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Purpose: To assess the effect of 2 work-matched efforts of different intensities on subsequent performance in well-trained cyclists. Methods: The present study followed a randomized controlled crossover design. Twelve competitive junior cyclists volunteered to participate (age, 17 [1] y; maximum oxygen uptake, 71.0 [4.7] mL·kg−1·min−1). The power–duration relationship was assessed through 2-minute, 5-minute, and 12-minute field tests under fresh conditions (control). On subsequent days and following a randomized order, participants repeated the aforementioned tests after 2 training sessions matched for mechanical work (∼15 kJ/kg) of different intensities (ie, a moderate-intensity continuous-training [60%–70% of critical power; CP] session or a session including high-intensity intervals [3-min repetition bouts at 110%–120% of the CP interspersed by 3-min rest periods]). Results: A significantly lower power output was found in the 2-minute test after the high-intensity training session compared not only with the control condition (−8%, P <.001) but also with the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (−7%, P =.003), with no significant differences between the latter conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the remaining tests. As a consequence, the high-intensity training session resulted in significantly lower W′ values compared to both the control condition (−27%, P =.001) and the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (−26%, P =.012), with no differences between the 2 latter conditions and with no differences for CP. Conclusion: A session including high-intensity intermittent efforts induces a greater fatigue, particularly in short-duration efforts and W′, than a work-matched continuous-training session of moderate intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to use CBCT to compare the influence of White and Black ethnicity on gingival and bone thickness. A total of 84 individuals of both genders, aged between 18 and 59 years old, were divided into Black (BG; n = 42) and White (WG; n = 42) groups and were analyzed from June 2020 to April 2021. The gingival thickness (GT) and buccal bone plate thickness (BBPT) were measured using CBCT in all maxillary anterior teeth. Mann-Whitney, t test, chi-square, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation were used for comparisons and correlations with a 5% significance level. Black individuals had mean GT (1.45 ± 0.29 mm) and BBPT (1.07 ± 0.21 mm) significantly thicker (gingival: P < .0001; bone: P = .0002) than White individuals (1.17 ± 0.28 mm and 0.91 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). The variables presented greater values for men. A positive correlation between the BBPT and GT was found in two teeth in the WG (left and right central incisors) and one tooth in the BG (left canine). Moreover, a correlation between BBPT and GT immediately below the alveolar bone crest (0 mm) was found in four teeth in the WG (left and right lateral and central incisors) and the BG (left and right canine, left lateral and central incisors). Black race was shown to significantly influence the GT and BBPT, with Black patients presenting thicker structures than White patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research interest in thriving at work has burgeoned over the past decades, but little is known about how human resource (HR) practices affect employees' thriving at work. Drawing upon self‐determination theory and person‐organization fit theory, we developed and tested a moderated mediation model to explain how fun HR practices influence employees' thriving at work. The results of two studies, a scenario experiment (N = 164) and a time‐lagged survey (N = 253), supported our hypotheses. Specifically, the findings revealed that fun HR practices relates positively to employees' thriving at work. Autonomous motivation partially mediates the abovementioned relationship. Furthermore, fun HR practices translate into higher autonomous motivation and subsequent thriving at work for employees with higher preference for workplace fun. Our research contributes to the existing literature by identifying fun HR practices as an antecedent of thriving at work and revealing the psychological mechanisms through which fun HR practices affect employees' thriving at work. The practical implications, limitations, and future research avenues are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The hip adductor and abductor muscles play vital roles as stabilizers in the lower-extremity. Their activation during soccer-specific actions is essential, but local muscular fatigue can hinder athletic performance and increase the risk of injury. Design: This study aimed to observe the variations in frontal plane hip strength in female college soccer players before and after a high-workload soccer-specific training session. Furthermore, the study sought to compare the relative changes in hip strength with the internal and external load measures obtained during that session. Methods: Twenty female college soccer players participated in a retrospective observational study. Isometric hip adductor and abductor strength were measured before and after a training session in the college spring season. Measurements were taken with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2) while the players were supine. Global positioning system sensors (Catapult Vector S7), commonly worn by players during training sessions and competitive matches, were used to measure external and internal loads. Statistical analyses were performed using paired samples t test to assess hip adductor and abductor strength changes before and after the training session. Spearman rank was used to identify correlation coefficients between global positioning system data and isometric hip strength. Results: The findings revealed significant decreases in the strength of the right hip adduction (P =.012, −7% relative change), right abduction (P =.009, −7.6% relative change), and left abduction (P =.016, −4.9% relative change) after the training session. Furthermore, relative decreases in hip isometric adduction and abduction strength are related to the distance covered at high speeds. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight that hip isometric adduction and abduction strength tend to decrease after exposure to high workloads during soccer-specific training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week ballistic-strength-training program using a validated specific throwing device (ie, Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device), on isokinetic shoulders' rotation muscle-torques and ratios as well as range of motion in team handball players. Design: A repeated-measures experimental design with a randomized controlled trial was used. Methods: Twenty-six high-level competitive male U-19 team handball players were randomly assigned into training (TG, n = 15) and control (n = 11) groups. The TG undertook a twice a week for 8-week periodized throws program with an individually predetermined optimal load. The program incorporated shackled eccentric and concentric exercises using the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device. Peak torques, functional, and conventional ratios for both arms at different angular velocities (60°·s−1, 180°·s−1, and 300°·s−1) were assessed over time and between groups, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: A significant improvement for TG (P <.01; d = 1.13 [moderate]; +20.2%) of the concentric peak torques for dominant arm in external rotation was observed at 300°·s−1. Significant (P <.05–.01) increases were also noted for nondominant arm at the 3 studied angular velocities. In addition, 300°·s−1 eccentric peak torques of the dominant arm and nondominant arm have significantly improved for both external and internal rotations (P <.05; d =.99 [moderate] and d = 1.21 [large]; +15.7% and + 17.9%, respectively) with small changes at the other angular assessed velocities. Posttraining, TG's dominant arm showed significant improvements (P <.05–.01) in functional and conventional ratios at all velocities. Notably, significant differences (P <.05–.01) were observed at 60°·s−1 and across all velocities when comparing the TG with the control group. TG showed significant increase for internal rotation and external rotation shoulder range of motions (P <.05; d = 1.22–1.27 [large]), +5.0% and +7.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The specific 8-week throwing training program on the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device showed significant performance improvements in almost all assessed isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torques as well as internal and external range of motion increase for both arms while ensuring rotator cuff torque ratios and shoulder mobility in team handball real sport-specific condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical–tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive–motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and cognitive variations leave researchers and clinicians uncertain about which combinations elicit the intended dual-task effect. Our objective was to examine differences between commonly employed dual-task motor and cognitive combinations among healthy, college-aged individuals. Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Methods: Twenty participants (age: 21.3 [2.4] y; height: 176.0 [9.1] cm; mass: 76.0 [16.4] kg; 20% with concussion history) completed 4 motor tasks (gait, tandem gait, single-leg balance, and tandem balance) under 5 cognitive conditions (single task, subtraction, month reversal, spelling backward, and visual Stroop) in a research laboratory. The motor performance outcomes were spatiotemporal variables for gait and tandem gait and center of pressure path length (in centimeters) for single-leg and tandem balance. Cognitive outcomes were response rate (responses/second) and cognitive accuracy. We used separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for each motor and cognitive outcome with post hoc Tukey t tests. Results: Gait velocity, gait stride length, and tandem gait velocity demonstrated significant cognitive–motor interactions (P's <.001) such that all dual-task conditions resulted in varyingly slower or shorter movement than single task. Conversely, single-leg balance (P =.627) and tandem balance (P =.434) center of pressure path length did not significantly differ among the dual-task cognitive conditions or relative to single task. Statistically significant cognitive–motor interactions were observed only for spelling backward accuracy (P =.004) and response rates for spelling backward, month reversal, and visual Stroop (P's <.001) such that worse accuracy, but faster response rates, occurred during motor tasks. Conclusions: Gait and tandem gait motor tasks accompanied with spelling backward or subtraction cognitive tasks demonstrated consistently strong dual-task effects and, therefore, may be the best suited for clinical and research use following concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Piriformis syndrome is often associated with muscle spasms and shortening of the piriformis muscle (PM). Physical therapy, including static stretching of the PM, is one of the treatments for this syndrome. However, the effective stretching position ofthe PM is unclear in vivo. This study aimed to determine the effective stretching positions of the PM using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. Design: Observational study. Methods: Twenty-one healthy young men (22.7 [2.41 y) participated in this study. The shear elastic modulus of the PM was measured at 12 stretching positions using shear wave elastography. Three of the 12 positions were tested with maximum internal rotation at 0°, 20°, or 40° hip adduction in 90° hip flexion. Nine of the 12 positions were tested with maximum external rotation at positions combined with 3 hip-flexion angles (70°, 90°, and 110°) and 3 hip-adduction angles (0°, 20°, and 40°). Results.' The shear elastic modulus of the PM was significantly higher in the order of 40°, 20°, and 0° of adduction and higher in external rotation than in internal rotation. The shear elastic modulus of the PM was significantly greater in combined 110° hip flexion and 40° adduction with maximum external rotation than in all other positions. Conclusion.- This study revealed that the position in which the PM was most stretched was maximum external rotation with 110° hip ftexion and 40° hip adduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Decreased trunk neuromuscular control is a risk factor for both upper- and lower-extremity injuries, yet there are few reliable and valid clinical tests to identify deficits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and known-groups validity of a novel clinical test, the seated trunk control test (STCT). Design: Cross-sectional reliability and known-groups validity study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 89 unique participants: 34 were 3 months postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and 55 healthy controls. Methods: For the STCT, participants sat on a balance board with their eyes closed for three 30-second trials while investigators counted balance errors. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were used to assess interrater reliability (N = 20) and test–retest reliability (N = 40). To assess known-groups validity, independent t tests were used to compare STCT errors at 3 months post-ACLR with healthy matched controls (N = 34/group). Area under a receiver operating characteristic curve identified an optimal cutoff for distinguishing between groups. Results: The STCT had perfect interrater reliability (ICC2,3 = 1.00) and good test–retest reliability (ICC3,3 =.79; 95% confidence interval =.61–.89). The ACLR group made significantly more errors on the STCT (mean [SD] = 15.5 [5.4]) than controls (mean [SD] = 8.2 [4.1]; P <.001, Cohen d = 1.52). The STCT's ability to distinguish between groups was excellent (area under a ROC curve = 0.86). A cutoff of 12 errors maximized sensitivity (76%) and specificity (85%). Conclusions: The STCT is reliable between raters and across days. It also has excellent ability to distinguish between individuals with a recent ACLR and healthy matched controls, which provides initial evidence to suggest that the STCT may be clinically useful for identifying deficits in trunk neuromuscular control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Plantar intrinsic foot muscle strength training is difficult to master to a degree sufficient to elicit muscle hypertrophy in most individuals. It is possible that combining neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) can elicit plantar intrinsic foot muscle hypertrophy regardless of the individual's technique. This study aimed to determine the effects of NMES training with BFR on acute muscle swelling in the abductor hallucis. Design: Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial design. Methods: Forty-eight participants were randomly allocated to the NMES + BFR, NMES, or Sham NMES + BFR groups. All participants received abductor hallucis NMES for 15 minutes. Participants in the NMES + BFR and Sham NMES + BFR groups received NMES with BFR. The intensity of NMES was the sensory threshold in the Sham NMES + BFR group. The cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was measured pretraining and posttraining using ultrasonography by a single investigator blinded to the participants' allocations. Results: After 15 minutes of training, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was significantly increased in the NMES + BFR (P<.001) and the Sham NMES + BFR (P = .004) groups. Moreover, the rate of increase was significantly higher in the NMES + BFR group than in the NMES or the Sham NMES + BFR groups (P<.001 and P = . 001, respectively). Conclusions: Since it is possible that the amount of muscle swelling immediately after training correlates with muscle hypertrophy when training is continued, the results of this study suggest that NMES training with BFR is a training method that can be expected to produce plantar intrinsic foot muscle hypertrophy. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of NMES training with BFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess the moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) level of children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and propose cut-points, with accelerometer measures as the reference method. Method: Children and adolescents, aged 8–14 years (mean age = 12.21 y, SD = 2.09), diagnosed with HIV by vertical transmission, participated in the study. MVPA was investigated through the PAQ-C and triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+). Receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity and specificity values were used to identify a cut-point for PAQ-C to distinguish participants meeting MVPA guidelines. Results: Fifty-six children and adolescents participated in the study. Among those, 16 met MVPA guidelines. The PAQ-C score was significantly related to accelerometry-derived MVPA (ρ =.506, P <.001). The PAQ-C score cut-point of 2.151 (sensitivity = 0.625, specificity = 0.875) was able to discriminate between those who met MVPA guidelines and those that did not (area under the curve = 0.751, 95% confidence interval, 0.616–0.886). Conclusion: The PAQ-C was useful to investigate MVPA among children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and to identify those who meet MVPA guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the core temperature fluctuations during 10-km open-water swimming (OWS) in cool water and the relationship between thermal sensation (TS) after 10-km OWS, core temperature, and local skin thermal sensitivity. Methods: Nine highly trained OWS swimmers (4 female; age 22 [3] y) completed a single 10-km trial in cool water (22.3 °C) wearing swimsuits for OWS. During the trial, core temperature was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors, and TS after trial was also measured. Then, local skin warm/cool sensitivity was measured in the forearm. Results: All swimmers completed the 10-km OWS. Mean swimming speed for males and females were 1.39 (1.37–1.42 m/s) and 1.33 m/s (1.29–1.38 m/s), respectively. Core temperature increased in 8 out of 9 swimmers during 10-km OWS (P =.047), with an average increase of 0.8 °C. TS after 10-km OWS varied among swimmers. There were no correlations between post-OWS TS and post-OWS core temperature (P =.9333), whereas there was a negative correlation between post-OWS TS and local skin cool sensitivity (P =.0056). Conclusion: These results suggest that core temperature in elite swimmers might not decrease during 10-km OWS in the cool water temperature of official OWS. In addition, individual differences in TS after 10-km OWS may be related to skin cool sensitivity rather than core temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Nordic hamstring exercise intervention on biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscle's activity and relative contributions through multichannel electromyography. Twenty-four injury-free male basketball players (mean age 20 [3] y) were randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention (n = 13) or control group (n = 11). The primary outcome measures were normalized muscle activity (percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, %MVIC) and relative contribution of hamstring muscles over 12 weeks. No effects were found on any of the primary outcome measures. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 2.7%MVIC (95% confidence interval 95% CI, −0.7 to 6.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 3.4%MVIC (95% CI, −1.4 to 8.2) for the semitendinosus, and 0.8%MVIC (95% CI, −3.0 to 4.6) for the semimembranosus, P =.366. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 1.0% relative contribution (%con; 95% CI, −3.0 to 5.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 2.2% relative contribution (95% CI, −2.8 to 7.2) for the semitendinosus, and −3.3% relative contribution (95% CI, −6.4 to −0.1) for the semimembranosus P =.258. A positive value implies a higher value for the Nordic group. A Nordic hamstring exercise intervention did not affect the level of muscle activity and relative contribution of hamstring muscles in performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Single- and dual-task walking gait assessments have been used to identify persistent movement and cognitive dysfunction among athletes with concussions. However, it is unclear whether previous ankle sprain injuries confound these outcomes during baseline testing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of (1) ankle sprain history and (2) time since prior ankle sprain injury on single- and dual-task spatiotemporal gait outcomes and cognitive measures. Design: Cross- sectional study. Methods: We assessed 60 college Division-I athletes (31 with ankle sprain history; 13 females and 18 males, 19.3 [0.8] y; 29 with no ankle sprain history, 14 females and 15 males, 19.7 [0.9] y) who completed injury history forms and underwent concussion baseline testing. Athletes completed single- and dual-task gait assessments by walking back and forth along an 8-m walkway for 40 seconds. Athletes wore a smartphone with an associated mobile application on their lumbar spine to record spatiotemporal gait parameters and dual-task cognitive performance. Separate multivariate analyses of variance were used to assess the effects of ankle sprain injury history on spatiotemporal measures, gait variability, and cognitive performance. We performed a multivariate regression subanalysis on athletes who reported time since injury (n = 23) to assess temporal effects on gait and cognitive performance. Results: Athletes with and without a histoiy of ankle sprains had comparable spatiotemporal and gait variability outcomes during single- (P = .42; P = .13) and dual-task (P = .75; P = .55) conditions. Additionally, ankle sprain injury history did not significantly influence cognitive performance (P = .35). Finally, time since ankle sprain did not significantly affect single- (P = .75) and dual-task gait (P = .69), nor cognitive performance (P = 19). Conclusions: Ankle sprain injury history did not significantly alter spatiotemporal gait outcomes nor cognitive performance during this common clinical assessment. Future studies may consider including athletes with ankle sprain injury history during concussion assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate differences in time to exhaustion (TTE), O2 uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ), and accumulated O2 deficit ( O 2 def ) between competitive and recreational cross-country (XC) skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol standardized for maximal aerobic power (MAP). Methods: Twelve competitive (maximal V ˙ O 2 [ V ˙ O 2 max ] = 76.5 ± 3.8 mL · kg − 1 · min − 1 ) and 10 recreational ( V ˙ O 2 max = 63.5 ± 6.3 mL · kg − 1 · min − 1 ) male XC skiers participated. All tests were performed on a rollerski treadmill in the V2 ski-skating technique. To quantify MAP and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), the skiers performed a steady-state submaximal test followed by a 1000-m time trial. After a 60-minute break, TTE, V ˙ O 2 , and accumulated O 2 def were measured during an intermittent-interval protocol (40-s work and 20-s recovery), which was individually tailored to 120% and 60% of each subject's MAP. Results: During the 1000-m time trial, the competitive skiers had 21% (95% CI, 12%–30%) shorter finish time and 24% (95% CI, 14%–34%) higher MAP (all P <.01) than the recreational skiers. No difference was observed in relative exercise intensity (average power/MAP; P =.28), MAOD (P =.18), or fractional utilization of V ˙ O 2 max. During the intermittent-interval protocol, the competitive skiers had 34% (95% CI, 3%–65%) longer TTE (P =.03) and accumulated 61% (95% CI, 27%–95%) more O 2 def (P =.001) than the recreational skiers during work phases. Conclusions: Competitive XC skiers have longer TTE and accumulate more O 2 def than recreational XC skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol at similar intensity relative to MAP. This implies that performance in intermittent endurance sports is related to the ability to repeatedly recharge fractions of MAOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) have used different exercises as a conditioning activity to investigate potentiation, but exclusively in upper limbs (UL) or lower (LL) limbs, or contralateral potentiation. A single exercise capable of inducing PAPE in both UL and LL is currently unknown. The present study explored the effect of the clean and jerk (C&J) as a conditioning activity for simultaneously producing PAPE interlimbs at the fourth, seventh, and 12th minutes postintervention. Twelve male weightlifters with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the C&J equivalent to ≥1.15 × body mass were randomly submitted to 2 experimental conditions (C&J and control [CON]). The C&J condition consisted of general warm-up (running on a treadmill and self-selected preparatory exercises) and 4 sets of 3 repetitions of C&J with 2 minutes between them (30%1RM, 50%1RM, 65%1RM, and 80%1RM) followed by a countermovement jump and a bench-press throw on a Smith machine after 4, 7, and 12 minutes, to measure the magnitude of PAPE in UL and LL. No previous exercise preceded countermovement-jump and bench-press-throw tests in the CON besides general warm-up. The main finding was that, regardless of time, the C&J resulted in greater height on countermovement jump and Smith machine bench-press throw when compared with the CON, presenting a similar effect size between UL and LL (34.6 [3.9] vs 33.4 [4.1] cm [+3.66%]; P =.038; effect size = 0.30 and 30.3 [4.7] vs 29.0 [5.1] cm [+4.44%]; P =.039; effect size = 0.26), respectively. Thus, C&J can be useful to produce PAPE simultaneously among members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the contribution of splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoid, and upper fibers of trapezius activation to the gains in rate of force development (RFD) of the head and neck during maximum voluntary ballistic contractions. Methods: RFD gain was facilitated by a single-session intervention for maximum voluntary ballistic contractions in the anterior direction, oriented at 45° to the midsagittal plane, which require active restraint of axial rotation. Muscle activation for the agonist (sternocleidomastoid) and 2 antagonists (splenius capitis and upper fibers of trapezius) was evaluated. The study sample included 12 physically active men (mean age, 22.6 y). RFD (N·m·s−1; 0–100 ms) and integrated muscle activity (50 ms before and 100 ms after force onset) were measured at 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 2 days postintervention, relative to baseline. Muscle activation predictive of RFD gains was evaluated by linear regression analysis. RFD reproducibility was evaluated using the coefficient of variation of the typical error. Results: The intervention yielded a 1.95- to 2.39-fold RFD gain (P ≤.05), with greater RFD gain for participants with a lower peak moment of force (<10.9 N·m) than those with a higher peak moment (≥10.9 N·m) at baseline (P ≤.002). For the low group, 65% to 74% of the RFD gain was predicted by ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid activation, with ipsilateral splenius capitis activation predicting 77% to 92% of RFD gain for the high group. Absolute peak and impulse of static force were greater for the high than for the low group (P ≤.04). RFD reproducibility was high (coefficient of variation of the typical error ≤ 14.4%). Conclusions: The agonist- and antagonist-focused synergies might reflect different functional priorities, higher RFD gain compared with higher head–neck force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the survival and success rates of short (> 6 mm and = 8.5 mm) implants after at least 2 years of functional loading. Implants were assessed using clinical parameters such as marginal bone loss (MBL), pocket depth (PD), keratinized mucosa width (KMW), bleeding on probing (BoP), and the peri-implant condition (mucositis or periimplantitis). Any correlations between clinical parameters were analyzed. Materials and Methods: This observational and retrospective study included 114 posterior maxillary and mandibular implants placed in 27 women and 38 men with a mean age of 68.04 ± 9.07 years. Patients included in the study had received at least one short implant between 2001 and 2013, such that each implant was in occlusal function for at least 2 years by 2015. Patients with only long (= 10 mm) implants, patients with any systemic condition, and smokers were excluded from the study. PD, KMW, periimplant condition, BoP, and MBL were the clinical parameters assessed in the study. Data on prosthesis type (single or splinted) and implant features were also obtained. All data were submitted to analysis via Mann-Whitney unpaired test, with a significance level of P < .05. Spearman correlation coefficient was also measured to verify the negative or positive correlation. Results: The mean follow-up time was 74.08 months, and mean implant success and survival rates were 87.63% and 94.74%, respectively. There were 6 implant failures (5.26%). A total of 66 (59.46%) prostheses were screw-retained implant-supported restorations, and 45 (40.54%) were cemented. A total of 93 (86.49%) short implants were splinted to another implant, and 15 out of 111 (13.51%) restorations were single implants. Keratinized mucosa was missing around 43 (39%) implants, whereas PD was measured to be between 0 and 3 mm in 64.86% of implants and = 4 mm in 31.53% of implants. MBL was = 1.5 mm in 71.17% of cases and > two-thirds the length of the implant in 2.71% of cases. Mucositis and peri-implantitis were found in 22.52% and 7.21% of implants, respectively. The correlation coefficient showed a positive result for PD and MBL (0.11; P = .368) and negative results for PD and KMW (-0.42; P = .002) and KMW and MBL (-0.19; P = .183). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that short implants are a feasible treatment option for dental rehabilitation. They are considered an excellent alternative to complex procedures and have high survival rates after at least 2 years of follow-up, with compatible peri-implant local tissue response. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between KMW and PD was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore complex system behavior and subsequent team performance in professional rugby union. Methods: Here, we present 2 studies. In the first, we used global positioning system technology to measure player clustering during stoppages in play in nearly 100 games of professional rugby union to explore team (complex system) behavior and performance. In the second, we measured stress hormones (cortisol and testosterone) prior to team meetings and analyzed these relative to amount of time and the frequency with which players looked at peer presenters, as well as subsequent training performance, to explain how stress may lead to behaviors observed in the first study and subsequent match performance. Results: No link between player clustering during stoppages of play and performance was observed. When players (complex system agents) demonstrated greater levels of stress (as indicated by greater cortisol-awakening response and a greater decline in testosterone-to-cortisol ratio across the morning), they tended to look at peer presenters more; however, training quality declined (P =.02). Correlational analysis also showed that training quality was related to testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (P =.04). Conclusions: Team behavior is complex and can be unpredictable. It is possible that under stress, complex system agents (ie, rugby union players) look at (and cluster toward) their teammates more; however, meaningful interaction may not necessarily occur. Furthermore, while complex system (team) analysis may be valuable strategically in rugby union in the context of describing behavior, without understanding "how" or "why" intrateam/interagent behaviors emerge it may have little meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Slideboards are commonly used in exercise programs, but there is limited information about how they affect muscle activities during exercise. We aim to compare the activation levels of quadriceps and hamstring muscles and hip- and knee-flexion angles during lunge and single-leg squat exercises between normal ground and slideboard in physically active individuals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty healthy individuals (age: 23.83 [2.84] y, body mass index: 21.75 [1.72] kg/m2) were included in the study. Surface electromyography was used to measure vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus activation levels during reaching and returning phases of the forward, lateral, and back lunges and squats that were performed on the normal ground and slideboard. Exercises were performed at a slow pace (60 beats/min). Hip- and knee-flexion angles during the exercises were evaluated by using 2-dimensional motion analysis. Repeated measures of analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results: Vastus medialis and vastus lateralis activation levels were greater during reaching and returning phases of the exercises on slideboard compared with normal ground (P <.05). However, semitendinosus and biceps femoris activity were greater only during the returning phase of the forward lunge (P <.001) and the returning phase of the back squat (P =.002, P =.009, respectively). Hip-to-knee flexion ratios were closer to 1 when the forward lunge (P <.001), back lunge (P =.004), and forward squat (P =.001) exercises were performed on a slideboard. Conclusion: In exercise programs that target the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, slideboards can be effectively used in exercise progressions as they can increase muscle activity. Moreover, squat and lunge exercises on slideboard with a slow pace may also be helpful for improving the balance between hip- and knee-flexion angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-leg landings with or without subsequent jumping are frequently used to evaluate landing biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of subsequent jumping on the external knee abduction moment and trunk and hip biomechanics during single-leg landing. Thirty young adult female participants performed a single-leg drop vertical jumping (SDVJ; landing with subsequent jumping) and single-leg drop landing (SDL; landing without subsequent jumping). Trunk, hip, and knee biomechanics were evaluated using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The peak knee abduction moment was significantly larger during SDVJ than during SDL (SDVJ 0.08 [0.10] N·m·kg−1·m−1, SDL 0.05 [0.10] N·m·kg−1·m−1, P =.002). The trunk lateral tilt and rotation angles toward the support-leg side and external hip abduction moment were significantly larger during SDVJ than during SDL (P <.05). The difference in the peak hip abduction moment between SDVJ and SDL predicted the difference in the peak knee abduction moment (P =.003, R2 =.252). Landing tasks with subsequent jumping would have advantages for evaluating trunk and hip control as well as knee abduction moment. In particular, evaluating hip abduction moment may be important because of its association with the knee abduction moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of 4 weeks of repeated sprint training (RST) versus repeated high-intensity technique training (RTT) on the physiological responses (ie, blood lactate), mean and peak heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, technical–tactical performance, and time–motion variables during simulated taekwondo combats. Methods: Twenty-four taekwondo athletes (18 male and 6 female; age: 16 [1] y) were randomly and equally assigned to RST (10 × 35-m running sprints interspersed by 10-s rest) or RTT (10 × 6-s bandal-tchagui kicking executions interspersed by 10-s rest) groups in addition to their regular training. Both groups performed simulated combats before and after training. Results: Delta lactate and peak heart rate were attenuated following training (P <.001 and P =.03, respectively), with no differences identified between RTT and RST conditions. Rating of perceived exertion decreased after training only in the RTT (P =.002). Time fighting and preparatory activities increased following training (P <.001), with higher values observed following RTT than RST (P <.001). Nonpreparatory time decreased after training (P <.001), with more pronounced reductions observed following RTT when compared to RST (P <.001). The number of single attacks decreased only following RST (P <.001), whereas combined attacks increased only after RTT training (P <.001). Conclusions: Similar adjustments in the physiological responses to combat were observed following 4 weeks of either RST or RTT, but RTT elicited more favorable perceptual responses and combat-related performance. This highlights the importance of specificity of training and its effective transfer to combat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the duration and frequency of lower extremity prosthesis use and what factors were associated with changes in their use. Materials and methods: A search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus over 20 years revealed 2409 articles. After review, 29 studies remained, representing 4814 participants with lower limb loss. Quality, funding, publication, and quantitative analyses were addressed. Results: The mean prosthesis use was 9.6 (5.3) hours/day and 6.4 (1.9) days/week. Distal amputation sites averaged more hours/day of prostheses use than proximal amputations (13.2 [3.2] vs. 10.8 [5.0], p <.001). After hemipelvectomy or hip dislocations, average prostheses use was less hours/day (6.0 [4.7]) than after