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European Heart Journal Jun 2024
PubMed: 38941317
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae385 -
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Jul 2024Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is associated with obesity. We examined whether replacing UPFs (NOVA 4) with minimally processed foods and culinary... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is associated with obesity. We examined whether replacing UPFs (NOVA 4) with minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (NOVA 1 + 2) was associated with differential weight change in this secondary prospective analysis of the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS) Lost trial.
METHODS
We estimated percent energy intake (%kcal) from the four NOVA groups using 24-h dietary recalls in a subset of 356 participants. Multivariable-adjusted substitution models examined whether replacing %kcal from UPFs with NOVA 1 + 2 was associated with greater weight, body fat percentage, trunk fat, and waist circumference reduction at 6 months; changes in parameters were compared among NOVA 1 + 2 tertiles (T).
RESULTS
Participants were on average 52.3 years of age, 85% White, 55% female, and 58.2% nonsmoking, with a mean BMI of 32.7 kg/m. Replacing 10%kcal of UPFs with NOVA 1 + 2 was associated with greater 6-month weight (ß = 0.51, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.09, p = 0.02), body fat percentage (ß = 2.7, 95% CI: -5.10 to -0.43, p = 0.02), and trunk fat reduction (ß = 3.9, 95% CI: -7.01 to -0.70, p = 0.02), but not waist circumference reduction. Participants in T3 (-8.33 kg) versus T1 (-5.32 kg) of NOVA 1 + 2 had greater weight loss (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Isocaloric substitution of UPFs with NOVA 1 + 2 was associated with marginally greater weight loss under energy restriction. These modest findings support more research exploring the mechanisms linking UPFs with body weight regulation beyond energy intake.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Weight Loss; Energy Intake; Obesity; Body Mass Index; Prospective Studies; Waist Circumference; Adult; Food Handling; Diet, Reducing; Fast Foods; Overweight
PubMed: 38932724
DOI: 10.1002/oby.24044 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jun 2024The primary objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine whether bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene and milk production...
The primary objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine whether bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene and milk production outcomes were associated with facility type on organic dairies. A secondary objective was to identify other management-related risk factors associated with bulk tank milk quality, udder health, udder hygiene, and milk production on organic dairy herds in Vermont. We aimed to enroll 40 farms, to compare herds using the 2 most common systems (freestalls, tiestalls) for housing organic dairy cattle in the state with those using a bedded pack during the non-grazing season (typically November-May). Two general styles of bedded packs were observed: cultivated bedded packs and untilled deep bedded packs. Due to the limited number of herds using bedded packs to house lactating dairy cattle in Vermont, we combined untilled and cultivated bedded packs to describe udder hygiene, milk quality, and udder health on these loose-housing systems deeply-bedded with organic material. The study was completed on 21 farms (5 bedded packs, 6 freestalls, 10 tiestalls) before interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data captured from Dairy Herd Improvement Association records from the test closest to the date of the farm visit included average somatic cell score (SCS), standardized 150-d milk (pounds), % cows with current high SCS (SCS ≥ 4.0), % cows with newly elevated SCS (previous SCS < 4.0 to current ≥ 4.0), and % cows with chronically elevated SCS (SCS ≥ 4.0 last 2 tests). Multivariable linear regression models were used to describe outcomes by facility type, but suffered from limited statistical power due to small group sample sizes. Unconditional comparisons failed to find statistically significant differences between farms grouped by facility type in metrics captured from Dairy Herd Improvement Association test data, bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BTSCC) and aerobic culture data, or udder hygiene scores. A secondary analysis was conducted using univariate linear regression to identify associations between herd management factors and outcomes for all 21 farms combined. Although not all differences found were statistically significant in this secondary analysis combining all farms, numeric differences that may be biologically important are reported showing farms with deeper bedding had a lower BTSCC, lower newly elevated SCS, lower chronically elevated SCS, lower elevated current SCS, lower average SCS, and better udder hygiene metrics. Farms with lower mean udder hygiene scores had numerically lower chronically elevated SCS, lower elevated current SCS, and lower average SCS. We could not reject the null hypothesis that milk quality and udder health outcomes did not differ by facility type, and this does not preclude the existence of biological differences in these outcomes between facility types. The current study provides insight on factors affecting bulk tank milk quality, udder health and hygiene measures on organic dairy farms in Vermont. Bedded packs may be a viable option for confinement housing during the winter non-grazing season for pasture-based herds interested in a loose-housing system in the Northeastern US, but more research such as longitudinal studies with a larger sample size is needed to test this hypothesis.
