Adjustment For Race Research Articles

193 Impact of Gender Affirming Medical Care Access

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Gender affirming medical care such as hormone therapy surgery can greatly impact the emotional wellbeing and quality of life of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. In the US, insurance coverage for these services vary greatly. This project will focus on how insurance denial of gender affirming care can impact emotional wellbeing. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Data was collected via the LITE Connect study, a multi-institutional cross-sectional survey conducted among transgender and gender non-conforming adults in the United States and Puerto Rico from 2020 to 2021. The survey collected 2,125 responses concerning demographic data, insurance status, desire to access gender affirming care, history of insurance denial of gender affirming care, psychological distress (measured via Kessler 6 scale), self-harm, and suicide. The study population consisted of respondents who have sought GAMC in their lifetime, and further separated into individuals who have had insurance denial of gender affirming care versus those without insurance denial. Odds ratios were examined for categorical variables and linear regression was conducted for Kessler 6 score. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the 2125 respondents, 1274 (61%) have sought out GAMC. Of those seeking GAMC, 451 (35.4%) have experienced an insurance denial. Preliminary analysis of the odds ratios of insurance denial versus demographic identifiers found no significantly increased odds ratios with respect to race, gender, or age. Given the impact GAMC has on quality of life, we theorize that difficulty accessing gender affirming care would be associated with greater psychological distress. Linear regression found a statistically significant impact of insurance denial of GAMC on Kessler 6 responses (Beta = 0.9684, R^2 = 0.0069). With adjustments for age, gender identity, race, and insurance status, linear regression found denial of GAMC led to a 1.28 increase in Kessler 6 score (CI [0.59, 1.98], p < 0.05). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study examined the association between access gender affirming care and emotional wellness as measured by the Kessler 6 scale. We have found a statistically significant correlation between insurance denial of GAMC and psychological distress, indicating an avenue for intervention for a vulnerable population.

Abstract 51: Better Sleep Health is Associated With Greater Adherence to Lifestyle Modification During a 12-month Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Introduction: Consistent evidence suggests that poor sleep may impede weight loss efforts; however, the impact of poor sleep on lifestyle modification during attempted weight loss is unclear. Purpose: To examine the relationship between sleep health and measures of lifestyle modification in a sample of adults who participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Methods: Adults (N=125) with overweight or obesity (50.3±10.6 years, 91% female, 81% White) participated in a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Assessments occurred at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Six dimensions of sleep were included in our operationalization of sleep health: regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration. Sleep dimensions were assessed using validated questionnaires and actigraphy, with values dichotomized into ‘good’ and ‘poor’ sleep. A composite sleep health score was calculated based upon the count of the ‘good’ individual dimensions (range: 0-6), with higher scores indicating better sleep health. Measures of lifestyle modification included attendance at group intervention sessions, daily adherence to caloric intake goals (% of days), and change in average daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Linear mixed modeling was used to examine the relationship between baseline and 6-month sleep health and lifestyle modification during the subsequent 6-month interval with adjustment for age, gender, bed partner, and race. The composite sleep health score and individual sleep health dimensions were evaluated in separate models. Results: Mean sleep health was 4.5±1.1 (mean±standard deviation) at baseline and 4.5±1.2 at 6 months; from 0-6 months and 6-12 months, participants attended 79.4±15.0% and 62.3±32.3% of the group intervention sessions, adhered to caloric intake goals on 35.6±23.3% and 21.1±23.3% of the days, and changed MVPA by 8.7±13.6 min/day and -3.7±13.6 min/day. Better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group intervention sessions (b=2.71, SE=1.29; P=.038), greater adherence to caloric intake goals (b=4.60, SE=1.34; P<.001), and a trend for greater change in MVPA (b=1.41, SE=0.82; P=.088). Associations with lifestyle modification outcomes were observed with the following individual sleep dimensions (each P<.05): regularity with attendance and caloric intake, satisfaction with caloric intake, and duration with MVPA. Conclusions: Better sleep health was associated with greater adherence to lifestyle modification during a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Whether improving sleep health prior to or during a weight loss intervention facilitates better lifestyle modification outcomes merits examination. Support: NIH R01HL107370.

