Longitudinal Studies on Illness Perceptions in Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review

Objective:To conduct a scoping review of longitudinal studies related to disease perception in cancer patients and to provide a reference for the improvement of disease perception in cancer patients.Methods:Using the scoping method,PubMed,Web of Science,The Cochrane Library,Medline,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP Chinese Scientific and Technical Journals Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database were searched up to July 2023 for analysis and discussion of the included literature.Results:A total of 19 articles were included,distributed across 9 countries including China,the Netherlands,and the United Kingdom,with 8 articles published in China.The study subjects included patients with breast cancer,colorectal cancer,laryngeal cancer,lung cancer,esophageal cancer,and bladder cancer.The content covered dynamic changes in disease perception,the impact of disease perception,and the influencing factors of disease perception.Conclusion:The number of longitudinal studies on disease perception in cancer patients is gradually increasing and becoming more diverse.However,issues such as a small total number of studies,single research methods,and short observation periods persist.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth longitudinal research on disease perception in cancer patients,expand the scope of research fields,and provide more comprehensive theories to guide clinical treatment and nursing practices,ultimately improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

Improving the utility of locally differentially private protocols for longitudinal and multidimensional frequency estimates

This paper investigates the problem of collecting multidimensional data throughout time(i.e.,longitudinal studies)for the fundamental task of frequency estimation under Local Differential Privacy(LDP)guarantees.Contrary to frequency estimation of a single attribute,the multidimensional aspect demands particular attention to the privacy budget.Besides,when collecting user statistics longitudinally,privacy progressively degrades.Indeed,the“multiple”settings in combination(i.e.,many attributes and several collections throughout time)impose several challenges,for which this paper proposes the first solution for frequency estimates under LDP.To tackle these issues,we extend the analysis of three state-of-the-art LDP protocols(Generalized Randomized Response–GRR,Optimized Unary Encoding–OUE,and Symmetric Unary Encoding–SUE)for both longitudinal and multidimensional data collections.While the known literature uses OUE and SUE for two rounds of sanitization(a.k.a.memoization),i.e.,L-OUE and L-SUE,respectively,we analytically and experimentally show that starting with OUE and then with SUE provides higher data utility(i.e.,L-OSUE).Also,for attributes with small domain sizes,we propose Longitudinal GRR(L-GRR),which provides higher utility than the other protocols based on unary encoding.Last,we also propose a new solution named Adaptive LDP for LOngitudinal and Multidimensional FREquency Estimates(ALLOMFREE),which randomly samples a single attribute to be sent with the whole privacy budget and adaptively selects the optimal protocol,i.e.,either L-GRR or L-OSUE.As shown in the results,ALLOMFREE consistently and considerably outperforms the state-of-the-art L-SUE and L-OUE protocols in the quality of the frequency estimates.

Changes in postoperative depression and anxiety and their relationship with recovery from femoral head necrosis:A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND Femoral head necrosis(FHN)can significantly affect patients'psychological well-being and functional outcomes.However,the long-term relationship between postoperative depression,anxiety,and functional recovery in patients with FHN remains unclear.AIM To investigate the dynamic changes in postoperative depression and anxiety and their relationship with functional recovery in patients with FHN for 3 years.METHODS Ninety-three patients with FHN who underwent surgical treatment in March 2020 to 2023 were enrolled in this longitudinal study.Depression and anxiety status were assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)at baseline,6 months,1,2,and 3 years postoperatively.Functional recovery was evaluated using the Harris hip score(HHS).The dynamic changes in HADS and HHS were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA;the relationship between depre-ssion/anxiety status and functional recovery was examined using Pearson’s correlation analysis.RESULTS The mean HADS-depression(HADS-D)and HADS-anxiety(HADS-A)scores significantly improved over time(P<0.001).The prevalence of depression and anxiety decreased from 36.6%and 41.9%at baseline to 10.8%and 12.9%,respectively,at 3 years postoperatively.The mean HHS increased sig-nificantly from 52.3±10.5 at baseline to 88.1±7.2 at 3 years postoperatively(P<0.001).Significant negative correl-ations were found between HADS-D/HADS-A scores and HHS at all time points(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The severity of depression and anxiety negatively correlated with functional recovery,highlighting the importance of psychological interventions in the management of patients with FHN.

