Search Results (1,044)

Background: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaires characterize the impact of oral conditions. However, similar summary scores of abbreviated instruments may obscure differences in how oral diseases affect specific OHRQoL components. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare summary scores and item profiles (defined as all item prevalence scores) in two patient populations using short forms of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Methods: The psychometric properties of the Hungarian OHIP-14 (14 items) and OHIP-5 (5 items) were evaluated for reliability and validity. The summary scores and item prevalence were then compared between patients undergoing surgical procedures (n = 30) and operative dental procedures (n = 22). Significant differences emerged in the OHIP-14 items “Taste worse” (9% vs. 33%, p = 0.03) and “Painful aching” (91% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). Results: For OHIP-5, only “Painful aching” differed significantly. Both short forms showed acceptable psychometric performance (test–retest reliability: 0.87 and 0.86; Cronbach’s alpha: 0.88 and 0.66; validity with self-reported oral health: r = 0.48 and r = 0.51). Conclusions: Summary scores provide an overall assessment of OHRQoL, but item profiles reveal clinically relevant differences between patient groups. Combining both perspectives enhances the interpretability of short OHIP instruments and supports more targeted clinical and research applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bulking agents such as Bulkamid^® are well-established surgical options for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Pelvic floor sonographic imaging is readily accessible and may assist in identifying patients who are more likely to benefit from bulking therapies. Urethral mobility appears to significantly influence treatment outcomes and can be classified into hypo-, normo-, and hypermobility. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sonographic urethral mobility on the success rate of Bulkamid^® injections. The secondary objective was to assess differences between pre- and postoperative urinary incontinence scores. Methods: In women with SUI, linear dorsocaudal movement (LDM) of the urethra was measured sonographically. The International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was completed prior to Bulkamid^® injection. Patients were categorized into hypo-, normo-, and hypermobility groups based on their LDM measurements. Results: A total of 130 patients participated, with 101 undergoing both pre- and postoperative sonographic assessment. The difference in LDM before and after treatment was calculated. Patients with normomobile urethras (n = 79) exhibited the greatest mean improvement in continence scores, with LDM changes ranging from 6 to 24 mm and an average ICIQ-UI SF score reduction of 3.8 points. Patients with hypomobile (n = 16) or hypermobile urethras (n = 6) also demonstrated improvements, but to a lesser extent than the normomobile group. Conclusions: This study indicates that patients with a normomobile urethra experience the most significant improvement in continence outcomes following Bulkamid^® injection. Urethral mobility assessment via sonography may serve as a valuable preoperative tool and appears to play a crucial role in predicting treatment success with bulking agents. Full article

Education has become one of the important drivers of residential mobility. The school district system in China has transformed school choice into a competition for housing ownership based on family capital, resulting in the capitalization of education and gentrification. Understanding the patterns of education-driven residential mobility is therefore of significant importance for urban planning, educational policy and social equity research. In this study, we depicted and analyzed the heterogeneity of residential mobility formed by the interaction of schooling choice, diversity of family characteristics, and housing preferences. Based on the household questionnaire survey conducted in Tianjin, we identified five typical education-driven residential mobility patterns by using the K-Prototype clustering algorithm. The empirical results implied that in China, particularly in megacities like Tianjin with a strict school district system tied to housing, wealthy families approach high-quality education through their socio-economic advantages for cultural reproduction; families sacrifice living conditions to access leading schools by acquiring old second-hand housing or smaller new-commercial housing; lower-income families relocate to within a short distance of the city center to change home ownership status for basic school eligibility; and families opting out of school districts achieve residential improvements and display greater locational diversity in relocation. Education-driven residential mobility is reshaping urban space, and may intensify socio-spatial stratification, even influencing long-term urban sustainability through patterns of resource allocation, neighborhood stability, and social equity. While this study focuses on Tianjin, the impacts of such school-housing-linked policies hold broader relevance for global cities facing similar challenges. Full article