Abstract P142: Mediation of Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Intervention on Hemoglobin A1c Through Weight: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Low-carbohydrate diets lead to weight loss and improvement in hemoglobin A1c and other cardiometabolic outcomes. However, there is limited research on how much of the glycemic effects of low-carbohydrate diets are mediated by weight loss. Hypothesis: The effect of a low-carbohydrate dietary intervention on hemoglobin A1c would be mediated by weight loss. Methods: We conducted a 6-month randomized clinical trial on the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet intervention (target <40 net grams of carbohydrates during first 3 months; <60 net grams for months 3-6) compared with usual diet on hemoglobin A1c. Participants were 40-70 years with untreated HbA1c of 6.0-6.9%. In post hoc mediation analyses, we examined whether the effect of the intervention on 6-month change in hemoglobin A1c was mediated by 3-month weight, after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, and baseline levels of behavioral and cardiometabolic risk factors. We used the causal framework approach described by and the SAS macro developed by Valeri and VanderWeele. Results: 150 participants (mean [SD] age 59 [8] years; 108 [72%] female; 88 [59%] Black) were randomized to either the low-carbohydrate diet intervention (75 participants) or usual diet (75 participants) arm. Mean (SD) HbA1c was 6.16% (0.30%) at baseline. Six-month data was collected on 142 participants (95%). Compared with the usual diet arm, the low-carbohydrate diet intervention arm had significantly greater 6-month reduction in HbA1c (net difference, -0.23% [95% CI, -0.32 to -0.14%]) and body weight (-5.9 kg [95% CI, -7.4 to -4.4 kg]). In mediation analyses, 59% of the total effect of intervention on 6-month change in hemoglobin A1c was mediated by weight measured at 3 months (Table). Conclusions: In mediation analyses, a substantial proportion (59%) of the total effect of intervention on 6-month change in hemoglobin A1c was mediated through weight measured at 3 months. Future research should further explore contributions of weight loss to reductions in glycemia in other populations.

Association of infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara on cognitive function among US adults aged 60 and over, NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii and Toxocara are common parasites that infect humans globally. Our aim was to examine the relationship between T. gondii and Toxocara infection and cognition.MethodsMultivariate logistic regression was used...

Burden of illness associated with overweight and obesity in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States: analysis of the premier healthcare database from April 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) continues to be a major public health issue. Obesity is a major risk factor for disease severity and mortality associated with COVID-19.ObjectiveThis study sought to estimate the healthcare resource use and cost outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States (US) according to body mass index (BMI) class.MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study analyzing data from the Premier Healthcare COVID-19 database for hospital length-of-stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU LOS, invasive mechanical ventilator use, invasive mechanical ventilator use duration, in-hospital mortality, and total hospital costs from hospital charge data.ResultsAfter adjustment for patient age, gender, and race, patients with COVID-19 and overweight or obesity had longer durations for mean hospital LOS (normal BMI = 7.4 days, class 3 obesity = 9.4 days, p < .0001) and ICU LOS (normal BMI = 6.1 days, class 3 obesity = 9.5 days, p < .0001) than patients with normal weight. Patients with normal BMI had fewer days on invasive mechanical ventilation compared to patients with overweight and obesity classes 1–3 (6.7 days vs. 7.8, 10.1, 11.5, and 12.4, respectively, p < .0001). The predicted probability of in-hospital mortality was nearly twice that of patients with class 3 obesity compared to patients with normal BMI (15.0 vs 8.1%, p < .0001). Mean (standard deviation) total hospital costs for a patient with class 3 obesity is estimated at $26,545 ($24,433–$28,839), 1.5 times greater than the mean for a patient with a normal BMI at $17,588 ($16,298–$18,981).ConclusionsIncreasing levels of BMI class, from overweight to obesity class 3, are significantly associated with higher levels of healthcare resource utilization and costs in adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the US. Effective treatment of overweight and obesity are needed to reduce the burden of illness associated with COVID-19.