PubMed: 38908690
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24576 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Industrial facilities across the United States (US) release millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, including metals. Exposure to toxic metals has been associated with...
BACKGROUND
Industrial facilities across the United States (US) release millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, including metals. Exposure to toxic metals has been associated with adverse health outcomes, but there is limited evidence on the association between living near metal-releasing facilities and the body burden of emitted compounds.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between residential proximity to toxic metal-emitting industrial facilities and toenail metal concentrations and to evaluate whether associations differed by race.
METHODS
In a sample of 1556 non-Hispanic Black (32.5%) and non-Hispanic White (67.5%) women from the Sister Study, we used the US Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory to identify metal-emitting facilities within 3, 5, and 10 km of participants' baseline residences. We measured toenail concentrations (μg/g) of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, and lead. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined associations between residential proximity to and emissions from metal-emitting facilities and toenail metal concentrations, stratifying by race. We explored modification of race-stratified associations by neighborhood deprivation, using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).
RESULTS
Black participants were more likely to reside within 3 km of chromium-releasing facilities and 5 and 10 km of all observed metal-emitting sites. Living near metal-releasing facilities was not associated with higher toenail metal concentrations overall. Among Black women, higher chromium emissions exposure was associated with higher toenail chromium levels (β = 2.36 μg/g, 95% CI = 0.63, 4.10). An association with lead was observed among Black women residing in the most deprived areas (≥75th ADI percentile: β = 3.08 μg/g, 95% CI = 1.46, 4.71). No associations were observed for White participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite low exposure prevalence, our findings suggest that living near chromium- and lead-releasing facilities, especially at shorter distances, may be associated with higher corresponding toenail metal levels among Black women, particularly those residing in the most disadvantaged areas.
PubMed: 38908662
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119466 -
The British Journal of General Practice... Jun 2024Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection causing inflammation of the vagina and/or the vulva. Symptoms include itching, irritation, and discharge. VVC... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection causing inflammation of the vagina and/or the vulva. Symptoms include itching, irritation, and discharge. VVC presents commonly across primary care and, despite its mild symptoms, carries psychological burden and has a significant impact on women's quality of life. UK guidelines support treatment via oral or topical azole antifungal agents. Recent evidence attests to the superiority of novel non-azole antifungals. Thus, rigorous financial assessment of both antifungals is necessary for optimal VVC treatment allocation in UK primary care.
AIM
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ibrexafungerp against the gold standard fluconazole as first-line treatment of VVC within the NHS.
METHOD
A systematic review on the efficacy of ibrexafungerp and fluconazole in acute VVC was conducted. Cost-effectiveness analysis was initiated using health outcome data from the DOVE trial, a Phase 2 RCT. Costs in pound sterling were ascertained in monetary units, and effectiveness determined as reduced need for follow-up medication.
RESULTS
An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £2185.74 was determined. This suggests oral ibrexafungerp being largely more costly yet slightly more effective than fluconazole, and thus has unfavourable net benefit. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted considering follow-up medication combination and market price, which provided confidence in the calculated cost-effectiveness ratio.
CONCLUSION
This analysis highlights fluconazole's cost-effectiveness in current UK guidelines and favourability.
