scholarly journals Digital Devices Use and Language Skills in Children between 8 and 36 Month

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 656
Author(s):  
Francesca Felicia Operto ◽  
Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino ◽  
Jessyka Marciano ◽  
Valeria de Simone ◽  
Anna Pia Volini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
New Media ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Daily Time

Background: Over the past decade, the use of digital tools has grown and research evidence suggests that traditional media and new media offer both benefits and health risks for young children. The abilities to understand and use language represent two of the most important competencies developed during the first 3 years of life through the interaction of the child with people, objects, events, and other environmental factors. The main goal of our study is to evaluate the relationship between digital devices use and language abilities in children between 8 and 36 month, also considering the influence of several factors. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study on digital devices use and language abilities in260 children (140 males = 54%) aged between 8 and 36 months (mean = 23.5 ± 7.18 months). All the parents completed a self-report questionnaire investigating the use of digital devices by their children, and a standardized questionnaire for the assessment of language skills (MacArthur-Bates). Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation between different variables. Subsequent moderation analysis were performed to verify the influence of other factors. Results: We found a statistically significant negative relation between the total daily time of exposure to digital devices and the Actions and Gestures Quotient (ß = −0.397) in children between 8 and 17 months, and between the total daily time of exposure to digital devices and Lexical Quotient (ß = −0.224) in children between 18 and 36 months. Gender, level of education/job of parents, modality of use/content of digital device did not significantly affect the result of the regression analysis. Conclusion: In our study we found that a longer time of exposure to digital devices was related to lower mimic-gestural skills in children from 8–17 months and to lower language skills in children between 18 and 36 months, regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status, content, and modality of use. Further studies are needed to confirm and better understand this relation, but parents and pediatricians are advised to limit the use of digital devices by children and encourage the social interaction to support the learning of language and communication skills in this age group.

scholarly journals Digital Devices Use and Language Skills in Children Between 8-36 Month

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Felicia Operto ◽  
Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino ◽  
Jessyka Marciano ◽  
Valeria de Simone ◽  
Anna Pia Volini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Time

Background: Over the past decade, the use of digital tools has grown and research evidence suggests that traditional media and new media offer both benefits and health risks for young children. The abilities to understand and use language represent two of the most important competencies developed during the first 3 years of life through the interaction of the child with people, objects, events, and other environmental factors. The main goal of our study is to evaluate the relationship between digital devices use and language abilities in children between 8-36 month, considering also the influence of several variables. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 260 healthy children (140 males = 54%) aged between 8-36 months (mean=23.5±7.18 months). All the parents completed a self-report questionnaire investigating the use of digital devices by their children, and a standardized questionnaire for the assessment of language skills (MacArthur). Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between different variables. Subsequent moderation analysis were performed to verify the influence of other factors. Results: W found a statistically significant negative correlation between the total daily time of exposure to digital devices and the Actions and Gestures Quotient (ß=-0.397) in children between 8-17 months, and between the total daily time of exposure to digital devices and Language Quotient (ß=-0.224) in children between 18-36 months. Sex, level of education/job of parents, modality of use/content of digital device do not significantly affect these relationships. Conclusion: In our study we found that a longer time of exposure to digital devices was related to lower mimic-gestural skills in children from 8-17 months and to lower language skills in children between 18-36 months, regardless of age, sex, socio-economic status, content and modality of use. Further studies are needed to confirm and better understand this relationship, but parents and pediatricians are advised to limit the use of digital devices by children and encourage the social interaction to support the learning of language and communication skills in this age group.

scholarly journals AGING ANXIETY: A STUDY OF FACTOR INFLUENCING ATTITUDES TO AGE AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 468-472
Author(s):  
Pauline a ◽  
◽  
N. Ikwuegbu ◽  
Daniel Omatalu ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Research Finding ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aging Anxiety ◽  
Aging Attitudes

The present study aimed to examine religious commitment as a scarcely explored variable that could predict aging attitudes. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. A total of one hundred and eighty-seven civil servants were randomly selected as the research participants. The respondents completed self-report measures of religious commitment scale and attitude to owns aging scale. A linear regression analysis was performed on the data, and the result revealed a significant association between religious commitment and attitude towards aging. It was indicating that religious commitment predicted attitude towards aging. The research finding, implications, and conclusions are discussed.

scholarly journals DIGITALTOOLS AND LANGUAGE IN CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 8 TO 36 MONTHS

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Giangennaro Coppola ◽  
Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino ◽  
Chiara Padovano ◽  
Chiara Scuoppo ◽  
Valentina Vivenzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Skills ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Other ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Significant Negative Relationship ◽  
Daily Time

