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Journal of Clinical Hypertension... Jun 2024Salt-sensitive hypertension is common among individuals with essential hypertension, and the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has increased. However,...
Salt-sensitive hypertension is common among individuals with essential hypertension, and the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has increased. However, data from early identification of the risk of developing LVH in young adults with salt-sensitive hypertension are lacking. Thus, the present study aimed to design a nomogram for predicting the risk of developing LVH in young adults with salt-sensitive hypertension. A retrospective analysis of 580 patients with salt-sensitive hypertension was conducted. The training set consisted of 70% (n = 406) of the patients, while the validation set consisted of the remaining 30% (n = 174). Based on multivariate analysis of the training set, predictors for LVH were extracted to develop a nomogram. Discrimination curves, calibration curves, and clinical utility were employed to assess the predictive performance of the nomogram. The final simplified nomogram model included age, sex, office systolic blood pressure, duration of hypertension, abdominal obesity, triglyceride-glucose index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In the training set, the model demonstrated moderate discrimination, as indicated by an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.863 (95% confidence interval: 0.831-0.894). The calibration curve exhibited good agreement between the predicted and actual probabilities of LVH in the training set. Additionally, the validation set further confirmed the reliability of the prediction nomogram. In conclusions, the simplified nomogram, which consists of seven routine clinical variables, has shown good performance and clinical utility in identifying young adults with salt-sensitive hypertension who are at high risk of LVH at an early stage.
PubMed: 38940286
DOI: 10.1111/jch.14863 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Understanding chronic disease prevalence, patterns, and co-occurrence is pivotal for effective health care planning and disease prevention strategies. In this paper, we...
BACKGROUND
Understanding chronic disease prevalence, patterns, and co-occurrence is pivotal for effective health care planning and disease prevention strategies. In this paper, we aimed to identify the clustering of major non-communicable diseases among Indian adults aged ≥50 years based on their self-reported diagnosed non-communicable disease status and to find the risk factors that heighten the risk of developing the identified disease clusters.
METHODS
We utilised data from the nationally representative survey Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave-2). The eligible sample size was 6298 adults aged ≥50 years. We conducted the latent class analysis to uncover latent subgroups of multimorbidity and the multinomial logistic regression to identify the factors linked to observed latent class membership.
RESULTS
The latent class analysis grouped our sample of men and women >49 years old into three groups - mild multimorbidity risk (41%), moderate multimorbidity risk (30%), and severe multimorbidity risk (29%). In the mild multimorbidity risk group, the most prevalent diseases were asthma and arthritis, and the major prevalent disease in the moderate multimorbidity risk group was low near/distance vision, followed by depression, asthma, and lung disease. Angina, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke were the major diseases in the severe multimorbidity risk category. Individuals with higher ages had an 18% and 15% higher risk of having moderate multimorbidity and severe multimorbidity compared to those in the mild multimorbidity category. Females were more likely to have a moderate risk (3.36 times) and 2.82 times more likely to have severe multimorbidity risk.
CONCLUSIONS
The clustering of diseases highlights the importance of integrated disease management in primary care settings and improving the health care system to accommodate the individual's needs. Implementing preventive measures and tailored interventions, strengthening the health and wellness centres, and delivering comprehensive primary health care services for secondary and tertiary level hospitalisation may cater to the needs of multimorbid patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; India; Middle Aged; Chronic Disease; Aged; Risk Factors; Multimorbidity; Cluster Analysis; Latent Class Analysis; Prevalence; Noncommunicable Diseases; Health Surveys
PubMed: 38940270
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04079 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years constitute an interesting consumer group due to their greater autonomy in the area of nutrition, compared to the younger group of...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years constitute an interesting consumer group due to their greater autonomy in the area of nutrition, compared to the younger group of children, among other things, due to their 'pocket money' and the greater influence of their peer group. However, this is an age group at high risk of inadequate nutrition, eating disorders, including those related to obesity and underweight. Hence, the aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of pupils aged 10-12 years towards food and nutrition.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 84 primary school pupils from different localities in Poland.