As life expectancy and retirement ages rise globally, understanding how older workers thrive in the workplace is an increasingly vital measurement and wellbeing priority. In this study, we validated the Thriving from Work Questionnaire (TfWQ) for workers aged ≥50. A U.S. online panel yielded 617 older workers and 372 younger counterparts for comparison. Using item response theory alongside model-fit evaluation and correlational tests with job/life satisfaction, engagement, burnout, and turnover intent—we assessed reliability and construct validity of the long- (30 reduced to 29-item) and short- (8-item) form TfWQ versions. We recommend omitting one of the original items from the long-form for use in older workers. Instrument reliability was high (α = 0.94 long-form; 0.90 short-form). Model fit was established for both long- and short-form versions with acceptable model fit indices. Convergent validity was supported by strong, theory-consistent correlations with the external constructs. Older workers, compared with those 20–49 years, had higher scores of thriving from work as well as differences identified on nine items. These age-patterned differences highlight actionable levers for occupational-health age-sensitive policy, wellbeing interventions, and workforce planning. The TfWQ offers a robust, reliable, valid, and practically oriented tool for evaluating older workers’ wellbeing with utility across research, practice, and policy. Full article

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in older adults (≥65 years) is often underestimated, despite being associated with significant morbidity. Age-related vulnerability, comorbidities, and medication use may exacerbate outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of brain health and functional recovery in older adults following mTBI, focusing on acute symptoms, CT imaging findings, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: We analyzed a cohort of 93 older adult patients with mTBI (GCS 13–15) who were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary neurosurgical center. All patients underwent baseline CT, structured clinical assessment, and follow-up at six months with standardized instruments (Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended-GOSE, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (quality-of-life measure)-SF-12, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire-RPQ, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression measure)-PHQ-9, PTSD (Post Traumatics Stress Disorder) Checklist for DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders)-PCL-5, Timed up and Go Test (mobility measure-TUG test). Multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors of recovery. Results: At six months, 94.9% of older adults achieved functional independence (GOSE ≥ 5), though only 43% attained complete recovery (GOSE = 8). Patients with acute intracranial lesions on CT had worse physical outcomes, including slower mobility (mean TUG 17.6 vs. 16.3 s, p = 0.012). Severe acute headache independently predicted poorer recovery (lower GOSE and SF-12 PCS). Lower educational attainment correlated with worse functional and quality-of-life outcomes, consistent with reduced cognitive reserve. Psychological outcomes (PTSD and depression rates) were not associated with CT findings but were influenced by social support and sex. Prompt anticoagulation reversal in patients on anticoagulants markedly reduced hemorrhagic complications. Discussion: Older adults with mTBI generally maintain independence but experience reduced physical health and mobility compared to younger patients. Predictors of poorer outcomes include severe acute symptoms, CT-detected lesions, advanced age, and lower educational levels. Psychosocial support mitigated mental health complications. Conclusions: mTBI in older adults is not benign. Clinical, imaging, and sociodemographic factors collectively shape recovery. Early identification of high-risk patients and targeted interventions are essential to preserve brain health and independence in this growing population. Full article