Maternal age at birth of last child and cardiovascular disease mortality later in life among a national cohort of postmenopausal women from the United States.

Abstract Maternal age at last birth of child is increasing in the United States, and it has been reported to influence future chronic diseases. In this study of nationally-representative sample of postmenopausal women, there was no conclusive association between maternal age at last birth of child and cardiovascular disease mortality later in life. Objective Maternal age at last birth (ALB) of child is increasing in the United States, and it has been reported to influence future chronic diseases. However, the relationship of ALB and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events later in life has not been widely studied. We evaluated the association of ALB with CVD mortality. Methods Data were from 7,971 parous postmenopausal women older than 45 years who participated in the US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018 and had mortality follow-up data through to December 31, 2019. ALB was self-reported, whereas CVD mortality was assessed using International Classification of Diseases codes. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results The mean age of participants was 63 ± 9.8 years, with 9.5% being non-Hispanic Black, 9.7% being Hispanic women, and 21% reporting ALB ≥35 years. During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 443 participants died from CVD. In age-adjusted models, CVD mortality was elevated for women with ALB of &lt;25 years (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.23-2.29) and ALB of ≥35 years (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.00-1.88). However, after additional adjustment for race and ethnicity, foreign born, education, marital status, poverty income ratio, parity, smoking status, age at menarche, oral contraceptive pills use and family history of myocardial infarction, these estimates were attenuated resulting in no association between ALB and CVD mortality. Conclusions In this study of nationally representative sample of postmenopausal women, there was no conclusive association between maternal ALB and CVD mortality later in life.

Reconsidering Race Adjustment in Prenatal Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening.

Black racial designation is the only race for which adjustment is recommended for maternal prenatal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening. The objective of this study is to reevaluate the relationship between maternal race and maternal serum AFP values in prenatal analyte screening. This was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent prenatal analyte screening between January 2007 and December 2020. Nomograms for raw maternal serum AFP values by gestational age were created and compared between patients identified as "Black" and "non-Black" on the laboratory requisition. Multivariable linear regression models were created to evaluate the relationship among gestational age, maternal weight, and maternal race on maternal serum AFP levels. The new models were compared with the laboratory-derived calculations, which used historically determined race adjustments. A total of 43,997 patients underwent analyte screening, and 27,710 patients had complete data for analysis. Of these, 6% were identified as Black. Black patients had laboratory blood draws at a mean gestational age of 123 days, compared with 120 days in non-Black patients ( P <.001), and had higher maternal weight (mean 170 vs 161 lbs, P <.001). Nomograms for raw maternal serum AFP values did not differ between Black and non-Black patients ( P =.065). When adjusted for gestational age and maternal weight, no difference in maternal serum AFP values was identified between Black and non-Black individuals ( P =.81). No difference in maternal serum AFP values was identified between Black and non-Black pregnant individuals when adjusted by maternal weight and gestational age at blood draw. These findings suggest that routine race-based adjustment of maternal serum AFP screening should be discontinued.