RESULTS
Pupils had moderate knowledge of food and nutrition but did not consistently apply this knowledge in practice. Four pupils' profiles were identified, categorized as 'engaged,' 'obedient,' 'rebels,' and 'indifferent,' based on their level of involvement and awareness of proper nutrition. Lunch was the most regularly consumed meal, sometimes eaten twice a day (at school and at home), while first breakfast was skipped the most frequently, mainly because of lack of time and morning rush. Pupils accurately identified recommended and not recommended food products, but lacked an understanding of their importance for health. Pupils' emotional state increased the consumption of salty snacks, sweets, and fast food, and to a lesser extent, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. Pupils reported engaging in moderate physical activity, although they also spent a significant amount of time on the internet or watching TV.
CONCLUSIONS
Primary school pupils aged 10-12 years represented a relatively good level of knowledge about adequate nutrition; nevertheless, they did not follow these recommendations in practice.
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Students; Poland; Female; Schools; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Focus Groups; Feeding Behavior; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 38940107
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/176350 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar... Jun 2024Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major heritable genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Mauritania. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can affect the pathophysiology,...
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major heritable genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Mauritania. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can affect the pathophysiology, moderate the clinical course, and offer prospects for curative treatment of SCD. This study aimed to investigate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene on the levels of HbF and hematological parameters in Mauritanian sickle cell () patients.
METHODS
Complete blood count was assessed in 565 patients suspected to have SCD. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to identify the , and sequencing was used for genotyping three SNPs: () and () in the intron 2 and () in the regions of the gene in 50 sickle cell patients.
RESULTS
The prevalence of HbSS among the study population was 8.8% (50/565), and the mean (± standard deviation) of HbF level was 15.0% (± 6.0%). Sequencing showed the presence of three genotypes: AA (13.6%), AG (46.6%), GG (39.6%) in rs4671393; CC (17.6%), CT (48.7%), and TT (33.6%) in . All samples from HbSS individuals displayed a wild-type genotype in the rs1052520 allele. The prevalence of minor alleles () and () were 37% and 39%, respectively. There was a statistically significant association ( = 0.034) between rs4671393 SNP and elevated HbF (mean 12.72 ± 6.26%).
CONCLUSIONS
The study of three SNPs in the locus in Mauritanian patients with SCD showed a significant association of allele with the HbF level. Further research is needed to explore additional SNPs in the locus and investigate other genetic markers reported to modulate HbF levels, such as and , to improve the management of this potentially life-threatening condition in Mauritania.
Topics: Humans; Fetal Hemoglobin; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Female; Male; Adult; Repressor Proteins; Mauritania; Genotype; Nuclear Proteins; Adolescent; Carrier Proteins; Young Adult; Child
PubMed: 38939975
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbs1602011 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar... Apr 2024Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), an infectious disease resulting from a virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), was discovered in...
BACKGROUND
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), an infectious disease resulting from a virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), was discovered in China in 2019 and causes several mild to moderate respiratory conditions. This study aimed to reveal the changes in serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) and other parameters in Iraqi COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls by studying the effects of enoxaparin and evaluating the potential of IL-10 as a disease activity marker.
METHODS
This was a case-control study that included 180 samples: 90 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from November 2022 to 20 April 2023 (40 patients had never used enoxaparin, whereas 50 patients had taken enoxaparin) and 90 healthy, age- and sex-matched control. There were 44 female patients and 46 male patients. The mean age of the patients and controls was 53.8 years 50.8 years, respectively. The sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure IL-10 levels, while other parameters were assessed using the colorimetric method.
RESULTS
The results of the study indicated highly significant changes between the patients and healthy controls in IL-10, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as liver and renal functions. These findings elucidated a significant change between enoxaparin patients and non-enoxaparin patients in IL-10, D-dimer, and CRP levels. However, the liver and renal functions were not significantly altered. The Spearman's rank correlation test investigated the relationship between serum IL-10 and CRP.
