Alcohol Habits Research Articles

Gender-related Therapeutical Response to Apremilast: New Insights in a Tailored Management of Psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition. One of the intriguing challenges in studying psoriasis has been identification of correlations between this disease and gender and body weight. Objective: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted among patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who attended the outpatient clinics of 6 University Hospitals in Italy. The effects of apremilast on weight and body mass index (BMI) according to gender after 24 weeks and 48 weeks of therapy were considered. Methods: We enrolled retrospectively 120 adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who underwent apremilast treatment for at least 24 weeks. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, psoriasis area severity index (PASI), comorbidities, smoking and alcohol habits, relevant medical history and previous psoriasis systemic and biologic treatments were recorded. Weight and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and at 24 (w24) and 48 weeks (w48). A descriptive statistical analysis has been performed. Results: The analysis showed a significant reduction in body weight in females at w24 and w48 (p < 0.001), with a mean difference of −2.6 kg at w24 and of -5.7 kg at w48. We observed a reduction of weight of 3.6% at w24, and 7.9% at w48. Similar assessments were also observed for BMI, which was reduced in women by 3.6% at w24 and 8% at w48. In men, no changes in weight and BMI were observed at w24 and/or w48. Conclusion: Understanding the interplay between psoriasis, gender, and body weight is essential for effective disease management and improving patient outcomes.

Serum Galectin-3 and IL-6 as Inflammatory Markers in Bipolar Disorder: Insights from Manic and Euthymic Episodes

Objectives: This study aimed to assess serum Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and IL-6 levels, along with other inflammatory markers, in type-1 bipolar disorder (BD) patients and explore their relationship with clinical features, metabolic parameters, and symptom severity. Background: The study included 38 manic, 35 euthymic BD patients, and 40 healthy controls. Sociodemographic data, such as age, gender, alcohol and smoking habits, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. Methods: The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were administered to patients. Biochemical measurements included Gal-3, IL-6, CRP, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, and inflammatory indices like NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI. Results: Gal-3 levels significantly differed among the groups (F = 52.251, p < 0.001), with the highest levels in euthymic patients. IL-6 levels were elevated in both manic and euthymic patients compared to controls (F = 7.379, p = 0.001). Manic patients had significantly higher levels of neutrophils, monocytes, CRP, NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI. A positive correlation was found between Gal-3 levels, the total number of episodes, and YMRS scores in manic patients. In euthymic patients, Gal-3 levels correlated positively with disease duration and episode count. Conclusions: Elevated Gal-3 levels, particularly in the euthymic phase, may serve as a biomarker for BD and indicate ongoing inflammation. These findings suggest Gal-3 could help identify BD and differentiate the euthymic phase.

Risk factors for premalignant lesions of the oral cavity in the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic

Introduction : Oral cancer represents a significant public health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, especially in populations with associated risk factors. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with the purpose of identifying risk factors associated with premalignant lesions of the oral cavity in patients attended at the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic, Havana, between 2020 and 2024. The analysis included variables such as age, sex, anatomical location of the lesions and risk habits, such as smoking, alcoholism, inadequate diet and predisposing diseases. Early identification of these factors can contribute significantly to the prevention of oral cancer.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 25 patients of both sexes with evident premalignant lesions in the buccomaxillofacial complex. The variables studied included age, sex, anatomical location of the lesions and risk factors (smoking, alcoholism, diet and predisposing diseases). Data were collected through surveys and clinical records, and descriptive statistical analyses were applied to determine the absolute and relative frequencies of the variables. The sample was selected from the oral cancer registry of the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic.Results: The analysis showed that 40% of premalignant lesions were located on the tongue, this being the most affected anatomical site. The age group with the highest prevalence was 35-59 years, with a significant incidence of smoking (50%) and alcohol consumption (50%) as main risk factors. A higher proportion of female patients (56%) compared to male patients (44%) was observed, which differs from global trends in which men tend to be more affected. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors associated with premalignant lesions in the oral cavity, such as smoking, alcoholism and inadequate dietary habits. The results underline the need to implement educational and prevention programs aimed at at-risk populations, especially in the age groups with the highest incidence, to improve early detection and reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. Comprehensive care and the promotion of healthy habits are essential to address this problem

Identifying potential predictive indicators for reimplantation timing in two-stage revision: a meta-analysis and system review.