Advances in longitudinal studies of amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease based on multi-modal MRI techniques

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment （aMCI） is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）, and 75%-80% of aMCI patients finally develop AD. So, early identification of patients with aMCI or AD is of great significance for prevention and intervention. According to cross-sectional studies, it is known that the hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, and corpus callosum are key areas in studies based on structural MRI （sMRI）, functional MRI （fMRI）, and diffusion tensor imaging （DTI） respectively. Recently, longitudinal studies using each MRI modality have demonstrated that the neuroimaging abnormalities generally involve the posterior brain regions at the very beginning and then gradually affect the anterior areas during the progression of aMCI to AD. However, it is not known whether follow-up studies based on multi-modal neuroimaging techniques （e.g., sMRI, fMRI, and DTI） can help build effective MRI models that can be directly applied to the screening and diagnosis of aMCI and AD. Thus, in the future, large-scale multi-center follow-up studies are urgently needed, not only to build an MRI diagnostic model that can be used on a single person, but also to evaluate the variability and stability of the model in the general population. In this review, we present longitudinal studies using each MRI modality separately, and then discuss the future directions in this field.

The default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection:a longitudinal study

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection can lead to cognitive dysfunction represented by changes in the default mode network.Most recent studies have been cross-sectional and thus have not revealed dynamic changes in the default mode network following acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection and antiretroviral therapy.Specifically,when brain imaging data at only one time point are analyzed,determining the duration at which the default mode network is the most effective following antiretroviral therapy after the occurrence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.However,because infection times and other factors are often uncertain,longitudinal studies cannot be conducted directly in the clinic.Therefore,in this study,we performed a longitudinal study on the dynamic changes in the default mode network over time in a rhesus monkey model of simian immunodeficiency virus infection.We found marked changes in default mode network connectivity in 11 pairs of regions of interest at baseline and 10 days and 4 weeks after virus inoculation.Significant interactions between treatment and time were observed in the default mode network connectivity of regions of interest pairs area 31/V6.R and area 8/frontal eye field(FEF).L,area 8/FEF.L and caudal temporal parietal occipital area(TPOC).R,and area 31/V6.R and TPOC.L.ART administered 4 weeks after infection not only interrupted the progress of simian immunodeficiency virus infection but also preserved brain function to a large extent.These findings suggest that the default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection and that it may serve as a potential biomarker for early changes in brain function and an objective indicator for making early clinical intervention decisions.

Structural and functional connectivity of the whole brain and subnetworks in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury:predictors of patient prognosis

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury have a diverse clinical presentation,and the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood.Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive technique that has been widely utilized to investigate neuro biological markers after mild traumatic brain injury.This approach has emerged as a promising tool for investigating the pathogenesis of mild traumatic brain injury.G raph theory is a quantitative method of analyzing complex networks that has been widely used to study changes in brain structure and function.However,most previous mild traumatic brain injury studies using graph theory have focused on specific populations,with limited exploration of simultaneous abnormalities in structural and functional connectivity.Given that mild traumatic brain injury is the most common type of traumatic brain injury encounte red in clinical practice,further investigation of the patient characteristics and evolution of structural and functional connectivity is critical.In the present study,we explored whether abnormal structural and functional connectivity in the acute phase could serve as indicators of longitudinal changes in imaging data and cognitive function in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.In this longitudinal study,we enrolled 46 patients with mild traumatic brain injury who were assessed within 2 wee ks of injury,as well as 36 healthy controls.Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging data were acquired for graph theoretical network analysis.In the acute phase,patients with mild traumatic brain injury demonstrated reduced structural connectivity in the dorsal attention network.More than 3 months of followup data revealed signs of recovery in structural and functional connectivity,as well as cognitive function,in 22 out of the 46 patients.Furthermore,better cognitive function was associated with more efficient networks.Finally,our data indicated that small-worldness in the acute stage could serve as a predictor of longitudinal changes in connectivity in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.These findings highlight the importance of integrating structural and functional connectivity in unde rstanding the occurrence and evolution of mild traumatic brain injury.Additionally,exploratory analysis based on subnetworks could serve a predictive function in the prognosis of patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

Changes in choroidal thickness in healthy pediatric individuals: a longitudinal study