Abstract WMP107: Temporal Trends In Public Awareness Of Stroke: 1996-2021

Background: Knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) and warning signs (WS) may improve adherence to primary stroke prevention and encourage more rapid presentation after symptom onset. As a result, improving stroke knowledge has been a major public health focus. We sought to study trends in stroke knowledge between 1996 and 2021 in a well-defined population. Methods: Surveys were conducted in 1996, 2000, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2021 in the 5-county Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky region, a population of 1.3 million that reflects the USA in terms of Black race, income, and educational attainment. Respondents were selected to reflect the age, race and sex distribution of the local ischemic stroke population. Potential subjects were contacted using random-digit dialing (with adjustment for cell phone use after 2005) and asked open-ended questions regarding stroke WS and RF knowledge. Correct answers for all years were determined based upon current AHA guidelines and public health messaging. Trends in knowledge were then evaluated over time adjusting for age, Race, sex, and education. Multiple logistic regression models and a cumulative model were used for analysis. Results: Over the 25-year period, 12,322 surveys were completed. After adjustment for age, sex, Race, and education, RF and WS knowledge significantly increased between 1996 and 2021 (P&lt;0.0001), but this was not consistent across years (Figure). The percentage of participants that could identify at least two WS improved significantly in 2000 and then again in 2011. Stroke WS knowledge was then stagnant in 2016 and worsened slightly in 2021. Knowledge of at least two RFs steadily improved from 1996 to 2011, but then declined modestly in 2016 and was stagnant in 2021. Discussion: While stroke RF and WS knowledge has overall improved since 1996, knowledge remains suboptimal and some gains may have been lost in recent years. More research on the most effective methods for improving stroke awareness is needed.

Abstract 30: Association Between Hospital-ascertained Atrial Fibrillation And Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Study Of 12 Million Patients

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for cerebral ischemic stroke. However, it is not known whether AF predicts the development of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), a form of ischemic stroke affecting the retina. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the California Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient and State Emergency Department Datasets (SID/SEDDs). Patients 18 years and older discharged from non-federal hospitals between 2005 and 2011 who did not have a history of CRAO were analyzed. The exposure variable was AF and the endpoint was CRAO, each identified using validated ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Association between AF and CRAO was modeled using a Fine-Gray method with death as a competing risk with adjustment for age, biological sex, race, and vascular co-morbidities. Results: A total of 12,181,778 patients were included, among these 806,397 with AF and 11,375,381 without AF. In total, 309 patients had CRAO. In an unadjusted analysis, there was a higher risk of CRAO in patients with versus without AF (HR 2.24 (95% CI: 1.51 to 3.32)). After adjustment for pre-specified covariates, there appeared to be a lower hazard of CRAO in patients with AF (aHR 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45 to 0.98)). Further analyses including cerebral ischemic stroke (aHR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.18)) and specifically embolic stroke (aHR 4.29 (95% CI 4.10-4.48)) as positive controls argued against overadjustment bias. We present sensitivity analyses including CRAO identified in any position of the discharge ICD list, using different ascertainment windows for AF and using broader categories of retinal ischemia. Conclusion: The incidence of CRAO was higher in patients with AF than those without AF, but the hazard of CRAO was not higher for patients with AF after adjustment for measured covariates. Endpoint and exposure ascertainment may have been limited by inclusion only of inpatient and emergency department encounters.

Abstract WP184: Identifying Optimal Cut Points Of National Institutes Of Health Stroke Scale To Predict Mortality: A Population-based Assessment

Background: Ischemic stroke is the 5 th leading cause of death in the US. As a measure of stroke severity, initial NIHSS has been used to predict clinical outcome. We sought to identify the optimal cut-points of NIHSS at initial presentation that are associated with higher 30-day mortality. Methods: In 2005, 2010, and 2015 all hospitalized, first acute ischemic stroke events occurring within the Greater Cincinnati area were ascertained. Potential ischemic stroke cases underwent chart abstraction and physician adjudication, including retrospective NIHSS score (range 0 - 42) based on clinical findings at initial presentation. Descriptive statistics for NIHSS were estimated by study year, demographics, and medical history. Data regarding mortality was obtained from the National Death Index. The Contal and O’Quigley method based on a modified log-rank test statistic was used to determine cut-points of the NIHSS score associated with 30-day mortality, and hazard ratios were obtained from Cox models with adjustment for sex, race, and age. Results: In 2005, 2010, and 2015 there were 1704, 1818 and 1852 ischemic stroke events with 30-day mortality rates of 10.5%, 9.6% and 9.0%, respectively. Optimal cut-points of NIHSS &lt;9, 9-16 and &gt;16 were identified. Across all 3 periods, 3431 (84.5%) cases had NIHSS 0-8, 352 (8.7%) had NIHSS 9-16 and 274 (6.8%) &gt;16. Kaplan Meier Survival Curves for the 3 NIHSS groups are shown in the Figure. Strokes with NIHSS &gt;16 at initial presentation were associated with a 15-fold (HR with 95% CI: 13, 19) increase in the risk of death at 30-days compared to those with NIHSS &lt;9. Discussion: NIH Stroke Scale scores are a reliable predictor of mortality, with higher NIHSS scores having higher risk of death. The cut points reported identify subgroups of stroke patients with dramatically different prognoses. Future studies should assess if this excess mortality risk among severe strokes persists after the more widespread implementation of thrombectomy beyond 2015.

