Anterior open bite associated with tongue-thrusting habit is a common malocclusion in children that may adversely affect dentofacial development, oral function, and esthetics. Habit-breaking appliances are frequently used to eliminate tongue-thrusting behavior and facilitate the correction of anterior open bites. However, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of fixed and removable tongue-thrust habit-breaking appliances. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of fixed and removable tongue-thrust habit-breaking appliances in managing anterior open bites in pediatric patients. This retrospective observational comparative study included 100 pediatric patients aged 7-14 years diagnosed with an anterior open bite associated with a tongue-thrusting habit. The patients were divided into two groups: fixed (n = 50) and removable (n = 50) appliance groups. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patient records. The outcome measures included reduction in anterior open bite, percentage correction, treatment duration, complete open-bite closure, and predictors of successful treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate parametric and regression tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The two groups were comparable at baseline, with no significant differences in age, sex distribution, baseline open bite severity, duration of habit, or follow-up period (p > 0.05). Both treatment modalities produced significant reductions in the anterior open bite (p < 0.001). The fixed appliance group demonstrated a greater mean reduction in open bite (2.9 ± 1.0 mm) than the removable appliance group (1.9 ± 0.8 mm) (p < 0.001). The percentage correction was significantly higher in the fixed appliance group (76.3 ± 12.4%) than in the removable appliance group (51.4 ± 15.7%) (p < 0.001). Treatment duration was significantly shorter with fixed appliances (10.2 ± 2.1 months) than with removable appliances (11.8 ± 2.6 months) (p = 0.001). Complete open-bite closure was achieved in 35 (70.0%) and 20 (40.0%) patients in the fixed and removable appliance groups, respectively (p = 0.003). Fixed appliance therapy was the strongest independent predictor of successful open bite closure (odds ratio (OR) = 4.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75-9.14; p = 0.001). Both fixed and removable tongue-thrust habit-breaking appliances were effective in reducing anterior open bites in pediatric patients. However, fixed appliances achieved significantly greater correction, higher rates of complete closure, and shorter treatment durations. Fixed appliance therapy demonstrated superior clinical effectiveness and was the strongest predictor of successful treatment outcomes. These findings support the use of fixed habit-breaking appliances as a preferred treatment option for growing children with tongue-thrust-associated anterior open bites.
The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the histological and histochemical organization of the esophagus in two avian species with different feeding ecologies. A total of 6 individuals were used for this purpose (3 storks, 3 common buzzards). The esophageal samples were examined using Crossmon's triple stain, PAS with Light green combination, Alcian blue/PAS (pH 1, pH 2.5) and Aldehyde fuchsin/Alcian blue (AF/AB) staining methods following routine histological processing. In the histological evaluation, it was observed that the esophagus in both species typically consists of the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and adventitia/serosa layers. Significant differences were identified between the species in terms of epithelial structure and gland distribution. In storks, the mucosal folds were more distinct, and the glands were more densely distributed. In common buzzards, the epithelial structure was relatively more compact, and the distribution of the glands was limited. Histochemical analyses revealed significant inter-species variations in mucus content. PAS and AB/PAS staining showed that neutral, acidic, and mixed mucopolysaccharides coexist in the stork esophagus, whereas more limited and distinct distribution patterns were observed in common buzzards. AF/AB staining, on the other hand, revealed differences between species in the localization of sulfated and carboxylated mucopolysaccharides. The findings support the notion that the histological and histochemical characteristics of the avian esophagus are closely related to the species' feeding habits. In particular, differences in mucus composition and gland organization are thought to be important in terms of adaptive mechanisms for food transport and esophageal protection. This study contributes to the literature by providing comparative data on the structural differences of the esophagus in avian species with different trophic characteristics.
