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Background: The association between nighttime sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationships between various domains of nighttime sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, and their specific dimensions. Methods: This was a community‐based cross‐sectional study. The participants were adults aged 65 years and older from Yilan City, Taiwan. Daytime sleepiness (DS) was defined using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) with scores ≥ 11. The ESS dimensions were further examined using exploratory factor analysis. The highest 15% factor scores for each factor were defined as factor‐specific DS. Various domains of nighttime sleep disturbance were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the independent relationships among various nighttime sleep disturbances, ESS, and its dimensions. Results: Of the 2585 participants, a total of 59.0% were women. Two factors were identified by exploratory factor analysis and were designated as 'passive factor' and 'active factor'. Multiple logistic regression analyses elucidated that short sleep duration was a common risk indicator for ESS‐defined (odds ratio (OR): 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43–2.83), passive factor‐defined (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.65–3.00), and active factor‐defined DS (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07–2.00). Hypnotic use was associated with a lower risk of both ESS‐defined (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47–0.92) and passive factor‐defined DS (OR:0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.92). Bathroom use (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04–1.91), coughing or snoring (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.01–4.56), and sleep efficiency (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.31–0.57) were uniquely associated with active factor‐defined DS. Conclusion: Two factors were identified in the ESS, revealing factor‐specific correlates of DS. Specifically, ESS‐ and passive factor‐defined DS shared similar correlates. In contrast, some correlates seem unique to active‐factor‐defined DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between daytime sleepiness and mortality risk among older adults. The moderating effects of sex and physical function were examined. This 9-year follow-up study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years. Daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to examine the ESS factors. Handgrip strength was measured to assess physical function, and the highest quartile was defined as good muscle power. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the 9-year all-cause mortality risk. The interaction terms were examined to evaluate their moderating effect. In total, 2588 individuals participated in the study. The EFA explored two factors: the passive factor (PF) and the active factor (AF). After controlling for various covariates, the cutoff-defined daytime sleepiness (ESS≥11), total raw scores, and factor scores of the ESS all failed to predict mortality risk. The 3-way interaction terms showed statistical significance in terms of [sex × PF × muscle power (p = 0.03)] but not for [sex × AF × muscle power (p = 0.11)]. Specifically, PF predicted mortality risk in women with good muscle power (hazard ratio (HR): 1.48; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.04–2.10), which is female-specific. In contrast, AF predicted mortality risk only in men with good muscle power (HR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.02–1.78). The ESS-measured daytime sleepiness in older adults is multidimensional. The mortality risk for each dimension was determined based on sex and physical function. • The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) had dual construct in older adults. • Sex- and muscle power modified mortality risk conferred from daytime sleepiness. • Dimensions of the ESS conferred sex-specific mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Co-occurring insomnia and daytime sleepiness has an undetermined clinical significance in older adults. We aimed to investigate the relationship between various combinations of insomnia and daytime sleepiness with mortality risk in community-dwelling older adults. The moderation effect of sex was also assessed. Methods We conducted this follow-up study including community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 in Yilan City, Taiwan. Daytime sleepiness was defined as scoring ≥11 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Insomnia was defined as scores ≥5 on the Athens Insomnia Scale-5. Four phenotypes were defined based on the presence of insomnia or daytime sleepiness. The 9-year mortality risks for various phenotypic combinations were estimated using Cox regression analysis. Sex-specific risks were examined using an interaction term. Results In total, 2 702 older adults participated in the study, and 59.1% were women. The total 9-year mortality rate was 27.5%. After adjusting for all covariates, compared with those without insomnia or daytime sleepiness, the phenotype of co-occurring insomnia with daytime sleepiness predicted higher mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.76, confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–2.58). In contrast, insomnia and daytime sleepiness alone did not correlate with higher mortality. The interaction between sex with co-occurring insomnia and daytime sleepiness was significant (p =.01). When stratifying by sex, the association between co-occurring insomnia and daytime sleepiness with higher mortality risk was male-specific (HR: 3.07, CI: 1.87–5.04). Conclusions Concurrence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness indicates a toxic phenotypic combination in older adults, particularly in men. Precise public health and preventive medicine can be implemented through geriatric sleep medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the association between bedtime and cardiac autonomic function in older adults. This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Self-reported bedtime was categorized as early (< 21:30), intermediate (21:30–22:30), and late (> 22:30). Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by HRV. The lowest tertiles for each HRV parameter were defined as unhealthy indicators. A total of 3,729 individuals participated, with mean age of 76.3 ± 6.6 years. After controlling for various covariates, late bedtime was associated with a lower risk for unhealthy total power [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–0.93] and low frequency power (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.87) than intermediate bedtime. In contrast, early bedtime was correlated with a higher risk of poor total power (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.45) and high frequency power (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.00–1.39). When further specifying sleep duration and physical disability into the regression models, the inverse association between late bedtime and unhealthy HRV remained; however, the association between early bedtime and HRV disappeared. Accordingly, we concluded that in terms of cardiac autonomic function, early bedtime in older adults is not necessarily beneficial for their health outcomes, whereas late bedtime may not be detrimental. Abbreviations: ADL: activity of daily living; BMI: body mass index; CI: confidence interval; GARS: the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale; HADS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HF: high frequency power; HRV: heart rate variability; LF: low frequency power; LF/HF: low frequency to high frequency ratio; OR: odds ratios; TP: total power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to use item response theory (IRT) to explore the item‐by‐item characteristics of a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) screening tool using community‐based data. Methods: The Yilan Study is a community‐based study that has been conducted since 2012. Until March 2020, 2230 older adults were interviewed according to the household registration data. IRT was applied to determine the item‐by‐item distinctive characteristics of the Eight‐item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8). Results: The MCI characteristics in the AD8 items have varying degrees of item response threshold. In all circumstances, item AD8‐8, which is related to self‐rated memory ability, had a low item response threshold. AD8‐5 and AD8‐7, which are related to the comparisons of time‐oriented functional status, had slightly lower thresholds, especially for those aged 65–79 years or without activity limitations. Conversely, AD8‐1, AD8‐2, AD8‐3, AD8‐4, and AD8‐6 had similar item response thresholds and discriminative power; these items have more detailed functional descriptions or examples for illustration. Conclusions: Concise and understandable elements are often expected in community‐based screening tools. For community‐based health screening and population empowerment in the early detection of MCI, assessment tool items with detailed functional descriptions and examples for illustration have similar validities in most of the population. Items related to self‐rated memory ability might be less valid. More examples may be needed for items constructed for comparing time‐oriented functional status, especially in extremely old adults and individuals with activity limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the physical fitness levels of active community-dwelling older adults. Moreover, we investigated the correlation of their (stratified by age and sex) fitness levels with handgrip strength (HGS). Comprehensive physical fitness tests, including sarcopenia screening, were conducted with a total of 2,130 older adults residing in a rural area of Taiwan. The 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of age- and sex-specific physical fitness levels were determined. Furthermore, we identified the key parameters for assessing the physical fitness of older adults and performed stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Both men and women exhibited age-related decreases in all aspects of functional fitness, a trend indicating that older adults in Taiwan may lose their independence in the future. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that HGS was positively correlated with sex, body mass index, and the results of 30-s arm curl and back scratch tests but negatively correlated with age and the result of 8-foot up-and-go test. Our reference values for physical fitness may help assess the fitness levels of active community-dwelling older adults and design community-based health programs to prevent the early loss of independence in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) correlated with unfavorable health-related quality of life (HRQoL). • EDS was associated with an unfavorable mental component of HRQoL. • A link between EDS and an unfavorable physical component of HRQoL was found only for men. The association between excessive daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life among older adults and at-risk individuals remains unclear. This study examined relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness and unfavorable health-related quality of life and explored the moderating effect of sex. This was a community-based study of adults aged 65 years or more. Excessive daytime sleepiness was defined as a score exceeding 10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between excessive daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life. The moderating effect of sex was examined by testing interaction terms. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form 12 Health Survey, which includes a physical component summary and a mental component summary. Unfavorable health-related quality of life was defined as the lowest tertile of the scores for both components. In total, 3788 individuals participated. After controlling for covariates, older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness did not have an unfavorable physical component summary but were more likely to have an unfavorable mental component summary (odds ratio 1.96; 95 % confidence interval 1.47–2.61). When stratified by sex, excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with a poor physical component summary in men (odds ratio 1.77, 95 % confidence interval 1.00–3.13) but not in women. Excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with a poor mental component summary in both sexes; however, the association with a poor physical component summary was specific to men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The circadian system is responsible for regulating various physiological activities and behaviors and has been gaining recognition. The circadian rhythm is adjusted in a 24-h cycle and has transcriptional-translational feedback loops. When the circadian rhythm is interrupted, affecting the expression of circadian genes, the phenotypes of diseases could amplify. For example, the importance of maintaining the internal temporal homeostasis conferred by the circadian system is revealed as mutations in genes coding for core components of the clock result in diseases. This study will investigate the association between circadian genes and metabolic syndromes in a Taiwanese population.Methods: We performed analysis using whole-genome sequencing, read vcf files and set target circadian genes to determine if there were variants on target genes. In this study, we have investigated genetic contribution of circadian-related diseases using population-based next generation whole genome sequencing. We also used significant SNPs to create a metabolic syndrome prediction model. Logistic regression, random forest, adaboost, and neural network were used to predict metabolic syndrome. In addition, we used random forest model variables importance matrix to select 40 more significant SNPs, which were subsequently incorporated to create new prediction models and to compare with previous models. The data was then utilized for training set and testing set using five-fold cross validation. Each model was evaluated with the following criteria: area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), precision, F1 score, and average precision (the area under the precision recall curve).Results: After searching significant variants, we used Chi-Square tests to find some variants. We found 186 significant SNPs, and four predicting models which used 186 SNPs (logistic regression, random forest, adaboost and neural network), AUC were 0.68, 0.8, 0.82, 0.81 respectively. The F1 scores were 0.412, 0.078, 0.295, 0.552, respectively. The other three models which used the 40 SNPs (logistic regression, adaboost and neural network), AUC were 0.82, 0.81, 0.81 respectively. The F1 scores were 0.584, 0.395, 0.574, respectively.Conclusions: Circadian gene defect may also contribute to metabolic syndrome. Our study found several related genes and building a simple model to predict metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report the prevalence of preschool myopia after implementing a policy intervention promoting outdoor activities and the secular trend of myopia before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a Taiwan preschool population. Repeated countywide population-based, cross-sectional surveys based on the Yilan Myopia Prevention and Vision Improvement Program (YMVIP). Among 23 930 kindergarteners 5 to 6 years of age from 7 school-year cohorts in Yilan County from 2014 through 2020, a total of 21 761 children (90.9%) were included for analysis. Since launching the YMVIP in August 2014, myopia prevention strategies, such as increasing outdoor activities (2 hours/weekday), have been promoted in all kindergartens, and countywide school-based eye examinations, including cycloplegic autorefraction, and caregiver-administered questionnaires have been carried out annually for all participants. The prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent, ≤ –0.5 D in either eye) in each of the 7 school-year cohorts of preschoolers 5 to 6 years of age. The prevalence of myopia continuously decreased for 2 years after implementing the YMVIP: 2014 cohort, 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2%–16.8%); 2015 cohort, 13.5% (95% CI, 12.3%–14.7%); and 2016 cohort, 8.4% (95% CI, 7.4%–9.4%). Subsequent cohorts were exposed maximally to these school-based myopia prevention strategies, and the prevalence of myopia remained relatively stable, between 8.5% and 10.3%, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a dose-dependent association between the duration of exposure to preventive strategies and the prevalence of myopia (up to 1-year YMVIP exposure, odds ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.74–0.99]; up to 2-year YMVIP exposure, odds ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.50–0.63]) after controlling other myopigenic factors. This population-based evidence showed high prevalence of preschool myopia and an L-shaped decline after introducing strategies to promote outdoor activities in kindergartens. With undisrupted school-based preventive strategies, the prevalence of myopia can be kept stable, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alteration of cardiac autonomic function may underlie the link between hypnotics use and the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the various characteristics of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRAs) and heart rate variability (HRV).Methods: A community-based survey using the cohort from the Yilan Study, Taiwan was conducted. Older adults aged 65 and older were randomly selected to participate from August 2013 to November 2016. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated using HRV, and the lowest quartiles of HRV parameters were defined as unhealthy. Those who used BzRAs as a sleep aid were defined as BzRA hypnotic users. The characteristics of BzRA use were further detailed and included the half-life, drug compound, frequency of use, and cumulative daily equivalent dosage.Results: Of all participants, 379 (14.5%) were BzRA hypnotic users. After controlling for covariates, BzRA hypnotic users had a higher risk for unhealthier HRV than non-users. Among all BzRA hypnotic users, those who only used benzodiazepines (BZDs), used short half-life BzRAs, and used the middle tertile of daily cumulative BZD equivalent had a higher risk for poor total power (odds ratio [OR]: 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-4.16), high frequency (OR: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.07-10.97), and high frequency (OR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.35-6.42), respectively, than their counterparts.Conclusions: BzRA hypnotics are linked with poor cardiac autonomic function. Various characteristics of BzRA hypnotics showed an independent pattern of association with cardiac autonomic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Given the close relationship between sleep-wake disturbances and depression, an in-depth investigation of such a relationship is imperative. The present study aims at elucidating the relationship between various sleep-wake disturbances and depression in older adults and at examining the influence of co-occurring anxiety on such associations. Method: A community-based survey using the cohort from the Yilan Study in Taiwan was conducted from August 2013 to November 2016. Adults aged 65 and older were randomly selected to participate in the study. The Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale was used to measure clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms. Insomnia and daytime sleepiness were defined through the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, respectively. Furthermore, the use of hypnotics, subjective sleep duration and sleep-wake scheduling were evaluated. Their relationship with depression was examined through logistic regression analyses. Results: There were 2620 participants surveyed and 247 (9.4%) had depression. Before controlling for anxiety, insomnia (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23-2.55), daytime sleepiness (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.27-2.53), and long sleepers (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.24-2.53) have a higher likelihood for depression in the multivariable regression analysis. However, when including anxiety into the multivariable regression model, only those with daytime sleepiness and long sleepers had an elevated risk for depression. Therefore, the association between insomnia and depression turned to be statistically non-significant. Conclusion: In older adults, various sleep-wake disturbances differ in their relationship with depression. In addition, daytime sleepiness and long sleep duration were mostly characteristic of depression when co-occurring anxiety was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manifestation of older adults with poor sleep quality is heterogeneous. Using data-driven classifying methods, the study aims to subgroup community-dwelling older adults with poor sleep quality. Adults aged 65 and older participated in the Yilan study. Poor sleep quality was defined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Latent class analysis with the 7 subscores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as the indicators was used to generate empirical subgroups. Differences in comorbidity patterns between subgroups were compared. A total of 2622 individuals, of which 1011 (38.6%) had Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index -defined poor sleep quality, participated. Three groups for poor sleep quality were specified in the latent class analysis: High Insomnia (n = 191, 7.3%), Mild Insomnia (n = 574, 21.9%), and High Hypnotics (n = 246, 9.4%). The High Insomnia and Mild Insomnia groups shared similar profiles but different severities in the 7 domains of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In contrast, the High Hypnotics group had the lowest Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total scores and insomnia severity but had similar mental and physical comorbid patterns as the High Insomnia group. This finding suggests that poor sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults had various feature-based subgroups. It also implicates the development of group-centered interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the NFL, kickers play a special role in determining the outcome of a match. There is a significant body of literature attributing the success of kicks to observed environmental and situational factors. However, the significance of these is not subject to agreement. In this study, we synthesize the deterministic and stochastic models based on data from the 2000–2017 NFL seasons to identify significant conditions associated with “choking.” This study’s empirical findings focus on integrating the statistical evidence on causality of skill and performance, and the interpretation of observed and unobserved heterogeneity of kicks, on the intervention effect of the new extra-point rule in the NFL since 2015, and on providing an in-depth evaluation of the impact of competition pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease and stroke have emerged as substantial and growing health challenges to populations around the world. Besides for the survival and medical prognosis, how to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) might also