The two-stage exchange revision represents a pivotal strategy in the management of prosthetic joint infections, wherein the judicious timing of reimplantation serves as a crucial determinant for therapeutic success. At present, attempts have been made to utilize predictive models to establish the optimal timing for reimplantation; however, their predictive accuracy remains unsatisfactory. This inadequacy primarily arises from the lack of dependable predictive indicators, which demonstrate inconsistent effectiveness across various studies and occasionally yield contradictory outcomes. Therefore, identifying solid predictive indicators is in desperate need. Studies reporting outcomes of the two-stage exchange revision till June, 2023 were systematically retrieved, screened and subject to quality analysis. Basic characteristics of these studies were firstly summarized. Subsequently, factors of interest regarding clinical information, blood and body fluid test results, pathogen test results of the recurrent and recurrent-free cohorts were extracted and submitted to a fixed or random effects model. Meanwhile, evaluation of publication bias and sensitivity was performed. After filtering, a total of 45 studies were finally involved. Pooled analysis suggested that the recurrent cohort exhibited elevated incidences of body mass index (BMI) > 30, smoking and alcohol habits, diabetes, sinus tract, positive culture, and G-, polymicrobial and drug-resistant infections. Additionally, higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), synovial white blood cell (WBC) count, and polymorphonuclear percentage (PMN%) were observed in the recurrent cohort. On the other hand, the results of D-dimer and fibrinogen were ambiguous, and no difference regarding peripheral WBC count was observed. Forest plots suggested a low risk of publication bias. Besides, sensitivity analysis indicated good stability of the aforementioned indicators, except D-dimer and fibrinogen. To sum up, BMI > 30, smoking and alcohol habits, diabetes, sinus tract, positive culture, and G-, polymicrobial and drug-resistant infections, CRP, ESR, synovial WBC and PMN% exhibited significant differences between recurrent and recurrent-free cohorts. Therefore, these indicators may be considered as potential predictive factors for the further development of a prognostic model that aids the determination of reimplantation timing. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these indicators remains to be further confirmed. Prospero ID: CRD42022296568.

Identification of the Contributing Factors Related to Microvascular Complications Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal

A descriptive study was carried out on Identification of the contributing factors related to micro-vascular complications among patients with diabetes mellitus in selected hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal. Risk factors for the development of complication of diabetes of Sandra A. Black’s model (2002) were adopted as a conceptual framework. Among 100 diabetic patients were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique from diabetic clinic Infectious Diseases & Beleghata General Hospital (I.D. & B.G. Hospital). Semi structured interview schedule and Record analysis was used for data collection. The study findings based on descriptive and inferential statistical revealed that 62% falls in only diabetic group and the remaining 38% in the diabetic with micro vascular complication group where only retinopathy 18%, only nephropathy 11%, retinopathy and nephropathy both 9%. Chi square findings revealed that there were significant associations between the microvascular complications of diabetic patients and work habits (4.44) at df (1)/<0.05 level. Chi square findings also revealed that there were significant associations between the microvascular complications of diabetic patients and alcohol habits (4.40) at df (1)/<0.05 level. Recommendations for future studies are large sample size, to assess the prevalence of microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus patient, in different community settings. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, contributing factors related to micro-vascular complications.

Subjective sleep quality and sleep habits of elderly inhabiting rural areas of Sambalpur district of Odisha, India.

