scholarly journals Seasonality in schizophrenia—An analysis of a nationwide registry with 110,735 hospital admissions

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hinterbuchinger ◽  
D. König ◽  
A. Gmeiner ◽  
S. Listabarth ◽  
M. Fellinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. Seasonal patterns in hospitalizations have been observed in various psychiatric disorders, however, it is unclear whether they also exist in schizophrenia. Previous studies found mixed results and those reporting the presence of seasonality differ regarding the characteristics of these patterns. Further, they are inconclusive whether sex is an influencing factor. The aim of this study was therefore to examine if seasonal patterns in hospitalizations can be found in schizophrenia, with special regard to a possible influence of sex, by using a large national dataset. Methods. Data on all hospital admissions within Austria due to schizophrenia (F20.0–F20.6) for the time period of 2003–2016 were included. Age standardized monthly variation of hospitalization for women and men was analyzed and the level of significance adjusted for multiple testing. Results. The database comprised of 110,735 admissions (59.6% men). Significant seasonal variations were found in the total sample with hospitalization peaks in January and June and a trough in December (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in these patterns was found between women and men with schizophrenia (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Our study shows that schizophrenia-related hospitalizations follow a seasonal pattern in both men and women. The distribution of peaks might be influenced by photoperiod changes which trigger worsening of symptoms and lead to exacerbations in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to identify underlying factors influencing seasonal patterns and to assess whether a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia is especially vulnerable to the impact of seasonal variations.

Seasonal Variation of Suicide in the City of São Paulo, Brazil, 1996–2010

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Hideki Bando ◽  
Fernando Madalena Volpe
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Health Statistics ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
June July ◽  
The City ◽  
Over Time

Background: In light of the few reports from intertropical latitudes and their conflicting results, we aimed to replicate and update the investigation of seasonal patterns of suicide occurrences in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Data relating to male and female suicides were extracted from the Mortality Information Enhancement Program (PRO-AIM), the official health statistics of the municipality of São Paulo. Seasonality was assessed by studying distribution of suicides over time using cosinor analyses. Results: There were 6,916 registered suicides (76.7% men), with an average of 39.0 ± 7.0 observed suicides per month. For the total sample and for both sexes, cosinor analysis estimated a significant seasonal pattern. For the total sample and for males suicide peaked in November (late spring) with a trough in May–June (late autumn). For females, the estimated peak occurred in January, and the trough in June–July. Conclusions: A seasonal pattern of suicides was found for both males and females, peaking in spring/summer and dipping in fall/winter. The scarcity of reports from intertropical latitudes warrants promoting more studies in this area.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 infection on hip fracture 30-day mortality

Trauma ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 146040862094972
Author(s):  
Ahmed Fadulelmola ◽  
Rob Gregory ◽  
Gavin Gordon ◽  
Fiona Smith ◽  
Andrew Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Hip Fractures ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Time To Death ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mean Time

Introduction: A novel virus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a fatal global pandemic which particularly affects the elderly and those with comorbidities. Hip fractures affect elderly populations, necessitate hospital admissions and place this group at particular risk from COVID-19 infection. This study investigates the effect of COVID-19 infection on 30-day hip fracture mortality. Method: Data related to 75 adult hip fractures admitted to two units during March and April 2020 were reviewed. The mean age was 83.5 years (range 65–98 years), and most (53, 70.7%) were women. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality associated with COVID-19 infection. Results: The COVID-19 infection rate was 26.7% (20 patients), with a significant difference in the 30-day mortality rate in the COVID-19-positive group (10/20, 50%) compared to the COVID-19-negative group (4/55, 7.3%), with mean time to death of 19.8 days (95% confidence interval: 17.0–22.5). The mean time from admission to surgery was 43.1 h and 38.3 h, in COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative groups, respectively. All COVID-19-positive patients had shown symptoms of fever and cough, and all 10 cases who died were hypoxic. Seven (35%) cases had radiological lung findings consistent of viral pneumonitis which resulted in mortality (70% of mortality). 30% ( n = 6) contracted the COVID-19 infection in the community, and 70% ( n = 14) developed symptoms after hospital admission. Conclusion: Hip fractures associated with COVID-19 infection have a high 30-day mortality. COVID-19 testing and chest X-ray for patients presenting with hip fractures help in early planning of high-risk surgeries and allow counselling of the patients and family using realistic prognosis.