Abstract WP35: Neighborhood Effects On Knowledge Of Stroke Risk Factors And Stroke Warning Signs

Background: Low socio-economic status has been associated with worse stroke outcomes and longer arrival times to the ED. Objective: To determine whether stroke knowledge is different by neighborhood and if neighborhood socio-economic status (NSES) predicts knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) or stroke warning signs (WS). Methods: A survey was done in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Region in 2016 where participants were targeted to match those of ischemic stroke patients within the same population. The participants were asked open-ended questions regarding stroke WS and RFs. Participants also provided their zip codes. NSES was determined based on zip code and census data. NSES was determined using a previously validated index and divided into quartiles. We used regression to determine the association between NSES and only being able to name 0-1 RF or WS. Results: There were 1902 participants in the surveys with non-missing geographic data who lived in 96 different zip codes. Participants were 66.8±16.4 years old, 56.2% were female, 24.4% were black and 36.0% had less than a HS education. About 20% of participants were unable to name one stroke risk factor or one warning sign. There was substantial heterogeneity of stroke knowledge by zip code (Figure 1). There was no significant association between NSES and knowledge of stroke WS. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, participants who lived in neighborhoods in the lowest quartile of NSES were more likely to be only able to name 0-1 RFs when compared to all other neighborhoods (Lowest Quartile of NSES OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.06-1.98)). Conclusion: We identified geographic disparities of stroke knowledge in a well-defined population, emphasizing the need for targeting public health interventions towards areas most in need. NSES accounted for some of the disparities in stroke RF knowledge, but not stroke WS knowledge. 1

Association of Social Support with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Among Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.

Social support may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, few long-term, large prospective studies have examined associations of various forms of social support with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. To examine associations of perceived social support with incident MCI and dementia among community-dwelling older women. This prospective cohort study included 6,670 women from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study who were cognitively unimpaired at enrollment. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations between perceived social support with incident MCI, dementia, or either MCI/dementia during an average 10.7 (SD = 6.1)-year follow-up. Modelling was repeated for emotional/information support, affection support, tangible support, and positive social interaction subscales of social support. Among 6,670 women (average age = 70 years [SD = 3.8]; 97.0% non-Hispanic/Latina; 89.8% White), greater perceived social support was associated with lower risk of MCI/dementia after adjustment for age, ethnicity, race, hormone therapy, education, income, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index (Tertile [T]3 versus T1: HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.99; ptrend = 0.08). Associations were significant for emotional/information support (T3 versus T1: HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97; ptrend = 0.04) and positive social interaction (T3 versus T1: HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99; ptrend = 0.06) subscales. Associations were attenuated and not significant after adjustment for depressive symptom severity. Perceived social support, emotional/information support, and positive social interaction were associated with incident MCI/dementia among older women. Results were not significant after adjustment for depressive symptom severity. Improving social support may reduce risk of MCI and dementia in older women.

Preoperative Predictors of Severe Respiratory Events After Tonsillectomy: Consideration for Pediatric Intensive Care Admission.

