General Linear Regression Model Research Articles

Association of human brain‐age with genetically predicted plasma levels of brain rejuvenating and aging factors identified in mice

AbstractBackgroundAging is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Experiments in mice have identified circulating proteins with an “aging/rejuvenating” effect on the brain. However, whether these proteins have an effect on the human brain remains unknown. Here, we leverage genetic data to study links between the predicted plasma levels of these proteins and human brain age.MethodsThis study includes 1,394 cognitively unimpaired individuals of the ALFA study. Plasma proteins with an effect on mice brain aging were identified through a systematic review [Figure 1]. Summary statistics data of protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) associated to these proteins in human (inclusion threshold<5×10−5) were acquired from a previous study (Pietzner et al.,2021), and used for computing protein genetic scores (pPRS). For each ALFA cohort participant, DeltaAge scores was calculated by subtracting chronological age from MRI‐based estimation of brain age (Cumplido et al.,2022). Positive values are interpreted as brain age older than chronological age, and viceversa. The associations between brain DeltaAge measurements and pPRSs were assessed through general linear regression models stratified by sex, amyloid‐β (Aβ) status (CSF‐Aβ42/40<0.071 [Milà‐Alomà et al.,2020]) and APOE‐ε4 carriership. Results were reported for nominal and group‐correction (two experimental aging groups) level of significance (p<0.05, p<0.025, respectively). All pQTLs included in the significant pPRS were functionally annotated and an enrichment analysis was performed.ResultsGenetically predicted plasma levels of CSF2, VCAM1, HP, GHRH and BGLAP were associated with negative values of brain DeltaAge, while KLOTHO with positive values. Results for GHRH (Aβ+ and APOE‐ε4 non‐carriers) and BGLAP (APOE‐ε4 carriers) remained significant after p‐value correction, with an effect in agreement with their brain rejuvenation role as found in mice [Figure 2]. Enrichment analysis found immune response and complement activation processes associated with negative values of DeltaAge [Figure 3].ConclusionsThese results show that plasma levels of the brain aging/rejuvenating proteins discovered in mice may also influence human brain aging. In particular, genetically predicted levels of two rejuvenating factors in mice (BGLAP and GHRH) were associated with a younger brain age than chronological age. Follow‐up analyses will include protein level measurements to unravel the molecular complexity of brain aging.

The association between levels of samarium, hafnium, tungsten and rhenium in seminal plasma and the risk of idiopathic oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in men of childbearing age.

Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) is a global public health problem, which affects 30% men of childbearing age. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of industry and economy, the contents of rare earth elements (REEs) in the environment are increasing. However, little is known about the associations between REEs levels and OAT risk. To evaluate the associations between the levels of four REEs (samarium (Sm), hafnium (Hf), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re)) in seminal plasma and OAT risk, from October 2021 to November 2022, semen samples from 924 men of childbearing age (460 controls and 464 cases) were collected from the reproductive center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the levels of Sm, Hf, Re and W in seminal plasma. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was conducted to explore the joint effects of levels of four REEs in seminal plasma on the risk of OAT and select the one exerting a major role; generalized linear regression models (GLM) with log link function were employed to investigate the association of every REE level in seminal plasma and OAT risk; sankey diagram and linear regression models were utilized to describe the associations between the levels of four REEs and the indexes of sperm quality. The levels of four REEs in seminal plasma were higher in the case group than levels in the control group (pSm = 0.011, pHf = 0.040, pW = 0.062, pRe = 0.001, respectively). In BKMR analysis, theOAT risk increased when the overall levels of four REEs were higher than their 55th percentile compared to all of them at their 50th percentile, and Re level played a major role in the association. Additionally, Re level in seminal plasma was positively associated with theOAT risk in the single element model after adjustment of covariates (medium vs. low: OR (95% CI) = 1.55 (1.10, 2.18); high vs. low: OR (95% CI) = 1.69 (1.18, 2.42)). Lastly, the sankey diagram and linear regression models revealed that Sm level was negatively associated with the PR%, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count; Hf level was negatively associated with the PR%; W and Re levels were negatively associated with the PR% and total motility, and Re level was positively associated with abnormal morphology rate. Men of childbearing age with OAT had higher levels of Sm, Hf and Re in seminal plasma than those in the control group. An increasing trend for theOAT risk was observed with an increase in mixture levels of Sm, Hf, W and Re, and Re exposure level played a major role in the association whether in BKMR model or single element model. Additionally, the levels of these four REEs were negatively associated with the indexes of sperm quality.