scholarly journals Characteristics of visits and predictors of admission from a paediatric emergency room in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad H. Al-Qahtani ◽  
Abdullah A. Yousef ◽  
Bassam H. Awary ◽  
Waleed H. Albuali ◽  
Mohammed A. Al Ghamdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
Level Shifts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Emergency Repartment (ER) is one of the most used areas in healthcare institutions. Problems with over utilisation and overcrowding have been reported worldwide. This study aims at examining the characteristics of paediatric ER visits, the rate of hospital admissions and its associated predictors at King Fahd Hospital of the University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a retrospective, medical record-based study. Variables included gender, age group, nationality, complaints, Triage level, shifts and seasons. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies/percentages. P-values were obtained through a Chi-Squared test while unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were estimated by binary logistic regression, where admission was considered as the outcome. Results The total number of paediatric patients included was 46,374, and only 2.5% were admitted. Males comprised 55.4% while females comprised 44.6%. The most common age group were toddlers, and 92.4% of the total sample were Saudis. The most common complaint was fever (26.9%) followed by respiratory symptoms (24.9%). Only 7 patients (0.02%) were classified as triage I (Resuscitation), and most were triage IV (Less urgent) (71.0%). Most visits occurred during the winter months. Adjusted ORs showed that neonates had higher odds of admission (OR = 3.85, 95%CI = 2.57–5.76). Moreover, those presenting with haematological conditions showed an OR of 65.49 (95%CI = 47.85–89.64), followed by endocrine conditions showing an OR of 34.89 (95%CI = 23.65–51.47). Triage I had a very high odds of admission (OR = 19.02, 95%CI = 2.70–133.76), whereas triage V was associated with a very low odds of admission (OR = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.23–0.38). Conclusions A low rate of hospital admission was found in comparison with other rates worldwide. This was mostly attributed to an alarmingly high number of non-urgent ER visits. This further emphasises the problem with improper use of ER services, as these cases should be more appropriately directed towards primary healthcare centres. Further studies to examine the impact of prioritising patients in the ER based on the identified predictors of hospital admission, in addition to the standard triage system, are suggested.

Incorporating gout guideline advice into urate reports is associated with reduced hospital admissions: results of an observational study

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip L Riches ◽  
Laura Downie ◽  
Carol Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Relative Rate ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Relative Increase ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prescription Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Boards

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of incorporating treatment guidance into reporting of urate test results. Methods Urate targets for clinically confirmed gout were added to urate results above 0.36 mmol/l requested after September 2014 within NHS Lothian. Scotland-wide data on urate-lowering therapy prescriptions and hospital admissions with gout were analysed between 2009 and 2020. Local data on urate tests were analysed between 2014 and 2015. Results Admissions with a primary diagnosis of gout in Lothian reduced modestly following the intervention from 111/year in 2010–2014 to 104/year in 2015–2019, a non-significant difference (P = 0.32). In contrast there was a significant increase in admissions to remaining NHS Scotland health boards (556/year vs 606/year, P &lt; 0.01). For a secondary diagnosis of gout the number of admissions in NHS Lothian reduced significantly (58/year vs 39/year, P &lt; 0.01) contrasting with a significant increase in remaining Scottish health boards (220/year vs 290/year, P &lt; 0.01). The relative rate of admissions to NHS Lothian compared with remaining Scottish boards using a 2009 baseline were significantly reduced for both primary diagnosis of gout (1.06 vs 1.25, P &lt; 0.001) and secondary diagnoses of gout (0.64 compared with 1.4, P &lt; 0.001) after the intervention; however, there was no difference before the intervention. A relative increase in the prescription rates of allopurinol 300 mg tablets and febuxostat 120 mg tablets may have contributed to the improved outcomes seen. Conclusion Incorporation of clinical guideline advice into routine reporting of urate results was associated with reduced rates of admission with gout in NHS Lothian, in comparison with other Scottish health boards.

scholarly journals Stiffness of the Masseter Muscle in Children—Establishing the Reference Values in the Pediatric Population Using Shear-Wave Elastography

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9619
Author(s):  
Cyprian Olchowy ◽  
Anna Olchowy ◽  
Aleksander Pawluś ◽  
Mieszko Więckiewicz ◽  
Luca Maria Sconfienza
Keyword(s):  
Shear Wave ◽  
Masseter Muscle ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Masseter Muscles

In children, the quality and muscle function are altered in many pathologic conditions, including temporomandibular disorders. Although several methods have been used to evaluate muscle tonus, none became a golden standard. Moreover, the masseter muscle characteristics in children have not been investigated to date. This study aimed to measure the stiffness of the masseter muscle using shear-wave elastography in healthy children. We enrolled 30 healthy children (mean age 10.87 ± 3.38 years). The stiffness of masseter muscles was measured with shear wave elastography. Stiffness for the total sample was 6.37 ± 0.77 kPa. A comparison of the measurements did not show significant differences between the right and the left masseter muscles (left—6.47 ± 0.78 kPa; right—6.24 ± 0.76 kPa; p = 0.3546). A significant difference was seen between boys and girls (boys—5.94 ± 0.50 kPa; girls—6.63 ± 0.80; p = 0.0006). Shear-wave elastography is a promising diagnostic tool. It may help to detect changes in the stiffness of the masseter muscle and draw attention to pathological processes within the jaw muscles. Directions for further research shall include determining stiffness values in pathological conditions and the impact of biological and functional factors on the stiffness of the masseter muscle.