Topics: Humans; Fluconazole; Female; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Antifungal Agents; Administration, Oral; United Kingdom; Amphotericin B; State Medicine; Primary Health Care; Acute Disease; Treatment Outcome; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; Glycosides; Triterpenes
PubMed: 38902100
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24X738189 -
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ Jun 2024Reductions in local government funding implemented in 2010 due to austerity policies have been associated with worsening socioeconomic inequalities in mortality. Less is...
Are local public expenditure reductions associated with increases in inequality in emergency hospitalisation? Time-series analysis of English local authorities from 2010 to 2017.
BACKGROUND
Reductions in local government funding implemented in 2010 due to austerity policies have been associated with worsening socioeconomic inequalities in mortality. Less is known about the relationship of these reductions with healthcare inequalities; therefore, we investigated whether areas with greater reductions in local government funding had greater increases in socioeconomic inequalities in emergency admissions.
METHODS
We examined inequalities between English local authority districts (LADs) using a fixed-effects linear regression to estimate the association between LAD expenditure reductions, their level of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and average rates of (all and avoidable) emergency admissions for the years 2010-2017. We also examined changes in inequalities in emergency admissions using the Absolute Gradient Index (AGI), which is the modelled gap between the most and least deprived neighbourhoods in an area.
RESULTS
LADs within the most deprived IMD quintile had larger pounds per capita expenditure reductions, higher rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions, and greater between-neighbourhood inequalities in admissions. However, expenditure reductions were only associated with increasing average rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods in local authorities in England's three least deprived IMD quintiles. For a LAD in the least deprived IMD quintile, a yearly reduction of £100 per capita in total expenditure was associated with a yearly increase of 47 (95% CI 22 to 73) avoidable admissions, 142 (95% CI 70 to 213) all-cause emergency admissions and a yearly increase in inequalities between neighbourhoods of 48 (95% CI 14 to 81) avoidable and 140 (95% CI 60 to 220) all-cause emergency admissions. In 2017, a LAD average population was ~170 000.
CONCLUSION
Austerity policies implemented in 2010 impacted less deprived local authorities, where emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods increased, while in the most deprived areas, emergency admissions were unchanged, remaining high and persistent.
Topics: Humans; England; Hospitalization; Emergency Service, Hospital; Healthcare Disparities; Socioeconomic Factors; Local Government; Health Expenditures; Male; Female
PubMed: 38871481
DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212845 -
Journal of Public Health Management and...To evaluate the effectiveness of the program interventions on cardiovascular disease in Nebraska women who are low income and have no health insurance.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of the program interventions on cardiovascular disease in Nebraska women who are low income and have no health insurance.
DESIGN
This evaluation used pre- and post-comparison approach. Paired t test and McNemar's test were used to examine the changes after the program interventions.
PARTICIPANTS
Nebraska women aged 40 to 64 years, without health insurance, and with household incomes up to 225% Federal Poverty Level.
SETTING AND INTERVENTION
A network of community-clinical linkages in which medical providers provided preventive screening services and risk reduction counseling in clinical settings and community health workers provided lifestyle interventions in community settings either over the phone or in person.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The data included weight, blood pressure measures, self-blood pressure monitoring and management, total cholesterol, fasting glucose or A1C, smoking status, nutrition, and physical activities.
RESULTS
Among 2649 participants, 82.2% were overweight, 50.3% had hypertension, 52.7% had high cholesterol, 20.7% had diabetes, 22.5% were current smokers, and 56.4% had more than 1 risk factor. A total of 1312 participants (57.3%) participated in at least 1 lifestyle intervention session, and among them, 65.8% completed at least 3 sessions. Paired t test and McNemar's test indicated significant improvement in hypertension control and self-management; a significant amount of weight loss with 24.1% losing at least 5 pounds; and an increase in healthy eating and physical activity.
CONCLUSIONS
These participants benefited from the Nebraska program. Utilizing a statewide clinical network and participating in lifestyle interventions through local health departments, participants improved some chronic health conditions and decreased their risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Topics: Humans; Female; Nebraska; Adult; Middle Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Poverty; Public Health; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 38870362
DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001925 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous disease. Surgical biopsy is often performed in patients with chest actinomycosis because malignancy is...
Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous disease. Surgical biopsy is often performed in patients with chest actinomycosis because malignancy is suspected in most cases. A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital with fever and exertional dyspnea that had persisted for several months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an irregularly shaped mass with contrast enhancement in the anterior mediastinum and consolidation in the left upper lung lobe contiguous with this mass, as well as multiple nodules in both lungs. The pulmonary artery trunk was stenotic and surrounded by the mass, and the right heart system was enlarged. Thoracoscopic biopsy was performed but failed to yield a diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography after one month revealed an increased mass and worsening right heart strain. F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) positron emission tomography/computed tomography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging also suggested a malignant tumor, and an open chest biopsy was performed. No malignant cells were identified and actinomycetes were detected by histopathology and bacterial culture. The patient was treated with antibiotics, following which his contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings and general condition improved.
PubMed: 38860267
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.05.001 -
Optics Express Apr 2024Lasers with high spectral purity are indispensable for optical clocks and for the coherent manipulation of atomic and molecular qubits in applications such as quantum...
Lasers with high spectral purity are indispensable for optical clocks and for the coherent manipulation of atomic and molecular qubits in applications such as quantum computing and quantum simulation. While the stabilization of such lasers to a reference can provide a narrow linewidth, the widely used diode lasers exhibit fast phase noise that prevents high-fidelity qubit manipulation. In this paper, we demonstrate a self-injection locked diode laser system that utilizes a high-finesse cavity. This cavity not only provides a stable resonance frequency, it also acts as a low-pass filter for phase noise beyond the cavity linewidth of around 100 kHz, resulting in low phase noise from dc to the injection lock limit. We model the expected laser performance and benchmark it using a single trapped Ca-ion as a spectrum analyzer. We show that the fast phase noise of the laser at relevant Fourier frequencies of 100 kHz to >2 MHz is suppressed to a noise floor of between -110 dBc/Hz and -120 dBc/Hz, an improvement of 20 to 30 dB over state-of-the-art Pound-Drever-Hall-stabilized extended-cavity diode lasers. This strong suppression avoids incoherent (spurious) spin flips during manipulation of optical qubits and improves laser-driven gates when using diode lasers in applications involving quantum logic spectroscopy, quantum simulation, and quantum computation.
PubMed: 38859230
DOI: 10.1364/OE.514247 -
Applied Optics Jun 2024A high-accuracy optical vector network analyzer (OVNA) based on optical carrier-suppressed double sideband (CS-DSB) modulation is proposed and experimentally...
A high-accuracy optical vector network analyzer (OVNA) based on optical carrier-suppressed double sideband (CS-DSB) modulation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The ±1st-order sideband signals are generated by CS-DSB modulation and then pass through the symmetric optical device under test (DUT). The band-stop or band-pass responses can be realized by detecting and processing the double frequency of the driven RF signal. Compared with the conventional symmetrical DSB-based OVNA, the measurement accuracy is improved by eliminating the errors caused by the even-order sidebands, and the complexity is reduced as the proposed method with only one step measurement can avoid the complex postprocessing. In addition, the optical carrier is aligned to the center frequency of the DUT by employing the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique, which provides stable measurement. At the same time, the limitation that the band-pass responses cannot be measured by the traditional single-sideband (SSB)-based OVNA is overcome. Additionally, accurate magnitude and phase responses of the DUT near the optical carrier can be also achieved since the proposed OVNA is optical filter-immune. The proposed method is theoretically analyzed and verified by experiment. A Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer serves as the symmetric DUT; the band-stop responses in a frequency range of 6 GHz are obtained with a resolution of 1.2 MHz; and the band-pass responses with the range from 0 to 13 GHz offsetting the optical carrier are also obtained. The measurement time can reach up to 30 min with high stability. The proposed OVNA offers enhanced accuracy and a stable approach for applications in photonic systems and other innovations.
PubMed: 38856625
DOI: 10.1364/AO.520378