Objectives: Accumulating clinical evidence from experimental and observational studies with humans suggests that edible mushrooms may have beneficial effects on markers of brain health. This study examined the effects of daily consumption of fresh Agaricus bisporus (cremini mushrooms) exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light on indices of anxiety, depression, mood, cognitive function, and well-being in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Over a 6-week period, adults (n = 41 (19 M/22 F), age 43 ± 11 y; BMI 29.8 ± 5.9 kg/m², mean ± SD) without severe depression, cardiovascular disease, or Type 2 Diabetes consumed two daily servings (168 g/d wet weight) of cremini mushrooms intended to provide 400 IU/serving (800 IU/d) of vitamin D₂ (n = 20) or 2 tsp/d of breadcrumbs (control, n = 21). Assessments conducted at baseline and week 6 included General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF36v2). Results: Consuming UV light-exposed mushrooms did not improve brain health outcomes. Independent of mushroom consumption, over time, there were improvements in immediate memory (RBANS), language (RBANS), and depression (BDI-II and PHQ-9). Conclusions: There were no differences observed between groups in the investigated indices of brain health. However, improvements over time were observed in Beck’s Depression Inventory and the Immediate Memory and Language domains in the RBANS, independent of mushroom consumption. Overall, consuming 2 servings/d of UV-exposed mushrooms for six weeks may not improve indices of brain health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Potential correlations between the scores of self-report questionnaires and speech perception in noise abilities vary widely among studies and have been little explored in patients with conventional hearing aids (HAs). This study aimed to analyse the interrelations between (1) self-report auditory scales (the 15-item short-form of the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (15iSSQ) and the Extended Listening Effort Assessment Scale (EEAS); (2) speech perception in cocktail party noise, measured with and without HAs; and (3) a self-assessment of the listening effort perceived during the speech in a noise-perception task (TLE) in hearing-aid wearers. Material and Methods: –Thirty-two patients, aged of 77.5 years (SD = 12) with a mean HA experience of 5.6 years, completed the 15iSSQ and EEAS. Their speech-in-babble-noise perception thresholds (SPIN) were assessed with (HA_SPIN) and without their HAs (UA_SPIN), using a four-alternative forced-choice test in free field, with several fixed Signal to Noise ratios (SNR). They were asked to self-assess their listening effort at each of those SNRs, allowing us to define a task-related listening-effort threshold with (HA_TLE) and without HAs (UA_TLE), i.e., the SNR for which they self-evaluated their listening effort as 5 out of 10. Results: 15iSSQ decreased as both HA_SPIN (r = −0.47, p < 0.01) and HA_TLE increased (r = −0.36, p < 0.05). The relationship between 15iSSQSpeech and UA_SPIN (and UA_TLE) showed a strong moderating influence by HA experience and HA daily wear (HADW), explaining up to 31% of the variance. 15iSSQQuality depended on HA SPIN and HA_TLE (r = −0.50, p < 0.01), and the relationship between 15iSSQQuality and UA_TLE was moderated by HADW. EEAS scores depended on both HA experience and UA_SPIN, with a strong moderating influence by HADW. Conclusions: Relationships between auditory questionnaires and SPIN are strongly moderated by both HA experience and HADW, even in experienced HA users, showing the need to account for these variables when analysing relationships between questionnaires and hearing-in-noise tests in experienced HA wearers. Full article

Background: Exercise is known to help with the effects of the menopause, but women from low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to exercise less at this stage of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological effects of a Zumba Gold^® community-based intervention in postmenopausal women from low SES. Methods: Forty-three women were divided into a Zumba Gold^® (ZG) and control (C) group, and participated in pre- and post-testing sessions, separated by a 12-week intervention period. The outcomes measured were: body composition, sit-to-stand (STS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), balance, Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI-20), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), Behavioral Regulations in Exercise (BREQ-2), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Connectedness questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were also performed on 15 ZG participants. Results: The results showed significant improvements in the ZG group only for STS, 6MWT, mental health, fatigue (general, physical, and mental), social connectedness score, and a significantly lower level of amotivation. Zumba Gold^® had positive effects on four main themes: belonging, non-judgmental place, psychological motivational factors, and mind–body connection. Conclusions:This is the first study to show that ZG is beneficial for this population and encourages similar studies on other aspects of the menopause. Full article

Background: Bonded composite bite turbos are an efficient tool in the treatment of deep bite malocclusion. Patient satisfaction with orthodontic appliances has been correlated with treatment success. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction associated with bonded composite anterior bite turbos in deep bite treatment. Materials and Methods: This study was a one-arm prospective clinical study. Sixty patients, younger than 25 years old with permanent dentition and increased anterior overbite were treated with composite bite turbos bonded to the maxillary central incisors. A questionnaire form using the Likert scale with five responses (Very Unpleasant, Unpleasant, Acceptable, Pleasant, and Very Pleasant) was used by patients to document their satisfaction and feedback regarding the bite turbos after 1 week and 1 month. Statistical analyses with the chi-squared test was used to analyze the data for statistical significance. Results: Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between age and satisfaction score, while the Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the satisfaction scores between males and females. There was a statistically significant difference between all patient responses after 1 week and 1 month. A significant decline occurred in the unpleasant response from 10% after 1 week to 0% after 1 month; acceptable response from 36.7% after 1 week to 3.3% after 1 month. There was a statistically significant increase in the pleasant and very pleasant responses. Minor speech and eating difficulties were reported during the first week by 46.7% of patients. Conclusions: Anterior bite turbos made from Triad Gel and bonded to palatal surfaces of both maxillary central incisors using a Mini-Mold tip with 5 mm depth tip will most likely lead to an acceptance rate of 90% after 1 week and 100% acceptance rate after 1 month, without any problems in 53.3% of the patients. Short follow-up periods and lack of control group are the main limitations in this study. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07143916). Full article

