was formed that explains 44% of the variance on decision making. This variable is also influenced by other variables such as cognitive evaluation and personal control. Conclusion: this conceptual model allowed us to understand the dimension of symptom experience in patients with acute coronary syndrome, proving its postulates in practice.

Introdução: Síndromes coronarianas agudas (SCA) caracterizam-se por diferentes sintomas, pelo que a experiência muda de pessoa para pessoa. O Modelo conceitual do manejo dos sintomas (MCMS) de Dodd aborda esse aspecto que precisa testes na prática de enfermagem. Objetivo: verificar os postulados da dimensão da experiência dos sintomas do Modelo conceitual de Dodd em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda. Métodos: verificação teórica por meio de equações estruturais. Participaram 256 indivíduos com diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana aguda, selecionados por amostragem probabilística estratificada. Dados clínicos e sociodemográficos foram coletados e a avaliação e resposta aos sintomas foi medida com cinco instrumentos válidos. Foi realizada análise estatística com ajuste absoluto, ajuste incremental e ajuste de parcimônia que derivou num modelo de equaciones estruturais. Resultados: verificou-se o relacionamento bidirecional entre a gravidade do sintoma (avaliação) e a tomada de decisão (resposta ao sintoma). Um modelo que explica 44% da variância sobre a tomada de decisão foi conformado. Sobre essa variável também influem outras variáveis como a avaliação cognitiva e o controlo pessoal. Conclusão: este modelo conceitual permitiu compreender a dimensão da experiência do sintoma em doentes com síndrome coronariana aguda, verificando seus postulados na prática.

Cárie na primeira infância, má oclusão, fatores psicossociais e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de crianças e suas famílias / Early childhood caries, malocclusion, psychosocial factors and oral health-related quality of life in children and their families

Cárie na primeira infância (CPI) e má oclusão podem afetar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) de crianças e suas famílias. Fatores psicossociais relacionados às crianças, suas famílias e comunidade na qual estão inseridas devem ser estudados. Diante disso, os objetivos desta tese foram: 1) verificar a associação entre fatores psicossociais associados à CPI e à QVRSB em pré-escolares e suas famílias (Artigo 1); 2) avaliar o impacto da mordida aberta anterior (MAA) e da mordida profunda (MP) na QVRSB de préescolares, e verificar o papel da resiliência parental como um fator moderador nessa associação (Artigo 2). Foi realizado um estudo transversal representativo com pré-escolares de 4-6 anos de idade e seus pais/responsáveis em Ribeirão das Neves, MG, Brasil. Os pais/responsáveis responderam às versões brasileiras do Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) e Escala de Resiliência, e um questionário com dados socioeconômicos e de comportamento de saúde bucal da criança. Os pré-escolares foram examinados por duas dentistas treinadas e calibradas para o diagnóstico de CPI e consequências pulpares de lesões cariosas não tratadas (Kappa>0,95), utilizando-se a versão epidemiológica do International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDASepi) combinado com o índice pufa e, assim categorizados: sem cárie, estágio inicial (opacidade notável/pigmentação retida em fundo de fóssulas e fissuras), estágio moderado (cavitação em esmalte/sombreamento em dentina subjacente), estágio extenso sem consequências pulpares (cavitação com exposição dentinária) e estágio extenso com consequências pulpares (cavitação com exposição dentinária, com envolvimento pulpar e/ou presença de fístulas/abscessos). A presença de MAA e MP foi avaliada através do índice de Foster e Hamilton. Os dados foram analisados por meio da modelagem por equações estruturais, utilizando-se o software Mplus, versão 8.6 (Artigo 1) e por meio da análise de moderação, utilizando-se o PROCESS (PROCESS for SPSS, version 3.4) (Artigo 2). Os resultados do artigo 1 demonstraram que menor status socioeconômico (ß =-0,250; p<0,001) e maior frequência de consumo de açúcares livres (ß=0,122; p=0,033) foram associados diretamente com estágio extenso de cárie com consequência pulpar, enquanto menor resiliência dos pais impactou indiretamente estágios mais avançados da CPI, por meio da variável frequência de consumo de açúcares livres (ß =-0,089; p=0,048). Além disso, CPI foi associada com piores escores tanto da QVRSB da criança (b=0,587; p<0,001) quanto da família (ß =0,506; p<0,001). Os resultados do artigo 2 demonstraram que préescolares filhos de pais com baixa resiliência, e que possuíam MAA apresentaram impacto negativo na QVRSB (ß:3,95;p=0,025) em comparação àqueles que apresentaram oclusão normal. A resiliência parental não atuou como fator moderador na associação entre MP e QVRSB (p>0,05). Conclui-se que quanto maior a gravidade da CPI, maior o impacto negativo na QVRSB de pré-escolares e suas famílias. Os principais fatores associados à CPI mais grave foram menor nível socioeconômico, maior frequência de consumo de açúcar livre e menor resiliência parental (Artigo 1). MAA interferiu negativamente na QVRSB dos pré-escolares, sendo essa associação mais forte quando a resiliência parental era baixa. Portanto, a resiliência dos pais atuou como fator moderador na relação entre MAA e QVRSB (Artigo 2).

