Characteristics Of Individuals Research Articles

Brain characteristics of transgender individuals and consequences of gender assignment treatment

The differences between the male and female brain in cisgender individuals, those in whom there is no incongruence between the so-called biological sex and the perceived sex, are known. The genetic basis that underlies the differences observed in the brains of transgender individuals compared to cisgender individuals is also becoming known. In transgender individuals, there is a fundamental change in the connectivity of neurons in the body perception network, which may give rise to gender dysphoria. This knowledge allows for the characterization of the transgender condition and distinguishes it from transgender identities such as non-binary gender, gender fluidity, or genderqueer. Articles published assume, from the perspective of depathologization imposed by Gender Ideology, that these differences are due to a different sexual development. The societal acceptance of this perspective over the last two decades paved the way for medical interventions aimed at affirming the perceived gender, different from the genetic sex, through the continuous administration of cross-sex hormones and, in some cases, mutilating surgery. In adolescents and children, affirmation treatment of the perceived gender begins with puberty blockers, which have negative consequences for ossification and growth. The importance and irreversibility of these 'side effects' require the utmost rigor and complete information about them. Spanish law pushes the ideology to the maximum, infringing on the rights of transgender individuals. Medical ethics emphasize the necessity - the right - of a medical and psychological diagnosis, free from ideological approaches, before initiating what is being called treatment. This includes the right to information, prior to consent, about the positive and negative effects of hormonal administration. It also includes the right to the recognition of diversity among transgender individuals, especially the right to research that allows for treating the brain without altering the body. These rights must be recognized and demanded by the laws.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Fatigue-Dominant Long-COVID Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundLong COVID is defined by persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Approximately 71% of individuals with long COVID experience ongoing fatigue, postexertional malaise, and cognitive impairments, which share pathological similarities with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This similarity has prompted studies to explore the characteristics of long COVID to gain a better understanding of ME/CFS. To gain insights, we investigated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of individuals with fatigue-dominant long COVID. MethodsWe enrolled 100 subjects (36 males, 64 females) with long COVID who had a higher score than 60 in the modified Korean version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ11) and higher than 5 in a fatigue-focused visual analogue scale. To investigate fatigue symptoms, the mKCFQ11, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, a visual analogue scale for fatigue and brain fog, along with the Short-Form survey, were employed. We also measured 3 cytokines and cortisol levels for immunological and endocrinological indicators. As a cross-sectional observational study, the data were collected at a single point in time. ResultsThe mean scores on the measurements showed severe fatigue, and these scores were significantly correlated, with no differences based on sex, the post-COVID period, or age. Among the laboratory tests, plasma cortisol levels had a significant negative correlation with fatigue scores and a positive correlation with living quality. The negative correlation between cortisol levels and mKCFQ11 scores appeared to be more specific to mental fatigue than physical, which conflicted with other measurements. ConclusionOur findings provide the first insights into the characteristics of fatigue in individuals with long COVID, particularly in terms of fatigue severity and cortisol levels. These results serve as valuable reference data for clinicians dealing with fatigue symptoms in long-COVID patients and for researchers exploring postviral fatigue symptoms, including ME/CFS, in the future.

Characterizing the Individuals Who Regain or Maintain Walking Ability after a Hip Fracture: Insights Into Physical Resilience

ObjectivesMaintaining walking ability is key to healthy aging. Hip fractures often lead to declined walking ability. This study investigated characteristics of individuals who regained walking ability after a hip fracture, an expression of physical resilience. DesignRegister-based cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 55,467 Swedish residents aged ≥60 years with a first hip fracture (71% women, mean age = 82.3 ± 8) included in the Swedish Hip Fracture Register. MethodsInformation about diseases, medications, and socioeconomic (SES) factors came from registers. Individuals were classified by prefracture walking ability (independent or assisted walking) and whether their walking ability 4 months post-fracture was maintained (physical resilience or nonresilience). Cluster analyses were conducted among individuals who maintained their walking ability to assess different physical resilience profiles. ResultsAt baseline, 38,493 individuals walked independently (69%), and 16,982 were assisted walkers. Half of the independent walkers maintained their walking ability 4 months post-fracture. Among them, 3 clusters were identified: a “Low SES, Low Disease” cluster (n = 8580, mean age 81.1 ± 7.5); a “High SES, Low Disease” cluster (n = 7778, mean age 76.7 ± 7.4); and a third “High SES, High Disease” cluster (n = 4320, mean age 77.7 ± 7.4).Sixty percent of the pre-assisted walkers maintained their level of assisted walking ability. Also among them, 3 clusters were identified: a “Low SES-Independent Living” cluster (n = 3077, mean age 85.5 ± 7.1); a second “Care Home” cluster (n = 2912, mean age 87.0 ± 6.5) with a high proportion with dementia diagnosis; and a last “High SES” cluster (n = 4044, mean age 83.0 ± 7.0) with the largest proportion of men. Conclusions and ImplicationsPhysical resilience is not characterized by one typical healthy profile, and it is possible to regain walking ability after a hip fracture despite unfavorable prerequisites in 1 domain. A favorable status in one domain may compensate for an unfavorable status in another, for example, a high disease burden in combination with high SES.

