Tag: pubmed

Biol Res Nurs. 2024 Nov 7:10998004241295360. doi: 10.1177/10998004241295360. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: This study aims to investigate the association between serum calcium levels and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk, examining whether this relationship differs by sex, given the known differences in calcium metabolism and hormonal influences between males and females. Methods: Utilizing the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES) prospective cohort data, our primary exposure variables were serum calcium level and sex. The incidence of ACS served as the main outcome of interest. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox regression analysis. An interaction analysis was conducted to assess the interaction effect of calcium level and sex on ACS incidence. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, high calcium intake did not significantly increase ACS incidence, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.90-1.26). There was also no significant difference in ACS risk between females and males (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.61-1.04). However, interaction effect analysis revealed that higher calcium levels were associated with an increased risk of ACS only in females (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07-1.58), whereas the association in males was not statistically significant (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.71-1.15). Conclusion: Our study results indicate that elevated serum calcium levels alone did not independently increase the risk of ACS; however, high serum calcium levels were associated with an increased risk of ACS in females but not in males, underscoring the importance of sex-specific factors in assessing and managing ACS risk and highlighting the necessity for personalized medical approaches to improve cardiovascular health outcomes for women.

PMID:39508165 | DOI:10.1177/10998004241295360

J Am Heart Assoc. 2024 Nov 7:e036898. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.124.036898. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seven million lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults will be aged >50 years by 2030; assessing and addressing their risk for cardiovascular disease is critical.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed a nationwide cohort using the Veterans Health Administration data. Sexual orientation (SO) was classified via a validated natural language processing algorithm. Prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (history of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or revascularization) was identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes. The index date was the date of the first primary care appointment on or after October 1, 2009. We ascertained covariates and prevalent ASCVD in the year following the index date; the baseline date was 1 year after the index date. We calculated sample statistics by sex and SO and used logistic regression analyses to assess associations between SO and prevalent ASCVD. Of 1 102 193 veterans with natural language processing-defined SO data, 170 861 were classified as LGB. Prevalent ASCVD was present among 25 031 (4105 LGB). Adjusting for age, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity, LGB veterans had 1.24 [1.19-1.28] greater odds of prevalent ASCVD versus non-LGB identified veterans. This association remained significant upon additional adjustment for the ASCVD risk factors substance use, anxiety, and depression (odds ratio [OR],1.17 [95% CI, 1.13-1.21]). Among a subset with self-reported SO, findings were consistent (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.20-1.95]).

CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to examine cardiovascular risk factors and disease of the veteran population stratified by natural language processing-defined SO. Future research must explore psychological, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that result in poorer cardiovascular health among LGB veterans.

PMID:39508159 | DOI:10.1161/JAHA.124.036898

Cancer Med. 2024 Nov;13(21):e70379. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70379.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The cumulative, health system-wide survival benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unclear, particularly among real-world patients with limited life expectancies and among subgroups poorly represented on clinical trials. We sought to determine the health system-wide survival impact of ICIs.

METHODS: We identified all patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors from 2010 to 2023 in the national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system (ICI cohort) and all patients who received non-ICI systemic therapy in the years before ICI approval (historical control). ICI and historical control cohorts were matched on multiple cancer-related prognostic factors, comorbidities, and demographics. The effect of ICI on overall survival was quantified with Cox regression incorporating matching weights. Cumulative life-years gained system-wide were calculated from the difference in adjusted 5-year restricted mean survival times.

RESULTS: There were 27,322 patients in the ICI cohort and 69,801 patients in the historical control cohort. Among ICI patients, the most common cancer types were NSCLC (46%) and melanoma (10%). ICI demonstrated a large OS benefit in most cancer types with heterogeneity across cancer types (NSCLC: adjusted HR [aHR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.58, p < 0.001; urothelial: aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-1.01, p = 0.066). The relative benefit of ICI was stable across patient age, comorbidity, and self-reported race subgroups. Across VHA, 15,859 life-years gained were attributable to ICI within 5-years of treatment, with NSCLC contributing the most life-years gained.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated substantial increase in survival due to ICIs across a national health system, including in patient subgroups poorly represented on clinical trials.

PMID:39508134 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.70379

Nurs Health Sci. 2024 Dec;26(4):e13191. doi: 10.1111/nhs.13191.