scholarly journals Adjustment among Homosexual in Gujarat

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh B Bhatt, ◽  
Dr. S. M. Makvana
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Statistical Technique ◽  
Female Sex Worker ◽  
Sex Worker ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Level Of Significance

The present Study of adjustment among Homosexual – female sex-worker, social men and women and AIDS patient from Gujarat. Total sample of 360 people was taken according to variables. In which, 180 male and 180 female were taken. In 180 male in 60 homosexual, 60 social men and 60 AIDS male patients and female in 60 female sex workers, 60 social woman and 60 AIDS female patients From Gujarat. The sample was selected randomly. Adjustment Questionnaire Developed by D. J. Bhatt (1994) used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by F- test statistical technique at 0.01 level of significance and 2×3×2 factorial design used. Results revealed significant difference between the male and female. There was significant difference in adjustment level found among homosexual-female sex workers, social men – women and AIDS patients.

scholarly journals Effect of Seasonal Variation on Clinical Outcome in Patients with Chronic Conditions: Analysis of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) National Telehealth Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmadreza Argha ◽  
Andrey Savkin ◽  
Siaw-Teng Liaw ◽  
Branko George Celler
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Home Telemonitoring ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

BACKGROUND Seasonal variation has an impact on the hospitalization rate of patients with a range of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and angina. This paper presents findings on the influence of seasonal variation on the results of a recently completed national trial of home telemonitoring of patients with chronic conditions, carried out at five locations along the east coast of Australia. OBJECTIVE The aim is to evaluate the effect of the seasonal timing of hospital admission and length of stay on clinical outcome of a home telemonitoring trial involving patients (age: mean 72.2, SD 9.4 years) with chronic conditions (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease coronary artery disease, hypertensive diseases, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or asthma) and to explore methods of minimizing the influence of seasonal variations in the analysis of the effect of at-home telemonitoring on the number of hospital admissions and length of stay (LOS). METHODS Patients were selected from a hospital list of eligible patients living with a range of chronic conditions. Each test patient was case matched with at least one control patient. A total of 114 test patients and 173 control patients were available in this trial. However, of the 287 patients, we only considered patients who had one or more admissions in the years from 2010 to 2012. Three different groups were analyzed separately because of substantially different climates: (1) Queensland, (2) Australian Capital Territory and Victoria, and (3) Tasmania. Time series data were analyzed using linear regression for a period of 3 years before the intervention to obtain an average seasonal variation pattern. A novel method that can reduce the impact of seasonal variation on the rate of hospitalization and LOS was used in the analysis of the outcome variables of the at-home telemonitoring trial. RESULTS Test patients were monitored for a mean 481 (SD 77) days with 87% (53/61) of patients monitored for more than 12 months. Trends in seasonal variations were obtained from 3 years’ of hospitalization data before intervention for the Queensland, Tasmania, and Australian Capital Territory and Victoria subgroups, respectively. The maximum deviation from baseline trends for LOS was 101.7% (SD 42.2%), 60.6% (SD 36.4%), and 158.3% (SD 68.1%). However, by synchronizing outcomes to the start date of intervention, the impact of seasonal variations was minimized to a maximum of 9.5% (SD 7.7%), thus improving the accuracy of the clinical outcomes reported. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal variations have a significant effect on the rate of hospital admission and LOS in patients with chronic conditions. However, the impact of seasonal variation on clinical outcomes (rate of admissions, number of hospital admissions, and LOS) of at-home telemonitoring can be attenuated by synchronizing the analysis of outcomes to the commencement dates for the telemonitoring of vital signs. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12613000635763; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364030&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/ 6xLPv9QDb)

scholarly journals Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Standardized Photosynthetic Parameters under Different Environmental Conditions for Young Planted Larix olgensis Henry Trees

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Fengri Li
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Photosynthetic Parameters ◽  
Relative Depth ◽  
Larix Olgensis ◽  
Vertical Variations ◽  
Larix Olgensis Henry