Sleep is an important physiological process that is essential for human beings because it maintains the circadian rhythm appropriately. The sleep behavior in the older population of India has not been studied adequately. Further, there is no report on the sleep behavior of the elderly population of Odisha, India. Therefore, this study has been designed to examine the status of sleep quality in the elderly living in rural areas of the Sambalpur district of western Odisha, India. This study includes1992 elderly subjects above the age of 60 years (945 females and 1047 males) who participated voluntarily. Data collection was done using a socio-demographic form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) inventory to determine the sleep quality and related factors that might alter the quality of sleep. The prevalence rate of sleep quality was assessed for both groups and the independence of attributes was tested statistically using the Chi-square test with ap-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Of the 1992 elderly participants, 1384 (69.5%) showed good sleep quality, and 608 (30.5%) had poor sleep quality. The factors, "female gender, marital status such as married" and "drinking habits of alcohol" are the statistically significant associations with good sleep quality among the elderly participants. The overall prevalence of good-quality sleep was high among the elderly participants living in rural areas of the Sambalpur district of western Odisha. These results might serve as a baseline database for future research endeavors. Further, a longitudinal study that has been planned might help in identifying the underlying factors that sustain good-quality sleep in a majority of the studied population.

Association between alcohol consumption and sleep difficulty in a nationwide Korean survey.

The data on the association between alcohol intake and sleep quality in a community-based setting are lacking. This study examined overall sleep difficulty according to alcohol habits among Korean adults. We analyzed data from 4937 adults who responded to questions about sleep difficulty and drinking habits from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for substantial sleep difficulty based on the frequency or amount of alcohol consumption in total and age- and sex-stratified subgroup analyses. Approximately 8.5% of the study population had substantial sleep difficulty. Individuals who drank <1 per week (frequency) or 1-2 cups per time (amount) had the lowest prevalence of substantial sleep difficulty, even compared with nondrinkers. Among drinkers, the association between alcohol use and sleep difficulty was significant in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend: 0.003 in frequency and < 0.001 in amount). Subgroup analysis revealed that significant linear relationships were robust for adults aged <50 years ([ORs] 1.20 [95% CIs 1.03-1.40] for frequency and 1.25 [1.10-1.42] for amount) and females (1.26 [1.10-1.44] for amount). Alcohol consumption is associated with increased sleep difficulties, especially in younger adults and women, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and in-depth research on the effects of alcohol on sleep.

Utility of Anthropometric Indexes for Detecting Metabolic Syndrome in Resource-Limited Regions of Northwestern China: Cross-Sectional Study.

Anthropometric indexes offer a practical approach to identifying metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. However, there is a scarcity of research on anthropometric indexes tailored to predict MetS in populations from resource-limited regions. This study aimed to examine the association between 8 easy-to-collect anthropometric indexes and MetS, and determine the most appropriate indexes to identify the presence of MetS for adults in resource-limited areas. A total of 10,520 participants aged 18-85 years from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited through a stratified sampling approach from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Eight anthropometric indexes were examined, including BMI, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), conicity index, a body shape index (ABSI), lipid accumulation products (LAP), visceral obesity index (VAI), and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were applied to identify the association between the anthropometric indexes. The receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were analyzed to identify and compare the discriminative power of anthropometric indexes in identifying MetS. The Youden index was used to determine a range of optimal diagnostic thresholds. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the association between the anthropometric indexes. A total of 3324 (31.60%) participants were diagnosed with MetS. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, current residence, education level, habitual alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, all the 8 indexes were positively correlated with the risks of MetS (P<.05). LAP presented the highest adjusted odds ratios (adjOR 35.69, 95% CI 34.59-36.80), followed by WHtR (adjOR 29.27, 95% CI 28.00-30.55), conicity index (adjOR 11.58, 95% CI 10.95-12.22), TyG index (adjOR 5.53, 95% CI 5.07-6.04), BMI (adjOR 3.88, 95% CI 3.71-4.05), WWI (adjOR 3.23, 95% CI 3.02-3.46), VAI (adjOR 2.11, 95% CI 2.02-2.20), and ABSI (adjOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.62-1.80). Significantly nonlinear associations between the 8 indexes and the risk of MetS (all Pnonlinear<.001) were observed in the RCSs. WHtR was the strongest predictor of MetS for males (AUC 0.91, 95% CI 0.90-0.92; optimal cutoff 0.53). LAP were the strongest predictor of MetS for females (AUC 0.89, 95% CI 0.89-0.90; optimal cutoff 28.67). Statistical differences were present between WHtR and all other 7 anthropometric indexes among males and overall (all P<.05). In females, the AUC values between LAP and BMI, WWI, ABSI, conicity index, VAI, and TyG index were significantly different (P<.001). No statistical difference was observed between LAP and WHtR among females. According to 8 anthropometric and lipid-related indices, it is suggested that WHtR and LAP are the most appropriate indexes for identifying the presence of MetS in resource-limited areas.