Effect of sweet flavouring on the rewarding and reinforcing value of cigarillo use among young adults

IntroductionCigarillos dominate the US cigar market, and young adults largely drive use. While young adults prefer flavoured to non-flavoured cigarillos, especially those flavoured to taste like fruit or other sweets,...

Spatial Model for Energy Consumption of LEED-Certified Buildings

In this research endeavor, we undertook a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing the energy consumption of LEED-certified buildings, employing both a general linear regression model and a spatial delayed regression model. Gaining a profound understanding of energy utilization patterns within LEED-certified structures can significantly contribute to advancing eco-friendly construction practices. Our investigation draws upon data from a 2010 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin—Madison (UW), encompassing various independent variables, such as temperature, that exhibit some degree of correlation with energy consumption in LEED-certified buildings. The principal objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to ascertain the significance of specific exogenous variables, notably temperature, and secondly, to explore the impact of spatial factors, such as function and location, on energy usage. Our research framework encompasses meticulous data collection and rigorous analysis, culminating in the presentation and discussion of our findings. Notably, our study unveils intriguing insights. Contrary to conventional assumptions, we discovered that the energy consumption of LEED-certified buildings does not exhibit a robust linear association with average annual temperature, the count of power plants within a 50 mile radius, or the LEED rating itself. However, our spatial regression models unveil a compelling narrative: the geographic distribution and functional diversity of distinct LEED buildings wield discernible influence over energy consumption patterns. The implications of our research resonate profoundly in the realm of LEED-certified building design and construction. Architects, builders, and stakeholders should consider the nuanced interplay of spatial variables and geographical positioning in the pursuit of optimal energy efficiency. Moreover, our findings stimulate further inquiry in this field, paving the way for future investigations aimed at refining sustainable building practices and enhancing our understanding of energy consumption within LEED-certified structures.

Sex differences in the association between plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids levels and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis severity: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with metabolic abnormalities serving as important contributors for pathogenesis and progression. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been found to be associated with human diseases, including psoriasis. However, differences and controversies exist regarding their content and roles.MethodsPlasma PUFAs concentrations were measured in 296 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis from the Shanghai Psoriasis Effectiveness Evaluation CoHort. Disease severity was assessed using Clinician-Reported Outcomes (ClinROs), including Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA), as well as Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), including Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Multivariate generalized linear regression models (GLMs), subgroup and interaction analysis, and restricted cubic spline were used to estimate the cross-sectional associations between PUFAs concentrations and disease severity. Longitudinal assessments of PASI scores and PASI response were conducted at a 12-week follow-up. Associations between baseline plasma PUFAs levels and prospective PASI scores or PASI response were assessed using multivariate GLMs or logistic regression models.ResultsMales suffered severer psoriasis and presented lower plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) levels compared to females. Among males, plasma eicosadienoic acid (EDA) level was positively associated with PASI, BSA and PGA scores, while total Omega-3 PUFAs and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels exhibited non-linear associations with PASI and/or BSA scores. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) was negatively, whereas ARA was positively, associated with DLQI scores. In females, Omega-3 PUFAs, including EPA, DHA, and total Omega-3 PUFAs, showed inverse associations with PASI and BSA scores. Longitudinally, plasma total Omega-6 PUFAs were positively associated with the likelihood of achieving PASI 100 at 12 weeks in males. In females, concentrations of dohomo-γ-linolenic acid were prospectively associated with an increase in PASI scores, and DHA was associated with the likelihood of achieving PASI 75 and PASI 90 decline.ConclusionsSex differences cross-sectionally exist in disease severity and plasma PUFAs levels. The association between PUFAs and psoriasis severity also varies cross-sectionally and longitudinally between males and females. Sex differences should be considered when studying the function and clinical application of PUFAs in psoriasis.