Understanding the spatial and seasonal variations in leaf physiology is critical for accurately modeling the carbon uptake, physiological processes and growth of entire canopies and stands. For a 17-year-old Larix olgensis Henry plantation, vertical whorl-by-whorl sampling and analyses of seasonally repeated measurements of major photosynthetic parameters were conducted, and the correlations between photosynthetic parameters and environmental conditions, leaf morphological traits and spatial position within the crown were analyzed. According to the correlations, the photosynthetic parameters were standardized based on the environmental conditions to avoid the influence of the changing environment on the patterns of spatial and seasonal variations of photosynthetic parameters. The results showed that the standardized light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (SPmax), standardized dark respiration (SRd) and standardized stomatal conductance under saturated light (Sgs-sat) were all negatively related to the relative depth into the crown (RDINC) throughout the growing season. However, their vertical patterns were different during the development of the phenological phase. In addition, different gradients of environmental conditions also influenced the values and the range of the vertical variation in photosynthesis. High temperature and low humidity usually resulted in smaller values and weaker vertical variations of SPmax and Sgs-sat, but larger values and more obvious vertical variations in SRd. SPmax and Sgs-sat usually exhibited a parabolic seasonal pattern in different vertical positions within the crown; however, SRd generally followed a concave pattern. These seasonal patterns were all weaker with increasing RDINC. Different environments also exhibited a significant influence on the seasonal patterns of photosynthesis. We suggested that standardization is necessary before analyzing spatial and seasonal variations. A single environmental condition could not represent the spatial and seasonal patterns under all gradients of the environment. Spatial and seasonal variations should be simultaneously analyzed because they are related to each other.

Effect of Mother’s Employment on Aggression of Board Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-71
Author(s):  
Prachi Bhatt Deolal ◽  
Madhu Lata Nayal
Keyword(s):  
Personal Data ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male Adolescents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Employed Mothers ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Aggression Level

The present study aimed to find out the difference in the aggression level of Board Students of employed and non-employed mothers. Total sample of 200 students was taken from five CBSE affiliated schools of Pithoragarh district (Uttarakhand). Personal data schedule along with the Aggression Scale was used to calculate the result. Aggression Scale used in the study was developed by Pal and Naqvi (2000) which comprised of 60 questions. Stratified Random Sampling was used to select the data and t-test was applied to calculate the level of significance. While compiling the results, significant difference was found between the male and female adolescents of 10th standard of employed mothers and even between the male and female adolescents of 12th standard of employed mothers. Male and female adolescents of 12th standard of non-employed mother have also shown significant difference on the level of aggression. In all the three cases Male adolescents have shown greater aggression than female adolescents.

scholarly journals Taxation and Corporate Payout Policy

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-66
Author(s):  
Monica Singhania
Keyword(s):  
Regime Change ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Dividend Payout ◽  
Tax Preference ◽  
Tax Regimes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Dividend Tax

This study examines the dividend trends of 590 Indian companies over the period 1992–2004 of all manufacturing, non-government, non-financial, and non-banking companies listed on BSE for which there was no missing financial information over the period of the study. Dividend payout has been chosen for the purpose of examining the impact of taxation on dividend policy. Analysis was done for the full period under consideration, immediate one year of tax regime change, and immediate three years of tax regime change so as to conclusively establish the results and also to note the variations in results over different time frames, if any. For the purpose of this study, the sample was classified on the basis of dividend history, industry, and size. Of the 590 companies, 240 companies were regular payers—the companies that had paid dividend regularly without ever skipping the payments throughout the period of the study. According to tax preference or trade-off theory, favourable dividend tax should lead to higher payouts. The Union Budget of 1997 made dividends taxable in the hands of the company paying them and not in the hands of the investors receiving them. The corporate dividend tax aimed at improving the economic growth and flexibility by eliminating the tax bias against equity-financed investments thereby promoting saving and investment. The new system aimed at reducing the tax bias against capital gains in the earlier tax system, encouraging investment, and enhancing the long-term growth potential of the Indian economy. As compared to the earlier tax regime where the recipient shareholder paid the tax on the dividend received primarily on the basis of marginal tax slab rate applicable to him/her (varying between 0% to 30%), in the current structure of corporate dividend tax, the dividend paying companies pay dividend tax at a flat rate of 12.5 per cent as of financial year 2005–06. Implicitly, the present corporate dividend tax regime can be termed as a more favourable tax policy. The analysis of influence of changes in the tax regime on dividend behaviour reveals the following: Trade-off or tax preference theory does appear to hold true in the Indian context in the case of both the total sample companies as well as the regular payers. While in the case of total sample companies, the results are significant for the entire period of study and the immediate three year period, in case of regular payer, the results are significant for all the three time periods analysed. Though the results are somewhat mixed, it can be largely inferred that there is a significant difference in average dividend payout ratio in the two different tax regimes. There are wide industry-wise and size-wise variations in empirical findings visible over the period of study.

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