The Effects of Smoking, Alcohol, and Dietary Habits on the Progression and Management of Spondyloarthritis.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the spine and peripheral joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This narrative review examines how lifestyle factors-specifically smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet-contribute to the onset and progression of SpA. It highlights their impact on disease activity, comorbidities, radiographic damage, and treatment response. Therefore, healthcare providers are encouraged to support patients in making personalized lifestyle changes. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to SpA management, integrating lifestyle modifications with conventional therapies for optimal disease control and improved outcomes.

Relationship between exposure to multiple heavy metals and depressive symptoms in the US: The impact of alcohol consumption

Background/aimAlthough some heavy metals and alcohol consumption are known to have adverse effects on neurobehavioral symptoms, studies on the relationship between exposure to multiple metals and interaction between these factors are limited. In this study, we aimed to explore how multiple exposure to heavy metals with drinking habit in affecting depression using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. MethodsData from the U.S. NHANES between 2007 and 2014 were used to examine the cross-sectional relationships between heavy metal exposure and depression in adult over 20 years. After applying the exclusion criteria, 6021 subjects were included in the final analysis. We used four urinary metals, including mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), as exposure variables. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the depression symptoms of the participants. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) and quantile g-computation models were applied to investigate the effects of individual and multiple heavy metal exposures on depression, respectively. We also performed stratified analysis according to the alcohol habit of the participants. ResultsThe MLR models revealed that urinary Cd was positively associated with a continuous depression score (β = 0.39, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.24–0.53). Meanwhile, other urinary metals showed an insignificant positive relationship with depression. In quantile g-computation model, statistically significant positive relationship was observed between urinary heavy metal mixture and depression score (difference in PHQ-9 score increase = 0.32, 95 % CI: 0.14–0.50). When the model was stratified by drinking habit, a stronger relationship was observed in the heavy drinker group. ConclusionsComparing the results from different models, both individual urinary Cd and all the heavy metal mixtures were positively associated with depression. This association was stronger among those with heavy drinking habits. Future cohort studies are needed to confirm these associations and to clarify the causal relationship.

Overview of Fat, Alcohol and Sodium Consumption Habits in Men Aged 25-55 Years in North Tapanuli Regency

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hypertension is a condition of increased persistent blood pressure with a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of more than 90 mmHg. Hypertension can be triggered by unhealthy consumption habits such as consumption of foods containing high fat, drinking coffee, alcohol and smoking can stimulate constriction of blood vessels so as to increase blood pressure. This type of research is a quantitative analytic survey with a Cross Sectional design to find the relationship of risk factors affecting the occurrence of disease, this study was conducted to analyze the determinants of hypertension based on consumption habits (frequency of fat and sodium intake) and alcohol consumption in North Tapanuli Regency. Based on calculations using the Lemeshow formula, the minimum sample size required in this study was 93 with the addition of 10 percent. Thus, 103 samples were needed to achieve a confidence level of 95 percent. Measurement of the incidence of hypertension was obtained through direct measurement using a mercury spygmomanometer twice with a 5-minute measurement interval conducted by medical personnel. The incidence of hypertension can be categorized according to the Ministry of Health (2013), namely not hypertension if blood pressure ≤140/90 and hypertension if blood pressure &amp;gt;140/90. Based on the results of the study, it was found that there was an effect of alcohol consumption on the incidence of hypertension in men aged 22-25 years in North Tapanuli Regency. While the variables of fat and sodium consumption habits have no influence on the incidence of hypertension. Therefore, it is expected that each puskmesmas of North Tapanuli Regency can hold Posbindu PTM in an area that is easily accessible and close to the place of residence so that the implementation of counseling and Posbindu activities can be carried out properly, it is expected for families, to always provide encouragement, direction, motivation and guidance to other family members about the benefits and objectives of Posbindu PTM, so that they feel their health is cared for and they will use Posbindu PTM regularly. Farmers are expected to be able to organize good food consumption habits. By reducing the consumption of fat intake, sodium and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Associations between glycemic status and the ratio of γ-glutamyl transferase to HDL-C in middle-aged women.