The gut microbiome of termites plays a crucial role in lignocellulose degradation and nutrient recycling. This study presents the first metagenomic characterization of the gut microbiota in two lower termite species, Anacanthotermes ahngerianus and Anacanthotermes turkestanicus, collected from distinct ecological habitats. In Uzbekistan, the first lives in building a mound in nature in the West part while the second mainly lives in contact with human constructions in the East part without building a proper mound. Both species showed similar bacterial dominance (~53%) in their guts but A. ahngerianus exhibited higher overall microbial diversity (Shannon index: 4.046 vs. 3.363; Simpson's index: 0.927 vs. 0.776). Moreover, both termite species showed differences in microbial profiles, including bacterial taxa and eukaryotic groups relevant to lower-termite gut symbiosis. Protist-associated eukaryotic reads were retained because flagellated protists are essential symbionts of lower termites, whereas unexpected non-protist eukaryotic assignments were interpreted cautiously and were not used as evidence of functional gut symbionts or host adaptation. Functional profiling revealed enrichment of pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid transport, and energy production in both species. However, A. turkestanicus exhibited stronger bacterial dominance associated with lignocellulose degradation and nitrogen cycling, while A. ahngerianus maintained a more balanced representation of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These findings suggest that species identity and ecological habits may be associated with differences in gut microbiome structure and predicted functional potential.
Researchers typically rely on self-report when investigating individuals' behavior. However, when assessing socially undesirable behaviors such as dishonesty, self-report is vulnerable to underreporting and positive response bias ("faking good"). The present study examined whether supernormality, an extreme form of positive response bias, influences self-reported lying behavior. A total of 777 participants completed an online survey assessing supernormality and different dimensions of lying behavior. Based on their scores on the Supernormality Scale-Revised (SS-R), participants were categorized into a "supernormal group" (n = 223, 28.7%) or a "credible group" (n = 554, 71.3%). Group differences across several lying-related outcomes were examined. Compared to the credible group, the supernormal group reported lower lying frequency, greater unwillingness to lie due to negative internal factors (i.e., higher negativity), lower contextuality, and lower relational and antisocial lying. These differences emerged consistently across multiple dimensions of lying, suggesting a systematic shift in responding rather than isolated effects. The findings suggest that extreme positive response bias may extend beyond the underreporting of psychological distress to socially undesirable behaviors such as lying, potentially leading to systematic underestimation in self-report research. Overall, the results highlight the vulnerability of self-report when assessing sensitive behaviors and the importance of accounting for response bias.
Training and body composition requirements in elite sports may elevate eating disorder (ED) risk. Current estimates suggest a range of 1-28% prevalence of ED in elite athletes, reflecting methodological heterogeneity, underreporting, and limited research focus. EDs adversely affect physical health (e.g., osteoporosis, fatigue, injury), psychological well-being, and athletic performance, often persisting beyond athletic careers. Sport-specific demands may obscure ED symptoms, making underdiagnoses likely. This longitudinal study's objective is to furnish proof for the theoretical model of disordered eating in elite athletes by examining the role of sport-specific indicators, to improve early identification and psychological diagnostics. Three-hundred elite athletes from weight-sensitive (ballet, bodybuilding) and less weight-sensitive (soccer, racket sports, basketball) sports will complete assessments at four time points. A subgroup of 90 athletes will participate in clinical interviews. Logistic and hierarchical regressions will identify ED risk indicators and estimate the prevalence of EDs in athletes. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses will assess diagnostic accuracy of single and combined indicators with reporting of sensitivity, specificity, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Group differences and measurement invariance of ED instruments will be tested between the athlete group and 300 non-athlete controls. Identifying reliable ED indicators in elite sports may support early intervention. This theory-based approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and athletes' care. Prospective registration of the study in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00035100) on 03 February 2025.
