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Gut and Liver Jul 2024Young Korean men are obligated to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months. We investigated the effects of military service on steatotic liver disease (SLD) and other...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Young Korean men are obligated to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months. We investigated the effects of military service on steatotic liver disease (SLD) and other metabolic parameters.
METHODS
Pre-enlistment health check-up performed from 2019 to 2022 and in-service health check-up performed from 2020 to 2022 were merged as paired data. SLD was defined as a hepatic steatosis index of 36 or higher. Hypertension (HTN) and hypertriglyceridemia were also included in the analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 503,136 paired cases were included in the analysis. Comparing pre-enlistment and in-service health check-ups, the prevalence of SLD (22.2% vs 17.6%, p<0.001), HTN (7.6% vs 4.3%, p<0.001), and hypertriglyceridemia (8.1% vs 2.9%, p<0.001) decreased during military service. In terms of body mass index, the proportion of underweight (8.2% vs 1.4%, p<0.001) and severely obese (6.1% vs 4.9%, p<0.001) individuals decreased over time. Regarding factors associated with SLD development and resolution, age was positively associated with SLD development (odds ratio, 1.146; p<0.001) and a health check-up interval of <450 days was a protective factor for SLD development (odds ratio, 0.746; p<0.001). Those serving in the marines were less likely to develop SLD, whereas those serving in the navy were more likely to develop SLD. Serving in the army or the navy was negatively associated with SLD resolution, whereas serving in the air force was positively associated with SLD resolution.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of SLD, HTN, and hypertriglyceridemia decreased substantially during Korean military service.
PubMed: 38953118
DOI: 10.5009/gnl240077 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Due to hazardous working conditions, welders are more likely to be exposed to mild to severe eye issues during the welding process. Globally, this issue is a major... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Due to hazardous working conditions, welders are more likely to be exposed to mild to severe eye issues during the welding process. Globally, this issue is a major contributor to vision loss and blindness. One of the most frequent causes of unilateral blindness in the globe is ocular injury.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, Scopus, web of Science, Google Scholar, and the African Journals Online were systematically searched for relevant literature. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA data analysis software version 14, while Microsoft Excel was used for data abstraction. We checked publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger and Begg regression tests. A -value < 0.05 was considered significant, suggesting the presence of presence publication bias. The I statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. The study's overall effect was evaluated using the random effects model.
RESULTS
From retrieved 2,326 original studies, 17 studies were included in the final pooled prevalence analysis. The overall prevalence of ocular protection practice among small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa was 53.71% (95% CI: 42.54, 64.88). Having pre and in-service training [AOR: 4.97, 95% CI: (2.64, 9.36)], having work experience as a welder [AOR: 4.94, 95% CI: (3.24, 7.54)], and having a history of ocular injury [AOR: 2.99, 95% CI: (1.58, 5.66)] were significantly associated with the ocular protection practices.
CONCLUSIONS
In sub-Saharan African countries, the ocular protection practices among small-scale welders were low. Furthermore, the current meta-analysis found ocular protection practice to be significantly associated with on-the-job training, work experience of welders, and a history of ocular injury in the past year of small-scale welders in sub-Saharan Africa. This review will serve as baseline data for further studies to generate inputs for eye care providers and policymakers to improve good practice levels about ocular protection. Policies should be put in place to ensure all welders use proper personal-protective equipment, and receive regular health training.
Topics: Humans; Africa South of the Sahara; Prevalence; Eye Injuries; Welding; Eye Protective Devices
PubMed: 38952737
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397578 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024To investigate the association between dietary and some other environmental factors and the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Chinese population.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between dietary and some other environmental factors and the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Chinese population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A multicenter case-control study was conducted involving 11 hospitals across China. A total of 1,230 subjects were enrolled consecutively, and diet and environmental factor questionnaires were collected. IBD patients were matched with healthy controls (HC) using propensity-score matching (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio with a caliper value of 0.02. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between diet, environmental factors, and IBD.