Few data are available to guide postadenotonsillectomy (AT) pediatric intensive care (PICU) admission. The aim of this study of children with a preoperative polysomnogram (PSG) was to assess whether preoperative information may predict severe respiratory events (SRE) after AT. Retrospective cohort study. Single tertiary center. Children aged 6 months to 17 years who underwent AT with preoperative polysomnography (2012-2018) were identified by billing codes. Data were extracted from medical records. SRE were defined as any 1 or more of desaturations <80% requiring intervention; newly initiated positive airway pressure; postoperative intubation; pneumonia/pneumonitis; respiratory code, cardiac arrest, or death. We hypothesized that SRE would be associated with age <24 months, major medical comorbidity, obesity (>95th percentile), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 30, and O2 nadir <70% on PSG. Analysis was performed with multivariable logistic regression. Of 1774 subjects, 28 (1.7%) experienced SRE. Compared to those without, children with SRE were on average younger (3 vs5 years, p < .01) with a greater probability of medical comorbidities (59% vs 18%, p < .001). After adjustment for sex, black race, obesity, and age <24 months, children with major medical comorbidity were more likely than other children to have SRE (odds ratio [OR]: 14.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [5.7, 35.2]), as were children with AHI ≥ 30 (OR: 7.7 [3.0, 19.9]), or O2 nadir <70% (OR 6.1 [2.1, 17.9]). Age, obesity, sex, and black race did not independently predict SRE. PICU admission may be most prudent for children with complex medical co-morbidities, high AHI (>30), and/or low O2 nadir (<70%).

Impact of metabolic control on all-cause mortality in a nationwide cohort of patients with diabetes from Colombia.

The magnitude of the mortality benefit conferred by good integral metabolic control in diabetes in not sufficiently known, especially among Latin American patients. We prospectively studied the association between sustained control of blood glucose (HbA1c<7%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (<130 mmHg) and LDL (LDLc, <100mg/dL) and non-HDL (non-HDLc, <130 mg/dL) cholesterol, and death from any cause among all adult patients with diagnosed diabetes in Colombia. We retrospectively analyzed data from a nationwide, centralized, mandatory registry of all patients with diagnosed diabetes assisted by the Colombian health system between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2019. We estimated the associations of sustained achievement of each goal, and of the joint triple goal (HbA1c + SBP + LDLc) with all-cause death. Associations were assessed after adjustment for sex, age, race, insurance type and BMI in multivariable logistic models. We studied 1 352 846 people with diabetes. Sustained SBP (OR 0.42 [0.41-0.43]), HbA1c (OR 0.25 [0.24-0.26]) and LDLc (OR 0.28 [0.27-0.29]) control had strong negative associations with death. Moreover, among the 5.4% of participants who achieved joint, sustained metabolic control, the OR for death was 0.19 (0.18-0.21). Importantly, the impact of sustained, joint metabolic control was significantly smaller for patients of black race compared to other races (OR 0.31 [0.23-0.43] versus 0.18 [0.17-0.20], p-value for interaction <0.001), mostly at the expense of a smaller impact of LDLc control. The results were similar across body-mass index categories. Sustained and simultaneous metabolic control was associated with remarkably lower odds of death.

Sperm very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: relation to semen parameters and live birth outcome in a multicenter trial