become one of the goals of treatment programs. There are multiple factors that influence HRQol, including comorbidity, mental function and lifestyle. However, substantial research and investigation have still not clarified these underlying pathways, which merit further attention. The purpose of this study was to determine how psychological factors affect the link between cardiovascular disease and stroke with HRQoL. Methods and Result: A total of 1,285 elder subjects at least 65 years of age (47.2% male) were enrolled. The mental function and HRQol of each patient was then measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Short Form-12. After multiple regression analysis, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, education level and age were shown to be associated with both mental component score (MCS) and physical component score (PCS). In the mediation analysis using the SPSS macro provided by Preacher and Hayes, cardiovascular disease and stroke affected HRQoL via anxiety and depression, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that cardiovascular disease and stroke have negative impacts on patient MCS and PCS through different underlying pathways. Cardiovascular disease influences the HRQoL both directly and indirectly with the mediation of anxiety, and stroke influences the HRQoL by way of depression. These findings support the proposition that different combinations of both physical and psychological support are necessary to best manage these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition has been shown to improve clinical myocardial ischemia in patients with syndrome X (angina pectoris, positive treadmill exercise test, normal coronary angiograms, and no evidence of coronary spasm). This study was conducted to investigate the effects of long-term ACE inhibitors on endothelial nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and coronary microvascular function in patients with syndrome X. After a 2-week washout period, 20 patients with syndrome X were randomized to receive either enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, 5 mg twice daily (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) in a double-blind design for 8 weeks. Another 6 age- and gender-matched subjects with negative treadmill exercise tests were also studied as controls. Compared with control subjects, patients with syndrome X had significantly reduced coronary flow reserve, reduced plasma levels of nitrate and nitrite (NOx), and a reduced plasma l-arginine to asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) ratio (an index of systemic NO metabolism), as well as reduced endothelial function. These patients also had increased plasma levels of ADMA, which is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase and of von Willebrand factor, a marker of endothelial injury. Baseline characteristics including exercise performance and coronary flow reserve were similar between enalapril and placebo groups. After an 8-week treatment period, exercise duration (p = 0.001) and coronary flow reserve (p = 0.001) significantly improved with enalapril but not with placebo. Enalapril treatment, but not placebo, reduced plasma von Willebrand factor (p = 0.03) and ADMA levels (p = 0.01) and increased NOx levels (p = 0.01) and the ratio of l-arginine to ADMA (p <0.01). In patients with syndrome X, the plasma NOx level was positively and ADMA level inversely correlated with coronary flow reserve before and after the treatment. In conclusion, long-term ACE inhibitor treatment with enalapril improved coronary microvascular function as well as myocardial ischemia in patients with syndrome X. This may be related to the improvement of endothelial NO bioavailability with the reduction of plasma ADMA levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore associations between volunteering and various self-reported health outcomes among older people, including subjective physical and mental health, self-rated health, and self-rated happiness. Methods: This questionnaire survey was conducted in Yilan, Taiwan. By convenient sampling, a total of 3692 older people living in the community were recruited from 2012 to 2016. Participants' engagement in community volunteer activities in the past month was recorded. Subjective physical and mental health were evaluated using the Short Form-12 version2 Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores. Self-rated health and happiness were each evaluated by a single question. Participants' demographic information and comorbidities were also recorded. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, marital status, body mass index, educational level, living status, comorbidities, smoking status, and status of alcohol drinking. Resultss: After adjusting for covariates, volunteering was significantly associated with better subjective physical health, self-rated health, and self-rated happiness scores (B = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.56, 3.26); B = 3.46, 95% CI (2.66, 4.66), and B = 4.62, 95% CI (3.18, 6.05), respectively). The strength of the relationships between volunteering and various self-reported health outcomes differed. Conclusions: Volunteering has positive associations on subjective physical health, self-rated health, and happiness for older people living in the community in Yilan, Taiwan. Further follow-up studies are needed to examine the mechanisms of associations between volunteering and various self-reported health outcomes, and clarify the differences in the strength of their associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of different levels of COVID‐19 social restrictions (social distancing in 2020, large‐scale home confinement in 2021) on myopia prevalence and behaviours in a preschool population with school‐based eyecare programme. Methods: Repeated cross‐sectional surveys were conducted between August and December