ABSTRACT

The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is superior to traditional methods of measuring arterial stiffness. However, its application in clinical practice has lagged behind the science. This study aimed to (1) examine its test-retest reliability and agreement between repeated measurements, (2) identify the correlation with fatigue and sleep quality, and (3) compare the CAVI values of the bilateral sides of people with stroke, and those of stroke survivors with and without fatigue. Participants (n = 67) were assessed using the CAVI, Fatigue Assessment Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The test-retest reliability ranged from 0.77 to 0.86. The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between test and retest. The standard error of measurement ranged from 0.59 to 0.66. The minimal detectable change ranged from 1.15 to 1.29. The CAVI values of the bilateral sides correlated with fatigue and those at the paretic side correlated with sleep quality. The CAVI values of the paretic side were higher than those of the non-paretic side in people with stroke. Stroke participants with fatigue had higher CAVI values than those without fatigue. CAVI has good test-retest reliability and agreement between repeated measurements for clinical use.

PMID:39508121 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.13191

Public Health Nutr. 2024 Nov 7;27(1):e227. doi: 10.1017/S1368980024001988.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with severe mental disorders (SMD) and the factors associated with their socio-demographic and disease characteristics in a cross-sectional population-based study.

DESIGN: This analysis examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 14 868 managed SMD patients in an urban area of Shenzhen city based on data from the health information monitoring system in 2021. Multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with SMD.

SETTING: China.

PARTICIPANTS: 14 868 patients with SMD.

RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with SMD in this study was 32·6 % and 16·1 %, respectively. In multivariate analysis, married status, Shenzhen household registration, management durations of 5-10 years and >10 years, participation in family physician services, taking clozapine or aripiprazole, FPG > 6·1 mmol/l, hypertension, TC ≥ 5·2 mmol/l, TG ≥ 1·7 mmol/l, and more frequent follow-ups in the past year were associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity. Compared to their respective reference categories, living with parents, spouse and children, taking risperidone, aripiprazole, amisulpride and perphenazine, FPG > 6·1 mmol/l, hypertension, TC ≥ 5·2 mmol/l, TG ≥ 1·7 mmol/l, and more frequent follow-ups in the past year were associated with higher odds of obesity.

CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with SMD in this study. The findings highlight the need for integrated management of overweight and obesity risk factors among patients with SMD.

PMID:39508091 | DOI:10.1017/S1368980024001988

R Soc Open Sci. 2024 Nov 6;11(11):231433. doi: 10.1098/rsos.231433. eCollection 2024 Nov.

ABSTRACT

The structural properties of the Saharan air layer (SAL) including chemical, morphological and optical properties were measured during the Saharan Aerosol Longrange TRansport and Aerosol Cloud interaction Experiment (SALTRACE- June/July 2013). Flight measurements were done from Cape Verde and the Caribbean. Changes happening with the chemical composition, mixing, shape and absorption of aerosol single particles (particle diameter range 0.5-3.0 µm) inside SAL during its transport are detailed. Dust-dominated SAL (relative number abundance >90%) and generally low mixing (<1% with sea-salt and sulphates) are observed at both locations. The change in shape (determined as aspect ratio (AR)) after transatlantic transport was statistically not significant. The iron oxide fraction, important for light absorption, contributed 6.0-6.8% to SAL dust. A lower amount of Fe oxides was observed in transported SAL, especially for the size range 0.5-1.5 µm. This reduction in Fe oxide content resulted in a 4% decrease (0.0046-0.0044) in dust imaginary refractive index and a 1% decrease in single scattering albedo (0.802-0.809) at 520 nm. Our work suggests including the size distribution of iron oxides and their particular behaviour in future experiment/model studies.

PMID:39507994 | PMC:PMC11539264 | DOI:10.1098/rsos.231433

Metabol Open. 2024 Oct 18;24:100325. doi: 10.1016/j.metop.2024.100325. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects over 25 % of the global population, presenting a significant health challenge. It is often asymptomatic but linked to severe conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Previous research indicates that people often underestimate MASLD risks. This study examines MASLD prevalence and awareness among medical students in an academic health care institute in India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study at SRM Medical College Hospital, Chennai, involved 80 medical and paramedical students aged 18-25. Exclusion criteria included history of alcohol use, neurological disorders, thyroid issues, diabetes, and hypertension. After obtaining informed consent, anthropometric data and blood samples were collected. Biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C, and GGT were measured. The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used to assess liver steatosis, with an FLI ≥60 indicating NAFLD. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 22.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Among 80 participants, the mean age and BMI were 20.2 ± 1.03 years and 23.16 ± 4.55 kg/m². The mean Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score was 15.11 ± 19.68. MASLD prevalence was 7.5 % (n = 6). Significant positive correlations were found between FLI and BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and GGT, while HDL-C showed a non-significant negative correlation. Most participants were aware of MASLD and its risk factors but showed varied adherence to preventive measures.