Root carbon and soil temperature may be key drivers of below-ground biomass in grassland following prescribed fires in autumn and spring

Under global warming, fire and the season in which the fire occurs both have important impacts on grassland plant biomass. Still, the effect of fire on below-ground biomass (BB) along a natural aridity gradient and the main impact factors remain unclear. Here, we conducted a fire manipulation experiment (including un-fired, autumn fire and spring fire treatments) to investigate the effects of prescribed fire on BB and its critical determinants along a transect of grassland in northern China. BB had different response strategies in different aridity regions and fire seasons, despite above-ground biomass (AB) and root-shoot ratio were not significantly affected by fire. General linear regression models revealed that the fire changed the trend of increasing BB to decreasing along increasing aridity (p ＜ 0.05). Random forest model (RFM) and partial correlations revealed that the BB was primarily influenced by aridity, followed by the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration ratio of AB under un-fired disturbance. For autumn fire, the BB was primarily influenced by below-ground biomass carbon concentration (BB c), followed by the C and N concentration ratio of BB. For spring fire, the BB was primarily influenced by soil temperature (ST), followed by aridity and soil total phosphorus concentration (Soil p). Furthermore, partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) revealed that autumn fires weakened the effects of environmental factors on BB, while spring fires enhanced the effects of soil nutrients on BB. These suggested that fire disrupted the original stable nutrient dynamics of BB. Our results suggested that fire promoted the growth of BB in relatively humid areas (aridity = 0.51–0.53) while inhibited the growth of BB in relatively arid areas (aridity = 0.68–0.74). BB c and ST may be key drivers of BB after prescribed fire in autumn and spring.

Soluble transferrin receptor as a marker of tissue iron deficiency: impact on cardiac, systemic, hematinic and neurohormonal biomarkers in patients with heart failure without systemic iron deficiency

Abstract Background Soluble receptor of transferrin (sTfR) is a marker of tissue iron status and may help to inform on subtle iron depletion and increased iron demand at tissular level even in the absence of overt systemic iron deficiency or anaemia. In this regard, the impact of raised sTfR levels as a marker of subtle tissue iron deficiency (ID) on serum biomarkers in non-anaemic HF patients with otherwise normal systemic iron status has not been evaluated. Purpose The aim of our study was to describe the association between sTfR as a marker of increased iron demand and tissue iron deficiency on cardiac, systemic, neurohormonal and hematinic biomarkers in non-anaemic patients with HF and normal systemic iron status. Methods We conducted an observational, prospective, cohort study of 1120 consecutive patients with chronic HF regardless the level of LVEF (DAMOCLES study). Patients were included if they had normal haemoglobin levels (≥12 g/dL), normal systemic iron status (serum iron >33 µg/dL, ferritin >100ng/mL and % transferrin saturation >20%) and available biomarker data. sTfR was measured with the Beckman Coulter enzyme immunoassay (higher levels indicate increased iron demand). The primary objective was to explore the association between sTfR and NT-proBNP levels. Secondary objectives were to explore the association between sTfR, and a wide array of serum biomarkers. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used to estimate correlations in bivariate analyses. The sex-and-age adjusted associations between sTfR, and the biomarkers were explored using General Additive Models (GAM) and linear regression models. Results The final study cohort consisted in 215 patients. Mean age was 70±12 years, mean LVEF was 43±15% and 62 (29%) were women. Mean sTfR values were 1.42±0.66 mg/L. In the whole cohort, median [Q1-Q3] NT-proBNP (pg/mL) was 1,125[587-2,668]. Log-transformed sTfR (log[sTfR]) showed significant correlations with log[NT-proBNP] (r=0.230; p-value=0.001), log[cTnT] (r=0.197; p-value=0.028), log[albumin](r=-0.221; p-value=0.001), C-reactive protein (r=0.215; p-value=0.002), serum erythropoietin levels, MCH (r=-0.247; p-value<0.001) and MCHC (r=-0.209; p-value<0.001). As shown in Table 1, these findings were confirmed in multivariate age-and-sex adjusted linear regression models. In age-and-sex adjusted Generalized Additive Models (GAM) (Figure 1), we confirmed that higher levels of sTfR were associated with increased levels of biomarkers indicating cardiac damage (cTnT, NT-proBNP), active inflammatory status (C-reactive protein) and increased cellular stimulation in response to tissue hypoxia (endogenous erythropoietin). Conclusions In a cohort of HF patients without iron deficiency or anaemia, higher levels of sTfR indicating increased iron demand and tissue ID were associated with a worse biomarker profile indicating early subclinical cardiac and/or systemic damage even in the absence of overt systemic iron deficiency or anaemia.