The ratio of γ-glutamyl transferase to HDL-C (GGT/HDL-C) has been proposed as a discriminator of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between GGT/HDL-C and glycemic status in women. The subjects were 18,218 middle-aged women who had received annual health checkups in their workplaces. They were divided by habitual alcohol intake into nondrinkers, occasional drinkers, regular light drinkers, and regular heavy drinkers. In overall subjects, hemoglobin A1c level and prevalence of diabetes tended to be higher in subjects with higher GGT/HDL-C, and GGT/HDL-C tended to be higher with an increase of alcohol intake. The odds ratio for hyperglycemia in subjects with vs. subjects without high GGT/HDL-C tended to be lower with an increase of alcohol intake, and the association between high GGT/HDL-C and hyperglycemia was significantly weaker in regular heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers. In middle-aged women, there were positive associations of GGT/HDL-C with alcohol intake and glycemic status, and the association between GGT/HDL-C and glycemic status tended to be weaker with an increase of alcohol intake. Thus, alcohol use should be taken into account when GGT/HDL-C is used as a discriminator of diabetes.

Associations of alcohol intake with gut microbiome: a prospective study in a predominantly low-income Black/African American population

BackgroundAlcohol intake can alter gut microbiome, which may subsequently affect human health. However, limited population-based, prospective studies have investigated associations of habitual and recent alcohol intake with the gut microbiome, particularly among Black/African American individuals. ObjectiveWe examined the association of alcohol intake with gut microbiome in a predominantly low-income Black/African American population. MethodsWe investigated the dose- and type-specific associations of habitual and recent alcohol intake with the gut microbiome among 538 Black/African American adults (150 males and 388 females). Habitual and recent alcohol intakes were assessed at cohort baseline (2002–2009) and stool collection (2018–2021), respectively. Gut microbiome was profiled using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Generalized linear models were employed to evaluate the associations between alcohol intakes and gut microbiome composition, with adjustments for sociodemographic characteristics, other lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. False discovery rate (FDR) <0.1 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThe mean age at enrollment was 53.2 ± 7.7 y, with a mean interval of 13.8 y (range: 9.0–18.1 y) between baseline and stool sample collection. Recent alcohol intake was not significantly associated with microbial taxa abundance. However, habitual alcohol intake, both total amount and types of alcoholic beverages, showed significant associations with several microbial taxa abundance, primarily in males, including species within classes Clostridia, Bacilli, and Mahellia within Firmicutes. Specifically, total alcohol, beer, and red wine intakes were all inversely associated with genus MGYG-HGUT-02719 within class Clostridia (β = −2.26 to −0.09 per 1 drink/d increase). Red wine consumption was also inversely associated with the abundance of genera CAG-110, Oscillibacter, and Gemmiger within class Clostridia (β = −3.88 to −2.69), whereas positively associated with genus Absiella (β = 1.81) within class Bacilli. Most of these associations remained significant after additionally adjusting for BMI and baseline comorbidities. ConclusionsWe identified gut microbial taxa associated with habitual alcohol intake among Black/African American males, although the magnitudes of these associations were generally small. Further research is needed to determine if these bacteria modify alcohol-disease relationships.