Background: Chronic pain represents a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy and tolerability of conventional pharmacological treatments. Equisetum arvense L., a medicinal plant with potent antioxidant properties, and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide with well-established anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, are increasingly recognised as promising nutraceutical agents. Methods: This prospective, single-centre clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel oral supplement (Assonal^®PEA) combining 600 mg of PEA and 300 mg of Equisetum arvense L. in improving the reduction of pain and quality of life in patients with chronic pain, also obtaining information on the patient’s state of satisfaction after the treatment. Fifty patients suffering from chronic pain (low back pain and radiculopathy) for two months were enrolled and received the supplement over eight weeks in a tapered regimen (two tablets daily for two weeks, followed by one tablet daily). Results: Clinical outcomes were evaluated using validated instruments, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Global Perceived Effect (GPE), and EuroQol-5D-5L. Results showed a significant decrease in pain intensity (NPRS: −3.8 points; VRS: −2.1 points; p < 0.0001), along with meaningful improvements in patient-perceived benefit, pain descriptors, and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L: +35%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings endorse the use of this novel PEA–Equisetum arvense formulation as a safe, well-tolerated, and potentially effective supplementary intervention for managing chronic pain. No adverse events were reported, and the overall response rate reached 94%. Full article

The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) is a tool that has been examined in a number of cultural and language variations in an effort to validate it across a range of demographics. The aim of this study is to test the robustness of the TEIQue-Child Short Form’s reliability and validity using a Greek-speaking sample. As a result, seven factors emerge from the analysis, explaining 52.4% of the variance in total. The first factor is named “emotional regulation”, the second factor is named “sociability”, and the third factor is named “positive mood”. The fifth factor is named “low impulsivity”, while the fourth, sixth, and seventh factors are named “lack of persistence”, “emotion perception”, and “adaptability”, respectively. The reliability indices of the factors “emotional regulation”, “sociability”, “positive mood”, “low impulsivity”, and “emotion perception” are all above 70, indicating acceptable reliability. The reliability indices of the factors “lack of persistence” and “adaptability” are almost at acceptable levels (α = 0.69). In conclusion, it seems that the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) has undergone extensive validation across diverse linguistic and cultural populations, consistently demonstrating strong psychometric properties, and the TEIQue-CSF is a valid and reliable tool. Full article

Background/Objectives: This secondary analysis aimed to compare the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) versus calorie restriction (CR) and controls on mood and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Adults with T2D (n = 69) were randomly assigned to one of three interventions for 6 months: 8 h TRE (eating only between 12 and 8 pm daily); CR (25% energy restriction daily); or a no-intervention control group. At baseline and 6 months, mood was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires, while quality of life was assessed using the Rand 36-Item Short Form (SF-36). Results: Body weight significantly decreased in the TRE group (−3.38%; 95% CI, −6.04 to −0.71%, p = 0.008), but not in the CR group (−1.80%, 95% CI, −4.50 to 0.91%, p = 0.32) versus controls by month 6. Fat mass, lean mass, and visceral fat mass remained unchanged in TRE and CR groups, versus controls, from baseline to month 6. No changes were observed in depression scores (BDI-II), total mood disturbance, or any POMS subscales (tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, or vigor) in either the TRE or CR groups compared to controls. Similarly, there were no significant changes in the quality-of-life SF-36 constructs of vitality, bodily pain, mental health, and general physical health in the TRE or CR group versus controls. By month 6, there were no associations between changes in body weight, quality of life, and mood outcomes in any group. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that TRE and CR do not have any effect on mood or quality of life in adults with T2D, relative to controls. However, the participants’ baseline mood and quality of life were generally within healthy ranges, and only minimal weight loss was achieved (3.5%, TRE only), which may explain the lack of observed effects. Full article