transfemoral (12.9 [4.8]) or transtibial amputations (14.0 [4.5]) (p <.05). Pooled effects revealed an association between comorbidities and abandonment (OR 0.35, p =.03). The data supported six empirical evidence statements concerning age, sex, social support, amputation proximity, balance, skin condition, comorbidities, pain, falls, and fitness in association with changes in prosthesis utilization. Conclusions: The study provided systematic data on lower-extremity prosthesis use, thus helping to inform clinical decision-making and patient education. It also elucidated a path for future studies focused on modifiable factors related to prosthesis use and related outcomes. Implications for rehabilitation: Lower limb loss can trigger costly and debilitating sequela, which could be mitigated by increased prosthesis use and functionality, but there is no consensus on how often prostheses are being used and what affects changes in their use. When counseling patients on what they can expect after a lower extremity amputation and to set goals, the aggregated means of 9.6 (5.3) hours per day and 6.4 (1.9) days per week can be informative. Individuals who use a lower extremity prosthesis or may have to use one in the future can increase their prosthesis use and mobility by limiting further health deterioration. Rehabilitative care involving the multidisciplinary prioritization of proper socket fit, fitness training, gait training, and social support is associated with increased prosthetic device usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among Chinese adolescence has been reported. This study seeks to investigate the mediating effect of alexithymia and dependency on anxiety and emotional-behavioral problems among adolescents. The study population included 519 adolescents. The assessments included the completion of standardized scales such as the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (MASC), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Independent-sample t-tests, bivariate correlation, and serial mediation analyses were performed using SPSS23.0. Bivariate analyses revealed that anxiety, emotional-behavioral problem, alexithymia, and dependency were positively correlated. Alexithymia and dependency play a significant role in mediating the effect of multidimensional anxiety on emotional-behavioral problems. The effects of the two mediating paths were 69.86% and 7.81% for indirect effect through alexithymia, dependency, and specific indirect effect by alexithymia and dependency was 12.33%. Anxiety and emotional-behavioral problems mediate the relationship between alexithymia and dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to analyze the effects of exclusive breastfeeding duration on the occurrence and course of pneumonia in infants aged up to 6 months. Prospective case-control study. This study was conducted from August 2020 to August 2022 at a maternity and child health hospital in China. A total of 218 infants up to 6 months of age with pneumonia were included in the analyses. Health data were obtained using a hospitalization information system or an interview-based questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. The incidence of pneumonia, hospitalization duration, and costs to participants were significantly affected by the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.01). The incidence of pneumonia among participants with different exclusive breastfeeding durations also differed significantly (p < 0.01). The shorter the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, the higher the incidence of pneumonia among infants. We found that the longer the exclusive breastfeeding duration in infants up to 6 months of age, the lower the recurrence of pneumonia, the shorter the hospital stay, and the lower the hospital costs. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months of age should be increased as much as possible to reduce the occurrence of pneumonia and hospital costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of moderately strenuous aerobic exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Methods: Patients were randomized to a 24-week home-based aerobic exercise (EX) training program (n = 84) or to usual care (UC) (n = 76). All subjects underwent 24-h Holter monitoring at baseline, 8 and 24 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the effects of exercise on HRV and HRT outcomes. Results: The study group was comprised of n = 160 patients (124 M, 36 F, age 54.9 ± 12.2 years) with an ICD for primary (43%) or secondary prevention (57%). Compared to UC, EX was associated with a significant improvement in parasympathetic HRV for root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD; p =.05) at 8 weeks and global HRV for standard deviation of all normal (N-N) intervals (SDNN; p =.05) and standard deviation of 5-min averages N-N intervals (SDANN; p =.03) at 24 weeks. When stratified by adherence, those who were ≥80% adherent (minutes/week) had significant improvements in parasympathetic HRV (rMSSD, pNN50) and global HRV (SDNN, SDANN) at 8 weeks, and a further significant improvement in global HRV (SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index) at 24 weeks. Neither HRT nor ventricular ectopy changed with exercise training. Conclusion: Moderately strenuous aerobic exercise improved parasympathetic and global HRV indices following an ICD, with greater adherence associated with greater improvements. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 00522340. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration-related risk factors may impact the association between coping strategies, resilience, and identity development, one of the fundamental developmental tasks in adolescence. We examined the relationship between resilience and coping strategies in immigrant and non-immigrant adolescents' identity development. On a sample of Turkish adolescents (n = 399, 50.9% girls), we conducted six hierarchical regression models to predict identity dimensions from resilience and coping strategies. For both immigrants and non-immigrants, seeking social support predicted a more mature and successful identity while avoidance predicted less reconsideration of commitment. For non-immigrants, seeking social support and avoidance was associated with in-depth exploration whereas for immigrants, only seeking social support was linked to in-depth exploration. Additionally, resilience predicted a successful identity for immigrants. Results were discussed considering migration-related difficulties [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduced Satir Growth Model (SGM) into career intervention to enhance Chinese college freshmen's career adaptability. The effect of SGM-based career intervention was examined by the randomised controlled trial design. Results indicated that the experimental group experienced a significant increase in career exploration and career adaptability after seven sessions of the SGM-based career intervention. Our study also found that career exploration could partly mediate the relationship between experimental condition and career adaptability. One year later, the experimental group accomplished a follow-up test, which showed that the effect of SGM-based career intervention could remain in a long run. These results suggested that the SGM-based career intervention could be a new approach for the enhancement of career adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two experiments were conducted to examine whether thematic relation can produce recognition without cued-recall effect and whether the direction of the association has an influence on this effect. The participants provided higher familiarity ratings for studied items than for unstudied items during target retrieval failure. Additionally, the thematic relation-elicited recognition without cued-recall effect was larger in the forward association than in the backward association. Collectively, these results indicated that thematic relations can elicit the recognition without cued-recall effect, and this effect is asymmetrical. The current findings support the features overlap hypothesis described in the global match model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Forward shoulder posture (FSP) is a risk factor for shoulder pathology. Manual therapists often use myofascial release (MFR) to elongate restricted pectoral fascia to reduce FSP and improve shoulder function; however, the effects of this treatment approach remain anecdotal. Objective: Determine the acute effects of 4-min of MFR, compared to a soft-touch control (CON), to the pectoral fascia on: 1) FSP, 2) shoulder horizontal abduction ROM (HA-ROM), and 3) muscle excitation of the trapezius (upper, middle, lower [UT, MT, LT]) and pectoralis major (PEC). Methods: Fifty-nine right-handed participants (27 ± 9 years, 30 female) with FSP, but otherwise asymptomatic shoulders participated in a randomized crossover clinical trial by attending two experimental sessions: one MFR and one CON treatment, each administered by a Registered Massage Therapist. FSP, HA-ROM, and muscle excitation during a reaching task, were measured before and after each treatment. Results: There was a significant interaction between treatment and time for FSP (p =.018, ηp =.093) with FSP decreasing from PRE MFR (128 ± 19 mm) to POST MFR (123 ± 19 mm; p <.001, ηp =.420) and PRE CON (126 ± 19 mm) to POST CON (124 ± 18 mm; p <.001, ηp =.191) interventions. There were no significant differences in HA-ROM or muscle excitation. Conclusion: Four minutes