AIM： To investigate the changes in the choroidal thickness in healthy pediatric children in a longitudinal study, and to determine the ocular and systemic parameters that were significantly correlated with the changes in the choroidal thickness. METHODS： This study included 64 eyes of 34 healthy Japanese children with a mean age（±SD） of 4.4（±0.4）y（range, 3.6-5.8 y） at baseline. Swept-source optical coherence tomography（SS-OCT） was used to record images of the retina and choroid at the baseline and after a mean followup period of about 1.5 y. The 3 D raster scan protocol was used to construct the choroidal thickness map. Mean choroidal thickness was calculated for each of the nine sectors of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid. Best-corrected visual acuity, axial length, body height, and weight were also measured. Changes in measurements were defined as the baseline values subtracted from the values at the final visit. A generalized estimating equation was used to eliminate the effect of within-subject intereye correlations. RESULTS： The mean central choroidal thickness was significantly reduced during the follow-up period（baseline, 301.8±8.6 μm; final visit, 286.6±8.0 μm, P〈0.001）. The decrease in the choroidal thickness was greatest in the central sector, followed by the sectors of the inner and outer rings. The inner and outer rings had diameters of 1 to 3 mm and 3 to 6 mm, respectively. The changes in the choroidal thickness in the central, inner ring, and outer ring sectors were significantly and negatively correlated with the age, baseline body height, baseline body weight, and elongation of the axial length. CONCLUSION： These results indicate that the choroidal thickness among preschool-aged Japanese children decreased significantly during the follow-up period. The choroidal thinning is significantly associated with the elongation of axial length. These characteristics should be considered in the evaluation of choroidal thickness in younger children with retinochoroidal disorders.

Longitudinal Performance Assessment of Traffic Signal System Impacted by Long-Term Interstate Construction Diversion Using Connected Vehicle Data

Local arterials can be significantly impacted by diversions from adjacent work zones. These diversions often occur on unofficial detour routes due to guidance received on personal navigation devices. Often, these routes do not have sufficient sensing or communication equipment to obtain infrastructure-based traffic signal performance measures, so other data sources are required to identify locations being significantly affected by diversions. This paper examines the network impact caused by the start of an 18-month closure of the I-65/70 interchange (North Split), which usually serves approximately 214,000 vehicles per day in Indianapolis, IN. In anticipation of some proportion of the public diverting from official detour routes to local streets, a connected vehicle monitoring program was established to provide daily performances measures for over 100 intersections in the area without the need for vehicle sensing equipment. This study reports on 13 of the most impacted signals on an alternative arterial to identify locations and time of day where operations are most degraded, so that decision makers have quantitative information to make informed adjustments to the system. Individual vehicle movements at the studied locations are analyzed to estimate changes in volume, split failures, downstream blockage, arrivals on green, and travel times. Over 130,000 trajectories were analyzed in an 11-week period. Weekly afternoon peak period volumes increased by approximately 455%, split failures increased 3%, downstream blockage increased 10%, arrivals on green decreased 16%, and travel time increase 74%. The analysis performed in this paper will serve as a framework for any agency that wants to assess traffic signal performance at hundreds of locations with little or no existing sensing or communication infrastructure to prioritize tactical retiming and/or longer-term infrastructure investments.

Investigating the Life-Span of Cork Products through a Longitudinal ApproachmOverview of Two Years Results

Products with long life-spans are generally acknowledged to have a significant contribution towards sustainability. This paper provides an overview and discussion of the two years results of a longitudinal study performed with users and several cork products. The research aimed to tackle the process of life-span, and the results include： （1） the identification and interrelation of the aspects influencing the life-span of the products; （2） the evolution of life-span over time; and （3） new knowledge and guidelines arising about the material. Overall, most cork products are still being used, have a very good life-span, and most issues arising are material related.

School Support Services Model for Students With Disabilities in General Education Classrooms： Using Data From the Special Needs Education Longitudinal Study in Taiwan

The purposes of this study were to establish a school support service model for students with disabilities in general classroom, and to explore the current status of school support services provided for students with disabilities in preschools, primary, and junior high schools. Therefore, this study used data from the Special Needs Education Longitudinal Study in Taiwan, collected in the 2007-2008 academic year. There were 2,924 students with disabilities selected in the study who were placed in general classrooms; 855 were in preschool, 1,079 were in primary school and 990 were in junior high school. The questionnaires in the database were answered by their teachers. The results of this study are listed, as follows： In terms of the school support service model for students with disabilities in the three stages of education, adjustment in teaching accounts for 1-15% of the explanatory power regarding the overall model, while support services account for 63-85%, which peak in junior high schools. Secondly, itinerant teachers are found to be the most important human resource in preschools. For primary and junior high schools, parents and special education teachers are the more prevalent influences. The more common school support services are tuition refunds, itinerant services, adjustments in examinations, and scholarships.

