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Relative income and its relationship with mental health in UK employees: A systematic review
Purpose: The relative income hypothesis theorises that one’s earnings relative to others exert a greater influence on subjective wellbeing than absolute income. Understanding the relationship between relative income and mental health could contribute to employee wellbeing. This review aimed to summarise the defining features of relative income in relation to mental health and how it is measured in the literature. In addition, it aimed to explore the relationship between relative income and mental health in those currently employed in the UK. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched using a pre-defined search strategy: PubMed (including MEDLINE and PubMed Central), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health, JSTOR, Business Source Complete (EBSCO), ScienceDirect and Emerald. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023408657). Quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature, which described the defining features and measurement of relative income and its impact on mental health among UK employees, were included. Results: After screening, 13 studies were included in the review. A conceptualisation of relative income revealed that an income comparison is either researcher-defined using averages or self-assessed based on a person’s perception. Having a lower income than the reference group was commonly associated with diminished wellbeing, though moderating factors (gender, income inequality and composition of reference group) were identified. Conclusions: Having a lower income than the reference group is associated with poorer wellbeing. Implications for practice and policy are considered amidst the UK’s ‘cost of living crisis’ and ongoing pay disputes in various sectors.
Iso-stress architecture from mineral foliation patterns
Blood cancer driven by ‘one hit’ mutation event undergoes rapid growth
Retraction: Fine-granularity inference and estimations to network traffic for SDN
Gut microbiota diversity in obese rats treated with intermittent fasting, probiotic-fermented camel milk with or without dates and their combinations
Factors associated with the presence and intensity of ongoing symptoms in Long COVID
Objective Identification of modifiable factors associated with symptom intensity among people seeking care for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) could help guide the development of comprehensive, whole-person care pathways to alleviate symptoms irrespective of potential underlying pathophysiologies. We aimed to better define the key contributors to PASC, and sought the factors associated with PASC symptom presence and intensity. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 249 patients presenting for PASC care at a dedicated Post-COVID-19 clinic completed a standardized screening assessment prior to initial visit and evaluation by a general internist or nurse practitioner. We measured 46 symptoms based on the WHO’s Global COVID-19 Clinical Platform Case Report Form for Post COVID Condition and performed a factor analysis and item response theory based 2-parameter logistic model to develop a population-based t-score to measure PASC symptom presence and intensity (PASC-SPI). A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with PASC-SPI, accounting for demographics, comorbidities, COVID-19 infection duration and severity, and mental health. Results Greater PASC-SPI was associated with greater symptoms of anxiety, a longer duration of COVID-19 infection, and hypercholesterolemia. Lower PASC-SPI was associated with older age, self-reported 1–3 units of alcohol per week, and self-reported clinician confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis. Symptoms of anxiety accounted for a considerably higher proportion of variation in PASC-SPI than other variables. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety were the strongest correlate of PASC-SPI, highlighting it as both a potential neuroinflammatory marker of PASC and a modifiable component of the illness. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive, whole person treatment strategies that integrate evidence-based interventions to address the multifaceted nature of PASC.
Development of intelligent controller for high performance electric drives with hybrid CSA and RERNN technique
Abdominal subcutaneous fat area can predict 2-year survival in patients with end-stage renal disease initiating hemodialysis
Obesity and adipose tissue are commonly regarded as detrimental factors linked to adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, the obesity paradox is obesity that may provide survival benefits for chronic diseases including patients undergoing hemodialysis. Fat mass can be a surrogate marker for nutrition status in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Thus, this study evaluated subcutaneous fat and all-cause mortality in patients initiating hemodialysis. A total of 123 patients initiating hemodialysis were included in this study. MATLAB (version R2014a) was used to identify subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) in computed tomography images for the analysis of body composition. The survival rate was calculated using Cox regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier survival rates were 70.0% and 85.7% in the low and high subcutaneous fat area (SFA) groups, respectively (log rank, p = 0.021). In Cox analysis, the low SFA group showed high risk for all-cause mortality than the high SFA group (hazard ratio (HR) 3.541, 95% CI 1.358–9.235, p = 0.010). In subgroup univariate analysis, the risk for all-cause mortality was higher in patients with low SFA and diabetes than those with high SFA and diabetes (HR 3.541, 95% CI 1.358–9.235, p = 0.010). In multivariate analysis, the risk for all-cause mortality was higher in patients with low SFA and diabetes than those with high SFA and diabetes (HR 4.615, 95% CI 1.484–14.351, p = 0.008). Conclusively, low SFA increases the risk of 2-year all-cause mortality, and SFA analysis can provide information for risk evaluation for patients initiating hemodialysis.
Spatial–temporal distribution of farmland occupation and compensation and its impact on ecological service value in China from 1990 to 2021
Factors and determinants associated with prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescents of Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan: A community-based study
Stunting and thinness are significant public health concerns for developing countries, including Pakistan. Previously conducted studies in Tharparkar have focused on stunting, and thinness, in children, and micronutrient deficiency, However, there was a paucity of literature on prevalence rates and risk factors associated with stunting and thinness among adolescents in Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the demographic and dietary factors related to the prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescents in Tharparkar. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to August 2022. Most populated Union councils of all sub-districts of Tharparkar district were selected for sampling. A multi-stage clustering sampling strategy was used. Healthy adolescents with ages≥10 to ≤19 years were included in the study. Anthropometry was performed using standard methods. Stunting and thinness were defined as per WHO criteria. Dietary assessments were conducted on a weekly recall basis. Mean Frequency and chi-square were computed using SPSS software. The overall mean age of the study participants was 14.11±2.43 years, and the mean weight was 36.842±8.83 kgs. The mean height of the study participants was 149.0151±11.27 centimeters. The mean height for age z score was -1.3094±1.17. The mean body mass index for age z score was -1.5473±1.27. Among 599 participants the overall prevalence of stunting and thinness was 26.7% and 35% respectively. Risk factors such as late adolescence (χ2=10.55 p=0.005), illiteracy, and less education (χ2=8.41 p=0.03), the rural area (χ2=3.92 p=0.04) significantly associated with an increased prevalence of stunting. The risk factors such as male (χ2=13.11 p<0.0001), infrequent consumption of eggs (χ2=5.2 p=0.02), and infrequent consumption of fresh vegetables (χ2=5.2 p=0.02) were associated with an increased prevalence of thinness. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive nutritional programs that could focus on vulnerable demographic groups. Interventions should focus on improving dietary intake.