Voice is essential in university teaching, yet evidence integrating self-reported vocal fatigue with health, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and professional indicators in lecturers remains limited. This study analyzed the associations between two symptom-related dimensions of vocal fatigue, vocal tiredness and physical vocal discomfort, and multidimensional health, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and occupational indicators in university teaching staff. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among teaching staff from the Spanish Network of Health-Promoting Universities. The final sample included 1560 lecturers from 13 Spanish universities, 49.9% men, mean age 47.39 years, SD 11.29. Self-reported vocal fatigue, health-related quality of life, burnout, emotional symptomatology, physical activity, sedentary time, sleep quality, and professional characteristics were assessed. Vocal Fatigue Index-defined vocal tiredness was identified in 7.1% of participants, and physical vocal discomfort in 12.8%. Women reported higher scores in both dimensions, and sex remained independently associated with both outcomes in adjusted models. Lecturers with vocal tiredness or physical vocal discomfort showed lower health-related quality of life and higher anxiety, depression, stress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and sleep problems. Hierarchical regression models identified lower physical well-being, higher anxiety, and greater emotional exhaustion as the main factors associated with both outcomes. Physical activity, sedentary time, teaching modality, and number of students taught were not clearly associated with vocal fatigue symptoms. Self-reported vocal fatigue symptoms were present in a meaningful minority of university lecturers and were associated with poorer perceived well-being, greater psychological distress, and higher emotional exhaustion, supporting the inclusion of vocal health in university occupational health strategies.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of long-term disability for children in Vietnam and across the world, affecting both gross and fine motor skills as well as daily independence. Intensive therapy has been shown to significantly improve motor outcomes. Moreover, parental involvement in therapy contributes positively to child development. Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) is a structured intervention that targets motor function of the upper and lower extremities through intensive, goal-directed practice. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a parent-delivered HABIT-ILE programme in young children with CP in Vietnam, using a randomised controlled trial comparing onsite and online groups of intervention. A total of 48 children aged 2-6 years diagnosed with bilateral CP will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: parent-delivered HABIT-ILE conducted either in a rehabilitation centre or at home. Participants will be paired based on their age and functional levels using the Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised and the (mini-)Manual Ability Classification System before randomisation. Each group will receive an identical 50-hour intervention over 2 weeks, delivered by parents under the supervision of HABIT-ILE experts. Primary outcomes include the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 and the Melbourne Assessment 2. Secondary outcomes will consist of Vietnamese versions of the West-African version of the ACTIVLIM-CP questionnaire, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and parental quality of life with World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version questionnaire. Assessments will occur twice at baseline with 2 weeks in between (T0 and T1), postintervention (T2, 2 weeks after T1) and 3-month follow-up (T3). A 2 (group)×4 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance will be used to analyse the data ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee in Biomedical Research at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (Approval No. 726/HĐĐĐ-ĐHYD, issued on 13 June 2024). NCT06593158.
Tree ferns are substantial hosts for epiphytes, often hosting distinct communities that are considerably different from other hosts. While previous research has highlighted the prevalence of epiphytic ferns growing on tree ferns, studies have yet to explore this host relationship for the gametophyte generation. This study aims to investigate the epiphytic fern gametophyte communities growing on low trunks of Alsophila spinulosa (Cyatheaceae). A high-throughput DNA barcoding approach was used to identify fern gametophytes collected from tree fern trunks and neighboring angiosperm hosts across six established plots. Co-occurring sporophytes were surveyed along the same trunks. Gametophyte identification was achieved by sequencing multiplexed trnL-F amplicons derived from tissue-direct PCR on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Tree fern trunks harbored a higher abundance and species richness of fern gametophytes than angiosperm trunks, and hosted more cordiform gametophytes, most of which were otherwise terrestrial ferns considered to be accidentally epiphytic. In comparison, angiosperm hosts were associated with non-cordiform, obligately epiphytic ferns. The humid microclimate of tree fern trunks simulate a terrestrial-like environment, offering an indistinct boundary from the forest floor which provides habitat for fern species that typically establish on the ground. Our survey also recovered three species we interpret as independent fern gametophytes Antrophyum henryi., Callistopteris apiifolia, and Haplopteris yakushimensis, given that their sporophyte phases were not present and are not known from nearby localities. DNA barcoding techniques provide an opportunity to study the distribution and habit of fern gametophytes, the life history stage of ferns which is often overlooked. Our results demonstrate that gametophyte growth form and habit are correlated with habitat preference and community structure. Our findings support the importance of incorporating gametophytes into broader studies of fern ecology and distribution.