Characterizing diabetic cardiomyopathy: baseline results from the ARISE-HF trial

BackgroundDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is a form of Stage B heart failure (HF) at high risk for progression to overt disease. Using baseline characteristics of study participants from the Aldose Reductase Inhibition for Stabilization of Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure (ARISE-HF) Trial we sought to characterize clinical characteristics of individuals with findings consistent with DbCM.MethodsAmong study participants meeting inclusion criteria, clinical characteristics, laboratory testing, imaging, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Physical Activity Scale of the Elderly (PASE) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results were tabulated. Cluster phenogroups were identified.ResultsAmong 691 study participants (mean age 67.4 years; 50% were female), mean duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was 14.5 years. The median (Q1, Q3) N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and high sensitivity cardiac troponin T were 71 (35, 135) ng/L and 9 [6, 12] ng/L. The most common echocardiographic abnormalities were reduced global longitudinal strain in 25.3% and impaired diastolic relaxation in 17.7%. Despite rather well-preserved KCCQ scores the average PASE score was markedly impaired at 155 accompanied by an average maximal oxygen consumption of 15.7 mL/Kg/minute on CPET. In K-means clustering, 4 phenogroups were identified including a higher-risk group with more advanced age, greater elevation of cardiac biomarkers, and more prevalent evidence for diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy.ConclusionsBaseline data from the ARISE-HF Trial provide clinical characterization of individuals with T2DM and features of stage B HF, and may help clarify the diagnosis of DbCM.Trial RegistrationARISE-HF, NCT04083339.

Laser-light cueing shoes with integrated foot pressure and inertial sensing for investigating the impact of visual cueing on gait characteristics in Parkinson's disease individuals.

Gait disorders are a fundamental challenge in Parkinson's disease (PD). The use of laser-light visual cues emitted from shoes has demonstrated effective in improving freezing of gait within less restrictive environments. However, the effectiveness of shoes-based laser-light cueing may vary among individuals with PD who have different types of impairments. We introduced an innovative laser-light visual shoes system capable of producing alternating visual cues for the left and right feet through one-side cueing at a time, while simultaneously recording foot inertial data and foot pressures. The effects of this visual cueing system on gait patterns were assessed in individuals with PD, both those with well-gait and those with worse-gait. Our device successfully quantified gait characteristics, including the asymmetry in the center of pressure trajectory, in individuals with PD. Furthermore, visual cueing prolonged stride times and increased the percentage of stance phase, while concurrently reducing stride length in PD individuals with well-gait. Conversely, in PD individuals with worse-gait, visual cueing resulted in a decreased freeze index and a reduction in the proportion of intervals prone to freezing episodes. The effects of visual cueing varied between PD individuals with well-gait and those with worse-gait. Visual cueing slowed down gait in the well-gait group while it appeared to mitigate freezing episodes in worse-gait group. Future researches, including enhancements to extend the projection distance of visual cues and clinical assessments conducted in real-world settings, will help establish the clinical utility of our proposed visual cueing system.