Association between sleep duration and overweight/obesity among Chinese children and adolescents:a longitudinal study

Background:To determine the associations between sleep duration and overweight/obesity in Chinese children and adolescents.Methods:This longitudinal study analyzed 3,126 children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years who had participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey during 2004-2011.Sleep duration was classified into<9 h,9-10 h,and>10 h for children aged 7-12 years,and<8 h,8-9 h,and>9 h for adolescents aged 13-18 years.Results:After adjusting for confounder,short sleep duration was associated with overweight/obesity for girls aged 7-12 years(β=4.32,95%confidence interval=1.27 to 7.37,P=0.006)and boys aged 13-18 years(β=3.38,95%confidence interval=2.01 to 4.74,P<0.001).No statistically significant association was found among the other 2 groups.Meanwhile,long sleep duration was not statistically significant at any age.Conclusion:The association between short sleep duration and overweight/obesity to be dependent on both age and gender.

Longitudinal gut fungal alterations and potential fungal biomarkers for the progression of primary liver disease

Liver disease,a major health concern worldwide,is a serious and progressive disorder.Herein,we not only established a mouse model of DEN+CCl4-induced primary liver disease but also collected clinical human samples to investigate longitudinal alterations in the gut mycobiome.As liver disease advanced,gut integrity was disrupted,and the mycobiota was disturbed in the mouse models.The metabolites associated with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)differed from those associated with the cirrhotic phase as follows:levels of stercobilin and aflatoxin B1 dialcohol were reduced,while levels of triterpenoids,bafilomycin A1,and DHEA were increased in the HCC group.The abundance of the phylum Chytridiomycota increased as the chronic liver disease progressed and was then replaced by the phylum Ascomycota in HCC.Based on the results from clinical human samples,the genus Candida(Ascomycota)(in humans)and the genus Kazachstania(Ascomycota)(in mice)occupied a dominant position in the HCC group,while other fungi were depleted.The increased abundance of C.albicans and depletion of S.cerevisiae may be hallmarks of the progression of liver cirrhosis to early HCC.Moreover,the administration of C.albicans and S.cerevisiae in the LC-HCC progression could accelerate or retard the progression of HCC.Therefore,gut fungi have the potential to serve as a noninvasive clinical biomarker and even a treatment method.

Evolution of the “OS Wheel” Model of Operations Strategy in Continuous Manufacturing Industry

Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award-BNQA-SA was introduced in 1987 in US companies to create overall excellence in all parts of an organisation, leading to “integrated companies” as the ultimate goal for sustained performance by using the Baldrige Excellence Framework (BEF). The “Balanced Score Cards” (BSC) methodology, as an instrument of designing, cascading and communicating strategy, was introduced in 1992. Operations excellence is an outcome of a well-designed, monitored and implemented operations strategy (OS). This paper traces the evolution of an “OS Wheel” model of operations strategy, for continuous manufacturing industries (CMI), deployed using the BEF, using BSC’s, to achieve performance excellence and sustained competitive advantage. The model was applied in a large scale, CMI company in India, over a period of fifteen years (a longitudinal study), the description of which will demonstrate its utility.

Critical Dialogic Accounting and Accountability Through Integrated Popular Reporting and Digital Technologies: The City of Bari

Over the past two decades,dialogic accounting research has evolved into a distinct field,expanding into what is now recognized as critical dialogic accounting and accountability(CDAA).The integration of critical dialogic accounting and accountability acknowledges the growing need to recognize diverse pathways within accounting practices,emphasizing the representation of marginalized perspectives,engagement with power dynamics,and the analysis of conflicts,particularly in the context of societal and environmental impacts.Based on these assumptions,the Integrated Popular Reporting(IPR)is intended as a useful practical dialogic tool designed to impartially represent the viewpoints of different stakeholders.The focus extends beyond traditional dialogic accounting,integrating a newer critical lens that explores the implications of digital technology in the reporting process.To explore these advancements,the study investigates the implementation of the City of Bari’s 2020 Integrated Popular Reporting.Leveraging tools such as Talkwalker and employing a longitudinal,interventionist approach along with semi-structured interviews,the study assesses the effects of digital technologies on the dialogic accounting process.The analysis shows that the use of digital technologies has facilitated a more participatory reporting structure,evident in increased citizen engagement and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.Notably,it has enhanced the accuracy of defining citizens’informational needs and addressed pertinent themes ranging from mobility,economy,digitization,regeneration,and employment.Moreover,it underscores the need to address the digital divide and ensure inclusivity across diverse demographics.Ultimately,it contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of technology in shaping the future of dialogic accounting and its broader implications for societal accountability.