in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Children aged 5–6 years received ocular examinations, and questionnaires were answered by caregivers before the day of the examination. The main outcome measures were the changes in after‐school time spent on homework, screen‐based devices and outdoors. Secondary outcome was the change in myopia prevalence (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤ −0.5 D in either eye after cycloplegia). Results: A total of 9997 preschoolers were included in the analysis. Under tighter restrictions, more preschoolers spent ≥1 h/day on screen‐based devices (42.8% in 2019, 45.2% in 2020, 48.9% in 2021, p < 0.001), and fewer preschoolers spent ≥30 min/day on after‐school outdoor activities (49.5% in 2019, 46.0% in 2020, 41.0% in 2021, p < 0.001) on weekdays. A similar trend was found on weekends. While more preschoolers spent ≥2 h/day on screen‐based devices (35.3% in 2019, 38.5% in 2020, 43.0% in 2021, p < 0.001), fewer preschoolers spent ≥2 h/day on outdoor activities (41.7% in 2019, 41.7% in 2020, 34.0% in 2021, p < 0.001). The mean SE and myopia prevalence were stable (9.1% in 2019, 10.3% in 2020, 9.4% in 2021, p = 0.707). Conclusion: Our study showed dose‐dependent effect of social restrictions on near‐work and outdoor behaviours at home. The prevalence of myopia did not increase significantly with short‐term cessation of school‐based eyecare programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a need for a cost-effective method to identify individuals with a high risk of osteoporosis. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of hand grip strength in predicting the risk of osteoporosis in Asian adults. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional, hospital-based study of 1007 participants, the bone mineral density of the spine and hips was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry according to the 2019 International Society for Clinical Densitometry official positions. Bone microarchitecture was evaluated using the trabecular bone score, and hand grip strength was measured in the dominant hand using a hand digital dynamometer. Results: Hand grip strength was significantly related to bone density and bone microarchitecture. Moreover, hand grip strength was a significant predictor of osteoporosis in both women and men. For osteoporosis prediction in women, a threshold of 21.9 kg of hand grip strength had a sensitivity of 59%, specificity of 59%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.61. In men, a threshold of 28.7 kg had a sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 78%, and AUC of 0.75. The optimal cutoff strengths for osteoporosis depended on age and sex. Conclusion: The measurement of hand grip strength is a simple, cost-effective and an easy assessment method for identifying individuals at a high risk of osteoporosis. The cutoff strength for evaluating osteoporosis in adults is age and sex specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been defined as unexplained relapsing or persistent fatigue for at least 6 consecutive months. Immuno-inflammatory pathway, bacterial infection, and other causes play essential roles in CFS. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of foregut inflammation, leading to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk of CFS development between patients with and without PUD. Other related factors were also analyzed. We performed a retrospective, nationwide cohort study identifying patients with or without PUD respectively by analyzing the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), Taiwan. The overall incidence of CFS was higher in the PUD cohort than in the non- PUD cohort (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.75–2.30), with the same adjusted HR (aHR) when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The sex-specific PUD cohort to the non-PUD cohort relative risk of CFS was significant in both genders. The age-specific incidence of CFS showed incidence density increasing with age in both cohorts. There is an increased risk of developing CFS following PUD, especially in females and the aging population. Hopefully, these findings can prevent common infections from progressing to debilitating, chronic conditions such as CFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weak grip strength is associated with subsequent mortality in elderly populations. The normative data and associated factors of HGS in community-dwelling elderly Taiwanese populations require further evaluation. From February 2012 until the end of 2016, all residents of Yilan City, Taiwan aged 65 years or older were randomly selected for a population-based community health survey. A total of 2,470 older adults were enrolled in this study. The relationships between HGS and various anthropometric and sociodemographic correlates were examined. The results showed that HGS was higher in men than in women. The mean HGS exhibited a decreasing trend with advanced age in both men and women. HGS was significantly associated with height, weight, and exercise habits. The physical as well as the mental component summary measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were positively associated with HGS. After HRQoL was integrated into the regression model, female sex, age, waist circumference, and diabetes mellitus were significantly negatively associated with HGS. In conclusion, HGS significantly decreased with advanced age. among community-dwelling Taiwanese elderly people, Various factors had different effects on HGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The decreased level of melatonin, the substance involved in the control of the sleep–wake cycle, has been reported among the patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). However, knowledge about the relationship between sleep disturbance and AMD is still limited. This longitudinal case–control study aims to investigate the risk of incident AMD among the patients with clinically diagnosed insomnia using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Methods: The insomnia cohort (n = 15 465) consisted of newly diagnosed insomnia cases aged ≥55 years between 2000 and 2009. Subjects without insomnia, matched for age, gender and enrolment time, were randomly sampled as the control cohort (n = 92 790). Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) of incident AMD for the two cohorts after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Of the 108 255 sampled subjects, 2094 (1.9%) were diagnosed with AMD, including 214 (0.2%) with neovascular AMD, during a mean follow‐up period of 5.1 ± 2.8 years. Insomnia patients were more likely to have subsequent AMD than those without insomnia (2.5% versus 1.8%, p < 0.001). Further, the incidence of exudative AMD was also higher in the insomnia cohort than the control cohort (0.3% versus 0.2%, p = 0.002). The adjusted HR was 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–1.48, p < 0.001) for AMD and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.20–2.33, p = 0.002) for exudative AMD. Conclusions: Clinically diagnosed insomnia is an independent indicator for the increased risk of subsequent AMD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Gout‐related comorbidities are intricate and its clinical features may demonstrate sex difference; however, few studies have evaluated the links between comorbidities and gout in a female population. The objectives of this study were to compare the aggregation and transitive trajectories of comorbidities of gout, and their consequences in female and male gout populations. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A female and male gout population were followed up from 2000 to 2009 to identify the comorbidities of cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease. The cumulative incidence of stroke from 2000 to 2010 was examined. A latent trajectory analysis was used to determine the transitive trajectories of the comorbidities of gout. Results: Both female and male patients with gout had five risk cluster transition (CT) phenotypes of comorbidities within 10‐year follow‐up: CT1 and CT2, with various persistent comorbidities; CT3, with few persistent comorbidities; and CT4 and CT5, with transfer to cluster 1 from other clusters. The female participants in CT2 predominantly experienced DM and were associated with significantly increased risk of developing stroke. Conclusion: Diabetes is a notable risk factor for the development of stroke in female patients with gout. Early assessment and management for the comorbidities of gout, particularly in DM, would effectively reduce future stroke risk in female gout population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: The aims of the present study were to determine the associations and sex-specific relationships between extreme sleep duration and cardiac autonomic control in a cohort of older individuals.Methods: A community-based survey was conducted in Yilan City, Taiwan. Community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 were randomly selected to participate. Extreme sleep durations were defined as either short sleep (≤5 hours) or long sleep (≥8 hours). Cardiac autonomic control was evaluated using the parameters of frequency-domain analysis of heart rate variability.Results: Of 1,721 participants, 58.7% were female. In multiple logistic regression analyses, short sleep duration did not correlate with any of the unhealthier parameters of heart rate variability. In contrast, long sleep duration was associated with elevated risk for poor high-frequency values (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-2.50) and the unfavorable low-frequency values (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05-1.97). When stratified by sex, the associations between extreme sleep duration and poor heart rate variability were more robust in males.Conclusions: Poor cardiac autonomic control may underlie the link between extreme sleep duration and adverse health outcomes in older adults. A sex-specific relationship between poor cardiac autonomic function and extreme sleep duration also was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The anatomic proximity between the esophagus and the coronary sinus (CS) might render the esophagus vulnerable to thermal injury during ablation. Therefore, we investigated the anatomic relationship between the esophagus and the CS in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: Thirty patients (25 males, mean age = 54 ± 11 years) with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were included. Sixteen-slice multidetector computed tomography was performed to depict the course of the esophagus and relationship to the CS. The esophagus was in direct contact with the CS in 57% (17/30) of patients (group 1). The mean length of the contact was 6.1 ± 3.4 mm. In the remaining 13 patients, the esophagus did not come in direct contact with the CS (group 2). The shortest distance between the esophagus and the CS was 4.0 ± 2.6 mm. The CS diameter (9.4 ± 1.8 vs 8.5 ± 2.4 mm, P = 0.15), esophagus width (18.6 ± 1.6 vs 18.6 ± 1.7 mm, P = 0.87), anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium (35.9 ± 3.8 vs 35.0 ± 3.3 mm, P = 0.58), thickness of the anterior wall of the esophagus (2.9 ± 0.6 vs 2.9 ± 0.6 mm, P = 0.97), and shortest distance from the esophagus to the CS ostium (19.3 ± 5.4 vs 25.0 ± 6.2 mm, P = 0.02) and to the great cardiac vein (8.5 ± 5.3 vs 12.1 ± 6.9 mm, P = 0.10) were compared between the two groups. Conclusions: In 57% of our patients, the esophagus was in direct contact with the CS, and a significantly shorter distance between the esophagus and the CS ostium was noted in these patients. It is important to prevent esophageal damage when applying energy within the CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]