Rett syndrome in Ireland: a demographic study

BackgroundRett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition associated with mutations in the gene coding for the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). It is primarily observed in girls and affects individuals globally. The understanding of the neurobiology of RTT and patient management has been improved by studies that describe the demographic and clinical presentation of individuals with RTT. However, in Ireland, there is a scarcity of data regarding individuals with RTT, which impedes the ability to fully characterize the Irish RTT population. Together with the Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland (RSAI), we prepared a questionnaire to determine the characteristics of RTT individuals in Ireland. Twenty-five families have participated in the study to date, providing information about demographics, genetics, familial history, clinical features, and regression.ResultsThe results show that Irish individuals with RTT have comparable presentation with respect to individuals in other countries; however, they had a better response to anti-epileptic drugs, and fewer skeletal deformities were reported. Nonetheless, seizures, involuntary movements and regression were more frequently observed in Irish individuals. One of the main findings of this study is the limited genetic information available to individuals to support the clinical diagnosis of RTT.ConclusionsDespite the limited sample size, this study is the first to characterize the RTT population in Ireland and highlights the importance of having a swift access to genetic testing to sharpen the characterization of the phenotype and increase the visibility of Irish individuals in the international RTT community.Graphical abstract

Outcomes in Clinical Subgroups of Patients With Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations

Alcohol-related hospitalizations are common and associated with significant cost to the health care system. We have a limited understanding of the characteristics of individuals who experience alcohol-related hospitalizations, which limits our capacity to prioritize those at the highest risk of postdischarge harm. To identify and characterize the clinical subgroups of individuals who are hospitalized for alcohol-related harms. This cohort study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify clinical subgroups of individuals experiencing alcohol-related hospitalizations in 2 provinces in Canada. All individuals between ages 10 and 105 years who were hospitalized for an alcohol-related harm between January 2017 and December 2018 (ie, the index hospitalization) were eligible. Data were analyzed between June 2023 and August 2023. The exposure of interest was the clinical subgroup that an individual belonged to. These subgroups were identified using an LCA based on (1) the characteristics of the index hospitalization and (2) the history of alcohol-related health service use. In-hospital mortality, alcohol-related hospital readmission, and all-cause mortality in the year following discharge from the index hospitalization. The association between subgroup membership and the risk of in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes was evaluated using multivariable regression. A total of 34 043 individuals were included in analysis, 4753 from Manitoba (median [IQR] age, 49 [40-58] years; 1786 female [37.6%]) and 29 290 from Ontario (median [IQR] age, 57 [45-67] years; 8527 female [29.1%]). Seven subgroups were identified following a gradient from low-frequency service use for acute intoxication to high-frequency service use for severe alcohol use disorder and liver disease. In Ontario, there were 4431 individuals in the liver disease subgroup representing 15.5% of the cohort who were at the highest risk of 1-year mortality (1382 [31.2%]) relative to the acute intoxication subgroup (42 [4.0%]) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.83; 95% CI, 2.80-5.24). There was also a small subgroup (10.6%) of individuals with high-frequency alcohol-related health service use who had a much higher hazard of readmission following the index hospitalization (1-year readmission: 703 of 1526 [46.1%] vs 104 of 1058 [9.8%] in the acute intoxication subgroup; aHR, 5.09; 95% CI, 4.11-6.31). In this population-based cohort study of individuals experiencing alcohol-related hospitalizations, we identified several small, clinically distinct subgroups that were at a disproportionately high risk of readmission and mortality. These groups could merit prioritization in strategies aimed at reducing the risk of adverse outcomes following alcohol-related hospitalizations.

Factors associated with an unsuppressed viral load among HIV-positive individuals attending STI services in South Africa, 2019

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly in the absence of viral suppression, increase the risk of HIV transmission to uninfected partners. We determined factors associated with having an unsuppressed VL among HIV-positive individuals attending STI services in South Africa (SA).MethodsWe analysed secondary cross-sectional data collected on HIV-positive individuals presenting with STI symptoms s at sentinel sites in Western Cape and Gauteng provinces between January–December 2019 in SA. We compared demographic characteristics of individuals on ART or not on ART, and a Poisson regression model to identify factors associated with having an unsuppressed VL (≥ 50 copies/ml) was used.ResultsAmong 93 HIV-positive individuals attending STI services with VL data, the median age was 32 years (IQR 27–37). Thirty-two (34.41%) individuals were on ART compared to 61 (65.59%) not on ART. Most of those on ART (56.25%) had an unsuppressed VL, while 86.89% of those not on ART had an unsuppressed VL. ART use was associated with a 33% lower prevalence of having unsuppressed VL. In a model adjusting for age, age at first sex and oral sex, none of the factors were significant. Among those on ART, individuals < 25 years were more likely to have an unsuppressed VL (aPRR = 1.94: 95% CI = 1.27–2.97) compared to those ≥ 25 years.ConclusionART use among HIV-positive individuals was low and VL suppression among those on ART was sub-optimal. Intensified ART initiation and adherence support to HIV-positive individuals seeking STI services could improve VL suppression.