Association between Chinese visceral adiposity index and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in middle-aged and elderly Chinese population:Evidence from a national longitudinal study

Background There are several surrogate indicators of abdominal fat deposition,including tri-ponderal mass index(TMI),lipid accumulation product(LAP),and the Chinese visceral adiposity index(CVAI).In spite of this,it remains unclear whether these indices have a longitudinal relationship with the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity(CM),a pressing global health issue.This research investigated the association between CVAI and CM compared to other indicators of visceral obesity.Methods 6638 participants(aged>45)from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)were analyzed for incident CM.Cox proportional models were adopted to explore whether the level of CVAI was correlated with the risk of CM.Harrell's concordance statistic(C-statistic)was applied to compare predictive values.Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were implemented for the steadiness of the results.Results Over 4 years,266(4.01%)participants developed CM.A 1-standard deviation(SD)increase in the levels of CVAI,body mass index(BMI),LAP,and TMI was associated with greater CM risk after adjusting for confounders[hazard ratios(HRs):2.20,95%confidence interval(CI):1.88-2.57,1.92(95%CI:1.55-2.38),1.20(95%CI:1.12-1.27),and 1.50(95%CI:1.35-1.66),respectively].CVAI outperformed other indices in predictive performance.Subgroup analysis revealed younger participants or those living alone were more prone to developing CM.Results were potent after finishing all sensitivity analyses.Conclusions The study highlighted a positive correlation between the level of CVAI and CM risk.CVAI's superior predictive performance positions it as a reliable indicator for identifying individuals at heightened CM risk.

Maximum Likelihood Estimation for the Pooled Repeated Partly Interval-Censored Observations Logistic Regression Model

Often in longitudinal studies, some subjects complete their follow-up visits, but others miss their visits due to various reasons. For those who miss follow-up visits, some of them might learn that the event of interest has already happened when they come back. In this case, not only are their event times interval-censored, but also their time-dependent measurements are incomplete. This problem was motivated by a national longitudinal survey of youth data. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method based on expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is used for parameter estimation. Then missing information principle is applied to estimate the variance-covariance matrix of the MLEs. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method works well in terms of bias, standard error, and power for samples of moderate size. The national longitudinal survey of youth 1997 (NLSY97) data is analyzed for illustration.

Variation in growth potential between hybrid clones of Eucalyptus trees in eastern South Africa

Growth of commercial forestry is highly dependent on the availability of fast-growing planting materials. Consequently, the efficient utilization of fastgrowing plantations can greatly impact productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate variations in the growth potential of two clones and to estimate the average stem radial growth advantage of a fast-growing clone using data obtained from Sappi landholdings in eastern South Africa and a mixed modelling approach that permits the incorporation of covariance structure into the statistical model. During the first 2 years of growth, the stem radius of nine trees each of two clones was measured using dendrometer attached to the tree. A second-degree fractional polynomial model was chosen to show the functional relationship between stem radius and tree age. Growth of the two hybrid clones differed significantly. The Eucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptus urophylla clone grew faster than the E. grandis×camaldulensis clone, indicating better genetic potential for rapid growth and yield. This study can be considered as starting point to further compare the potential for rapid growth of several hybrid clones using the longitudinal data modelling approach.

Gastric intestinal metaplasia development in African American predominant United States population