RESULTS
Moderate alcohol and milk consumption, as well as daily intake of fresh fruit, were protective factors for both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Conversely, the consumption of eggs and chocolate increased the risk of IBD. Outdoor time for more than 25% of the day was a protective factor only for CD. In eastern regions of China, CD patients had higher egg consumption and less outdoor time, while UC patients consumed more chocolate. IBD patients from urban areas or with higher per capita monthly income consumed more fruit, eggs, and chocolate.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reveals an association between specific foods, outdoor time, and the emergence of IBD in the Chinese population. The findings emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, sufficient outdoor time and activities, and tailored prevention strategies considering regional variations.
Topics: Humans; China; Female; Case-Control Studies; Male; Adult; Diet; Propensity Score; Middle Aged; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease
PubMed: 38952728
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1368401 -
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences Jun 2024Heart transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage heart failure. This study investigated the intra-operative risk factors affecting post-transplantation...
BACKGROUND
Heart transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage heart failure. This study investigated the intra-operative risk factors affecting post-transplantation mortality.
METHODS
This single-center retrospective cohort study examined 239 heart transplant patients over eight years, from 2011-2019, at the oldest dedicated cardiovascular center, Shahid Rajaee Hospital (Tehran, Iran). The primary evaluated clinical outcomes were rejection, readmission, and mortality one month and one year after transplantation. For data analysis, univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
In this study, 107 patients (43.2%) were adults, and 132 patients (56.8%) were children. Notably, reoperation due to bleeding was a significant predictor of one-month mortality in both children (OR=7.47, P=0.006) and adults (OR=172.12, P<0.001). Moreover, the need for defibrillation significantly increased the risk of one-month mortality in both groups (children: OR=38.00, P<0.001; adults: OR=172.12, P<0.001). Interestingly, readmission had a protective effect against one-month mortality in both children (OR=0.02, P<0.001) and adults (OR=0.004, P<0.001). Regarding one-year mortality, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was associated with a higher risk in both children (OR=7.64, P=0.001) and adults (OR=12.10, P<0.001). For children, reoperation due to postoperative hemorrhage also increased the risk (OR=5.14, P=0.020), while defibrillation was a significant risk factor in both children and adults (children: OR=22.00, P<0.001; adults: OR=172.12, P<0.001). The median post-surgery survival was 22 months for children and 24 months for adults.
CONCLUSION
There was no correlation between sex and poorer outcomes. Mortality at one month and one year after transplantation was associated with the following risk factors: the use of ECMO, reoperation for bleeding, defibrillation following cross-clamp removal, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. Readmission, on the other hand, had a weak protective effect.
Topics: Humans; Heart Transplantation; Male; Female; Risk Factors; Retrospective Studies; Iran; Child; Adult; Middle Aged; Patient Readmission; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Reoperation; Young Adult; Postoperative Complications; Heart Failure
PubMed: 38952641
DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.99165.3122 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Recently, investigation of advanced shielding materials to be used as an alternative to lead apron has become important. In the current study, MgO loaded into PVC matrix...
Recently, investigation of advanced shielding materials to be used as an alternative to lead apron has become important. In the current study, MgO loaded into PVC matrix as a non-lead modern shielding composite was modeled to evaluate its performance on radiation protective clothing (RPC). Parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), mean free path (MFP), flux buildup factor (FBF), transmission factor (TF) and lead equivalent value (LEV) of samples were calculated using MCNPX Code. The simulation of the MCNP code was validated, by comparing the mass attenuation of concrete sample, with standard XCOM data and very good agreement was attended between XCOM and MC Code results. The MAC of nano and micro-sized samples were also compared with pure PVC and it was found that the nano MgO particle exhibits higher attenuation compared to micro MgO particle and pure PVC. The results show that, the MAC of samples increased to 63.13 % in 1.332 MeV with increasing filler concentration of nano MgO to 50 wt% relative to pure PVC. Investigation of LEV shows that nano MgO sample has more effective than Pb in 1.173 and 1.332 MeV gamma ray energy so that it provides 36.46 % and 11.13 % lighter RPC than Pb ones.