87 The Cumulative and Unique Effect of Competitive Youth Participation in the United States’ Most Popular Sports on Executive Function

Objective:Engagement in sporting activities has shown improvement in executive function among youth (Contreras-Osorio et al., 2021). Additionally, participation in specific sports such as soccer has been shown to enhance executive function in youth athletes compared to same-aged non-athletes (Yongtawee et al., 2021). The present study aimed to examine the effects of competitive participation in the United States’ four most popular sports on executive function among youth athletes. The most popular sports, as defined by viewership, revenue, and youth participation in the U.S. are American football, basketball, baseball, and soccer (Injai, 2022; Aspen Institute, 2020).Participants and Methods:Data from the following three executive functioning subtests were analyzed in a sample of youth athletes (n=76), aged 8-18 years (mean age=11.94): Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Letter-Number Sequencing (cognitive flexibility), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition Working Memory Index, and Golden Stroop Color-Word Inhibition. Participants completed these measures as part of a larger neuropsychological baseline assessment. Multivariate General Linear Model (GLM) regression was used to examine the influence of total cumulative years playing in one or more of the four most popular sports on executive functioning. A multivariate GLM regression also investigated the unique contributions of total years playing soccer (n=40; mean age=12.40) and total years playing American football (n=32; mean age=12.03) on subtest performance. The unique contributions of basketball (n=14) and baseball (n=21) were not analyzed due to small sample size.Results:Total cumulative years playing > one of the four most popular sports significantly predicted cognitive flexibility (p=.007) and working memory (p=.002), but not inhibition (p=0.639). Total years playing soccer also significantly predicted cognitive flexibility (p=.029) and working memory (p=0.05), but not inhibition (p=.310). Total years playing American football did not significantly predict performance on tasks requiring cognitive flexibility (p=.186), working memory (p=0.150), or inhibition (p=0.277).Conclusions:In congruence with previous research, sports participation predicted enhanced cognitive flexibility and working memory on certain executive tasks. Among youth athletes, prolonged competitive participation in one or more of the four most popular sports in the U.S. predicted better performance on measures of cognitive flexibility and working memory. Furthermore, protracted participation in soccer predicted enhanced performance on measures of cognitive flexibility and working memory, whereas extended participation in American football did not. Future research should examine this effect in larger samples within all four sports. Examining the cumulative length of competitive participation in these popular sports on executive function could present a favorable developmental outcome of youth participation if competitive participation is sustained. Additionally, the present data on executive function performance between lasting soccer participation and lasting American football participation suggests that executive function development and performance may be influenced by the sport played. The direction of this possible influence is unclear. More research is needed to establish this observed difference, and to better understand its existence and directionality.

Racial disparities in emergency department utilization among patients with newly diagnosed depression

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that racial and ethnic minorities have increased emergency department visit rates, despite being established with a primary care provider. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, ED visits without hospital admission in a 12-month period among patients with a new primary care provider-issued diagnosis of depression were assessed. Electronic medical record (EMR) data was obtained from 47 family medicine clinics in a large Michigan-based healthcare system. General linear regression models with Poisson distribution were used to predict frequency of ED visits. ResultsA total of 4159 patients were included in the analyses. In multivariable analyses, Black / African American race was associated with an additional 0.90 (95% CI 0.64, 1.16) ED visits and American Indian or Alaska Native race was associated with an additional 1.39 (95% CI 0.92, 1.87) ED visits compared to White or Caucasians (null value 0). These risks were only exceeded by patients who received a prescription for a typical antipsychotic drug agent. ConclusionDespite being established patients at primary care providers and having follow-up encounters, Black / African American and American Indian or Alaska Native patients with depression were considerably more likely to seek ED treatment compared to White/Caucasian patients with depression.