To determine whether the levels of sperm very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) are correlated with sperm parameters and the outcome of live birth after conventional therapy for unexplained infertility. Cohort analysis of the Reproductive Medicine Network's Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation randomized controlled trial. Multicenter randomized controlled trial. Male partners from 185 couples with unexplained infertility who provided baseline semen samples for analysis. We determined the levels of VLC-PUFAs in total lipid isolated from sperm membranes using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analyses. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, total motile count (TMC), and live birth after standard treatmentfor unexplained infertility. Total VLC-PUFA percentage was positively correlated with sperm concentration (Spearman's rank correlation (rs) 0.56, P<.0001), TMC (rs = 0.40, P<.0001), and morphology (rs = 0.26, P=.0005). After adjustment for male body mass index, age, and race, a one-standard-deviation increase in the percentage of total VLC-PUFA was associated with a 62% increase in the geometric mean (GM) of sperm concentration (GM Ratio: 1.62 [95% confidence intervals {CI}: 1.45, 1.82]) and a 43% increase in the geometric mean of TMC (GM Ratio: 1.43 [95% CI; 1.24, 1.63]). Although no evidence of association was observed for sperm motility, a positive relationship was also observed between the percentage of total VLC-PUFA and sperm morphology [adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for one-standard-deviation increase in total VLC-PUFA: 1.18 (95% CI; 1.02, 1.36)]. After adjustment for female age and treatment group, the probability of a live birth outcome was 72% more likely among those in the third tertile of hydroxylated VLC-PUFA percentage than in the first tertile (RR 1.72 [95% CI; 1.01, 2.94]). The positive correlation between sperm VLC-PUFAs percentage and sperm parameters, as well as the significant association between hydroxylated VLC-PUFA percentage and the outcome of live birth, strongly suggest that this class of fatty liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry acids is essential for normal sperm structure and function.

Association between age at menarche and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

BackgroundAge at menarche (AAM) directly affects female estrogen levels, which play a vital role in bone metabolism. The exact relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and AAM remains controversial. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between AAM and lumbar spine (LS) BMD in postmenopausal women.MethodsOur data were based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. AAM was divided into three categories including ≤ 12, 13–15, and ≥ 16 years, and the ≤ 12 years old category was used as the reference group. To examine the association between AAM and LS BMD, we used three weighted linear regression models, Model 1 (without adjustment), Model 2 (with adjustment for age, race, and body mass index [BMI]), and Model 3 (with adjustment for all covariates).ResultsThis study included 1195 postmenopausal women aged 40–59 years. In the unadjusted model, a menarche age of ≥ 16 years compared with a menarche age of ≤ 12 years was associated with lower LS BMD (β = − 0.083, 95% CI − 0.117, − 0.048, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, there was still a negative correlation in model 2 (β = − 0.078, 95% CI − 0.113, − 0.042, P < 0.001) and model 3 (β = − 0.065, 95% CI − 0.096, − 0.033, P < 0.001). Moreover, this significant relationship persisted after excluding participants who used female hormones (β = − 0.053, 95% CI − 0.089, − 0.016, P = 0.006).ConclusionOur study found that postmenopausal women with a menarche age of ≥ 16 years had significantly lower LS BMD than that had by those with a menarche age of ≤ 12 years. As a result of this study, postmenopausal women with a late menarche age may have a higher risk of lumbar osteoporotic fractures and need better bone health care.

Cross-sectional study evaluating the association of haemophilia-related distress and clinically relevant outcomes.

In chronic diseases, disease-related distress can impact disease outcomes. Distress and haemophilia-related distress has been demonstrated in people with haemophilia (PwH). The association of haemophilia-related distress on disease outcomes among PwH is unknown. To study the association of haemophilia-related distress with haemophilia specific outcomes, including adherence to prophylactic therapy, the presence of a target joint, healthcare utilization and work-impairment. In a cross-sectional study, adults with haemophilia A or B were enrolled in a study to validate the haemophilia-related distress questionnaire (HRDq). In this planned analysis, univariate and multivariate associations between the HRDq total score and disease outcomes were explored. The 114 participants in this analysis were male, mostly with haemophilia A (92%) and severe disease (52%) with a median age of 31.9 years. On univariate analysis, HRDq total score (5-point change) was associated with the presence of a target joint (P=.002), high healthcare utilization (P=.011), poor adherence (P=.033) and work-impairment (P≤.001). After adjustment for age, race, severity and other potential confounders, adherence (aβ0.33, 95% CI .17, .49) and work-impairment (aβ4.69, 95% CI 3.27-6.1) remained statistically significantly associated with HRDq total score. Haemophilia-related distress is associated with poor adherence to factor prophylaxis and work-impairment. The direction of the association (causation) is yet to be determined and requires future study.