Early childhood caries (ECC) and malocclusion can affect the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and families. Psychosocial factors related to children, their families and the community in which they are inserted must be studied. Therefore, the objectives of this thesis were: 1) to verify the association between psychosocial factors with ECC and OHRQoL in preschoolers and their families (Manuscript #1); 2) to evaluate the impact of anterior open bite (AOB) and deep bite (DB) on the OHRQoL of preschool children and the role of parental resilience as a moderating factor in such association (Manuscript #2). A representative crosssectional study was carried out with 4-to-6-year-old preschoolers and their parents/caregivers from Ribeirão das Neves, MG, Brazil. Parents/caregivers selfadministered the Brazilian versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and the Resilience Scale, as well as a questionnaire about socioeconomic and child's oral health behavior data. Preschoolers were examined by two trained and calibrated dentists for the diagnosis of ECC and pulpal consequences of untreated carious lesions (Kappa>0.95), using the epidemiological version of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDASepi) index combined with the pufa index: no caries, early stage (notable opacity/retained pigmentation in the background of pits and fissures), moderate stage (cavitation in enamel/shading in underlying dentin), extensive stage without pulpal consequences (cavitation with dentin exposure) and extensive stage with pulpal consequences (cavitation with dentin exposure, and pulp involvement and/or fistulas/abscesses). The presence of AOB and DB were evaluated using the Foster and Hamilton index. Data were analysed through Structural Equation Model (SEM), using the Mplus software, version 8.6 (Manuscript #1) and through moderation analysis, using PROCESS (PROCESS for SPSS, version 3.4) (Manuscript #2). The results of the Manuscript #1 demonstrated that lower socioeconomic status (b=-0.250; p<0.001) and higher frequency of consumption of free sugars (ß=0.122; p=0.033) were directly associated with an extensive stage of caries with pulpal consequences, while lower parental resilience indirectly impacted more advanced stages of ECC, through the variable frequency of consumption of free sugars (b=-0.089; p=0.048). In addition, ECC was associated with worse scores in both the child's (ß=0.587; p<0.001) and the family's (ß=0.506; p<0.001) OHRQoL. The results of the Manuscript #2 demonstrated that preschoolers whose parents presented low resilience, and preschoolers who presented OAB, had a negative impact on OHRQoL (ß:3.95; p=0.025) compared to those who had normal occlusion. Parental resilience did not act as a moderating factor in the association between DB and OHRQoL (p>0.005). It is concluded that the severity of ECC negatively impacted the OHRQoL of preschoolers and their families, and the main factors associated with the severity of ECC were lower socioeconomic status, higher frequency of free sugar consumption and lower parental resilience (Manuscript #1). OAB negatively interfered with the OHRQoL of preschoolers, with this association being stronger when parental resilience was low. Therefore, parental resilience acted as a moderating factor in the relationship between OAB and OHRQoL (Manuscript # 2).

Exploring factors associated with obesity in Argentinian children using structural equation modeling / Explorando factores asociados a la obesidad en niños argentinos usando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales / Explorando fatores associados à obesidade em crianças argentinas utilizando a modelagem de equações estruturais

Abstract: Habits and behaviors related to obesity risk are strongly associated with the family environment and are affected by socioeconomic factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) allows us to hypothesize on how the relationships between these factors occur and measure their impact. This study aimed to explore the relationship between family socioeconomic indicators and childhood obesity, mediated by habits linked to energy balance, applying a SEM. A cross sectional study was performed on 861 Argentinian schoolchildren aged 6-12 years, from 2015 to 2016. The model included three latent variables: socioeconomic status, healthy habits, and obesity. Socioeconomic status indicators and healthy habits were surveyed by self-administered parental questionnaires, whereas obesity indicators were evaluated with anthropometry. The applied model showed an acceptable fit (NFI = 0.966; CFI = 0.979; RMSEA = 0.048). Socioeconomic status positively influenced parental education, health insurance, and car possession, while negatively influenced crowding (p < 0.001). Healthy habits significantly influenced physical activity, meals frequency, and sleep hours, while negatively influenced sedentary hours and mother's nutritional status (p < 0.001). Obesity factor positively influenced body mass index, body fat, and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.001). Finally, socioeconomic status positively influenced health habits, which in turn negatively influenced obesity factor. Healthy habits (especially physical activity and mother's nutritional status) mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and child obesity. Further research should include other indicators related to diet, eating habits, and physical activity like neighborhood characteristics.