PubMed: 38952365
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32711 -
International Journal of Psychology :... Jul 2024We examined whether cultural values, conformity and parenting behaviours were related to child adjustment in middle childhood in the United States. White, Black and...
We examined whether cultural values, conformity and parenting behaviours were related to child adjustment in middle childhood in the United States. White, Black and Latino mothers (n = 273), fathers (n = 182) and their children (n = 272) reported on parental individualism and collectivism, conformity values, parental warmth, monitoring, family obligation expectations, and child internalising and externalising behaviours. Mean differences, bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed on variables of interest. Collectivism in mothers and fathers was associated with family obligation expectations and parental warmth. Fathers with higher conformity values had higher expectations of children's family obligations. Child internalising and externalising behaviours were greater when Latino families subscribed to individualistic values. These results are discussed in the context of cultural values, protective and promotive factors of behaviour, and race/ethnicity in the United States.
PubMed: 38952350
DOI: 10.1002/ijop.13214 -
Journal of the Science of Food and... Jul 2024This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein (OLE) ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying mechanisms.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of oleuropein (OLE) ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its underlying mechanisms.
RESULTS
Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a HFD supplemented with 0.03% (w/w) OLE for 16 weeks. OLE supplementation decreased body weight and liver weight, improved serum lipid profiles, and ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic dysfunction. Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that OLE increased the levels of nicotinamide, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurine, and docosahexaenoic acid, which were beneficial for lipid homeostasis and inflammation regulation. OLE exerted its protective effects by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a key transcription factor that regulates fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression and modulates lipid oxidation, lipogenesis and inflammation pathways. Importantly, OLE supplementation did not significantly affect body weight or liver weight in PPARα knockout (PPARα KO) mice, indicating that PPARα is essential for OLE-mediated NAFLD prevention.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that OLE alleviates NAFLD in mice by activating PPARα and modulating liver metabolites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
PubMed: 38952322
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13691 -
Tropical Medicine and Health Jul 2024The enduring COVID-19 pandemic has had persistent, intermittent socioeconomic impacts on migrants. This raises the concern that many Vietnamese migrants in Japan may...
INTRODUCTION
The enduring COVID-19 pandemic has had persistent, intermittent socioeconomic impacts on migrants. This raises the concern that many Vietnamese migrants in Japan may have developed mental health issues due to the socioeconomic impact. The study aimed to examine changes in the socio-economic and mental health status of Vietnamese migrants in Japan and factors affecting mental health status during the early to mid-COVID-19 period.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective cohort study among Vietnamese migrants in Japan from September to October 2021 (baseline) and from May to June 2022 (follow-up) using an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between changes in socioeconomic status and alterations in symptoms of depression and anxiety within this demographic.
RESULTS
The mean age of the 159 participants was 26.1 ± 4.9 years, with a mean length of residency in Japan of 4.0 ± 4.1 years. The mean PHQ-9 score exhibited a significant decrease from 7.89 (SD = 6.34) to 6.62 (SD = 5.87) (p = 0.01). Variables associated with changes in depression and anxiety included subjective socioeconomic status (unstandardized partial regression coefficient (UPRC): 1.901, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 3.50, p = 0.02) and (UPRC: 2.060, 95% CI 0.80 to 3.32, p = 0.002), as well as changes in having someone with whom to discuss one's health (UPRC: 2.689, 95% CI 0.89 to 4.49, p = 0.004) and (UPRC: 1.955, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.38, p = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS
In this prospective cohort study of depression and anxiety, depressive symptoms among Vietnamese migrants decreased from 2021 to 2022. Key findings underscore the importance of socioeconomic status improvement and having someone to discuss to about their health as protective factors against mental health challenges. Employment and social support have emerged as crucial determinants of mental health among Vietnamese migrants in Japan, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive support strategies addressing both economic vulnerabilities and social connectedness.
PubMed: 38951851
DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00605-4 -
Lipids in Health and Disease Jun 2024An imbalance in lipid metabolism has been linked to the development of AMD, but the causal relationship between AMD and plasma fatty acids (FAs) remains controversial....