Physical inactivity is a prevalent concern among people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC). Exercise identity, a construct thought to be important for exercise maintenance, has received limited attention in survivorship research. Within the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework, identity and habit are key reflexive processes proposed to help sustain behavior. This study examined the applicability of the M-PAC framework in people LWBC and to identify how M-PAC, clinical, demographic, and behavioral variables are associated with exercise identity. In this cross-sectional survey, participants were recruited globally via cancer organizations, social media, and research platforms. Validated self-reported measures assessed exercise (Modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), reflective processes (affective attitude, instrumental attitude, perceived capability, and perceived opportunity), regulatory processes (regulatory behaviors including self-monitoring, goal-setting, and action planning), and reflexive processes (habit and exercise identity). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) examined model fit and relationships; regression analyses examined factors associated with exercise identity. Participants (N = 477; Mage = 48.5 ± 15.4; 69.4% female) were on average 61 months post-diagnosis. Common cancer types were breast (29.1%), hematologic (12.0%), and gynecologic cancers (11.8%). SEM indicated good fit (CFI = 0.975, RMSEA = 0.064, SRMR = 0.038). Reflective processes were positively associated with both regulatory and reflexive processes, and regulatory processes were positively associated with reflexive processes (all p < 0.001). In the final regression model, exercise identity was positively associated with higher MVPA (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), stronger habit (β = 1.30, p < 0.001), greater regulatory behaviors (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), higher perceived capability (β = 0.39, p = 0.004), more positive affective attitude (β = 0.63, p < 0.001), and older age (β = 1.70, p = 0.006), and negatively associated with BMI (β = - 1.91, p = 0.015). Among people LWBC, exercise identity was associated with habit, regulatory behaviors, perceived capability, affective attitude, higher MVPA, older age, and lower BMI. These findings are broadly consistent with the M-PAC framework and suggest that future survivorship research may benefit from exploring strategies to support exercise identity.
Background Hyperuricemia affects many men in Japan, with the highest prevalence noted among working-age men. Elevated serum uric acid is independently associated with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and impaired renal function. However, uric acid measurement is not mandated in routine occupational health checkups, making early hyperuricemia detection and intervention inadequate in workplace settings. Moreover, a limited number of studies have comprehensively examined both workplace environment and lifestyle factors associated with serum uric acid levels in a single company. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled male workers at a single manufacturing company in Japan (≥1,000 employees, no night shifts). Of the 872 workers who underwent periodic health checkups in June 2025, 613 were included after excluding women, technical intern trainees, those receiving hyperuricemia treatment, and those whose questionnaire data were incomplete (effective response rate: 70.3%). Participants were classified into normal and high uric acid groups (serum uric acid levels <7.0 and ≥7.0 mg/dL, respectively). Workplace environment factors (job type, lunch type, and fluid intake) and lifestyle factors (breakfast skipping, exercise habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep) assessed using a questionnaire, along with clinical data from health checkups, were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable elimination was used to identify factors independently associated with elevated serum uric acid. Results The mean participant age was 39.9 ± 12.6 years, and 126 (20.6%) were classified into the high uric acid group. Compared with the normal group, the high uric acid group showed significantly higher body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase), and creatinine, as well as a significantly higher metabolic syndrome prevalence. Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (odds ratio or OR: 1.861, 95% confidence interval or CI: 1.124-3.080), skipping breakfast three or more times weekly (OR: 1.684, 95% CI: 1.036-2.737), and ALT (OR: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.022-1.048) as significant risk-increasing factors, and company cafeteria use (OR: 0.528, 95% CI: 0.304-0.919), regular exercise (OR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.288-0.871), age (OR: 0.952, 95% CI: 0.929-0.976), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 0.969, 95% CI: 0.950-0.988) as significant risk-reducing factors. Conclusion Company cafeteria use as a workplace environment factor, and exercise habits, breakfast skipping, and smoking as lifestyle factors, were independently associated with hyperuricemia risk among male workers. These findings suggest that promoting company cafeteria use, supporting regular exercise habits, encouraging breakfast consumption, and providing smoking cessation support are specific priorities for reducing hyperuricemia risk among male manufacturing workers. Given that the high uric acid group was relatively young, proactive uric acid screening in periodic health checkups and early interventions targeting younger workers are important priorities for workplace health promotion.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted writing tools, such as ChatGPT have arisen rapidly and created a socio-technical phenomenon of fast technology adoption in higher education. Traditional models focus on early adoption but understanding the behavioral pathway that accounts for intensive AI overuse is critical. To summarize, this study enriched the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by developing a sequential mediation model: Perceptions (PU/PEOU) → Satisfaction → Habit → AI Overuse and investigated boundary conditions of this process regarding Confucian Cultural Values as moderator. By conducting the survey mixed-mode, from December 2024 to February 2025 data has been collected using a systematic random sampling of Chinese educators at six universities in Chongqing through both individual intercepting and online distribution. Direct, mediation and moderation effects were tested based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results confirm partial mediation: utility and ease perceptions drive user satisfaction, to the extent that it spurs behavioral automaticity (habit) behind high-intensity use the study characterizes AI Overuse as a relatively high force and goal-oriented behavioral outcome of technology acceleration, separating this from clinical addiction. As for the ability to moderate, Confucian Values firmly bolster the impact of Perceived Usefulness upon Satisfaction according to the power placed on collective welfare. Interestingly, these cultural effects are moderated when the variables Perceived Ease of Use (a cognitive barrier) and Habit (a psychological boundary) are applied. Theoretically, the current research offers a new lens through which accelerated technology adoption can be analysed and guides tailored digital sustainability interventions in Confucian models of education.
