Cross-sectional Follow-up Study Research Articles

Prevalence of long COVID symptoms in Haryana, India: a cross-sectional follow-up study

Emerging research indicates growing concern over long COVID globally, although there have been limited studies that estimate population burden. We aimed to estimate the burden of long COVID in three districts of Haryana, India, using an opportunity to link a seroprevalence study to follow-up survey of symptoms associated with long COVID. We used a population-based seroprevalence survey for COVID-19 conducted in September 2021 across Haryana, India. Adults from three purposively selected districts (Rohtak, Gurugram, and Jhajjar) were eligible to participate; 2205 of 3213 consented to participate in a survey on health status. Trained investigators administered a structured questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, self-reported symptoms of illness in the last six months before the survey, mental health, and history of COVID-19. Unadjusted regression estimates indicated positive correlations between symptomatic complaints and COVID-19 exposure, suggesting lingering effects of COVID-19 in this population. The overall physical morbidity index was higher among those who tested positive for COVID-19, as was the incidence of new cases. However, both morbidity and incidence became statistically insignificant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Cough emerged as the only statistically significant individual persistent symptom. Sex-stratified analyses indicated significant estimates only for physical morbidity in women. This study is one of the first from India that uses a large population-based sample to examine longer term repercussions of COVID infections. The burden of long COVID should primarily be addressed in clinical settings, where specialised treatment for individual cases continues to evolve. Our analyses also provide insight into the size and nature of studies required to assess the population-level burden of long COVID. This paper was produced under the auspices of the Lancet COVID 19 Commission India Task Force, which was supported financially by the Reliance Foundation. The Lancet COVID 19 Commission was set up in July 2020 and submitted its final report by October 2022. This report by the India Task Force was prepared during the same period.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of Sarcopenia in older adult patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional and follow-up study

BackgroundThe relationship between sarcopenia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been increasingly reported, and there is some overlap regarding their clinical features and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) strategies. No Korean study has reported the actual prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with stable COPD who are recommended for pulmonary rehabilitation. This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical features of sarcopenia in older adult outpatients with stable COPD and the changes after 6 months.MethodsIn this cross-sectional and 6-month follow-up study, we recruited 63 males aged ≥ 65 diagnosed with stable COPD. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the AWGS 2019 criteria, which included hand grip strength testing, bioelectrical impedance analysis, Short Physical Performance Battery administration, and Strength, Assistance with walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falling screening tool administration. A 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) was conducted, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed, and patient-reported questionnaires were administered.ResultsAt baseline, 14 (22%) patients were diagnosed with possible sarcopenia, and eight (12.6%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. There were significant differences in the age; body mass index; Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise index; modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scores; and International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores between the normal and sarcopenia groups. Whole-body phase angle, MIP, MEP, PEF, and 6-minute walk distance (6 MWD) also showed significant differences. Over 6 months, the proportion of patients with a reduced FEV1 increased; however, the proportion of patients with sarcopenia did not increase.ConclusionA relatively low prevalence of sarcopenia was observed in older adult outpatients with stable COPD. No significant change in the prevalence of sarcopenia was found during the 6-month follow-up period.Trial registrationThe study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0006720). Registration date: 30/07/2021.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and effectiveness of first-line triple eradication therapy among dyspeptic patients at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional follow-up study

BackgroundDyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal illness sometimes associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Screening and eradicating the bacterium reduces the risk of infection-related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of H. pylori infection among dyspeptic patients and the effectiveness of triple eradication therapy at hospitals in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.ResultsThe prevalence of H. pylori infection was 48.5%. The H. pylori eradication rate using first-line triple therapy was 83.8%. Eradication therapy failure is associated with previous exposure compared to no exposure (AOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.37–10.97), a regimen for 10-days compared to 14-days (AOR: 4.05, 95% CI: 1.42–11.55), and self-reported side effects compared to no report (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.12–5.97). Based on Morisky-eight scale 230 (79.0%) patients were adherent to their triple therapy. Participants with no reports of adverse effects showed increased odds of adherence to triple therapy compared to those who had reports (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.29–4.62).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that about half of adult dyspeptic patients were infected with H. pylori, and moderate eradication was observed. Factors such as previous history of eradication therapy, duration of the eradication regimen, and perception of potential adverse effects are associated with eradication rate and should be considered during the initiation of eradication therapy.