— Aim: In the last ten years, digital tools have become common in children. Language skills are important and emerge in childhood. The purpose of the present study is to find a potential relation between digital tools use and language skills in children aged 8 to 36 months, considering other factors. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study that included a total of 260 subjects between 8 and 36 months. Parents of all children completed a questionnaire that explores usage of digital tools by children, and another one for language skills (MacArthur-Bates). Results: We found a significant negative relationship between the daily time of use of digital devices and the gestures and actions Quotient (ß = −0.397) in subjects aged 8 to 17 months, and between the daily time of use and the quotient of the lexicon (ß = −0.224) in subjects aged 18 to 36 months. Conclusion: We have shown that a major use of digital devices was linked to lower abilities of actions and mimics in subjects 8–17 months of age and to worse language performances in subjects aged 18 to 36 months. The other explored factors were not linked to these results.

Cross-Sectional Examination of Homocysteine Levels with Sarcopenia and Its Components in Memory Clinic Outpatients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yosuke Yamada ◽  
Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽  
Fumie Kinoshita ◽  
Chi Hsien Huang ◽  
Taiki Sugimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Memory Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Homocysteine is a common risk factor for cognitive impairment and sarcopenia. However, very few studies have shown an association between sarcopenia and serum homocysteine levels after adjustment for cognitive function. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between homocysteine and sarcopenia in memory clinic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated outpatients in a memory clinic. We enrolled 1,774 participants (≥65 years old) with measured skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and homocysteine. All participants had undergone cognitive assessments and were diagnosed with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or normal cognition. Patient characteristics were compared according to sarcopenia presence, SMI level, or HGS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of homocysteine with sarcopenia, low SMI, or low HGS. Next, linear regression analysis was performed using HGS as a continuous variable. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that low HGS was significantly associated with homocysteine levels (p = 0.002), but sarcopenia and low SMI were not. In linear regression analysis, HGS was negatively associated with homocysteine levels after adjustment for Mini-Mental State Examination score (β= –2.790, p <  0.001) or clinical diagnosis of dementia (β= –3.145, p <  0.001). These results were similar for men and women. Conclusion: Our results showed a negative association between homocysteine and HGS after adjustment for cognitive function. Our findings strengthen the assumed association between homocysteine and HGS. Further research is needed to determine whether lower homocysteine levels lead to prevent muscle weakness.

scholarly journals Oxidative stress and gut-derived lipopolysaccharides in children affected by Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Loffredo ◽  
Alberto Spalice ◽  
Francesca Salvatori ◽  
De Castro Giovanna ◽  
Cristiana Alessia Guido ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Tic Disorders ◽  
Streptococcal Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to assess NOX2 levels, as well as serum 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Gram-negative bacteria in the gut of patients with PANDAS. Methods: a cross sectional study was performed to compare serum levels of soluble NOX2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), isoprostanes and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used to assess gut permeability. Results: compared with CT, PANDAS children had higher values of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and LPS. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp was significantly correlated with serum LPS (Rs=0.359; p=0.005), zonulin (Rs=0.444; p<0.001) and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.704; p<0.001). LPS significantly correlated with serum zonulin (Rs=0.610; p<0.001), and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.591; p=0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of sNOX-2-dp. Isoprostanes and zonulin emerged as the only independent predictive variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2=68%). Conclusion: this study provides evidences that children affected by PANDAS have high circulating levels of sNOX2-dp, isoprostanes and of LPS that could be potentially implicated in the process of neuroinflammation.

scholarly journals Correlations of apathy with clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and olfactory dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study

BMC Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-yang Yu ◽  
Teng-hong Lian ◽  
Peng Guo ◽  
Li-xia Li ◽  
Du-yu Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Of Daily Living ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Apathy is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, correlations of apathy with demographic variables, cognitive functions, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activity of daily living and olfactory functions in AD patients are still lacking comprehensive investigations. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Total 124 typical AD patients were consecutively recruited from April 2014 to April 2017. In 124 AD patients, 47 cases (37.9%) were male and 77 cases were female; patients’ age were 43–93 years with an average of 68 years. Patients were divided into AD with apathy (AD-A) and AD with no apathy (AD-NA) groups according to the score of Modified Apathy Evaluation Scale, then were evaluated cognitive functions, neuropsychiatric symptoms and activity of daily living, and tested olfactory functions. Above variables were compared between AD-A and AD-NA groups. Further correlation analyses and linear regression analysis were performed between apathy and above variables. Results Compared with AD-NA group, global cognitive level, verbal memory, verbal fluency and activity of daily living were significantly compromised in AD-A group (P < 0.002); depression and agitation were severely displayed in AD-A group (P < 0.002). Apathy was negatively correlated with global cognitive function, verbal memory, verbal fluency and activity of daily living (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of olfactory functions between the two groups (P > 0.002), and correlations between apathy and olfactory threshold, olfactory identification and global olfactory function were significant (P < 0.05) but quite weak (|r| < 0.3). Further linear regression analysis showed that only verbal fluency and instrumental activities of daily living were independently associated with apathy. Conclusions Independent correlations among apathy, verbal fluency and instrumental activities of daily living in AD patients might be related to the common brain area involved in their pathogeneses.