Rare c.302C>T TTR Variant Associated with Transthyretin Amyloidosis.

Background and Objectives: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a rare disease caused by pathogenic variants in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. More than 140 different disease-causing variants in TTR have been reported. Only a few individuals with a rare TTR variant, c.302C>T, p.(Ala101Val) (historically known as p.(Ala81Val)), primarily associated with cardiac ATTRv, have been described. Therefore, our aim was to analyze the clinical characteristics of individuals with the identified c.302C>T TTR variant at our center. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from individuals with ATTRv who were diagnosed and treated at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. ATTRv was confirmed by negative hematological analysis for monoclonal protein, positive tissue biopsy or bone scintigraphy and a pathogenic TTR variant. Results: During 2018-2021, the TTR NM_000371.3:c.302C>T, NP_000362.1:p.(Ala101Val) variant was found in one individual in a homozygous state and in three individuals in a heterozygous state. The age of onset of symptoms ranged from 44 to 74 years. The earliest onset of symptoms was in the individual with the homozygous variant. A history of carpal tunnel syndrome was identified in two individuals. On ECG, three individuals had low QRS voltage in limb leads. All individuals had elevated NT-proBNP and hsTroponine I levels on baseline laboratory tests and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy on transthoracic echocardiography. The individual with the homozygous c.302C>T TTR variant had the most pronounced polyneuropathy with tetraparesis. Other patients with the heterozygous variant had more significant amyloid cardiomyopathy. When screening family members, the c.302C>T TTR variant was identified in two phenotypically negative relatives at the ages of 33 and 47 years. Conclusions: c.302C>T is a rare TTR variant associated with ATTRv cardiomyopathy. The homozygous state of this variant was not reported before, and is associated with earlier disease onset and neurological involvement compared to the heterozygote state.

Identifying high cholesterol in the ambulance setting: a mixed-methods cohort study to tackle health inequality.

Individuals with low socio-economic status (SES) have disproportionate rates of cardio- vascular disease (CVD) but poorer engagement with preventative health. This study aimed to compare characteristics of individuals with and without hyperlipidaemia and describe their health behaviours. A mixed-methods study between January and December 2022. Patients aged ≥40years using the ambulance service with blood pressure of ≥140/90 had their total cholesterol measured using a point of care device. Data including blood pressure, smoking status, National Early Warning Score 2 and clinical frailty scale (CFS) were analysed. Of 203 patients (59% female, mean age 65.7years), 115 (56.7%) had total cholesterol ≥5.1mmol/L. Thirty patients (14.8%) sought treatment and received either statins (n=9; 4.4%), dietary modification (n=7; 3.4%) or no further intervention (n=14; 6.9%), whilst 85 patients (41.9%) took no further action. Lower CFS (OR 0.53 [0.31-0.93]) and higher total cholesterol (OR 2.07 [1.03-2.76]) predicted seeking further management. SES was not associated with hyperlipidaemia or likelihood of seeking further management, rather this was dictated by competing co-morbidity, poor health literacy and digital divide. Undiagnosed hyperlipidaemia exists in patients using the ambulance service, irrespective of SES. Individual and healthcare system factors prevent engagement in cholesterol lowering behaviours.

Individual social capital and expectations of career advancement

AbstractThis article studies the association between the characteristics of individuals’ social networks and expectations of career advancement, including pay raises and job promotions. The literature has extensively documented the role of social capital as a determinant of labour market outcomes. However, the formation of expectations constitutes another critical path by which social ties may affect work through their influence on individual motivation and behaviour. This study attempts to explain the relationship between social capital and career-related expectations and empirically assesses these associations by employing data from a survey administered to a representative sample of the Spanish population. Our findings suggest that the ability to mobilise network resources is positively linked with both measures of career advancement. However, access to the upper class is only positively associated with expecting a pay rise. Additionally, for non-employed individuals, higher mobilisation is positively associated with the expectation of an increase in income.

Clustering blood donors via mixtures of product partition models with covariates.