EVALUATING T-CELL AGE-RELATED IMMUNE PHENOTYPES IN THE CONTEXT OF BIOLOGICAL AGING IN HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

Abstract Cellular changes in the adaptive immune system accompanies the aging process and contributes to an age-related immune phenotype (ARIP) characterized by decrease in naïve T (TN) cells and increase in memory T (TM) cells. However, a population level marker of ARIP associated with biological aging and age-related chronic conditions has not been evaluated previously. We developed two ARIP measures based on well understood age related changes in T cell distribution: TN/ (TCM (Central Memory) + TEM (Effector Memory) + TEFF (Effector)) or TN/ TM in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We compared them with more commonly used ARIP measures such as CD4/CD8 ratio and CD8+ TN cells by evaluating associations with chronological age and phenotypic age using linear regression and association with multimorbidity using multinomial logistic regression. CD8+ TN and TN/TM had the strongest inverse association with chronological age (beta estimates: -3.41, -3.61; p-value&amp;lt; 0.0001). CD4+ TN/TM had the strongest inverse association with phenotypic age (beta estimate = -0.74; p-value &amp;lt; 0.0001) after adjustment for age, sex, race and CMV serostatus. CD4+ TN/TM was inversely associated with co-occurring chronic conditions (odds ratio for 2 conditions and 3 conditions vs. 0 conditions: 0.74 (95%CI: 0.63-0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.63-0.90), respectively) after adjustment for age, sex, race, CMV serostatus, smoking, and BMI. CD4+ TN/TM had a stronger association with phenotypic age and age-related morbidity compared to other ARIP measures. Future longitudinal studies can help us evaluate if CD4+ TN/TM can predict risk of aging related outcomes.

PRESURGICAL GRIP STRENGTH PREDICTS POSTSURGICAL OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Muscle weakness is a strong predictor of a myriad of health outcomes among older adults. However, measures of muscle strength are not incorporated in healthcare settings which is partly due to a lack of established clinical applicability. Maximal grip strength was measured in 11,668 older patients (73.2+/-6.0 yrs, 50.3% female) during a standard presurgical consultation. Each kilogram of maximal grip strength was associated with approximately 1-hour shorter length of stay. Patients categorized as having weak muscle strength according to sex-based norms had a higher 30-day post-surgery mortality than their non-weak counterparts (Odds Ratio: 2.5, p=0.002 after statistical adjustment of age, sex, race and disease history). Additionally, patients with weak muscle strength were less likely to be discharged home than patients without weakness (68.8% vs. 83.9% returning home, p&amp;lt;0.01). Grip strength is a consistent predictor of post-surgical outcomes that might be used to improve care management.

Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes in Adult COVID-19 Patients of Diverse Ethnicities.

(1) Background: Body mass index (BMI) was observed to affect COVID-19 outcomes; however, the complete spectrum of clinical outcomes concerning BMI remains unexplored. The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between BMI and the severity and mortality of COVID-19, as well as ICU admission, radiological findings, clinical presentation, and time to viral clearance. (2) Methods: This retrospective study included 1796 multiethnic patients with COVID-19 treated at NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. (3) Results: COVID-19's adjusted odds of severity increased by 3.7- and 21.5-fold in classes I and III, respectively (p = 0.001). The odds of mortality were not significantly different after adjustment for age, sex, and race. The adjusted odds of ICU admission increased significantly by 3-fold and non-significantly by 4-fold in obesity classes I and II, respectively. Pneumonia was significantly higher in patients who were overweight and class I, II, and III obese. Furthermore, class III obese patients had a greater risk of presenting with combined respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations (p &lt; 0.001). The median time to viral clearance with a BMI &gt; 40 kg/m2 was moderately higher than that with a BMI &lt; 40 kg/m2. (4) Conclusions: High BMI was associated with pneumonia, ICU admission, severity, and mortality due to COVID-19.