Loneliness contributes to depression in older adults, but research on effective intervention strategies remains limited. This study aims to examine the moderating effects of social capital on the relationship between loneliness and depression in older adults. Social capital was divided into structural and cognitive social categories. A self-report questionnaire was administered to 350 participants aged 65 or older, using the Korean version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale, Structural Social Capital Scale, and Cognitive Social Capital Scale. Data from 334 patients were included in the final analysis, and the moderating effect was tested using Model 1 of the PROCESS Macro for SPSS. The results of this study are as follows: (1) it demonstrated that loneliness is a significant predictor of higher levels of depression; (2) structural social capital significantly moderated this relationship, indicating that the impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms varied according to the level of structural social capital; (3) cognitive social capital also moderated this relationship, suggesting that the influence of loneliness on depression differs based on the level of cognitive social capital. This study provides valuable foundational data for the development of prevention and intervention strategies targeting loneliness and depression in old age. Full article

Background: Pain is a multifaceted and debilitating symptom in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, especially those undergoing surgical resection followed by chemotherapy. The interplay between inflammatory, neuropathic, and psychosocial components often renders conventional analgesia insufficient. Psychobiotics—probiotic strains with neuroactive properties—have recently emerged as potential modulators of pain perception through neuroimmune and gut–brain axis pathways. Methods: This post hoc analysis is based on the ProDeCa randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which originally aimed to assess the psychotropic effects of a four-strain psychobiotic formulation in postoperative gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. In the current analysis, we evaluated changes in pain perception among non-depressed and depressed participants, who received either psychobiotics or placebo, along with standard analgesic regimes. Pain was assessed at baseline, after a month of treatment, and at follow-up, 2 months thereafter, using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), capturing both sensory and affective components, as well as with the Present Pain Intensity and the VAS scores. Results: Psychobiotic-treated participants—particularly the non-depressed ones—exhibited a significant reduction in both quantitative and qualitative pain indices over time compared with placebo-treated ones. Improvements were noted in total pain rating index scores, sensory and affective subscales, and present pain intensity. These effects were sustained up to 2 months after intervention. In contrast, placebo groups demonstrated worsening in pain scores, probably influenced by ongoing chemotherapy and disease progression. The analgesic effect was less pronounced but still observable in the subgroup with symptoms of depression. Conclusions: Adjunctive psychobiotic therapy appears to beneficially modulate pain perception in gastrointestinal oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, with the most pronounced effects being in non-depressed individuals. These findings suggest psychobiotics as a promising non-opioid add-on for comprehensive cancer pain management and support further investigation in larger pain-targeted trials. Full article

Background: Psychological distress is one of the leading causes of ill health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Nursing students often report higher levels of stress than the general population. Identifying the determinants of mental distress is essential to raise awareness and enable universities to implement preventive interventions. Aim: To examine the relationship between physical activity and psychological distress among nursing students at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 187 students completed a three-part survey: (I) sociodemographic characteristics, (II) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and (III) the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results: Among participants, 28.3% were inactive, 36.9% engaged in moderate activity, and 34.8% engaged in vigorous activity. Significant associations were observed between physical activity and gender (χ² = 9.64, p < 0.001), nationality (χ² = 8.09, p = 0.01), anxiety (FET = 99.34, p < 0.001), and stress levels (χ² = 12.41, p = 0.05). Regression analysis showed that gender, nationality, anxiety, and stress significantly predicted physical activity levels (F(3,183) = 62.47, p < 0.001), explaining 51% of the variance (R² = 0.506, adjusted R² = 0.498). Conclusion: Physical activity among nursing students was significantly associated with gender, nationality, anxiety, and stress. Programs that promote physical activity may help reduce psychological distress and improve students’ health and well-being. Failure to address high levels of stress and anxiety may increase the risk of burnout in future professional practice. Full article