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer significantly contributes to cancer mortality globally.Gastric intestinal metaplasia(GIM)is a stage in the Correa cascade and a premalignant lesion of gastric cancer.The natural history of GIM formation and progression over time is not fully understood.Currently,there are no clear guidelines on GIM surveillance or management in the United States.AIM To investigate factors associated with GIM development over time in African American-predominant study population.METHODS This is a retrospective longitudinal study in a single tertiary hospital in Washington DC.We retrieved upper esophagogastroduodenoscopies(EGDs)with gastric biopsies from the pathology department database from January 2015 to December 2020.Patients included in the study had undergone two or more EGDswith gastric biopsy.Patients with no GIM at baseline were followed up until they developed GIM or until the last available EGD.Exclusion criteria consisted of patients age<18,pregnancy,previous diagnosis of gastric cancer,and missing data including pathology results or endoscopy reports.The study population was divided into two groups based on GIM status.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard induced by patient demographics,EGD findings,and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)status on the GIM status.RESULTS Of 2375 patients who had at least 1 EGD with gastric biopsy,579 patients were included in the study.138 patients developed GIM during the study follow-up period of 1087 d on average,compared to 857 d in patients without GIM(P=0.247).The average age of GIM group was 64 years compared to 56 years in the non-GIM group(P<0.001).In the GIM group,adding one year to the age increases the risk for GIM formation by 4%(P<0.001).Over time,African Americans,Hispanic,and other ethnicities/races had an increased risk of GIM compared to Caucasians with a hazard ratio(HR)of 2.12(1.16,3.87),2.79(1.09,7.13),and 3.19(1.5,6.76)respectively.No gender difference was observed between the study populations.Gastritis was associated with an increased risk for GIM development with an HR of 1.62(1.07,2.44).On the other hand,H.pylori infection did not increase the risk for GIM.CONCLUSION An increase in age and non-Caucasian race/ethnicity are associated with an increased risk of GIM formation.The effect of H.pylori on GIM is limited in low prevalence areas.

Association between drinking behavior and sleep duration in Chinese adults: findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Background:To examine the association between alcohol drinking and short sleep duration among Chinese adults.Methods:Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,28,167 records of 15,074 adults longitudinal data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey for the period from 2004 to 2011.A multilevel logistic regression model was employed to explore the association between alcohol drinking and sleep duration.Results:Compared with nondrinking participants,a high drinking frequency was positively correlated with a short sleep duration in both the males(odds ratio(OR)=1.33,95%confidence interval(CI)=1.20–1.48,P<0.001)and females(OR=1.60,95%CI=1.18–2.18,P=0.003)before the covariates were adjusted.After adjusting for age,residence area,education level,marital status,smoking,coffee consumption,tea consumption,and activity level,this association remained significant in the males(OR=1.31,95%CI=1.17–1.46,P<0.001)but not in the females(OR=1.16,95%CI=0.85–1.59,P=0.340).Conclusion:The present results suggest that a high drinking frequency was positively correlated with a short sleep duration in male population.Comprehensive measures therefore need to be implemented to improve sleep duration,especially to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking alcohol.

Investigating short- and long-term transfer effects of a Taiji beginner course in participants' daily life

in recent years research investigating various health benefits of Taiji practice has markedly increased. Despite this growing scientific interest, essential questions such as to what extent a Taiji course may exert noticeable effects in participants＇ everyday life, what these effects are, and how and where potential transfer effects occur, have hardly been considered. The aim of our study was to explore transfer effects from a Taiji course into participants＇ daily lives. METHODS： We conducted a longitudinal observational study in 45 healthy participants at the end of their three-month Taiji beginner course （tpl） and at two months （tp2） as well as one year after course completion （tp3）. Participants were asked to report their Taiji practice behavior at all time points, as well as to rate and describe perceived transfer effects of Taiji course contents on their daily life at tpl and tp3. RESULTS： Transfer effects were reported by 91.1% of all respondents after course completion （tpl） and persisted in 73.3% at the one-year follow-up assessment （tp3）, counting ＂increase of self-efficacy＂, ＂improvement of stress management＂, and ＂increase of body awareness＂ as the most frequently mentioned effects. Transfer effects predominantly occurred in participants＇ work and social environments, as well as during everyday activities in public areas. While self- reliant Taiji practice frequency significantly decreased from 82.2% at tpl to 55.6% at tp3 （P 〈 0.001）, the magnitude of self-reported transfer effects did not （P = 0.35）. As explorative analyses revealed, regular Taiji course attendance was highly correlated with stronger transfer effects at tpl （r = 0.51; P 〈 0.001） and tp3 （r = 0.35; P = 0.020）. Participants reporting high self-reliant Taiji practice frequency at tp2 were likely to maintain a regular practice routine at tp3 （r = 0.42; P 〈 0.004）, whereas self-reliant practice frequency and transfer effects at tpl were positively correlated with self-reliant practice frequency at tp3 on a trend level （r 〈 0.27; P 〉 0.08）. CONCLUSION： Our data underline the importance of regular course participation for pronounced and long lasting transfer effects into participants＇ everyday life. We discuss that several context and process-related aspects of a Taiji intervention are potentially relevant factors for enhancement of transfer effect.