BACKGROUND
An imbalance in lipid metabolism has been linked to the development of AMD, but the causal relationship between AMD and plasma fatty acids (FAs) remains controversial. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we sought to evaluate the impact of specific FA plasma levels on the risk of different AMD subtypes.
METHODS
We analysed genome-wide association data of circulating FAs from 115,006 European-descended individuals in the UK Biobank. These data were used in a two-sample MR framework to assess the potential role of circulating FAs in developing wet and dry AMD. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of our findings. Additional multivariable and locus-specific MR analyses were conducted to evaluate direct effects of FA on AMD subtypes, minimizing biases from lipoprotein-related traits and triglycerides.
RESULTS
Mendelian randomization revealed associations of omega-3 was associated with decreased wet (OR 0.78, 95%CI 0.66-0.92) and dry AMD (0.85, 0.74-0.97) risk, showed a protective effect on AMD. Notably, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio showed potential causal effects on both wet (1.27, 1.03-1.56) and dry AMD (1.18, 1.02-1.37). Multivariable MR suggested that the causal relationship of omega-3, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio on wet AMD persists after conditioning on HDL, LDL and triglycerides, albeit with slightly diminished evidence strength. Locus-specific MR linked to omega-3(FADS1, 0.89, 0.82-0.98; FADS2, 0.88, 0.81-0.96) and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (FADS1, 1.10, 1.02-1.20; FADS2, 1.11, 1.03-1.20) suggests causal effects of these factors on wet AMD.
CONCLUSIONS
The associations between plasma FA concentrations and AMD, suggest potential causal role of omega-3, and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in wet AMD. These results underscore the impact of an imbalanced circulating omega-3 and omega-6 FA ratio on AMD pathophysiology from MR perspective.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Macular Degeneration; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Genome-Wide Association Study; Male; Delta-5 Fatty Acid Desaturase; Female; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Fatty Acid Desaturases; Middle Aged; Triglycerides; Fatty Acids; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38951820
DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02197-8 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024The cardiotoxicity related to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer patients has garnered widespread attention. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has recently been...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The cardiotoxicity related to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer patients has garnered widespread attention. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has recently been identified as a novel predictive marker for the development of cardiovascular illnesses in individuals without pre-existing health conditions. However, it remains unclear whether the levels of SII are linked to cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU. This retrospective study aims to fill this knowledge gap by examining the correlation between SII and cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU in a colorectal cancer cohort.
METHODS
The study comprised colorectal cancer patients who received 5-FU-based chemotherapy at the affiliated cancer hospital of Guizhou Medical University between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. After adjustment for confounders and stratification by tertiles of the interactive factor, linear regression analyses, curve fitting and threshold effect analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
Of the 754 patients included final analysis, approximately 21% (n = 156) of them ultimately experienced cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU. Monocytes (M) was found as an influential element in the interaction between SII and cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU. In the low tertile of M (T1: M ≤ 0.38 × 10/L), increasing log SII was positively correlated with cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU (Odds Ratio [OR], 8.04; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.68 to 38.56). However, a curvilinear relationship between log SII and cardiotoxicity was observed in the middle tertile of M (T2: 0.38 < M ≤ 0.52 × 10/L). An increase in log SII above 1.37 was shown to be associated with a decreased risk of cardiotoxicity (OR, 0.14; 95%CI, 0.02 to 0.88), indicating a threshold effect. In the high tertile of M (T3: M > 0.52 × 10/L), there was a tendency towards a negative linear correlation between the log SII and cardiotoxicity was observed (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.37 to 1.98).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that SII may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU in colorectal cancer patients. SII is an independent risk factor for cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU with low monocytes levels (T1). Conversely, in the middle monocytes levels (T2), SII is a protective factor for cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU but with a threshold effect.
Topics: Humans; Fluorouracil; Colorectal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Cardiotoxicity; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Inflammation; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Monocytes; Adult
PubMed: 38951749
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12568-0