Tactical athletes require consistent physical and mental exertion to succeed in their mission, often under life-threatening conditions. Soldiers as tactical athletes are exposed to a myriad of stressors that may deteriorate performance, especially in harsh military environments. It remains unclear which combination of traits, habits, and characteristics of soldiers affects the likelihood of performance decrement during military operations. This observational cohort study investigated the differences between a physical-load group and a mental-load group of cadets (n = 49) during a 2-week near-Arctic winter training. One group comprised first-year cadets who had physical demands, while the second-year cadets had more leadership requirements (command and control) and fewer physical demands. The chance occurrence of a viral infection in the first-year cadets provided a naturalistic experiment to study vulnerability to the illness. Demographics, trait resilience, exercise training behavior, and sleep habits were assessed prior to training. Throughout training, wrist-worn accelerometers monitored sleep-wake activity, and cadets completed daily self-report entries on perceived sleepiness, stress, and mood states. Body composition was measured before and after training. Findings showed the following: (1) poorer self-reported mood, stress, and sleepiness during preparation and cleanup phases than during simulated combat among the mental-load group, but for the physical-load group, these measures were poorest during the simulated combat; (2) an overall decrease in fat mass after the training; and (3) survival analysis demonstrated that older age and less frequent endurance training habits significantly predicted the likelihood of illness during training. Leaders of tactical athletes should be aware of the taxing mental load not just for the main event itself, but for preparation and cleanup phases. Military experience and aerobic fitness might attenuate the likelihood of succumbing to viral illnesses during missions involving close quarters.
Adolescence and early adulthood are marked by rapid neurobehavioral development in reward and decision-making processes, coinciding with the initiation and escalation of alcohol use. While adolescent and young adulthood alcohol initiation is not atypical, adult trajectories diverge: some individuals reduce or discontinue use, whereas others escalate to more frequent or problematic patterns leading to substance use disorders. Corticostriatal circuits, including the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens; NAcc) and dorsal striatum (caudate and putamen), support reward processing, goal-directed behavior, and habit formation, and are thought to contribute to distinct stages of alcohol use. Yet, how the normative maturation of these circuits relates to alcohol initiation and the transition to habitual consumption remains unclear. We used data from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence and Adulthood (NCANDA-A) cohort (822 participants, baseline ages 12 - 22 years old, 1 - 9 visits per participant, 4,356 total visits), a large multisite longitudinal neuroimaging sample spanning adolescence to young adulthood. We observed that rsfMRI functional connectivity (FC) patterns varied systematically across striatal subdivisions: NAcc FC followed an inverted U-shaped trajectory, peaking during adolescence; while caudate and putamen FC showed monotonic decreases with age. Adolescent peak NAcc connectivity was associated with alcohol use initiation, while a lack of normative decrease in putamen connectivity was linked to more frequent alcohol use in adulthood. Together, results suggest that the maturation of reward processing circuitry may support alcohol initiation, while a lack of habit system specialization may contribute to continued alcohol use, with potential implications for the timing of interventions aimed at limiting at-risk drinking.