CONCLUSIONS
The results displayed a strong positive relationship between IL-10 and CRP. There were no significant differences between the other analyzed parameters; consequently, the patients had higher concentrations of IL-10, D-dimer, and some other parameters than the healthy controls. Additionally, IL-10 may be used as a marker of disease activity. Enoxaparin will likely help control IL-10 and D-dimer concentrations in patients since IL-10 levels decreased in patients treated with enoxaparin.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-10; Enoxaparin; Male; Female; Case-Control Studies; COVID-19; Middle Aged; Iraq; Adult; C-Reactive Protein; SARS-CoV-2; Biomarkers; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Anticoagulants; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Aged
PubMed: 38939974
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbs1602009 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Emotion-oriented approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in the care of the elderly. However, related studies have reported conflicting results. We aimed to explore... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Emotion-oriented approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in the care of the elderly. However, related studies have reported conflicting results. We aimed to explore the pooled effect of emotion-oriented approaches on the psychological outcomes and cognitive function of older adults through a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
We searched eight databases - CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science - for RCTs from inception to 11 January 2024. Participants aged 60 years or older who received emotion-oriented approaches as the intervention, and reported outcomes of interest in the studies were included. The primary outcome was psychological outcomes (depression, self-esteem, life satisfaction and loneliness), and the secondary outcome was global cognitive function. The pooled effect size was computed in comprehensive meta-analysis 3.0 software using Hedges' g (g) with random-effects model. Furthermore, heterogeneity was assessed through Cochrane's Q and I tests. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. To explore potential sources of heterogeneity, moderator analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
We included 37 RCTs and found that emotion-oriented approaches improve depression (g = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.08, -0.56), self-esteem (g = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.31, 1.64), life satisfaction (g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.88), loneliness (g = -2.22, 95% CI = -3.80, -0.64) and global cognitive function (g = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.49) in older adults. We also observed significant follow-up effects on depression (g = -1.40, 95% CI = -2.45, -0.34) and loneliness (g = -3.48, 95% CI = 6.02, -0.94).
CONCLUSIONS
Emotion-oriented approaches are promising interventions in improving psychological outcomes and global cognitive function in older adults. Health care workers should receive training to promote and integrate emotion-oriented approaches into routine care of older adults emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts among health care professionals and caregivers to ensure holistic care delivery.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Aged; Cognition; Emotions; Depression; Middle Aged; Loneliness; Self Concept; Aged, 80 and over; Personal Satisfaction
PubMed: 38939961
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04123 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jun 2024Millets, owing to their rich nutritional and low-to-moderate glycemic index values, are termed superfoods; however, some anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, limit...
INTRODUCTION
Millets, owing to their rich nutritional and low-to-moderate glycemic index values, are termed superfoods; however, some anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, limit the absorption of micro and macronutrients. Non-thermal processing technologies, such as fermentation, can improve nutrient content and reduce these anti-nutritional factors.
METHODS
The effect of a controlled submerged fermentation of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet using mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture in tofu whey-based media on the proximate, antioxidant, tannin content, vitamin B, amino acids profile and estimated glycemic index (eGI) of different millets were evaluated.
RESULTS
The protein content (2-12.5%), carbohydrate content (2-13.6%), antioxidant activity (3-49%), vitamin B complex, amino acid profile (89-90%), and eGI of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet improved due to LAB-assisted submerged fermentation. In contrast, fat (4-15%), ash (56-67%), crude fiber (5-34%), minerals, tannin and resistant starch content decreased due to LAB fermentation.
CONCLUSION
Controlled LAB fermentation can improve the nutritional quality of sorghum and millets while reducing anti-nutritional factors. This non-thermal process can be adopted industrially to produce more palatable and nutritionally superior millet products.
Topics: Fermentation; Sorghum; Glycemic Index; Amino Acids; Pennisetum; Millets; Nutrients; Lactobacillales
PubMed: 38939908
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602018 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Although caffeine generally offers benefits to human health, its impact on bone metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the long-term...
Although caffeine generally offers benefits to human health, its impact on bone metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the long-term effects of caffeine administration on osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and ovariectomy-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). Our findings revealed that 3.125 and 12.5 μg/mL caffeine inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways, accompanied by the inactivation of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor NFATc1. Similarly, 3.125 and 12.5 μg/mL of caffeine modulated MC3T3-E1 osteogenesis via the AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. However, 50 μg/mL of caffeine promoted the phosphorylation of IκBα, P65, JNK, P38, and AKT, followed by the activation of NFATc1 and the inactivation of Runx2 and Osterix, ultimately disrupting the balance between osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. studies showed that gavage with 55.44 mg/kg caffeine inhibited osteoclastogenesis, promoted osteogenesis, and ameliorated bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Conversely, long-term intake of high-dose caffeine (110.88 mg/kg) disrupted osteogenesis activity and promoted osteoclastogenesis, thereby disturbing bone homeostasis. Collectively, these findings suggest that a moderate caffeine intake (approximately 400 mg in humans) can regulate bone homeostasis by influencing both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. However, long-term high-dose caffeine consumption (approximately 800 mg in humans) could have detrimental effects on the skeletal system.