Adolescent victimization and psychosocial well-being in a Finnish population-based sample

ABSTRACT Potentially traumatizing events are common in adolescence, and these experiences have an impact on psychopathology. Furthermore, these events cumulate for certain individuals. More knowledge about the relationship between well-being and victimization experiences’ amount, type, and timing in adolescents is needed to understand the phenomenon of adolescent victimization. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated in a population-based sample of Finnish adolescents, whether victimization experiences associate with psychosocial well-being. The study sample comprised 5743 adolescents aged 15–16 years who filled in a questionnaire about 12 victimization experiences and psychosocial well-being. General Linear Model regression analyses were used for statistical analysis. A greater number of victimization experiences and recent timing, as well as type of victimization such as cyberbullying, were linked to problems related to psychosocial well-being. It is important to recognize current forms of youth victimization to identify the adolescents at risk for psychosocial distress and investigate on specific types of victimization.

Accelerated aging mediates the associations of unhealthy lifestyles with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality.

With two well-validated aging measures capturing mortality and morbidity risk, this study examined whether and to what extent aging mediates the associations of unhealthy lifestyles with adverse health outcomes. Data were from 405,944 adults (40-69 years) from UK Biobank (UKB) and 9972 adults (20-84 years) from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). An unhealthy lifestyles score (range: 0-5) was constructed based on five factors (smoking, drinking, physical inactivity, unhealthy body mass index, and unhealthy diet). Two aging measures, Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) and Biological Age Acceleration (BioAgeAccel) were calculated using nine and seven blood biomarkers, respectively, with a higher value indicating the acceleration of aging. The outcomes included incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), incident cancer, and all-cause mortality in UKB; CVD mortality, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality in NHANES. A general linear regression model, Cox proportional hazards model, and formal mediation analysis were performed. The unhealthy lifestyles score was positively associated with PhenoAgeAccel (UKB: β = 0.741; NHANES: β = 0.874, all p < 0.001). We further confirmed the respective associations of PhenoAgeAccel and unhealthy lifestyles with the outcomes in UKB and NHANES. The mediation proportion of PhenoAgeAccel in associations of unhealthy lifestyles with incident CVD, incident cancer, and all-cause mortality were 20.0%, 17.8%, and 26.6% (all p < 0.001) in UKB, respectively. Similar results were found in NHANES. The findings were robust when using another aging measure-BioAgeAccel. Accelerated aging partially mediated the associations of lifestyles with CVD, cancer, and mortality in UK and US populations. The findings reveal a novel pathway and the potential of geroprotective programs in mitigating health inequality in late life beyond lifestyle interventions.

Risk Terrain and Multilevel Modeling of Street Robbery Distribution in Baltimore City

The structure and functions of neighborhoods determine the impact of measures used to estimate the distribution of street robbery across space and time. The risk of street robbery could vary between different sections of the area. Prior research has typically relied on one-dimensional analysis, which sparsely accounts for the hierarchical configuration of a neighborhood’s influence on spatial crime distribution. Much less is known about how the predictor variables moderate each other at different neighborhood levels. Data was collected from 13,789 US Census blocks ( N = 13,788) aggregated to administrative neighborhoods ( N = 278) to examine how neighborhood structure affects street robbery distribution at two spatial levels. A Risk Terrain Model was adopted to develop a physical environment risk measure—Aggregate Neighborhood Risk of Crime (ANROC), which, alongside sociodemographic risk factors, predicted the outcomes of the Negative Binomial General Linear Regression models. Study findings suggest that individual-level (block) and group (neighborhood) level predictors influenced street robbery. Both group-level physical environment and total population moderated the impact of the individual-level physical environment on street robbery incidents.

Using Feasible Graphical Lasso Regression Method to Estimate the Parameters of General Linear Regression Model Under High Dimensional Data with Application

The high dimensions problem is one of the important problems that affect the data, and with company of high dimensional data in the general linear regression model, it becomes very difficult to use classical estimation methods such as maximum likelihood method and moments method because these methods lead to biased and inefficient estimates for parameters of the model. The necessity to use new methods to estimate the parameters of the general linear regression model. In this research, two methods were used, the Smooth Integration of Counting Absolute Deviation SICA method, as well as the Feasible Graphical Lasso method FGLasso. Simulation data were used, as well as real data representing the level of pollution in the Tigris River. The results compared using the Mean Square Error MSE and the results showed that the FGLasso estimator is the best