CONCLUSION: Health Sciences undergraduates had a 7.5 % MASLD prevalence, highlighting a gap in understanding and testing. Addressing this requires better guidelines, awareness, and healthcare system enhancements.

PMID:39507991 | PMC:PMC11539341 | DOI:10.1016/j.metop.2024.100325

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2024 Sep 20;55(5):1316-1321. doi: 10.12182/20240960402.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To establish a viable bacteria assay for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by assessing the cgt gene expression, and to develop accordingly a rapid and novel testing method for clinical precision treatment.

METHODS: Viable bacteria count was determined in bacterial cultures. The transcriptional expression level of cgt (hp0421), the conserved gene that encodes cholesterol-α-glucosyltransferase (CGT) in H. pylori, was measured by RT-PCR. The correlation between the number of colonies and cgt gene transcription expression was analyzed and the regression model was constructed. The linear range, sensitivity, and specificity of the new method were examined accordingly. The bactericidal action of clarithromycin was assessed using this method to verify the performance of the method in determining clinical bacterial drug resistance.

RESULTS: The Ct values of cgt for H. pylori colony counts of 10², 10⁴, 10⁶, and 10⁸ CFU/mL were 29.67±0.14, 23.37±0.36, 17.65±0.37, and 11.38±0.39, respectively. In the range of 10¹-10⁸ CFU/mL, the regression equation for cgt gene expression and viable bacterial counts determined by RT-qPCR was y=-0.3501x+12.49, with the correlation coefficient being R ²=0.9992 and the sensitivity being 10¹ CFU/mL, showing no cross-reaction with 13 other bacteria. The lg values of live H. pylori bacteria treated with clarithromycin at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL for 12 h were 2.57±0.02, 2.45±0.01, 2.19±0.02, 1.91±0.07, and 1.33±0.05, respectively. The corresponding cgt gene Ct values were 27.76±0.09, 28.37±0.24, 29.51±0.14, 30.11±0.12, and 31.66±0.11. By applying the cgt gene expression in the equation, the estimated counts of viable bacteria were found to be 2.73±0.03, 2.52±0.08, 2.11±0.05, 1.89±0.02, and 1.33±0.04, showing no significant difference in statistical analysis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The method for assessing viable bacteria account by evaluating cgt gene expression in H. pylori was successfully established, significantly reducing the time required to determine viable bacteria count and providing a new method for clinical viable bacteria testing.

PMID:39507989 | PMC:PMC11536244 | DOI:10.12182/20240960402

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2024 Nov 6. doi: 10.1038/s41409-024-02447-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Measurable residual disease (MRD) in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission is an important prognostic marker, but detection methodology requires optimization. Persistence of mutated NPM1 or FLT3-ITD in the blood of adult patients with AML in first complete remission (CR1) prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) associates with increased relapse and death after transplant. The prognostic implications of persistence of other common AML-associated mutations, such as IDH1, at this treatment landmark however remain incompletely defined. We performed testing for residual IDH1 variants (IDH1m) in pre-transplant CR1 blood of 148 adult patients undergoing alloHCT for IDH1-mutated AML at a CIBMTR reporting site between 2013 and 2019. No statistically significant post-transplant differences were observed between those testing IDH1m positive (n = 53, 36%) and negative pre-transplant (overall survival (OS): p = 0.4; relapse: p = 0.5). For patients with IDH1 mutated AML co-mutated with NPM1 and/or FLT3-ITD, only detection of persistent mutated NPM1 and/or FLT3-ITD was associated with significantly higher rates of relapse (p = 0.01). These data, from the largest study to date, do not support the detection of IDH1 mutation in CR1 blood prior to alloHCT as evidence of AML MRD for increased post-transplant relapse risk.

PMID:39506075 | DOI:10.1038/s41409-024-02447-4

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 6;14(1):26957. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78358-7.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effectiveness of various electrical stimulation methods in alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for women with urinary incontinence. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that meet following criteria were included, urinary continence in women, using various electric stimulation treatments and evaluated outcomes related to symptoms, quality of life. Thirty RCTs were subjected to risk of bias assessment, certainty of evidence, and network meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with continuous variables expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Percutaneous tibial stimulation (SMD – 1.86, 95% CI – 2.77 to – 0.96) and intravaginal stimulation (SMD – 0.97, 95% CI – 1.55 to – 0.38) significantly reduced symptom severity. Additionally, percutaneous tibial, intravaginal, transcutaneous tibial, and trans-sacral stimulations improved quality of life. Percutaneous tibial stimulation was the most effective, followed by intravaginal stimulation. Despite moderate to low confidence in the evidence, large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate long-term benefits of these treatment.

PMID:39506061 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-78358-7