of MFR or CON to the pectoral fascia acutely reduces FSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol Use Disorder is a complex and broad condition with multiple pathways to resolution. Only a small proportion of people with AUD seek formal treatment or support, whilst lower severity AUD is particularly under-addressed. In part, this reflects common misconceptions about AUD as an always severe condition requiring lifelong abstinence. The present study sought to investigate the impact of an online programme focused on supporting participants (n = 928) looking to change their drinking behaviors on outcomes of self-reported happiness with drinking and other well-being outcomes. Results showed that post-intervention, all participants reported significantly increased happiness with their drinking, greater drink-refusal self-efficacy, and improvements in how drinking impacted multiple well-being domains such as sleep and emotions. Importantly, it was found that all participants were happier with their drinking regardless of whether their goal was to abstain from drinking or to reduce their drinking. These results add to evidence highlighting the need to broaden the accessibility and range of options available to support a wider range of people with AUD, particularly via increasing understanding and acceptance of non-abstinent routes to AUD resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-regulated dual task on muscle endurance within a single rehabilitation session in patients recovering from an elbow fracture. Design: This is a cross-sectional study of individuals recovering from elbow fractures (N = 20). Muscle endurance was tested using elastic bands at Borg’s CR10 intensity 3—during four conditions: singletask and dual-task for elbow flexion and extension. Results: The cognitive condition significantly influenced muscle endurance ( P < 0.001), while the type of elbow exercise (flexion or extension) did not show significant differences ( P = 0.592). The perceived difficulty of the tasks showed a significant interaction effect ( P = 0.032). The dual-task condition showed an average increase of about 15 repetitions. A moderate negative correlation was found between the differences in repetitions and the perceived difficulty of the flexion exercise (r = 0.677, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Dual-task with self-regulation enhances muscle endurance among patients recovering from an elbow fracture. However, the improvements seem to depend on the perceived difficulty of the cognitive task. Future randomized controlled trials are required to understand the therapeutic implications of dual-tasking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders: Parent Version (SCARED-P) was originally developed for use in middle childhood and adolescence. The present study examined the psychometric properties and validity of the SCARED-P in an early childhood sample (predominantly aged 4–7 years). The 41-item version of the SCARED-P was administered to the parents of 233 children (mean age = 6.31 years, SD = 1.08; females = 34.3%). Confirmatory factor analysis provided mixed support for the original five-factor model of the SCARED-P. The SCARED-P demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency (total α =.94, subscale α =.68–.89), and good construct validity with the Child Behavior Checklist, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Developmental and Well-being Assessment. These findings indicate overall initial support for the SCARED-P's utility as a measure of anxiety in early childhood, but further psychometric and validation studies are needed in larger community-based samples of young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research-based practices generally improve student outcomes but are not regularly implemented with fidelity in classrooms. Websites that feature research-based practices may be used to improve pre-service teachers' understanding of the practices; however, little is known about pre-service teachers' experiences with or perceptions of these websites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of content related to one effective strategy, self-monitoring, after reviewing three websites that feature research-based practices (i.e., IRIS, Ci3T, and Intervention Central) to which they were randomly assigned. Results indicate that the 168 participating U.S. pre-service teachers increased their perceived understanding of self-monitoring after visiting the websites. In addition, participants identified features of the websites (i.e., videos, real-world examples, implementation guides, assessments, quizzes, resources, and organization) they perceived as helping them understand self-monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled a severe humanitarian crisis in their country, most (70%) to other middle-income host countries in the same Andean region. Migration-related exposures during periconception and other critical gestational periods can adversely impact maternal-perinatal outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that Venezuelan refugee and migrant women (VRMW) who migrate to Andean host countries are at-risk for delivering preterm and low birthweight infants and for Cesarean-sections. However, relatively few studies have examined obstetrical complications that could contribute to these or other short- and longer-term health outcomes of VRMW and/or their offspring. Our exploratory study analyzed four recent years of national hospital discharge data (2018–2021) from Ecuador to compare the primary discharge diagnoses of VRMW (n = 29,005) and Ecuadorian nationals (n = 1,136,796) for ICD-10 O code obstetrical complications related to or aggravated by pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium. Our findings indicated that VRMW were hospitalized for 0.5 days longer than Ecuadorian reference group women and they had higher adjusted odds (aOR) for a primary discharge diagnosis for obstetrical complications including preeclampsia (aOR:1.62, 95% CI:1.55,1.69), preterm labor (aOR:1.20, 95% CI:1.11,1.31), premature rupture of membranes (aOR: 1.72, 95% CI:1.63,1.83), oligohydraminos (aOR:1.24, 95% CI:1.12,1.36), obstructed labor (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI:1.31,1.47), perineal lacerations/other obstetric trauma (aOR:1.76, 95% CI:1.63, 1.91), STIs (aOR:2.59, 95% CI:1.29,2.92), anemia (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.24,1.42), and ectopic pregnancy (aOR:1.16 95% CI:1.04,1.28). They had similar aOR for diagnosed gestational diabetes and spontaneous abortion (SAB) compared to the reference group but a reduced aOR for genitourinary infections (aOR:0.79, 95% CI:0.74,0.84) and early pregnancy hemorrhage not ending in SAB (aOR:0.43, 95% CI:0.36,0.51). Our findings underscore the vulnerability of VRMW for a number of potentially serious obstetrical complications with the potential to adversely impact the short- and longer-term health of mothers and their offspring. Future studies should collect more detailed information on the migration status, experiences, and exposures of MRMW that influence their risk for obstetrical complications. These are needed to expand our findings to better understand why they have excess risk for these and to inform social and public health policies, programs and targeted interventions aimed at reducing the risk of this vulnerable refugee and migrant group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender differences in psychosis are a topic that has been studied considering different aspects. Although some available evidence would point to a possible better prognosis in women, this claim is far from conclusively established. Methods: We propose an analysis of gender differences in the risk of readmission to an acute hospitalization unit, an indicator related to prognosis. Results and conclusions: We found that although the risk of readmission at 1 year is lower in women, this seems to be explained by other confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the individual and community factors that contribute to dental utilization among young children on Medicaid utilizing the Anderson Model and the Socio‐Ecological Framework. Methods: This observational cross‐sectional study was conducted using baseline data (socio‐demographics, clinical dental need) from a cluster‐randomized hybrid effectiveness‐implementation trial among 1021 child–parent dyads recruited from primary care practices across northeast Ohio. The baseline data were then linked to dental Medicaid claims data (categorized as any dental visit, volume, and type in the past 12 months) and ICD‐10 codes from the child's EHR data (individual‐level) together with Dental Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA) status and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) which were obtained at the neighbourhood‐level using home address of each dyad (community‐level). Multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) accounted for clustering by practice, and models included individual‐level alone, and individual + community‐level factors to evaluate their effects on dental utilization. Results: Medicaid claims data indicated that among the 1021 children (mean age: 4.3 ± 1.1 years; 54.4% males; 43.8% Black, Non‐Hispanic), a majority of children were seeing the dentist at least once a year by the age of 4 (56.1%). The mean ADI of their neighbourhoods was 109.22 (20.2) and 27.5% lived in a HPSA area. The GEE analyses revealed that individual factors such as older children, parents being married, and