Treatment times for delivering adjuvant breast radiotherapy at a cancer centre in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundTime is a valuable commodity that impacts hospital flow, patient experience and economic resources. This study aims to identify factors that affect daily treatment time over a course of radiation therapy (RT) in patients who underwent adjuvant breast RT. MethodsIn all adjuvant breast/chestwall RT patients treated from October 2017 to May 2018, daily set-up, beam delivery time, and overall treatment times were collected. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictive factors related to treatment time. A general linear regression model was used to determine whether there was a learning curve effect throughout the course of treatment that decreased treatment time as patient and staff familiarity with the treatment procedure increased. ResultsA total of 567 patients were included with a median age of 61 years. The average overall treatment time for 2-field and 4-field RT was 8.3 (SD 2.4) and 13.1 (SD 5.6) minutes, respectively. Factors that significantly increased overall treatment times in patients prescribed 2-field RT were: bilateral techniques, breath-hold (BH) techniques, prone techniques (PR), reverse decubitus techniques (RD), wide tangents techniques, the use of bolus and number of segments delivered. (p < 0.05). Factors that significantly increased overall treatment times in patients who received 3-field and 4-field RT were: wide tangents volumes, a higher number of monitor units (MUs), bilateral techniques and BH techniques (p < 0.05). Older patients (≥60) who underwent 3-field and 4-field RT demonstrated a statistically significant increase in set-up time (p < 0.0001). Overall treatment time decreased from 10.0 to 9.3 min over the course of treatment, suggesting a minor learning curve (p = 0.009). ConclusionThe use of bilateral RT, BH, PR, RD, wide tangents, bolus, increasing treatment volumes, and increasing plan complexity were associated with increased treatment times. Future research should quantify the impact of other factors (BMI, mobility, patient care assessments, and imaging protocols) and utility of technological tools (time-predicting models, machine learning tools, and operations research models) on treatment time to optimize RT scheduling and improve resource management.

Childhood infection burden, recent antibiotic exposure and vascular phenotypes in preschool children.

Severe childhood infection has a dose-dependent association with adult cardiovascular events and with adverse cardiometabolic phenotypes. The relationship between cardiovascular outcomes and less severe childhood infections is unclear. To investigate the relationship between common, non-hospitalised infections, antibiotic exposure, and preclinical vascular phenotypes in young children. A Dutch prospective population-derived birth cohort study. Participants were from the Wheezing-Illnesses-Study-Leidsche-Rijn (WHISTLER) birth cohort. We collected data from birth to 5 years on antibiotic prescriptions, general practitioner (GP)-diagnosed infections, and monthly parent-reported febrile illnesses (0-1 years). At 5 years, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid artery distensibility, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. General linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, smoke exposure, birth weight z-score, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. Recent antibiotic exposure was associated with adverse cardiovascular phenotypes; each antibiotic prescription in the 3 and 6 months prior to vascular assessment was associated with an 18.1 μm (95% confidence interval, 4.5-31.6, p = 0.01) and 10.7 μm (0.8-20.5, p = 0.03) increase in CIMT, respectively. Each additional antibiotic prescription in the preceding 6 months was associated with an 8.3 mPa-1 decrease in carotid distensibility (-15.6- -1.1, p = 0.02). Any parent-reported febrile episode (compared to none) showed weak evidence of association with diastolic BP (1.6 mmHg increase, 0.04-3.1, p = 0.04). GP-diagnosed infections were not associated with vascular phenotypes. Recent antibiotics are associated with adverse vascular phenotypes in early childhood. Mechanistic studies may differentiate antibiotic-related from infection-related effects and inform preventative strategies.

Estimation of infiltration efficiency of ambient PM2.5 in urban residences of Beijing during winter

Fine particulate matter pollution has become a major public health concern in the urban areas of China. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations measured at fixed sites are commonly used as an exposure surrogate, although exposure to ambient PM2.5 primarily occurs in indoor environments. In this study, valid indoor and outdoor mass concentrations of PM2.5 during winter, were concurrently measured in 26 urban residences in Beijing. The infiltration factor (Finf), defined as the fraction of ambient PM2.5 which penetrates indoors and remains suspended, was estimated using a recursive model. The environmental conditions that significantly influenced Finf were screened using a general linear model and multiple regression analysis. Finf during winter was 0.52 ± 0.25 with large home-by-home variability. The results suggested that: (1) infiltration from outdoor to indoor environments remarkably reduced the concentrations of ambient PM2.5; and (2) using ambient PM2.5, as an exposure surrogate, can result in exposure misclassification. Improved ventilation was found to increase Finf, whereas an increase in indoor RH from 19.20 to 51.30% resulted in a reduction in Finf. The residences proximate to arterial roads were found to be prone for the infiltration of ambient PM2.5. There were remarkable seasonal differences in the infiltration behavior of ambient PM2.5.