Root caries: Prevalence, risk indicators, and clinical characteristics - A cross-sectional study.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of root caries (RC) in South Coastal population of India, to identify the risk indicators associated with it and to describe some clinical characteristics of RC lesions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 1062 subjects to assess the prevalence of RC. Each subject underwent an oral examination, performed by a single-calibrated examiner. Questionnaires were used to collect the data on oral hygiene habits, diet, smoking, alcohol habits, systemic conditions, and education level. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the risk indicators associated with RC. The prevalence of RC was found to be 7.5%, with a mean RC Index of 17.66%. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that age (≥40 years), systemic conditions, and exposed root surfaces were statistically significantly associated with RC (P < 0.05). RC is prevalent not only in the older age group but also the younger adults in this cohort. This study suggests an association between RC and the variables age (≥40 years), exposed root surfaces and systemic conditions.

Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Research Assistants and Final-Year Students in the Medical Faculty.

This study aimed to identify the health-related behaviors and associated factors among research assistants and final-year students at a Faculty of Medicine. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 712 assistant physicians and final-year medical students participated. Data collection involved using a survey form to inquire about participants' sociodemographic characteristics and the "Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale II (HPLP II)." Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction were employed for data analysis. Among the participants, 52.5% were assistant physicians, 47.5% were final-year students, and 50.4% were women. Physicians scored an average of 120.0 ± 16.5 on the HPLP II, with the lowest in the physical activity subscale and the highest score in the spiritual development subscale. Healthy lifestyles were more prevalent in those aged 23-28, in those not married and who are childless, women, non-shift workers, nonsmokers, those with chronic conditions, and those perceiving their health as good or fair. Factors influencing healthy lifestyle behaviors include age, marital status, parenthood, smoking and alcohol habits, work unit, health perception, and chronic diseases. Analyzing and conducting studies on modifiable characteristics are recommended to enhance health.

Regular physical activity improves physical function and health-related quality of life among middle-aged and older women who suffered a fragility fracture—a population-based cohort

SummaryFragility fractures are a major problem in our aging society leading to early death and loss of independence for activities of daily living. Physical activity in a long-term follow-up of Portuguese women over 50 years with a fragility fracture was associated with better physical function and quality of life.PurposeTo evaluate the long-term impact of physical activity on physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women ≥ 50 years old who suffered a fragility fracture.MethodsWe evaluated the association of physical activity with physical function and HRQoL in women ≥ 50 years old who self-reported at least one low-impact fracture ≥ 40 years old from the EpiDoC cohort, a population-based cohort. Self-reported data regarding sociodemographics, clinical, and lifestyle behaviors were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire at baseline during a face-to-face clinical interview. During a long-term follow-up, a phone interview was conducted to evaluate physical activity (using a non-validated scale developed for the EpiDoC study), physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire), and HRQoL (European Quality of Life – 5 Dimension). Women were divided into three groups according to the frequency of physical activity (non-frequent = 0 times/week, frequent = 1–2 times/week, or very frequent = ≥ 3 times/week). The association of physical activity frequency (non-frequent, frequent, and very frequent) with physical function and HRQoL over time was assessed through linear mixed models considering varying intercepts for each woman.ResultsThis study followed 323 post-fracture women, during a mean follow-up of 3.9 ± 3.5 years. Frequent (β = − 0.1419 [− 0.2783, − 0.0064]) and very frequent (β = − 0.1908 [− 0.2944, − 0.0881]) physical exercise were associated with improvements in physical function relative to non-frequent physical exercise adjusted for BMI, multimorbidity, hospitalizations, alcohol and smoking habits, and the number of fragility fractures at baseline. As for HRQoL, a positive association was found for exercise frequency, specifically frequent (β = 0.1305 [0.0646, 0.1958]) and very frequent (β = 0.1354 [0.0856, 0.1859]) suggesting improvements for HRQoL, in this follow-up period.ConclusionsThese findings based on longitudinal data with long-term follow-up suggest that regular physical activity is associated with better function and HRQol among middle-aged and older post-fracture osteoporotic Portuguese women.