Physiological traits related to digestion and energy allocation play a central role in shaping trophic strategies and niche differentiation among coexisting fish species. Here, we evaluated digestive enzyme activities, intestinal coefficient (IC) and energy reserves in three juvenile fish species inhabiting a coastal lagoon system (Mugil liza, Odontesthes argentinensis and Oligosarcus jenynsii) with contrasting feeding habits and trophic strategies. Clear interspecific differences were observed: M. liza exhibited higher amylase activity and intestinal coefficient values, whereas O. argentinensis and O. jenynsii showed greater proteolytic activity. Energy reserve patterns also differed markedly, with O. argentinensis characterized by elevated hepatic triglycerides and O. jenynsii associated with glycogen and protein-related variables. Principal component analysis revealed clear multivariate differentiation among species, indicating coordinated variation across digestive and metabolic traits. These findings highlight that digestive physiology, intestinal morphology and energy allocation form an integrated functional axis underlying trophic differentiation and suggest that such physiological integration may facilitate species coexistence in coastal lagoon ecosystems.
This study aims to investigate the impact of genetic factors, dietary habits, and social behavior patterns on allergic airway diseases among children in Beijing, providing evidence for disease prevention and early intervention. A random cluster sampling method was employed to survey 2,132 children aged 6-12 years in a district of Beijing. Participants were categorized into disease and control groups according to ARIA and GINA guidelines. Data on genetic background, dietary habits, and social behavior patterns were collected via questionnaires and physical examinations. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, with associated factors analyzed through binary logistic regression. Among 2,132 children, the prevalence of allergic airway disease was 28.8%. Compared with the control group, the disease group exhibited significantly higher proportions of males (P < 0.001), parents with higher education (P = 0.020, P = 0.011), household annual income exceeding 120,000 yuan (P = 0.007), exposure to second-hand smoke (P = 0.030), pet ownership (P = 0.003), and personal/familial atopic history (P < 0.001). They also reported higher consumption of meat (P = 0.037) and soft drinks (P = 0.020). Their depression (P < 0.001) and sleep (P < 0.001) questionnaire scores were significantly higher. Compared to children with allergic rhinitis without asthma, those with asthma exhibited higher rates of multiple allergy-related histories, longer close-distance screen exposure times, and higher sleep questionnaire scores than children with allergic rhinitis alone (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis identified male gender (P < 0.001, aOR, 1.644; 95% CI: 1.302 to 2.076), a history of asthma in first-degree relatives (P = 0.040, aOR, 3.544; 95% CI: 1.059 to 11.933), a self-reported history of food allergies (P < 0.001, aOR, 2.574; 95% CI: 1.691 to 3.916), and a history of atopic dermatitis (P < 0.001, aOR, 7.224; 95% CI: 3.087 to 16.903), and frequency of meat consumption (P = 0.043, aOR, 1.290; 95% CI: 1.008 to 1.651) were identified as independent associated factors with statistically significant differences. This study investigated the impact of various factors on the prevalence of allergic airway diseases among children in a district of Beijing. In addition to revealing associations between allergic airway diseases and gender, genetic factors, tobacco exposure, and a history of atopic dermatitis, the study also found that meat consumption is an independent associated factor for allergic airway diseases in children. Furthermore, we found a certain association between localized allergic airway inflammation and sleep disturbances as well as depressive symptoms. Our findings underscore the need for public health interventions that simultaneously address multiple lifestyle factors to reduce the risk of allergic diseases.
Leaf functional traits play a decisive role in harnessing plant performance and the functionality of leaf functional traits is largely governed by change in light environments yet at global scale this mechanistic relationship of leaf functional traits with light under diverse plant communities and abiotic conditions is still poorly understood due to conflicting findings across regions. To quantify this relationship globally, we aimed to verify the effects of contrasting light environments on leaf functional traits worldwide in (I) different plant community factors; plant functional group, leaf form and leaf habit (II) different abiotic variables, that is, mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT), elevation and climate; and (III) verify whether leaf functional traits exhibit variations in different regions across the globe in contrasting light environments. we conducted a meta-analysis of worldwide experimental data from 1980-2024 including 536 pairwise comparisons to evaluate the influence of different light environments on leaf functional traits both morphological such as specific leaf area, stomatal density, leaf mass area and physiological leaf traits such as net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, leaf dry matter content. Our results showed that leaf morphological traits significantly responded to contrasting light environments and these effects were more pronounced in areas with moderate climatic conditions (MAT 5>15 °C and >500 mm of MAP) and species with evergreen leaves. Leaf physiological functional traits showed more significant sensitivity to moderate to high temperature (MAT >15 °C) and deciduous leaf habit along with regional variations due to integrating effects of MAP and MAT. However, negligible support was found for leaf dry matter content. Our work provides trait-level plastic responses along natural light gradient, modulated by climate and plant community factors and provide an insight into leaf functional traits adaptive strategies across light gradient worldwide.