Resumen: Los hábitos y comportamientos relacionados con el riesgo de obesidad están fuertemente asociados al entorno familiar y se ven afectados por factores socioeconómicos. El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (MEE) permite plantear hipótesis sobre cómo se dan las relaciones entre estos factores y medir su impacto. El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar la relación entre los indicadores socioeconómicos familiares y la obesidad infantil, mediada por hábitos relacionados con el balance energético, aplicando un MEE. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 861 escolares argentinos de 6 a 12 años entre 2015 y 2016. El modelo incluyó tres variables latentes: nivel socioeconómico, hábitos saludables y obesidad. Los indicadores nivel socioeconómico y hábitos saludables se midieron mediante cuestionarios autoadministrados a los padres, mientras que los indicadores de obesidad se obtuvieron mediante antropometría. El modelo aplicado presentó un ajuste aceptable (NFI = 0,966; CFI = 0,979; RMSEA = 0,048). El nivel socioeconómico influyó positivamente en la escolaridad de los padres, en el plan de salud y en el hecho de tener automóvil, mientras que influyó negativamente en el hacinamiento (p < 0,001). La variable hábitos saludables influyó significativamente en la actividad física, en la frecuencia de las comidas y en las horas de sueño, pero influyó negativamente en las horas sedentarias y en el estado nutricional materno (p < 0,001). El factor obesidad influyó positivamente en el índice de masa corporal, en la grasa corporal y en la razón cintura/talla (p < 0,001). Finalmente, el nivel socioeconómico influyó positivamente en los hábitos saludables, que, a su vez, influyeron negativamente en la obesidad. Los hábitos saludables, en especial la actividad física y el estado nutricional materno, moderan la relación entre el nivel socioeconómico y la obesidad infantil. Las nuevas investigaciones deberían incluir otros indicadores relacionados con la dieta, con los hábitos alimentarios y con la actividad física, así como con las características del vecindario.

Resumo: Hábitos e comportamentos relacionados ao risco de obesidade estão fortemente associados ao ambiente familiar e afetados por fatores socioeconômicos. A modelagem de equações estruturais (MEE) permite levantar hipóteses sobre como ocorrem as relações entre esses fatores e medir seu impacto. O objetivo do presente estudo foi explorar a relação entre os indicadores socioeconômicos familiares e a obesidade infantil, mediada por hábitos ligados ao balanço energético, aplicando uma MEE. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 861 escolares argentinos de 6 a 12 anos entre 2015 e 2016. O modelo incluiu três variáveis latentes: nível socioeconômico, hábitos saudáveis e obesidade. Os indicadores do nível socioeconômico e de hábitos saudáveis foram medidos por meio de questionários autoaplicáveis aos pais, enquanto os indicadores de obesidade foram obtidos por meio de antropometria. O modelo aplicado apresentou um ajuste aceitável (NFI = 0,966; CFI = 0,979; RMSEA = 0,048). O nível socioeconômico influenciou positivamente a escolaridade dos pais, o plano de saúde e a posse de automóvel, enquanto influenciou negativamente a aglomeração (p < 0,001). A variável hábitso saudáveis influenciou significativamente a atividade física, a frequência das refeições e as horas de sono, mas influenciou negativamente as horas sedentárias e o estado nutricional materno (p < 0,001). O fator obesidade influenciou positivamente o índice de massa corporal, a gordura corporal e a relação cintura/estatura (p < 0,001). Finalmente, o nível socioeconômico influenciou positivamente os hábitso saudáveis, que por sua vez influenciou negativamente a obesidade. Hábitos saudáveis, especialmente atividade física e estado nutricional materno, mediam a relação entre nível socioeconômico e obesidade infantil. Novas pesquisas devem incluir outros indicadores relacionados à dieta, hábitos alimentares e atividade física, como características da vizinhança.

Establishing Normative Values for Amplitude of Accommodation and Accommodative Facility among University Students in Malawi

The study aimed to examine the distribution of Accommodative Facility (AF) and Amplitude of Accommodation (AA) and compare the findings with established guidelines.Place and Duration of Study: Mzuzu University, Malawi. Between May and July 2022.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students at Mzuzu university in Malawi. We recruited 77 students using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants' age ranged from 16 to 35 years of age. We measured AA using the push-up method while AF was measured using +/- 1.50 Diopters (D) flippers. Both techniques utilized black reading material on white background held at 40 centimeters (cm). Next, we measured the accommodation facility by counting the number of Cycles per Minute (c/m). We utilized the Pearson correlation test and the One-way ANOVA where appropriate. The value of p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The participants comprised 44 (57.1%) males and 33 (42.9%) females. Monocular AA was 10.04D (SD=2.71) and Binocular AA was 10.51 (3.641). The difference was statistically significant (p=0.04). While Monocular AF and Binocular AF were 9 c/m (SD= SD=1.84) and 8.96 (SD=1.539) respectively but the difference was non-significant (p=0.868). AF and AA were not significantly different between males and females. All the parameters decreased with age. The measured AA was significantly higher than using Hofstetter’s formula.Conclusion: The study provides a cut-off value for practitioners diagnosing Accommodation anomalies. However, indices in the study differ from the well-established guidelines hence practitioners should endeavor to perform the clinical assessment instead of relying on equations.