The Frequency and Factors Related to Aggressive Behavior in Psychiatric Patients Controlled by a Variety of Restraint Methods

Background: Aggressive behavior of patients in psychiatric wards is one of the main challenges faced by healthcare workers. Despite the abundance of research on the frequency of aggressive behavior, not enough attention has been paid to its severity. Furthermore, limited studies have evaluated the restraint methods used to manage aggressive behaviors. Objectives: The current descriptive study aimed to compare the relationship between demographic characteristics, diagnosis of psychiatric illness, medical illness, and hospitalization characteristics with features of aggressive behavior in patients experiencing different types of restraint during hospitalization. Methods: We evaluated subjects admitted to the adult psychiatric wards of Imam Hossein and Taleghani hospitals in Tehran, Iran, in 2018. The patients were controlled by various restraint methods during hospitalization. All the patients were evaluated for the severity of aggression, which was determined utilizing the Persian version of the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). All the data along with demographic and clinical characteristics obtained from medical records were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test (P-value = 0.05) and Spearman correlation coefficient to describe the factors affecting the aggressive behavior of patients. Results: In this study, the prevalence of aggressive behavior was 11.7%. Among the demographic variables, gender (P-value = 0.003), education level (P-value = 0.05), and the history of aggressive behavior (P-value = 0.001) were significantly associated with the MOAS. Furthermore, as the hospitalization duration increased, the frequency of aggressive behavior decreased, and its severity intensified. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between aggression severity with admission type (P-value = 0.00), concurrent medical illness (P-value = 0.026), and substance abuse (P-value = 0.025). Conclusions: According to the obtained results, the factors affecting the aggression and early identification of patients with the potential of aggressive behavior is an effective management strategy for controlling these patients.

Testing the Dimensionality of Policy Shocks

This paper provides a nonparametric test for deciding the dimensionality of a policy shock as manifest in the abnormal change in asset returns' stochastic covariance matrix, following the release of a macroeconomic announcement. We use high-frequency data in local windows before and after the event to estimate the covariance jump matrix, and then test its rank. We find a one-factor structure in the covariance jump matrix of the yield curve resulting from the Federal Reserve's monetary policy shocks prior to the 2007-2009 financial crisis. The dimensionality of policy shocks increased afterwards due to the use of unconventional monetary policy tools.

Language and Aggression in Preschool Children. Gender Differences

The present study has two objectives. Firstly to analyze the gender differences in language development in preschool children and secondly to analyze the relationships between language development on the one hand and aggression, prosocial behavior on the other hand. The study involved 155 preschool children aged between 36 and 71 months (M = 52.61, SD = 10.40) enrolled in a kindergarten in Bucharest. The instruments used were the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, ABAS-II (Harrison et al., 2012) and Preschool Social Behavior Scale - Teacher Form (Crick, 1996). To determine the gender differences, a series of independent samples t tests and Mann-Whitney U nonparametric test were performed and for the relationships among variables, regression and moderation analyzes were performed. The results showed that girls have higher levels of language development than boys, in all measured dimensions. At the same time, the level of language development was negatively associated with physical and relational aggression and positively with prosocial behavior. Contrary to our expectations, gender has not moderated the relationship between language development and aggression or prosocial behavior. The practical implications of the study address the need to capture and treat early delays in language development in order to prevent aggressive behaviors among preschoolers.

Trends in the Surgical Incidence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis with a cosmopolitan distribution caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms. Although Uzbekistan and other countries in Central Asia are considered endemic, estimates of disease burden are lacking. We present data regarding surgically managed cases of CE obtained from Uzbekistan’s national disease surveillance registry. These data are from medical centers in Uzbekistan authorized to treat the disease and reported to the Uzbek Center for Sanitation and Epidemiology from the period 2011 to 2018. Information included data regarding the patient age class (children 14 years or younger), but no data regarding the cyst location. Incidence rates were calculated using data from the national population registry, and the Cuzick nonparametric test for trends was used to test for differences in the incidence over time at the country level and regional levels. A total of 7,309 CE cases were reported. Of these, 857 (11.73%) involved pediatric patients. The mean incidence rates were 4.4 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 2.3 per 100,000 population in 2018 (P = 0.016). One region (Republic of Karalpakistan) showed a nonstatistically significant increase (P = 0.824). All other regions except three showed a statistically significant decrease. We present the decrease in the incidence of surgically treated CE in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018. However, the presence of cases involving children suggest ongoing parasite transmission. The absence of clinical information (starting with cyst stage and localization) needs to be addressed to improve the national surveillance system. Field studies are also needed to further explore the epidemiology of CE in the country.