Motivated by the problem of accurately predicting gap times between successive blood donations, we present here a general class of Bayesian nonparametric models for clustering. These models allow for the prediction of new recurrences, accommodating covariate information that describes the personal characteristics of the sample individuals. We introduce a prior for the random partition of the sample individuals, which encourages two individuals to be co-clustered if they have similar covariate values. Our prior generalizes product partition models with covariates (PPMx) models in the literature, which are defined in terms of cohesion and similarity functions. We assume cohesion functions that yield mixtures of PPMx models, while our similarity functions represent the denseness of a cluster. We show that including covariate information in the prior specification improves the posterior predictive performance and helps interpret the estimated clusters in terms of covariates in the blood donation application.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder differs from anorexia nervosa in delay discounting

BackgroundAvoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are the two primary restrictive eating disorders; however, they are driven by differing motives for inadequate dietary intake. Despite overlap in restrictive eating behaviors and subsequent malnutrition, it remains unknown if ARFID and AN also share commonalities in their cognitive profiles, with cognitive alterations being a key identifier of AN. Discounting the present value of future outcomes with increasing delay to their expected receipt represents a core cognitive process guiding human decision-making. A hallmark cognitive characteristic of individuals with AN (vs. healthy controls [HC]) is reduced discounting of future outcomes, resulting in reduced impulsivity and higher likelihood of favoring delayed gratification. Whether individuals with ARFID display a similar reduction in delay discounting as those with AN (vs. an opposing bias towards increased delay discounting or no bias) is important in informing transdiagnostic versus disorder-specific cognitive characteristics and optimizing future intervention strategies.MethodTo address this research question, 104 participants (ARFID: n = 57, AN: n = 28, HC: n = 19) completed a computerized Delay Discounting Task. Groups were compared by their delay discounting parameter (ln)k.ResultsIndividuals with ARFID displayed a larger delay discounting parameter than those with AN, indicating steeper delay discounting (M ± SD = −6.10 ± 2.00 vs. −7.26 ± 1.73, p = 0.026 [age-adjusted], Hedges’ g = 0.59), with no difference from HC (p = 0.514, Hedges’ g = −0.35).ConclusionOur findings provide a first indication of distinct cognitive profiles among the two primary restrictive eating disorders. The present results, together with future research spanning additional cognitive domains and including larger and more diverse samples of individuals with ARFID (vs. AN), will contribute to identifying maintenance mechanisms that are unique to each disorder as well as contribute to the optimization and tailoring of treatment strategies across the spectrum of restrictive eating disorders.

Cranio-Facial Characteristics in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) consist of a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by qualitative impairments of social interactions, communication abilities, and a limited, stereotyped, and repetitive selection of interests and activities. In light of the imperative to identify a possible biomarker for ASD, it has been determined that craniofacial anomalies serve as significant risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this scoping review is to deepen the knowledge of the scientific literature related to cranio-facial characteristics in individuals with ASD, with a particular focus on recent research advancements. The review was performed by employing the search strings ((“Autism Spectrum Disorder” OR autism OR ASD OR “Autism Spectrum”) AND (“facial morphology” OR “facial phenotype”)) on the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC as of March 9, 2023. The review comprised seven studies whose findings were obtained through quantitative analysis of Euclidean distances between anatomical landmarks. The examination of facial abnormalities represents a possible reliable diagnostic biomarker that could aid in the timely identification of ASD. Phenotypic characteristics that may serve as predictive indicators of the severity of autistic symptoms can be observed in certain individuals with ASD by applying anthropometric and instrumental measurements. The presence of a phenotype characterised by an increased intercanthal distance and a reduced facial midline height appears to be associated with a higher degree of severity in autistic symptoms. In addition, it is worth noting that facial asymmetry and facial masculinity can be considered reliable indicators for predicting a more severe manifestation of symptoms.

Trauma and psychosocial adversity in youth with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability.

Traumatic experiences contribute significantly to behavioral and mood dysregulation syndromes presenting for treatment to behavioral health settings. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID) and developmental delay experience traumatic events more frequently than their typically developing peers. However, measures used to identify trauma related disorders and treatment thereof are based on typically developing individuals. Regardless of the baseline characteristics of individuals who experience trauma, trauma exposure is the result of multiple interdependent environmental, social, and familial characteristics. We used the "ecological systems analysis approach" to structure our review of the impact of trauma on those with ASD and ID. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic which exposed the global population to a collective trauma, has also catalyzed investigations into the challenges faced by members of society most dependent on social services. Children with ASD and ID were among those vulnerable individuals, and the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed researchers to better understand the impact of a collective trauma on those individuals. It is imperative that we understand current research and recommendations for identifying and treating trauma-related disorders in individuals with developmental disorders to best inform clinical practice and directions for future research in this area.