Impact of fatalistic approaches in the health crisis: COVID-19 example.

When faced with a health crisis, most people tend to seek solutions through modern or traditional medicine. However, there is a group of people who tend to take a fatalistic approach to health crises and tend not to do what is necessary. When such approaches are exhibited in disadvantaged groups, there may be a chain reaction resulting in much more important problems. The aim of this study is to determine whether the fatalistic approach is realized during a health crisis period in people 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers who are considered disadvantaged. Researchers also examined whether there were sociodemographic characteristics that made a difference in these attitudes among those who were determined to have a fatalistic approach. The research was conducted with a quantitative method. The sample calculation was performed and it was decided to reach 196 people. A self-report scale was used for fatalism. It was determined that the participants had a moderate level of fatalism. It was seen that there was a difference between the groups in terms of fatalistic behavior. It was observed that women, divorced people, people without alcohol and smoking habits, people who live alone, and people who think their health is poor tend to behave more fatalistic. The tendency to show fatalistic behavior was found to be higher in the group of 65 years and older. Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with fatalistic behavior.

Characteristics and factors associated with psychotic-like experiences in remission: a cross-sectional study of 4208 college students in China

ObjectivesPrevious research has extensively explored the factors associated with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). However, the characteristics and associated factors of remitted PLEs, which refer to the absence of current PLEs following...

Cancer and immune response: The role of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in laryngeal carcinoma. Preliminary results

PurposeThe overall survival of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) hasn’t changed significantly in the last decades, leading to a negative prognosis in advanced stages. So, the immunotherapy takes space with the inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint, involved in suppression of immune response.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on LSCC patients, selected according to strict criteria. The study was approved by the ethics committee of our Hospital. Parameters were: sex, age, smoking and alcohol habits, C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the serum, laryngeal subsite involved, differentiation-based histopathologic grading of tumor, neck node involvement, tumor stage, expression levels of PD-L1 (as Combined Positive Score – CPS). P-value < 0.05 was statistically significant.Results58 patients were included: 31.03% were females, mean age 63.55±10.09. A statistically significant correlation between CPS and smoking habits and N stage was found. CRP resulted increased in 44.83% of patients with a statistically significant correlation with CPS. The most cases were glottic cancers (46.55%). 75.86% of tumors were moderately-differentiated, without correlation with CPS.ConclusionPD-L1 expression levels are variables independent of sex, age, alcohol consumption, differentiation degree of LSCC. A statistically significant correlation between PD-L1 expression levels and smoking habits, neck node status and CRP was found. This last finding demonstrates the involvement of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in immune response in case of cancer. However, these results need further studies to detect the best patients tailored for treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.

Smoking and alcohol habits in head and neck cancers: How many patients stop after diagnosis?

BackgroundSmoking and alcohol are the main risk factors for head and neck cancer. Despite the significant psychological impact, many patients continue to smoke and drink alcohol after diagnosis of cancer. This study aims to analyze the patients’ behavior post diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. MethodsAn observational retrospective study was conducted on patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Their smoking and alcohol habits before and after diagnosis of cancer were studied. ResultsA total of 85 patients were recruited: 80 % males, mean age 61.77±9.30 years. Among smokers, 35.80 % continued smoking post-diagnosis. A statistically significant correlation was found between smoking habit after diagnosis of cancer and type of treatment and tracheostomy. Among drinkers, 65.52 % continued to consume alcohol after diagnosis of cancer. A statistically significant correlation was found between alcohol consumption post-diagnosis and sex. ConclusionsPatients undergoing more invasive treatments are more likely to quit smoking and/or drinking alcohol, suggesting the strong psychological impact of cancer and its therapy. Many patients continue smoking and consuming alcohol due to unawareness, depression, or addiction. However, most patients reduced cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Comprehensive care, including psychological support, is essential for these patients.