continuous Medicaid enrollment were associated with significantly higher dental utilization. Among community factors, being in a HPSA had an OR = 1.53 (CI: 1.03, 2.27) associated with higher dental utilization. Conclusions: Being in a HPSA was associated with higher dental utilization possibly due to dentists or safety net dental clinics in these areas accepting Medicaid‐eligible children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the traditional methods of treating obesity through education on controlling eating and increasing exercise have largely failed beyond the very short term, a more intensive focus on psychosocial correlates of those weight-loss behaviors has been suggested. Multiple behavioral theories incorporate self-regulation, self-efficacy, and mood; however, their interrelations and effects over both the short and long term within cognitive-behavioral obesity treatments remain unclear. Within a novel community-based program with women with obesity who had either low (n = 29) or high (n = 71) mood disturbance scores, there were significant improvements in exercise- and eating-related self-regulation and eating-related self-efficacy—primary targets of that intervention—with no significant difference in those changes by mood disturbance grouping. Changes in the summed exercise- and eating-related self-regulation scores significantly mediated relationships between changes in eating-related self-efficacy and weight (over both 6 and 12 months). There were similar results with mediation assessed via the extent exercise-related self-regulation carried over to eating-related self-regulation. In both of those models a reciprocal relationship between self-regulation and self-efficacy changes was indicated. In serial multiple mediation equations, paths of changes in exercise-related self-regulation → eating-related self-regulation → eating-related self-efficacy → weight were significant. However, paths were not significant when change in self-efficacy was entered as the predictor (initial) variable. Findings suggest viability in first focusing on exercise-related self-regulation, then eating-related self-regulation, in the course of increasing self-efficacy and probabilities for inducing enough sustained weight loss to improve obesity-associated health risks. Benefits of field-based research findings generalizing to weight-management applications were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we describe continuing bonds and grief reactions and assess their association in 980 parents bereaved in pregnancy, at or shortly after birth. We found that most parents experienced continuing bonds. However, they differed by type of loss. Parents losing their child due to termination of pregnancy or miscarriage experienced bonds less frequently and had the least intense grief reaction. Parents losing their child postpartum experienced bonds most frequently and had the most intense grief reaction. Continuing bonds were associated with intensified grief in parents losing their child after termination or miscarriage, while this relationship was less obvious after stillbirth or postpartum death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that an implicit learning deficit explains the difficulties with grammar commonly observed in children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The present study further investigates this link in two ways. Firstly, we investigate whether kindergartners with DLD have more difficulties with preposition understanding and production as compared to their typically developing peers because they have not (yet) learned to weigh implicit structural information (word order) over more explicit semantic information (noun animacy; Study 1). Secondly, we investigate whether kindergartners with DLD learn to comprehend and produce locative prepositions from an implicit learning context (Study 2). In Study 1 we observed that Dutch kindergartners with DLD (n = 32) made more errors in preposition comprehension (picture-matching task) and preposition production (semi-spontaneous production task) as compared to their typically developing peers (n = 30). We have no evidence that these differences can be explained by a difference in cue weighing or implicit learning ability (serial reaction time task). In Study 2 we observed that the storytelling context led to an increase in preposition production in children with DLD, but we found no evidence that it also led to a better understanding and more semantically accurate productions of the prepositions. We conclude that Dutch kindergartners with DLD have difficulties with locative prepositions but cannot conclude that differences in cue-weighing or implicit learning play a role herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Cancer is the most leading cause of death globally. Fatigue and poor quality of sleep are the common side effects of cancer treatment that lead to poor quality of life. There is a need of complementary therapy, which can help to minimize the side effects of cancer treatment and boosting relaxation. Warm water foot submerged technique helps to relieve fatigue and improve the quality of sleep; hence, quality of life can be improved. This study was conducted to assess effectiveness of warm water foot submerged technique on the level of fatigue, quality of sleep, and quality of life among patients with cancer. Materials and Methods A quasi-experimental pretest and post-test control group research design was adopted to conduct the study in oncology ward of selected hospital. Sixty-eight participants were recruited using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique and allocated to intervention and control groups. Data was collected using multidimensional fatigue inventory, Groningen sleep quality scale, EORTC QLQ-C30. The control group received normal routine care and the intervention group received warm water foot submerged technique that was given for 15 minutes two times per day for 5 consecutive days. Results Warm water foot submerged technique showed a significant difference in level of fatigue (p < 0.05), quality of sleep (p < 0.001), and quality of life (p < 0.001) in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in control group. Conclusion This study showed that the warm water foot submerged technique is effective in reducing the fatigue and improving the quality of sleep and quality of life among patients with cancer. Thus, this study was found to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Studies link hypovitaminosis D to be significantly associated with poor glycemic control, heightened inflammation, and risk of complications. Studies recommend fasting or calorie restriction as a useful measure to achieve diabetic reversal. The present study explores if therapeutic fasting is associated with improvement in the vitamin D levels and other clinical outcomes related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This observational study included 26 T2DM patients exposed to a 10-day medically supervised fasting (≈ 500–1000 Kcal/day) in a complementary medicine facility. Levels of vitamin D, B12, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure, anthropometric measures, World Health Organization Quality of Life, disease perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), and self-reported vitality were measured at the baseline and the 10th day. Results Significant improvement in the levels of vitamin D (p = 0.000), B12 (p = 0.03), and reduction in FBS levels (p = 0.001), blood pressure, body mass index, waist and hip circumference (p ≤ 0.05), and improvement in quality of life, vitality, and disease perception (p < 0.001) were observed by the end of 10th day. FBS shared a negative correlation with vitamin D levels (males r = –0.1, females r = –0.48). Conclusion The present findings provide insights into the probable mechanisms by which therapeutic fasting modulates the progression of T2DM. Nevertheless, large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The study aimed to explore the impact of various head positions on the distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) amplitudes, identifying the specific DPOAE frequencies showing the effect was also of interest. Materials and Methods DPOAEs were recorded from the right ears of 50 normal-hearing individuals in six head positions, supine, and five sitting positions (head erect, roll left, roll right, pitch backward, and pitch forward). DPOAEs were averaged and measured for their overall and frequency-specific amplitudes at 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 6 kHz, and 8 kHz. Statistical Analysis To investigate the statistical significance of the observed mean differences, the data was tested using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) following the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. The pair-wise comparison was tested using the Bonferroni post-hoc test and one-sided Bayesian paired sample t-test. Results The results of ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of head posture only at 1 kHz. The Bonferroni post-hoc test and one-sided Bayesian paired sample t-test results showed significantly higher DPOAE amplitude in the head erect compared to the supine position. There were no significant differences between other pairs of head postures. Conclusion Head posture is a trivial influencing factor of DPOAEs and hence, does not require consideration in interpreting DPOAEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The term psychotic experiences (PEs) encompass