Epstein Barr Virus nuclear antigen and sociodemographical characteristics of HIV-infected individuals in two tertiary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the opportunistic pathogens that affects HIV infected individuals. Although high prevalence of EBV has been well documented in Africa and some parts of Nigeria, such data are sparse from Rivers State, Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed at determining the Epstein Barr virus nuclear antigens and the sociodemographical characteristics of HIV-infected individuals in two tertiary hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria. Plasma from 182 HIV-infected individuals attending the Retroviral Clinics of UPTH and RSUTH in Rivers State, Nigeria were tested for antibodies specific for EBNA by IgM ELISA assays. Overall prevalence of IgM antibodies against Epstein Barr Nucleic Acid (EBNA) was 20.9%. The study showed sex-related statistical variances in the seropositivity of anti-IgM (females 23.5% vs. males 16.4%, p&lt;0.05). Higher seropositivity occurred in age range 0-20 years (25.0%) than other age range, divorced and widowed (50.0%) than the married (25.7%) and singles (10.1%), among tertiary education (24.7%) than secondary (20.5%) and primary education (8.3%), Islamic religion (56.3%) than Christian religion (17.5%), and social/healthcare workers (37.5%) than other occupational groups. Summarily, higher seropositivity of anti-IgM antibodies against EBV was observed in HIV-infected individuals in UPTH than their counterparts in RSUTH. Nevertheless, 20.9% of the HIV-infected individuals in this study that were categorized with current/ongoing primary infection, owed to VCA-IgM detection, were positive for EBNA IgM antibodies. In conclusion, this study clearly confirmed that EBV seropositivity considerably increased with age, sex, marital status, educational level, religion, and occupation. Thus, this study verified earlier studies that presented high EBV seroprevalence, touching &gt;50.0%the populace in Nigeria. Future larger and multi-center clinical research are suggested to address some unanswered seroepidemiological questions.

Trends in Pregabalin Use and Prescribing Patterns in the Adult Population: A 10-Year Pharmacoepidemiologic Study.

Pregabalin is steadily gaining popularity worldwide, with epidemiological studies indicating an increase in labeled, off-labeled, and recreational uses. In Israel, pregabalin prescriptions are not regulated by the controlled substances legislations, prompting a need to examine its usage trends for potential policy adjustments. The objective of this study was to assess trends in pregabalin prescribing during a 10-year period, to characterize demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals prescribed pregabalin, and to identify risk factors associated with high-intensity pregabalin use. This retrospective, longitudinal study examined trends in pregabalin prescribing from 2010 to 2019 based on data extracted from the Clalit Health Services (CHS) electronic database. Annual pregabalin prescribing rate was calculated individually for each reporting year. A univariable analysis was conducted to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of pregabalin users in 2019 with those in 2010. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess dose-related patterns by specific demographic and clinical characteristics. Pregabalin prescription rate more than doubled over 10 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.3, p = 0.001], reaching 7.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.18-7.28] prescriptions per 100 CHS members in 2019. The highest prescription rates were observed among the elderly population (13.2 and 24.1 prescriptions per 100 CHS members for those aged 55-74 and over 75 years old, respectively). Same-year administration of pregabalin with opioids, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs was common; however, the percentage of patients using these drugs together declined in 2019 compared with 2010 (p < 0.001). Males, patients with low socioeconomic status, patients aged 35-54 years, and those who consumed opioids, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs received higher pregabalin doses. Pregabalin use has increased significantly in the Israeli adult-based CHS population, consistent with worldwide data. A growing use over time may indicate overprescription. More studies are needed on misuse patterns to identify populations most susceptible to high-dose and high-intensity pregabalin use.