The high use of social media among youth poses a risk for disordered eating behaviours. Although parental involvement may play a protective role against the development of these behaviours, research to date has primarily focused on adolescent girls or relied on a single informant. This study examined whether lower parental awareness of adolescents' online activities is associated with higher odds of disordered eating behaviours, using both parent- and youth-reported measures of parental awareness. Data were drawn from the 2023 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY), a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. The sample included youth aged 12 to 17 years and their parent or the person most knowledgeable. Logistic regression analyses examined the associations between parental awareness of adolescents' online activities and three disordered eating indicators experienced by youth in the past 12 months: desire to be thinner, vomiting to lose weight, and changes in eating habits to manage weight. The final sample included 8919 youth. Low or no parental awareness of adolescents' online activities was significantly associated with increased odds of desiring to be thinner and modifying eating habits to manage weight in both boys and girls, compared to youth whose parents reported always being aware. The adverse effects of social media on body dissatisfaction may be mitigated through a combination of interventions and parental awareness. Digital service providers could explore a safety-by-design approach that enables parental shared oversight through features that facilitate co-viewing and mediation of online content.
The Motor Function Measure (MFM) is an important evaluation tool used to monitor the progression of most neuromuscular diseases. However, the MFM is subject to inter-rater variability, and patients must produce their best effort, which can be difficult for children. In response to these issues, we developed a digital app named MFM-Play, designed to optimise completion of the MFM in a fun manner. The objective of this study was to explore barriers and levers to the MFM-Play's use by therapists. We conducted a qualitative study with rehabilitation professionals who had tested the app in a previous reliability study. Individual interviews based on the Technology Acceptance Model were followed by a focus group based on the interview results. Thematic analysis was performed on transcripts. Seven therapists participated in the interviews and seven others in the focus group. The results revealed the multi-dimensional features related to adopting the MFM-Play app. Barriers related to ease of use, training and organisational constraints were identified, and were partly due to the additional mental burden of learning to use the technology. However, therapists who were at ease with the digital tool found it useful for their practice. The app also modified patient-therapist dynamics, fostering greater patient autonomy, but sometimes disrupted therapists' habits, by calling into question assessment methods. The MFM-Play app offers considerable practical and efficiency benefits; however, its successful adoption depends on overcoming technical, organisational, and user-specific barriers. This involves providing support for the change in the therapist's stance within the triadic patient-therapist-tablet relationship.
The oral frailty index-8 (OFI-8) is a measure of oral frailty to identify impaired oral function. However, its validity and associations with health outcomes remain unclear. We aim to evaluate its construct validity and associations with appetite, muscle health, falls, functional outcomes, and quality of life (QoL). Cross-sectional analysis of 300 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.4 ± 7.10 years; 68.7% female). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed OFI-8's factor structure. Participants were classified as oral non-frail (ONF), pre-frail (OPF), or frail (OF) based on total scores. Associations with outcomes were assessed using logistic regression, adjusted for relevant covariates. Outcomes included appetite (SNAQ), muscle health (DEXA muscle mass, handgrip strength, SARC-F), falls risk (STEADI), function (IADL), life-space mobility (LSA), mood (GDS), and QoL (EQ-5D-5L). EFA revealed OFI-8's 3-factor structure: swallowing and oral conditions, dental care, and dietary and social habits. Prevalence of ONF, OPF, and OF was 62%, 16%, and 22%, respectively. Compared to ONF, OF showed worse appetite, handgrip strength, SARC-F scores, falls risk, IADL function, and mood (all p < 0.05). In adjusted models, OF was associated with poor appetite (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.07-3.65), increased falls risk (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.21-5.74), and low mood (OR = 5.51, 95% CI: 2.07-14.69). OPF was not associated with any outcomes. No differences were observed across groups in muscle mass, LSA, or QoL. Our findings provide preliminary support for OFI-8's validity as a multi-dimensional tool to identify community-dwelling older persons with oral frailty, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to refine cut-offs and evaluate longitudinal predictive validity.