Euthyroid graves' ophthalmopathy in a Chinese population: A cross-sectional follow-up study.

A subtype of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) were found to be euthyroid without prior thyroid dysfunction or treatment, known as Euthyroid Graves' Ophthalmopathy (EGO). We report the prevalence, clinical and serological phenotypes of EGO in a Chinese population. A cross-sectional follow-up study. Ethnic Chinese TED patients were managed at the Thyroid Eye Clinic(TEC), Prince of Wales Hospital and TEC, the Chinese University of Hong Kong between September 2007 and July 2021. A total of 66 (5%) patients among the 1266 ethnic Han Chinese TED cohort were diagnosed as EGO, and 6 (9%)of them become dysthyroid over an average of 74-month follow-up. EGO patients were associated with a longer duration between onset of the symptoms to our first consultation (P < 0.0001), a higher male-to-female ratio (P = 0.0045) and a higher age of disease onset (P = 0.0092). Family history of thyroid disease was more common in TED patients (P = 0.0216) than in EGO patients. EGO patients were more likely to present unilaterally (P < 0.0001), and they have a larger difference in MRD1 (P < 0.0001), and extraocular motility (P < 0.0001) between the 2 eyes when compared to the TED patients. Notably, the extraocular motility restriction of the worst eye was more affected in EGO patients (P = 0.0113). The percentages of patients who received IVMP, ORT and emergency or elective surgeries(decompression or squint operation) between EGO and TED were similar. Understanding the important clinical phenotypes of EGO may help the clinician to make the correct diagnosis. Further study to compare EGO and TED is warranted.

Outcome and Indication of Caesarean Section amongst Pregnant Women Experiencing Premature Rupture of Membranes

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is characterized by the spontaneous rupture of chorioamniotic membranes more than one hour before the onset of labor. This condition typically arises spontaneously in most cases, affecting a significant portion of pregnancies. Notably, PROM can also occur in full-term pregnancies. This cross-sectional follow-up study was conducted among pregnant women had premature rupture of membranes and experiencing Caesarean Section (CS) in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka National Medical College Hospital (DNMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of March to August 2011. The main aim of the study was to find out the indication and outcome of pregnant women with PROM and completed CS. A total of 90 data were collected purposively from all pregnant women more than 28 weeks of gestational age with PROM admitted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNMCH, Dhaka for labour and underwent CS during study period. The data were collected using a semi-structured data sheet through direct questioning of the patients and physical examinations. Daily follow-ups were conducted until the patients were discharged, and data were also obtained from the clinical records of the patients. PROM patients encompassed all age groups, with ages ranging from 18 to 38 years. The overall educational level of the participants was low, with less than two-third (61.1%) belonging to the low socio-economic status. The average gestational age was 36.65 weeks, with 53.3% being primigravida, 45.6% being multigravida and grand multipara was 1 (1.11%). Only two had multiple pregnancies, and 11 respondents had experienced per vaginal bleeding. During previous gestations, 20 had a history of Caesarean section, 12 had experienced abortion, and 2 had previous cases of PROM. Nutritional deficits were found in 36.7% of patients, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) in 35.6%, infections in 12.2%, and chronic hypertension in 5.6%. Four foetuses were in breech presentations, one had a single compound presentation, and two had a transverse or oblique lie. All the women were experiencing gushing of fluid per vagina, with one-fifth (20.0%) having meconium-stained and 12.2% blood-stained vaginal discharge. Attempts to prolong pregnancy were not very successful, with the longest duration being 75 hours. Caesarean sections had to be performed in all cases, with 34.4% within 24 hours and 41.2% within the next 24 hours. Elective caesarean sections following PROM were 28.9%. Indications for emergency caesarean section included a previous history of Caesarean section in 19 cases, foetal distress was found in 18 cases, failed induction in 7 cases, chorioamnionitis in 6 cases, foetal malpresentation was in 5 cases, and other reasons in 9 cases. More than one-third (35.56%) respondents had morbid condition to complicate the postpartum period. Among the complications, 21.11% suffered from wound infection; followed by puerperal sepsis 8.89% and postpartum haemorrhage 5.56%. At termination, all 92 foetuses were alive, but 6 babies had an Apgar score &lt;7 at 5 minutes after delivery, 30.4% of babies had low birth weight and 73.9% were in good condition, whereas 26.1% were admitted in neonatal ward, and out of the admitted 7 died with neonatal sepsis being the primary cause of death. A better understanding of the diagnosis babies and management of PROM will enable obstetric care providers to optimize perinatal outcomes and minimize neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study finds the indication and outcome of caesarean section in pregnant women experiencing PROM. Bangladesh Med J. 2022 May; 51(2): 45-53