Comparative Analysis of Anal Colposcopy with Histology in the Follow-Up of Patients under Treatment for Anal Condyloma

Objectives To compare morphological abnormalities on anal colposcopy against histology to determine anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Methods This is a retrospective data assessment of HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients undergoing outpatient follow-up. The sample comprised 54 patients presenting acetowhite lesions on anal colposcopy. Acetowhite lesions were classified according to their morphology into punctation, verrucous, mosaic, ulcerated, or hypervascularized, and biopsies of these specimens were classified as anal HSIL, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), or normal. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The results were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, the Fisher exact test and the chi-squared parametric test. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used and a level of significance < 5% was adopted for all statistical tests. Results Fifty-four patients (50 males, 80% HIV + ) with biopsied acetowhite lesions were assessed. There were 31 punctation lesions, 1 classified as HSIL (3.2%; 95%CI: 0–40.0), 17 verrucous lesions, 3 HSIL (17.7%; 95%CI: 0–10.7), and 1 ulcerated, classified as HSIL (100%), and 4 mosaic and 1 atypical vessel lesion, all classified as LSIL. The results showed no association of presence of anal HSIL with positivity for HIV infection or with counts above or below 500/µl in HIV+ patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test, the Fisher exact test, and the chi-squared parametric test. Conclusion The comparison of morphological findings on anal colposcopy against histology revealed no morphological pattern suggesting anal HSIL.

ANALYSIS OF THE PERSONNEL’S CONSISTENT READINESS FOR CHANGES AS ILLUSTRATED BY THE EXAMPLE OF AN EXPORT-ORIENTED BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ENTERPRISE

The biotechnology industry is currently one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, that is why it requires improvement in the personnel management system aimed at increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the organization.The aim of the research is to determine the degree of readiness of the organization’s employees for innovations as illustrated by the example of an export-oriented enterprise.Materials and methods. The source information was collected from the employees of the biotechnological enterprise through a questionnaire survey. The representative sample included 588 respondents. The statistical processing of data was carried out using the specialized software IBM SPSS STATISTICS (IBM, USA, 2017). The consistent readiness of the organization’s employees for innovations was determined using I.O. Zagashev’s methods. To assess the reliability of the psychological test, an internal consistency model with Cronbach’s alpha was applied. Statistical hypotheses were tested by comparing the central tendencies of two independent samples using Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney nonparametric test.Results. The distribution results of key motivating factors for personnel showed that motivating factors such as an adequate salary and sustainable employment took the leading positions. However, the assessment of the employees’ consistent readiness for innovations according to I.O. Zagashev’s methods shows a high degree of the personnel’s readiness for changes due to positive emotional perception of any innovations.Conclusion. The results obtained make it possible to arrive at the conclusion that the established team favorably responds to all innovations, and is ready to support them in the future being aware of the organization’s desire for innovations. In the future, the results will be used to determine the required management functions and goals and to develop the personnel management strategy in the context of the knowledge transfer, technology and export policy of the pharmaceutical enterprise.

An improved firefly algorithm for identifying parameters of nonlinear empirical models

The nonlinear model is to describe the vortex-induced resonance of long-span bridges under the action of natural wind. The identification accuracy of its parameters directly affects people's understanding of vortex-induced vibration. People have been trying different algorithms to solve this parameter identification problem, but the efficiency and accuracy of algorithms are not satisfied. In this work, a firefly algorithm based on local chaos search and brightness variant (FACLBV) is proposed. The characteristics of chaos make FACLBV search the widely local scope and improve the accuracy of the solution. FACLBV modifies the fixed initial brightness, discards the absorption coefficient of light intensity, links the initial brightness of every firefly with the position of its solution space, and sets the attraction of every firefly as a simple linear function, which reduces the complexity of the algorithm and improves the efficiency. In order to better verify the superiority of FACLBV, the simulation experiment includes three parts: the comparison between FACLBV and other firefly algorithms, the verification of the parameters identified by FACLBV, and the nonparametric test between FACLBV and other intelligent algorithms. Simulation results show that FACLBV is better than other algorithms in performance.

Assessment of a New Lateral Cushioned Casting Orthosis: Effects on Peroneus Longus Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Running

Background: Classical medial wedge (CMW) orthoses have been prescribed to treat overpronation foot pathologies in runners. The effects of a novel supination orthosis (NSO) on the surface electromyography (EMG) activity of the peroneus longus (PL) muscle during a complete cycle of running have yet to be tested. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG activity of the PL in participants wearing CMW orthoses and NSOs versus neutral running shoes (NRS) during a full cycle of running gait. It was hypothesized that the PL muscle activity would be lower for the NSO compared with CMW or NRS. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Included were 31 healthy recreational runners of both sexes (14 male and 17 female; mean age, 38.58 ± 4.02 years) with a neutral Foot Posture Index and standard rearfoot-strike pattern. Participants ran on a treadmill at 9 km/h while wearing NSO (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), CMW (3-, 6-, and 9-mm thicknesses), and NRS, for a total of 7 different conditions randomly selected, while the EMG signal activity of the PL was recorded for 30 seconds. Each trial was recorded 3 times, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability of the measurements was calculated. The Wilcoxon pair to pair nonparametric test with Bonferroni correction was performed to analyze differences among the conditions. Results: The reliability of all assessments was almost perfect (ICC, >0.81). For both the CMW and NSO, regardless of thickness, the PL activity was statistically significantly lower compared with the NRS ( P < .05 for all). For all CMW thicknesses, the PL activity was lower compared with the respective NSO thicknesses, with the 3-mm thickness having the largest difference (CMW3mm, 18.63 ± 4.64 vs NSO3mm, 20.78 ± 4.99 mV; P < .001). Conclusion: Both CMW and NSO produced reduced EMG activity of the PL muscle; therefore, they can be prescribed to treat overpronation pathologies without associated PL strain concerns. In addition, the NSO saved the enhancement material placed on the medial-rear side of CMW, making it easier to wear sports shoes. Clinical Relevance: Knowing the safety of CMW and NSO will aid in understanding treatments for overpronation pathologies.

Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Human Liver Reveals Age-Related Differences in the Expression of Select Functional Gene Clusters and Evidence for a PPP1R10-Governed ‘Aging Cascade’

A transcriptome-wide analysis of human liver for demonstrating differences between young and old humans has not yet been performed. However, identifying major age-related alterations in hepatic gene expression may pinpoint ontogenetic shifts with important hepatic and systemic consequences, provide novel pharmacogenetic information, offer clues to efficiently counteract symptoms of old age, and improve the overarching understanding of individual decline. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analyzed by the Mann–Whitney nonparametric test and Ensemble Feature Selection (EFS) bioinformatics identified 44 transcripts among 60,617 total and 19,986 protein-encoding transcripts that significantly (p = 0.0003 to 0.0464) and strikingly (EFS score > 0.3:16 transcripts; EFS score > 0.2:28 transcripts) differ between young and old livers. Most of these age-related transcripts were assigned to the categories ‘regulome’, ‘inflammaging’, ‘regeneration’, and ‘pharmacogenes’. NGS results were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results have important implications for the areas of ontogeny/aging and the age-dependent increase in major liver diseases. Finally, we present a broadly substantiated and testable hypothesis on a genetically governed ‘aging cascade’, wherein PPP1R10 acts as a putative ontogenetic master regulator, prominently flanked by IGFALS and DUSP1. This transcriptome-wide analysis of human liver offers potential clues towards developing safer and improved therapeutic interventions against major liver diseases and increased insights into key mechanisms underlying aging.

Gender Differences in Self-Determined Motivation and Subjective Well-Being of Adapted Sport Athletes Members of the Special with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulties Members (Diferencias de género en la motivación autodeterminada y el bienestar sub

The Theory of Self-Determination has been used as a theoretical model of support in several studies on motivation in Sport. In this sense, we realize that motivation is a topic to which researchers have devoted much of their time, however, when researching adapted sports, and the person with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulty we observe a shortage in research. This study aimed to verify the levels of self-determination and subjective well-being of athletes members of the Special Olympics of Portugal, and ii) to compare the variables under analysis according to gender. In this quantitative study participated 94 athletes of Adapted Sports, aged between 11 and 63 years (ẋ=32.61 ± SD=13.8) of both genders, competitors of individual and collective sports. The monitoring instruments used were Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (BPNES), Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS) and Positive and Negative Attachment Scale (PANAS). Data analysis was based on the verification of the internal consistency of the scales applied through the calculation of alpha and Cronbach, descriptive analysis of data and application for gender comparison through the nonparametric test U Mann-Whitney, as well as a linear regression, meeting a significance level of 0.05. As a result, we observed that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and motivation predict good levels of life satisfaction also of positive attachment. We also found statistically significant differences in life satisfaction and negative attachments when comparing gender outcomes. Resumen. La Teoría de la Autodeterminación se ha utilizado como modelo teórico de apoyo en varios estudios sobre la motivación en el Deporte. En este sentido, nos damos cuenta de que la motivación es un tema al que los investigadores han dedicado gran parte de su tiempo, sin embargo, a la hora de investigar deportes adaptados, y la persona con Dificultad Intelectual y de Desarrollo observamos una escasez en la investigación. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar los niveles de autodeterminación y bienestar subjetivo de los atletas miembros de las Olimpiadas Especiales de Portugal, y ii) comparar las variables bajo análisis según género. En este estudio cuantitativo participaron 94 deportistas de Deportes Adaptados, con edades entre 11 y 63 años (ẋ = 32,61 ± DE = 13,8) de ambos sexos, competidores de deportes individuales y colectivos. Los instrumentos de seguimiento utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Regulación Conductual en el Deporte (BRSQ), la Escala de Ejercicio de Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas (BPNES), la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) y la Escala de Apego Positivo y Negativo (PANAS). El análisis de los datos se basó en la verificación de la consistencia interna de las escalas aplicadas mediante el cálculo de alfa y Cronbach, análisis descriptivo de los datos y aplicación para la comparación de género mediante la prueba no paramétrica U Mann-Whitney, así como una regresión lineal, cumpliendo un nivel de significancia de 0.05. Como resultado, observamos que la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y la motivación predicen buenos niveles de satisfacción con la vida también del apego positivo. También encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la satisfacción con la vida y los apegos negativos al comparar los resultados de género.