scholarly journals Predictors of Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) Health Index in Axial Spondyloarthritis and Comparison of ASAS Health Index between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Data from the Catholic Axial Spondyloarthritis COhort (CASCO)

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Ki Min ◽  
Jennifer Lee ◽  
Ji Hyeon Ju ◽  
Sung-Hwan Park ◽  
Seung-Ki Kwok
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
International Society ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Health Index

The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) health index (HI) is a novel tool for approaching disability, health, and functioning in spondyloarthritis (SpA). In the present study we compared ASAS HI between patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and those with nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA). In addition, we identified predictors of ASAS HI. We designed this cross-sectional study using data from the Catholic Axial Spondyloarthritis COhort (CASCO), a prospective cohort from a single tertiary hospital. We compared baseline characteristics, including ASAS HI, between AS and nr-axSpA, and determined the frequency of each item constituting the ASAS HI. We used linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with ASAS HI. Total of 357 patients with axSpA—261 with AS and 96 with nr-axSpA—were included in analysis. AS patients were older and had higher ASAS HI than nr-axSpA. Among ASAS HI items, pain (item No. 1) and energy/drive (item No. 5) were the most common areas for which axSpA patients experienced discomfort. ASAS HI correlated with other SpA-related parameters such as BASDAI, ASDAS, and BASFI. Multivariable regression analysis of the axSpA group showed that high NSAID intake and mSASSS were positively associated with ASAS HI, whereas higher economic status and alcohol consumption were negatively associated with ASAS HI. Results were consistent in the AS group on subgroup analysis, whereas alcohol consumption was the only factor significantly associated with ASAS HI in the nr-axSpA group. In the present cohort study, patients with AS had poorer health status (higher ASAS HI) than those with nr-axSpA. Items proposed by AS patients (items No. 1 and 5) were the most frequently checked areas as axSpA patients feel discomfort, and this support that ASAS HI could practically assess actual discomfort of axSpA patient. ASAS HI was well correlated with known disease parameters, including activity, function, and quality of life; therefore, ASAS HI could be used in the future to represent the health status of SpA in a systematic way. Spinal structural damage (higher mSASSS), high NSAID intake, alcohol consumption, and economic status were predictors of ASAS HI in patients with axSpA, especially those with AS.

scholarly journals Hospitalization costs among immobile patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongpeng Liu ◽  
Chen Zhu ◽  
Jing Cao ◽  
Jing Jiao ◽  
Baoyun Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Hospital Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Hospitalization Costs

Abstract Background In this study, we aimed to analyze the hospitalization costs for immobile patients with hemorrhagic stroke (IHS) or ischemic stroke (IIS) in China and to determine the factors associated with hospitalization costs. Methods We evaluated patients with IHS and IIS hospitalized between November 2015 and July 2016 in six provinces or municipality cities of China. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association with hospitalization costs and predictors. Results In total, 1573 patients with IHS and 3143 with IIS were enrolled and analyzed. For IHS and IIS, the average length of stay (LoS) was 17.40 ± 12.3 and 14.47 ± 11.55 days. The duration of immobility was 12.11 ± 9.98 and 7.36 ± 9.77 days, respectively. Median hospitalization costs were RMB 47000.68 (interquartile range 19,827.37, 91,877.09) for IHS and RMB 16578.44 (IQR 7020.13, 36,357.65) for IIS. In both IHS and IIS groups, medicine fees accounted for more than one-third of hospitalization costs. Materials fees and medical service fees accounted for the second and third largest proportions of hospital charges in both groups. Linear regression analysis showed that LoS, hospital level, and previous surgery were key determinants of hospitalization costs in all immobile patients with stroke. Subgroup analysis indicated that hospital level was highly correlated with hospitalization costs for IHS whereas pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis were key factors associated with hospitalization costs for IIS. Conclusions We found that hospitalization costs were notably higher in IHS than IIS, and medicine fees accounted for the largest proportion of hospitalization costs in both patient groups, perhaps because most patients ended up with complications such as pneumonia thereby requiring more medications. LoS and hospital level may greatly affect hospitalization costs. Increasing the reimbursement ratio of medical insurance for patients with IHS is recommended. Decreasing medicine fees and LoS, preventing complications, and improving treatment capability may help to reduce the economic burden of stroke in China.