PubMed: 38939843
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1405173 -
JACC. Advances Jan 2024It is unknown how well cardiologists predict which Fontan patients are at risk for major adverse events (MAEs).
BACKGROUND
It is unknown how well cardiologists predict which Fontan patients are at risk for major adverse events (MAEs).
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of cardiologists' ability to identify the "good Fontan" patient, free from MAE within the following year, and compare that predicted risk cohort to patients who experienced MAE.
METHODS
This prospective, multicenter study included patients ≥10 years with lateral tunnel or extracardiac Fontan. The cardiologist was asked the yes/no "surprise" question: would you be surprised if your patient has a MAE in the next year? After 12 months, the cardiologist was surveyed to assess MAE. Agreement between cardiologist predictions of MAE and observed MAE was determined using the simple kappa coefficient. Multivariable generalized linear mixed effects models were performed to identify factors associated with MAE.
RESULTS
Overall, 146 patients were enrolled, and 99/146 (68%) patients w`ere predicted to be a "good Fontan." After 12 months, 17 (12%) experienced a MAE. The simple kappa coefficient of cardiologists' prediction was 0.17 (95% CI: 0.02-0.32), suggesting prediction of MAE was 17% better than random chance. In the multivariable cardiologist-predicted MAE (N = 47) model, diuretic/beta-blocker use ( ≤ 0.001) and systolic dysfunction ( = 0.005) were associated with MAE. In the observed multivariable MAE (N = 17) model, prior unplanned cardiac admission ( = 0.006), diuretic/beta-blocker use ( = 0.028), and ≥moderate atrioventricular valve regurgitation ( = 0.049) were associated with MAE.
CONCLUSIONS
Cardiologists are marginally able to predict which Fontan patients are at risk for MAE over a year. There was overlap between factors associated with a cardiologist's prediction of risk and observed MAE, namely the use of diuretic/beta-blocker.
PubMed: 38939804
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100736 -
American Journal of Preventive... Jun 2024The American Heart Association's (AHA) Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score is a helpful tool to quantify cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics. We sought to assess sex...
BACKGROUND
The American Heart Association's (AHA) Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score is a helpful tool to quantify cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics. We sought to assess sex differences in relation to LE8 and its components along with association with mortality.
METHODS
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2018 was utilized to evaluate the prevalence of health metrics included in LE8 among adult participants > age 18, stratified by sex. We categorized overall CVH, health factors, and health behaviors into 3 levels (low: <50, moderate: 50 -79, high: ≥80) following the AHA's algorithm. Health metrics were further subdivided into health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep) and health factors (body mass index, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure). LE8 scores were also evaluated based on age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between the levels of CVH and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with adjustment for age group and race.
RESULTS
Among 22,761 participants, 52 % were female. Overall CVH score was similar in both females and males (65.8 vs. 65.9). Females had higher health factors score (64.3 vs. 63.1, < 0.001) and lower health behaviors score (67.2 vs 68.6, < 0.001). Amongst individual metrics, blood pressure score was higher in females (73.2 vs. 67.7, < 0.001) while males had higher physical activity score (70.6 vs. 54.9, < 0.001). For individuals under 65 years of age, overall CVH and health factors scores were higher in females while in those age 65 or older, males had higher scores. The most prominent sex differences were noted in non-Hispanic Black females who had significantly lower CVH scores than Black males (62.6 vs. 74.7, respectively, < 0.001. High LE8 scores vs. low LE8 scores demonstrated lower all-cause (HR 0.37 vs 0.35) and CV mortality (HR 0.35 vs. 0.36) in both males and females, respectively (p-interaction 0.21 and 0.28). High health behaviors scores also demonstrated a significant association with lower all-cause (0.34 vs. 0.24) and CV mortality (HR 0.47 vs. 0.26) in both males and females, respectively (p-interaction 0.20 and 0.11).
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate important sex differences in CVH metrics along with notable variations based on age and race/ethnicity. Furthermore, we highlight that CVH metrics including health factors and health behaviors are associated with mortality in both females and males. These findings underscore the importance of designing and implementing effective strategies for both sexes, aimed at targeting these specific factors.
PubMed: 38939696
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100685