Long COVID Prevalence and the Impact of the Third SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Dose: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Third Follow-Up of the Borriana Cohort, Valencia, Spain (2020-2022).

In March 2020, a COVID-19 outbreak linked to mass gathering dinners at the Falles Festival in Borriana, Spain, resulted in an estimated attack rate of 42.6% among attendees. In June 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional follow-up study of 473 adults aged 18 to 64 who attended the dinners at the Falles Festival in 2020, examining the cumulative experience after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination responses. Data included demographic details, lifestyle habits, medical history, infection records, and vaccinations from a population-based vaccine registry. Blood samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cellular immunity. We employed a doubly robust inverse-probability weighting analysis to estimate the booster vaccine dose's impact on long COVID prevalence and symptom count. A total of 28.1% of participants met the WHO criteria for long COVID, with older individuals showing higher rates. Long COVID diagnosis was less likely with factors including O blood group, higher occupational status, physical activity, three vaccine doses, strong SARS-CoV-2-S-reactive IFNγ-producing-CD8+ response, and infection during the Omicron period. Increased age, high or low social activity, underlying health conditions, a severe initial COVID episode, and reinfection were associated with higher long COVID likelihood. A booster dose, compared to one or two doses, reduced long COVID risk by 74% (95% CI: 56% to 92%) and symptom count by 55% (95% CI: 32% to 79%). Long COVID was prevalent in a significant portion of those who contracted COVID-19, underscoring the need for sustained follow-up and therapeutic strategies. Vaccinations, notably the booster dose, had a substantial beneficial effect on long-term infection outcomes, affirming the vaccination's role in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection consequences.

Relationship between serum apolipoprotein B levels and depressive symptoms in elderly Chinese patients with mild cognitive impairment: A large-scale cross-sectional and five-year follow-up study

BackgroundPatients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often have depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of depressive symptoms on lipid metabolism and future cognitive function in patients with MCI. MethodsA total of 1014 patients with MCI were included. Their demographic data, clinical data, and lipid parameters were collected. Meanwhile, they also completed a series of scale assessments, including Geriatric depression scale (GDS), Ability of Daily Living (ADL), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and Block Design Test (BDT). Then these patients were also followed for five years. ResultsPatients with depressive symptoms had lower serum apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, lower BDT scores and higher ADL scale scores. Correlation analysis showed that GDS was significantly associated with BDT and ADL. Moreover, logistic regression analysis found that ApoB was associated with depressive symptoms. Cox regression analysis showed that only baseline MoCA scores could predict the risk of future MCI transition to dementia. ConclusionsOur results suggest low serum ApoB levels may be associated with depressive symptoms in patients with MCI. However, depressive mood or lipids alone may not predict the risk of MCI transition to dementia.

The long-term outcomes of patients with negative prolonged ambulatory electroencephalography tests: A cross-sectional follow-up study.

Ambulatory electroencephalography (AEEG) recording is an essential aid for detecting interictal discharges and providing a clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to describe long-term outcomes among a cohort of patients who yielded negative results on AEEG at the time of assessment and identify factors associated with contemporary quality of life (QOL) and ultimate epilepsy diagnosis. This cross-sectional telephone follow-up study was conducted in June-November 2021 at the Neurology Department in a metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia. In total, 47 of 105 eligible (45%) participants were enrolled. Overall, 21 (45%) participants had been diagnosed with epilepsy at a 12-year follow-up. Taking anti-seizure medication, having experienced a seizure event, and having marriage and education-related characteristics were associated with an epilepsy diagnosis. QOL was found to be associated with age, employment status and history of experience of a seizure event. QOL and an epilepsy diagnosis were not shown to be statistically related. Nearly half of the participants had received an epilepsy diagnosis at long-term follow-up, despite having tested negative on AEEG at the time of assessment. Prolonged AEEG testing is an important tool to aid the diagnostic process. However, clinical examination, including accurate history taking, is vital in establishing an epilepsy diagnosis.