scholarly journals Nutritional status and quality of life in diabetic patients on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eba’a Hafi ◽  
Ro’ya Soradi ◽  
Sarah Diab ◽  
Ahmad M. Samara ◽  
Marah Shakhshir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Malnutrition is a common problem among hemodialysis (HD) patients that negatively impacts their prognosis and is linked to an increase in morbidity and mortality in these patients, as well as a decrease in their quality of life (QOL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the QOL and to investigate factors that can influence it, including nutritional status, as well as socio-demographic factors, among Palestinian diabetic patients on HD therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that occurred at a large hemodialysis center in Palestine. Malnutrition was assessed by the malnutrition-inflammation scale (MIS), and the quality of life was evaluated by using the EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument (EQ-5D). Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to look at the effect of multiple variables on QOL. Results A total of 118 diabetic patients on HD were included. Of these, 66.9% were male, and 60.2% were aged 60 years or higher. Having multiple comorbid diseases (p=0.004) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.003) were significantly associated with a higher MIS score, whereas living alone (p=0.037) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.002) was significantly associated with lower EQ-5D score. We also observed a significant association between the MIS score and the EQ-5D score(r=−0.616, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that diabetic hemodialysis patients who lived within a family household were positively correlated with the QOL score (standardized coefficient, 0.178; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.042 to 0.372; p = 0.015), and MIS score was significantly and negatively correlated with QOL scores (standardized coefficient, −0.587; 95% CI, −0.047 to −0.028; p < 0.001). Conclusions We found that malnutrition was associated with a lower QOL score among diabetic patients on HD. We recommend general practitioners, dietitians, nephrologists, and nurses to make plans that pay more attention to this group of patients who show evidence of malnutrition. Patients on dialysis for ≥ 4 years, patients who live alone, and those suffering from multiple co-morbid diseases should receive special care due to their higher risk of being impacted by this problem.

scholarly journals Being Praised for Prosocial Behaviors Longitudinally Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents: a Population-based Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiki Nagaoka ◽  
Nanami Tomoshige ◽  
Shuntaro Ando ◽  
Masaya Morita ◽  
Tomoki Kiyono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Partial Regression ◽  
Heavy Burden

Abstract Background: Depression is highly prevalent and causes a heavy burden in adolescent life. Being praised for prosocial behavior might be a preventive factor because both being praised and prosocial behavior are protective against depression. Here, we investigated the longitudinal relationship between being praised for prosocial behavior and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods: In Tokyo Teen Cohort study (TTC), an ongoing prospective population-based cohort study, we collected 3,171 adolescents’ data on self-reported experiences of being praised for prosocial behavior, depressive symptoms, and caregiver-evaluated prosocial behavior. Ten-year-old children were asked to freely describe answers to the question “What are you praised for?”. Only children who clearly answered that they were praised for their prosocial behavior were designated the “prosocial praise group”. The degree of depression at ages 10 and 12 was measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), a self-report questionnaire about depression. Objective prosocial behavior of the 10-year-old children was assessed by the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the SMFQ score at age 12 as the objective variable and being praised for prosocial behavior as the main explanatory variable, and the SMFQ score at age 10 and the objective prosocial behavior at age 10 were included as confounders.Results: Depressive symptoms (SMFQ scores) in the “prosocial praise group” were significantly lower than those in the other group both at age 10 (4.3 ± 4.4 vs 4.9 ± 4.6, p <0.001) and at age (3.4 ± 4.2 vs 4.0 ± 4.6, p <0.01). In the single regression analysis, the children who reported being praised for prosocial behavior at age 10 had significantly lower depressive symptoms at age 12 (partial regression variable: -0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.96, -0.17]). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders, including baseline depressive symptoms (partial regression variable: -0.44, 95% CI [-0.80, -0.08]). Prosocial behavior alone was not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Being praised for prosocial behavior rather than objective prosocial behavior at 10 years of age predicted lower depressive symptoms two years later. Praise for adolescents’ prosocial behavior can be encouraged to prevent depression.

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