Specific bioelectrical vectors pattern in individuals with sarcopenic obesity

BackgroundSarcopenic obesity is a common condition in the elderly associated with excessive adiposity and low muscle mass and strength. AimsThis study aims to establish a method for detecting bioelectrical characteristics in individuals with sarcopenic obesity through specific Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (specificBIVA), while considering the characteristics of individuals with healthy, sarcopenic, and obese conditions. MethodsThe sample was composed by 975 Italian adults over 50 years of age (men: 74.3±8.8 y; women:76.3±8.8 y) living in Sardinia (Italy). A dataset of 1590 US adults aged 21- to 49 years retrieved from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was also considered in a final step of the study. Anthropometric (stature, weight, waist, arm, and calf circumferences) and whole-body bioelectrical variables were taken. In the Italian sample, bioelectrical impedance was applied to estimate the relative content of fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. Groups with healthy body composition (NS-NO), or consistent with sarcopenia (S), sarcopenic obesity (SO), and obesity (O) were defined based on the cut-offs suggested by European expert guidelines (EWGSOP2 and ESPEN-EASO). SpecificBIVA was applied to compare groups and to identify the area for sarcopenic obesity within young-adults tolerance ellipses. The position of the specific vector of US individuals with SO, selected on the basis of DXA measurements, was also considered. ResultsIn both sexes of the Italian sample, the bioelectrical characteristics of the four groups were different (p<0.001). The differences were mainly related to vector length, indicative of higher fat mass, which was longer in the O and SO groups, and phase angle, a proxy of intracellular/extracellular water and muscle mass, lower in the sarcopenic groups. Bioelectrical vectors of the SO group fell in the right quadrant, outside of the 95% tolerance ellipses of young adults. The mean vector of the US sample with SO fell in the same area. Within the SO area, women had similar bioelectrical values, while men showed phase angle variability, which was related to the severity of the condition. ConclusionsSpecificBIVA detects body composition peculiarities of individuals with sarcopenic obesity, thus allowing their diagnosis when associated with low handgrip strength values.

Association between food insecurity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/significant fibrosis measured by fibroscan.

Studies evaluating food insecurity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and significant hepatic fibrosis are currently scarce. We evaluated the characteristics of food insecure individuals and whether food insecurity was associated with MASLD and significant hepatic fibrosis in the US population. In this cross-sectional study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018, 3441 participants with complete data were enrolled. We defined MASLD and significant hepatic fibrosis (≥ F2) by transient elastography in the absence of other causes of liver disease. The detailed questionnaire assessed and categorized food security as high, marginal, low, and very low food security. Food-insecure subjects were more likely to be female, younger, more impoverished, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and less likely to be educated, married, and physically active. Food insecurity increased the odds of the prevalence of MASLD by 42% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.78) after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors. The addition of diabetes and obesity did not change this association (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03-1.78). The multivariable model showed an independent relationship between food insecurity and significant hepatic fibrosis (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.04-1.88) after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors, although the association was attenuated and changed insignificantly after adjustment for diabetes and obesity. Food insecurity was associated with higher odds for MASLD. While there is a relationship between food insecurity and significant hepatic fibrosis, this relationship changed insignificantly after adjustment of diabetes and obesity.

Exploration Into Patterns of Cannabis Use Across Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Peripartum cannabis use can be harmful to pregnant individual's and children's health, yet it is the most used illicit substance during the peripartum period. Despite the ability of some people to reduce and abstain from cannabis use during pregnancy, the first year postpartum is a high-risk time for returning to cannabis. However, characterization of cannabis use patterns in the peripartum period and risk factors for return to use postpartum are not well established. The aims of this exploratory study were to describe patterns of peripartum cannabis use and identify factors associated with increased frequency of postpartum cannabis use among individuals who reported reduced use during pregnancy. An online survey identified 47 individuals who used cannabis during the peripartum period. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and among those who reduced use during pregnancy, χ 2 determined the frequency of postpartum cannabis use per preconception reasons for use. During preconception, 95.7% of individuals used cannabis, and of those who were presently postpartum, 65% resumed use after delivery. Anxiety and stress were the most common motivations for cannabis use throughout the peripartum period, but social motivations (ie, fun, relaxation) were the only preconception factors that increased frequency of return to cannabis use postpartum. Our exploratory study describes the characteristics of individuals using cannabis in the peripartum period and provides insight into correlates of resumption of cannabis use postpartum. These findings may inform future work to further determine temporal associations, confounding risk factors, and intervention techniques to prevent the return to cannabis use postpartum.