Decreased muscle strength and scapular muscle endurance associated with shoulder function after neck dissection.

Shoulder disability is a common problem following neck dissection. Even if nerve structures are preserved, this may occur after the surgery. The primary aim was to research changes in rotator cuff and scapular muscles strength, and scapular muscle endurance after neck dissection in patients with head and neck cancer. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between these changes and postoperative shoulder function. This cross-sectional and prospective follow-up study included 14patients who underwent neck dissection (9unilateral and 5bilateral). Evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 3months postoperatively. Muscle strength measurements, including trapezius, serratus anterior, and rotator cuff muscles, were obtained using a handheld dynamometer. The scapular muscle endurance test was used for muscle endurance assessment. Postoperative shoulder function was evaluated using Constant-Murley shoulder score. A decrease in muscle strength and the scapular muscle endurance test was found at 3months postoperatively, except for the subscapularis muscle strength (p< 0.05). There were moderate to strong correlations between Constant-Murley shoulder score and percentage changes in muscle strength and the scapular muscle endurance test, except for the upper trapezius muscle strength (p< 0.05). Muscle strength and scapular muscle endurance may reduce following neck dissection. These reductions are associated with postoperative shoulder function. Thus, muscle strength and endurance training may be beneficial for early postoperative rehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer.

The Role of Admission Platelet Count and B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Predicting in Hospital Morbidity in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Context: Platelets play a major role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the potential correlation between admission platelet count (PLT) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) with the development of severe heart failure during the first 24 h post primary PCI (post-PPCI) in patients admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Settings and Design: This was cross-sectional follow-up study. Methods: One hundred and forty-six patients admitted with STEMI. At the time of admission, blood samples were drawn to measure PLT and BNP level. Twenty-four h after reperfusion, patients were assessed using Killip score, and a transthoracic echo was done to determine ejection fraction (EF) using modified Simpson’s rule. Statistical Analysis: Comparison between parametric quantitative independent groups done by t-test. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve was calculated to determine the sensitivity and specificity of PLT in diagnosing severe heart failure (Killip III and IV) Confounding bias has been addressed through a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: we found a significant negative correlation between admission PLT and left ventricular EF measured 24 h post-PPCI and a positive correlation between PLT and both BNP and CKMB level measured at admission (P = 0.001, 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed a platelet cut-off value of 290 × 103 to diagnose severe heart failure (Killip’s grades III and IV) (sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 83.1%.). Conclusion: BNP and PLT are easy, inexpensive blood tests that can be used as predictors of heart failure post-STEMI.

Single cell sequencing unveils endothelial alterations after cisplatin treatment

Abstract Introduction Cisplatin, one of the most potent anti-cancer chemotherapy drugs, is still broadly used in first-line chemotherapy regimens, which are subscribed to about 10 to 20% of total cancer patients. Nephrotoxicity is a particularly limiting factor for cancer patients to remain in the effective treatment due to the acute kidney injury. It has been reported that as early as 24 hours post treatment, testicular cancer patients receiving cisplatin developed endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury. A cross-sectional follow-up study published in 2008 suggested that testicular cancer survivors continued to experience endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury. A recent 30-year follow-up study on testicular cancer survivors suggested that testicular cancer survivors experienced worse diastolic function. Purpose This study is focused on identifying the specific genes altered in cardiac endothelial cells after the cisplatin treatment to unveil the molecular mechanisms of injury for potential new therapeutic development. Methods Cisplatin induced AKI mouse model was generated by i.p. injecting 25 mg/kg cisplatin to C57BL/6 mice. Saline injection was served as control. To evaluate blood vessel damage induced by cisplatin, mice were sacrificed 48 hours post injection. Hearts were collected and single cell suspensions were produced by using Multi Tissue Dissociation Kit 2. Freshly prepared single cell suspensions were used to created libraries by using 10X genomics kits, before sequencing. The CellRanger (10X genomics) was used for processing Single cell RNASeq outputs, before secondary Seurat and DE pathway analysis. Results The GO enrichment analysis suggested that, in endothelial cells, cisplatin treatment significantly altered cellular anatomical entity, intracellular anatomical structure, apical part of the cell, cell junction, and anchoring junction. Consequently, increased vascular permeability, signaling regulating monocyte differentiation, macrophage cytokine production, and cardiac muscle cell apoptosis were observed. At molecular level, cisplatin treatment significantly upregulated DNA damage (Ddit4, Acer2), hypoxia (Phlda3, Mt1, Slc3a2, Ier3, Klf9, Adipor2, UCP2), inflammatory responses (Timp4, Tns1, Gdf15, Neat1), cellular senescence (Cdkn1a), Cell cycle arrest (Trp53inpl), intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis (Fas, Bax, Ei24, Tgm2), blood vessel remodeling (Pim-3), and angiogenesis (Timp3, Flt1). These results indicated that cisplatin treatment likely not only result in acute endothelial dysfunction, injury, and death, but also accelerated aging, which could contribute the cardiovascular complications in the cancer survivors. Conclusions Protecting endothelial cells from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by cisplatin treatment might prevent their irreversible injury and entering into premature cellular senescence, consequently, mitigating anti-cancer treatment induced cardiovascular complications in cancer survivors. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): NIH