Publisher Correction: Improvement of the quality of heavy crude oil and reducing the concentration of asphaltene hydrocarbons using microwave radiation during acidizing
Positive outcomes among nursing home caregivers in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative interview study
The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on professional caregivers in nursing homes. This study aimed to explore the positive outcomes these caregivers experienced amidst the crisis. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with nurses, medical staff, and support personnel from two nursing homes in Spain between December 2021 and July 2022. Through qualitative content analysis, we uncovered signs of post-traumatic growth, such as enhanced problem-solving and organizational skills. A strong social support network was key to fostering this growth, easing distress, and strengthening team cohesion. Caregivers expressed a deep sense of gratitude and satisfaction in their roles, finding new meaning in their work, which contributed to resilience and a positive outlook despite ongoing challenges. These findings underscore the importance of robust support systems in caregiving environments, which can not only mitigate stress but also promote personal and professional growth. Further research should focus on sustaining these positive adaptations and developing strategies that enhance resilience and well-being for caregivers, ultimately improving care outcomes for older adults in nursing homes.
Bacterial symbiont as game changers for Aphis craccivora Koch’s fitness and survival across distinct climate types
Capacity optimization strategy for gravity energy storage stations considering the impact of new power systems
The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the grid is essential for achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals. However, the inherent variability and unpredictability of these energy sources pose significant challenges to power system stability. Advanced energy storage systems (ESS) are critical for mitigating these challenges, with gravity energy storage systems (GESS) emerging as a promising solution due to their scalability, economic viability, and environmental benefits. This paper proposes a multi-objective economic capacity optimization model for GESS within a novel power system framework, considering the impacts on power network stability, environmental factors, and economic performance. The model is solved using an enhanced Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (W-GOA) incorporating a whale spiral motion strategy to improve convergence and solution accuracy. Simulations on the IEEE 30-node system demonstrate that GESS reduces peak-to-valley load differences by 36.1% and curtailment rates by 42.3% (wind) and 18.7% (PV), with a 15% lower levelized cost than CAES. The results indicate that GESS effectively mitigates peak load pressures, stabilizes the grid, and provides a cost-effective solution for integrating high shares of renewable energy. This study highlights the potential of GESS as a key component in future low-carbon power systems, offering both technical and economic advantages over traditional energy storage technologies.
Towards a genetic obesity risk score in a single-center study of children and adolescents with obesity
Transcriptomic prediction of breeding values in loblolly pine
Phenotypic variation in forest trees can be partitioned into subsets controlled by genetic variation and by environmental factors, and heritability expressed as the proportion of total phenotypic variation attributed to genetic variation. Applied tree breeding programs can use matrices of relationships, based either on recorded pedigrees in structured breeding populations or on genotypes of molecular genetic markers, to model genetic covariation among related individuals and predict genetic values for individuals for whom no phenotypic measurements are available. This study tests the hypothesis that genetic covariation among individuals of similar genetic value will be reflected in shared patterns of gene expression or shared sequence variation in expressed genes. We collected gene expression data by high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated from pooled seedlings from parents of known genetic value, and compared alternative approaches to data analysis to test this hypothesis. Selection of specific sets of transcripts increased the predictive power of models over that observed using all transcripts or SNPs. Models using information of both transcript levels and SNP variation showed increased predictive accuracy relative to models using only SNPs or transcript levels. Known pedigree relationships are not required for this approach to modeling genetic variation, so it has potential to allow broader application of genetic covariance modeling to natural populations of forest trees.
Heavy metal exposures in aerodigestive clinic cohort of infants with reflux or dysphagia
Abstract Infant cereals (rice/oatmeal), purees, and anti-reflux formulas are often first line treatments for thickening in infants with reflux and oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, there has been growing concern about heavy metal contamination, especially arsenic, in these commonly used thickeners. This is a particular concern in infants who may be more susceptible to heavy metal neurotoxicity. The study aimed to assess whether there are differences in heavy metal levels, particularly arsenic, in infants with reflux or oropharyngeal dysphagia while on different thickeners. We performed a single center study in infants (< 1 year of age) with diagnosis of reflux or oropharyngeal dysphagia who were seen between December 2021–2023. Participants submitted urine samples and completed dietary questionnaires to assess their elemental exposures. The primary outcome of interest was urinary arsenic concentrations, though other elements were also measured. Of the 56 infants, 27 were on gelmix® or purees, 19 were on Enfamil AR and 10 were on infant oatmeal/rice cereal as a thickener. The median total urinary arsenic concentration did not differ between groups (p = 0.086) and levels between groups were well below the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)’s toxicity limits. Infants with higher number of servings of alternative arsenic sources via their solid food were more likely to have higher urinary arsenic level (p = 0.001), suggesting a potential need for the FDA to implement stricter food supply regulations. Only molybdenum had significant difference in levels between thickeners (p = 0.0012). Even in high-risk patients, urinary arsenic concentrations did not differ between thickener groups.