subclinical hallucinatory and delusional experiences. There are limited number of studies on PEs clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. We aimed to investigate the association between PEs and patterns of cannabis use, cognitive functions, schizotypy and childhood traumas. Methods: Participants were recruited from specialized units using the snowball method. All of the participants were regular cannabis users. Participants with PEs and without PEs were compared by looking into socio-demographic and clinical correlates. Significant variables at univariate comparisons were included in binary multivariate logistic regression analysis with PEs as the dependent variable. Results: Forty participants were recruited (20 with PEs, 20 without PEs). Adolescence onset of cannabis use (χ2 = 8.120; p < 0.05), positive schizotypy (t = 3.762; p < 0.01), Trail Making Test A (TMT A) Scores (u = 98.5; p < 0.01) and emotional neglect (u = 128; p = 0.05) were significantly associated with PEs. The binary regression model included a significant contribution of positive schizotypy (OR = 1.16, CI 1.025–1.330) and TMT A Score (OR = 1.22, CI 1.03–1.44). Conclusions: Results showed a novel positive association of PEs with adolescent-onset cannabis use, TMT A Scores, positive schizotypy and emotional neglect. PEs were predicted independently by positive schizotypy and TMT A Scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the amount of smoking, the presence of back pain and the severity of pain, and to examine whether there was a relationship between smoking and back pain. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 100 randomly selected students who were educated at university and had back pain. In individuals, a 22-question questionnaire and 21-question Beck Depression Scale were used, questioning parameters such as sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity levels, previous health problems, smoking status, as well as pain assessment tests. The results were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods. Results: Morning back pain was found to be higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers. (p <.05) BECK Depression Scale scores of smokers were found to be significantly different compared to nonsmokers (p =.00). In addition, it was observed that smokers needed more psychological medical support than nonsmokers (p =.00). Conclusions: This study revealed that although some significant results were found between smoking and some factors that cause back pain, there was no significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Inflamatory processes play an important role in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory complete blood count (CBC) parameters in substance use disorder (SUD). Methods: The study included 90 patients with SUD and 90 healthy controls (HC). The Student t-test was used to compare CBC parameters between the groups. The Kruskal – Wallis test was used to compare the data on the basis of substance types. Results: Leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte levels were higher in SUD group than HC. Leukocyte and neutrophil levels of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) were higher than HC. Platelet levels and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune inflammation index values were higher in patients with OUD than in patients with non-opioid substance use disorder (nOUD). Moreover, lymphocyte and monocyte levels were higher in patients with nOUD than in HC. Monocyte levels were increased in patients with cannabinoid use disorder compared to HC. Conclusion: The results suggested that inflammatory CBC parameters play an important role in the etiology of SUD according to type of substance. However, there is not enough data for supporting the clinical use of these parameters.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During adolescence, individuals experience rapid changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of their life. Due to certain risks which arise during the developmental period of adolescence, substance use and addiction are encountered as a public health problem. Studies on biochemical parameters and puberty are limited. In this study, adolescents with substance use disorder were compared to healthy individuals in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and serum irisin and caspase-9 levels. Methods: The study group consisted of 32 adolescents with substance use disorder and the control group was comprised of 29 healthy adolescents. The sociodemographic characteristics and serum irisin and caspase-9 levels of the groups were compared. Results: The study group performed lower than the control group in terms of duration of education and continuing education. Serum caspase-9 levels were found to be significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. There was no difference in irisin levels of the groups. Conclusions: It was determined that substance use negatively affects educational aspects and may also lead to certain destructive biological effects in adolescents. In order to reveal the effect of substance use on adolescents in more detail, studies with larger samples are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We determine the factors related to the attitudes toward substance users and how these factors predict attitudes. Methods: The research was a field study. The control variables were gender and occupation. Health workers, teachers, prison guards, shopkeepers, university students, bartenders, and professional athletes were chosen by lottery method of simple random sampling. 350 people were reached. Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test, Addiction Profile Index Risk Scanning Scale-Alcohol, and Addictive Material Attitude Scale were used. T-test, ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, analysis of effect size, and linear regression model were used. Results: Gender (1%), marital status (2%), residence (4%), occupation (9%), NUD (2%), risky alcohol use (12%), having people with AUD in the social circle (1%), having a substance user in the social circle (20%), being in a substance use environment (16%); neighborhood characteristics as crime (9%), drug use (5%), illicit drug selling (7%) were found predictors of the attitude. Conclusions: Demographical factors like being single, being a bartender, living with friends; substance-related risk factors; neighborhood characteristics like high crime, substance use, and illicit drug selling were predictors of positive attitude. Identifying the factors explaining the positive attitude will guide the determination of prevention and protection programs for society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence against women increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. This inaugural study examined the content of Australian government online portals, for women seeking support and help for domestic violence, during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed methods study incorporated four phases: a search; measurement of portal quality standard using DISCERN; enumeration of portal items; and a qualitative exploration of portal text. Australian governments must continue to work alongside domestic violence services as we found some portals were better than others. Continued review, revision, and funding are needed to meet the demands associated with this evolving public health emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that, in addition to its impact on children, may lead their parents to experience various psychological disorders, particularly Parenting Stress (PS). The prevalence and severity of PS may be correlated with various factors, particularly parents' level of Health Literacy (HL). Objectives: Given the scarcity of studies in the field of children with ADHD and their controversial results, alongside the significance of ADHD-related PS among their parents, the aim of the current study was to determine the levels of PS, HL, and the PS-HL correlation among parents of children with ADHD. Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive-correlational study, a total of 70 parents of children with ADHD participated based on inclusion criteria and convenience sampling. Their PS and HL were investigated using the "Socio-Demographic Information Questionnaire (SDIQ)," "Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition (PSI-4)," and "Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA)." The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The disparity in the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants was considerable. The PS among parents of children with ADHD ranged from "moderate to high" (x̄ = 287.51 ± 107.68, P < 0.05), and their HL ranged from "borderline to sufficient" (x̄ = 73.76 ± 14.02, P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant (P = 0.02) but not very strong inverse correlation (- 0.268) between PS and HL among these parents. The correlations obtained between "demographic characteristics with PS and HL" were varied. Conclusions: Based on the results, Iranian parents of children with ADHD demonstrated a "relatively sufficient" level of HL and a "considerable" level of PS. There was a significant, yet not very strong inverse correlation observed between PS and HL among the participants. However, it is important to acknowledge that the obtained frequency, severity, and correlation of these variables were influenced by various demographic inequalities among the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]