Patterns of psychological pain and self-harm behaviors in adolescents.

The study examined the role of campus stressors and psychological pain on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempt (SA). Specific patterns of co-occurring psychological pain, campus stressors, and self-harm behaviors were identified by latent profile analysis, and their odds ratios (ORs) on NSSI and SA were analyzed in cross-sectional study and 2-year follow-up study. Structural Equation Model was used to explore indirect effect of campus stressors on SA and NSSI via different components of psychological pain. Three classes were identified as low-risk class (68.58%) with low endorsements on the three measures, moderate-risk class (26.52%) with the elevated academic stressors, high levels of painful feelings, and high probabilities on NSSI; and high-risk class (4.90%) with the elevated combined stressors, high levels of pain avoidance, and high probabilities on SA. Compared to the moderate-risk class, adolescents in the high-risk class had a 4.97 OR of reporting NSSI, 17.98 OR of reporting SA. Pain avoidance class at baseline reported a higher probability in SA class (OR=224.00) in a 2-year study. Painful feelings might be shared psychosocial correlates for NSSI and SA. However, pain avoidance may play a role in distinguishing SA from NSSI, which shed light on the intervention of adolescents who engage in self-harm behaviors.

Cortical Bone Thickness, Base Osteophyte Occurrence and Radiological Signs of Osteoarthritis in the Fingers of Male Elite Sport Climbers: A Cross-Sectional 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background: Sport climbing places high mechanical loads on fingers. In 2012, our research group demonstrated adaptations of climbers’ cortical bones with the presence of osteophytes compared to non-climbing controls. Objectives: 1) To investigate 10-year changes in cortical bone thickness, base osteophyte occurrence and radiological signs of osteoarthritis in the fingers of elite male sport climbers with more than 25 years of climbing history and 2) to compare cortical bone thickness, base osteophyte occurrence and radiological signs of osteoarthritis between male sport climbers and age-matched controls at the 10-year follow-up. Methods: All 31 elite sport climbers who participated in both the baseline and 10-year follow-up assessments (follow-up rate 100%) were examined by means of X-rays. Cortical bone thickness, presence of osteophytes and signs of osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence were obtained and compared to the baseline values 10 years earlier and to age-matched controls at the follow-up (n = 15). Results: Significantly increased cortical bone thickness over the past 10 years was observed in climbers (mean absolute difference with 95% CI:0.98 mm (0.77 mm, 1.19 mm); p <0.001). Moreover, compared to age-matched controls, climbers had significantly thicker cortical bone at the 10-year follow-up (mean absolute difference with 95% CI:0.86 mm (0.61 mm, 1.12 mm); p <0.001). In climbers, osteophytes and clear signs of osteoarthritis were mainly seen in DIP joints. Signs of osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence were more prevalent than 10 years before in most joints. In lateral radiographs, base osteophytes were not significantly more prevalent than 10 years before in most of the joints. The percentage of climbers who had osteophytes in any DIP (PIP) joint increased from 93.5% (67.7%) at baseline to 100% (74.2%) at the 10-year follow-up. The percentage of climbers who had clear signs of osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence in any DIP (PIP) joint increased from 12.9% (9.7%) at baseline to 74.2% (64.5%) at 10-year follow-up. Only a few such degenerative changes were found in age-matched controls. Conclusion: An accumulation of repetitive climbing-related stress to the fingers of elite sport climbers over the career may induce lifelong mechano-adaptation of the cortical bone thickness of all phalanges. At the 10-year follow-up, a further significant increase in radiographic signs of osteoarthritic changes was observed.

The Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) Study.

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the greatest public health concerns facing advanced societies, Spain being one of the countries with the highest incidence. In this sense, the Region of Murcia has been pointed out as the Spanish autonomous community with the highest prevalence of excess weight among young people. More specifically, the Valle de Ricote has shown an even greater proportion of excess weight among young people. Several sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors are related to excess weight. Based on the lack of information, this research project will try to provide relevant information to design intervention programs, as well as to implement effective public policies to try and reverse this alarming situation. Therefore, this research project aims (1) to obtain cross-sectional and longitudinal data on the excess weight and their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated among adolescents from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain) (aged 12–17 years), and (2) to examine the association between excess weight and their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated among this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study and follow-up study will be performed. This research project will involve adolescents using a simple random sampling technique. A total of three secondary schools from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain) will be included in this project. The minimum sample size will be 1138, establishing a 95% confidence interval, a 40% prevalence of excess weight, a 3% margin of error, and a non-response rate of 10%. Primary outcome measures will be: (1) anthropometric measurements, (2) sociodemographic factors, (3) environmental factors, (4) lifestyle factors, (5) health-related factors, (6) cognitive factors, and (7) psychological factors. Conclusion: This research project will aim to determine the prevalence of excess weight and interrelate their potential sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, health-related, cognitive, and psychological factors associated. The obtained results will help to manage and propose possible multidisciplinary interventions and strategies in order to prevent and reduce the excess weight in adolescents from the Valle de Ricote. Furthermore, orientations will be given to transfer the obtained results to the public sector to evaluate or change the adopted policies.

Alveolar bone remodeling in virtually planned, bone-grafted vs non-grafted guided flapless implant surgery in the anterior maxilla: a cross-sectional retrospective follow-up study

PurposeIn patients who underwent virtual planning and guided flapless implant surgery for teeth missing in the anterior maxilla, we compared buccal bone loss between those treated with and without autogenous bone augmentation.MethodsOf 22 patients with teeth missing because of trauma or aplasia, 10 (18 implant sites) were reconstructed with buccally placed bone graft harvested from the mandibular ramus, and 12 were non-reconstructed (16 sites). Baseline cone-beam computed tomography allowed for implant planning using the NobelClinician® software and was performed again at 1 year after functional loading. The marginal bone level was assessed radiographically at post-implant baseline and at follow-up.ResultsAt follow-up, buccal bone loss differed significantly between groups at the central level of the implant (p = 0.0005) but not at the coronal level (p = 0.329). The mean marginal bone level change was 0.6 mm, with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.876). The actual implant position often deviated in the vertical or sagittal plane by an average of 0.3–0.6 mm from the planned position.ConclusionCompared with non-reconstructed patients, reconstructed patients experienced significantly more buccal bone loss at the central level of implants. The groups did not differ at the coronal level or in marginal bone loss, possibly because of the more augmented bone at the central level among reconstructed patients. Differences between planned versus actual implant positions should be considered in situations of limited bone volume at the planned implant site.

Factors Associated with Long-Term Survival in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A 5-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study.

ObjectivesIn addition to an increase in the prevalence of dialysis treatments for end-stage renal disease worldwide, the mortality rates among patients on maintenance hemodialysis remain higher than that of the general population. This study aims to evaluate factors associated with long-term survival in stable maintenance hemodialysis patients.MethodsA total of 100 patients initiating hemodialysis by February 2013 were included in this prospective cross-sectional 5-year follow-up study. Data on patient demographics, anthropometric-nutritional parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, and hemodialysis parameters, including etiology of kidney failure, hemodialysis duration, peritoneal dialysis history, relative interdialytic weight gain (RIDWG), and Kt/V, were recorded.ResultsOverall 5-year survival rate was 56.6%. The 5-year survival rate was higher in patients with younger age (71.4% below median vs. 42.0% above median, p=0.023), lower systolic (63.3 vs. 50%, respectively, p=0.005) and diastolic (62.5 vs. 51.0%, respectively, p=0.02) blood pressure levels, higher Kt/V (46.9 vs. 66.0%, respectively, p=0.044), lower RIDWG (54.0 vs. 32.7%, respectively, p=0.026), and lower serum leptin levels (63.3 vs. 50.0%, respectively, p=0.047). Cox-regression analysis revealed that only systolic blood pressure (B = 1.081, 95% CI, 0.152 to 0.756, p=0.08) was a significant risk factor for poor survival.ConclusionOur findings revealed pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure as the sole risk factor for poor long-term survival in stable maintenance hemodialysis patients. Malnutrition-inflammation, measures of nutrition, inflammation, and anemia had no significant impact on long-term survival.

Effects of spousal migration on access to healthcare for women left behind: A cross-sectional follow-up study.

BackgroundWomen left behind by migration represent a unique and growing population yet remain understudied as key players in the context of migration and development. Using a unique longitudinal survey of life in Bangladesh, the Matlab Health and Socioeconomic Surveys, we examined the role of spousal migration in healthcare utilization for women. The objective of this study was to assess realized access to care (do women actually get healthcare when it is needed) and consider specific macrostructural, predisposing, and resource barriers to care that are related to migration.Methods and findingsIn a sample of 3,187 currently married women, we estimated multivariate logistic and multinomial regression models controlling for a wide range of baseline sociodemographic factors measured as far back as 1982. Our analyses also controlled for selection effects and explored two mechanisms through which spousal migration can affect healthcare utilization for women, remittances and frequent contact with spouses. We found that women with migrant spouses were approximately half as likely to lack needed healthcare compared to women whose spouses remained in Bangladesh (predicted probability of not getting needed healthcare 11.7% vs. 21.8%, p<0.001). The improvements in access (logistic regression coefficient for lacking care for left-behind women -0.761 p<0.01) primarily occurred through a reduction in financial barriers to care for women whose spouses were abroad.ConclusionsWives of international migrants showed significantly better access to healthcare even when accounting for selection into a migrant family. While the overall story is one of positive migration effects on healthcare access due to reductions in financial barriers to care, results also showed an increase in family-related barriers such as not being permitted to get care by a family member or travel alone to a facility, indicating that some of the benefits of migration for women left behind may be diluted by gendered family structures.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Is a Risk Factor for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: A 9.5-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background The relationship between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and different cardiovascular events has been observed in several large community studies, and the results have been controversial. However, there is currently no cross-sectional or longitudinal follow-up study on hs-cTnT in the Chinese population. Methods We analyzed the association of plasma hs-cTnT levels with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality in 1325 subjects from a longitudinal follow-up community-based population in Beijing, China. Results In the Cox proportional hazards models analysis, the risk of MACEs increased with the increase of hs-cTnT levels (HR, 1.223, 95% CI, 1.054–1.418, P=0.008). Increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with coronary events (HR, 1.391, 95% CI, 1.106–1.749, P=0.005) in Model 4. Cox proportional risk regression model analysis revealed that increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR, 1.763, 95% CI, 1.224–2.540, P=0.002), even after adjusting hs-CRP and NT-proBNP. The area under the ROC curve for predicting MACEs was 0.559 (95% CI, 0.523–0.595, P=0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for predicting coronary events and mortality were 0.629 (95% CI, 0.580–0.678, P < 0.001) and 0.644 (95% CI, 0.564–0.725, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions Our findings in the Chinese cohort support that hs-cTnT is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Long-term evolution of cartilage abnormalities and osteophytes in the fingers of elite sport climbers: A cross-sectional 10-year follow-up study

ABSTRACT The sequelae of high mechanical stress to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers in elite sport climbers and its contribution to the development of osteoarthritis are still relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the evolution of cartilage abnormalities of the PIP and DIP joints, as well as the progress of osteophytes, in the fingers of elite sport climbers with a minimum of 25 years of climbing history over the time period of the last 10 years. Moreover, their actual cartilage abnormalities and osteophyte occurrence were compared to non-climbing age-matched controls. Thirty-one elite male sport climbers and 15 male non-climbers underwent a sonographic examination of the PIP and DIP joint cartilage and osteophyte thickness in the frontal and sagittal plane of digits II–V of both hands. The same cohort had already been measured with an identical protocol 10 years earlier (follow-up rate of 100%). Compared to the baseline assessment 10 years earlier, the cartilage thickness of sport climbers has significantly decreased; however, it was still greater than in age-matched controls. Moreover, sport climbers showed significantly higher relative frequencies of osteophyte occurrence than non-climbers (all fingers and joints). Nevertheless, despite a substantial (and compared to baseline a further increased) occurrence of osteophytes in elite sport climbers, there was no association between the radiological signs of osteoarthritis and pain within the last six months prior the follow-up investigation.

Socioeconomic Outcomes Among Long-Term Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors Enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in the EORTC Children Leukemia Group Trials 58741, 58831/2 and 58881

BackgroundOver the last 30 years, there has been a considerable progress in the survival of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). With survival rates exceeding 85%, the long-term effects are of major interest. Exposure to treatments may have severe toxicities such as cognitive deterioration after cranial radiotherapy (CRT) and impaired general physical functioning after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). These late effects may negatively impact the socioeconomic functioning of survivors. The aim of this study was to assess the socioeconomic status of adult survivors of childhood ALL treated in EORTC trials and the effect of patient's and disease characteristics and treatment modalities.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2017, a cross-sectional follow-up study was performed among childhood ALL (and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma) survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC trials (58741, 58831/2 and 58881) by centers from France and Belgium. Patients who were younger than 18 years at diagnosis and older than 18 years at the time of the follow-up were eligible. Those whose postal address could be retrieved were invited to fill out a questionnaire with information about their socioeconomic situation. Additionally, the treating institutions provided medical updates.The following socioeconomic outcomes were evaluated: being married or living with a partner, having a university degree, having a job, working part-time among those having a job and history of having a paid job.ResultsAmong 1429 eligible patients, 502 (35.1%) filled out the questionnaire, 862 (60.3%) were lost to follow-up and 65 (4.5%) refused to participate. The distribution of age and NCI risk group at diagnosis, initial central nervous system involvement and relapse within one year after diagnosis was comparable between respondents, those lost to follow-up and those who refused to participate.Out of 502 survivors participating in the study, 66 had experienced a relapse (13%), 33 (7%) received HSCT (26 after relapse) and 60 (12%) were treated with CRT (36 in first line treatment, Table 1). The median time between the diagnosis and the socioeconomic evaluation was 20 years (range: 13-42). The median age at follow-up was 25 years (range: 18-53). Among survivors at school at the time of the diagnosis, 22% retook one and 6% two or more years due to the disease and 4% were unable to finish their education. Interestingly, 21% of the survivors had more and only 10% had less educational ambitions due to the disease. More than a half of the survivors had at least a bachelor (undergraduate) degree, 64% had a job and 38% were married or lived with their partner. Among those 25 years of age or older, the percentages for obtaining a bachelor degree, having a job and having a partner were 54%, 84% and 57%, respectively.In a multivariate model including sex, age at diagnosis, country, age at follow-up, relapse, HCST and CRT both treatments were associated with a higher probability of not obtaining a bachelor degree (OR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.27-8.31 for HCST and OR=3.17, 95% CI: 1.35-7.44 for CRT) and HSCT was associated with not having a job (OR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.23-10.21, Table 2). We found no evidence of associations between treatment exposures and having a partner. The associations between age at diagnosis and risk group at diagnosis and the socioeconomic outcomes were not statistically significant. Having a relapse was associated with a higher probability of not having a partner (OR=1.99, 95% CI: 1.05-3.77) and working half-time (OR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.03-5.58), adjusting for sex, age at diagnosis, country and age at follow-up. These findings were consistent with those from a sensitivity analysis performed among survivors aged 25 years or older.ConclusionThis large study showed that, overall, long-term childhood ALL survivors enrolled in EORTC trials between 1971 and 1998 were characterized by a high level of socioeconomic participation. However, HSCT and CRT were associated with negative socioeconomic outcomes. Our study adds to the body of evidence supporting the omission of CRT when other treatment alternatives are sufficient, like in first line treatment. It also indicates the need to provide special support to the most vulnerable groups of childhood ALL survivors, in particular those who received HSCT. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.