Novel Assessment of Viscoelastic Skeletal Muscle Properties in Chronic Kidney Disease: Association with Physical Functioning

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by poor physical function. Mechanical muscle properties such as tone, elasticity, and stiffness influence the functional state of the muscle. Measuring these muscle mechanical properties is difficult and data on CKD are sparse. Using a novel myotonometer device, the aims of this study were to compare the viscoelastic muscle properties in CKD patients with previously reported data and to explore the association with muscle function. Non-dialysis-dependent CKD participants were recruited into a cross-sectional study conducted between 2018 and 2020. Muscle properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) were assessed using a myotonometer (MyotonPRO). Muscle function was assessed using physical performance tests (sit-to-stand 5 and 60, timed up and go, short physical performance battery, gait speed, incremental shuttle walk, postural sway). General linear regression models were used to explore the association between muscle properties and physical function. Thirty-nine participants were included (age 64.2 (SD: 10.4) years; 51% male; eGFR 40.9 (SD: 20.0) mL/min/1.73 m2). Participants with CKD had reduced muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity compared to previously reported studies. Muscle tone (B = −0.567, p = 0.003) and muscle stiffness (B = −0.368, p = 0.071) were greater in males than females. Increased BMI was associated with lower muscle tone (B = −0.528, p = 0.002) and muscle stiffness (B = −0.577, p = 0.002). No meaningful nor consistent associations were found between these properties and measures of muscle function and physical performance. In conclusion, using a novel handheld myotonometer, this study found that CKD patients exhibit a reduction in muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity. In a passive state, these viscoelastic muscle properties showed no consistent associations with physical performance.

Trends in the Baidu Index in Search Activity Related to Mpox at Geographical and Economic Levels and Associated Factors in China: National Longitudinal Analysis.

Research assessing trends in online search activity related to mpox in China is scarce. We aimed to provide evidence for an overview of online information searching during an infectious disease outbreak by analyzing trends in online search activity related to mpox at geographical and economic levels in China and explore influencing factors. We used the Baidu index to present online search activity related to mpox from May 19 to September 19, 2022. Segmented interrupted time-series analysis was used to estimate trends in online search activity. Factors influencing these trends were analyzed using a general linear regression (GLM) model. We calculated the concentration index to measure economic-related inequality in online search activity and related trends. Online search activity was highest on the day the first imported case of mpox appeared in Chongqing compared to 3 other cutoff time points. After the day of the first imported mpox case in Taiwan, the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, the first imported mpox case in Hong Kong, and the first imported mpox case in Chongqing, national online search activity increased by 0.642%, 1.035%, 1.199%, and 2.023%, respectively. The eastern regions had higher increases than the central and western regions. Across 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, the top 3 areas with higher increases were Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin at 3 time points, with the exception of the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing (Chongqing replaced Tianjin on that day). When AIDS incidence increased by 1 per 100,000 people, there was an increase after the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing of 36.22% (95% CI 3.29%-69.15%; P=.04) after controlling for other covariates. Online search activity (concentration index=0.18; P<.001) was more concentrated among populations with a higher economic status. Unlike the central area, the eastern (concentration index=0.234; P<.001) and western areas (concentration index=0.047; P=.04) had significant economic-related disparities (P for difference <.001) in online search activity. The overall concentration index of changes in online search activity became lower over time. Regions with a higher economic level showed more interest in mpox, especially Beijing and Shanghai. After the day of the first imported mpox case in Chongqing, changes in online search activity were affected by AIDS incidence rate. Economic-related disparities in changes in online search activity became lower over time. It would be desirable to construct a reliable information source in regions with a higher economic level and higher AIDS incidence rate and promote public knowledge in regions with a lower economic level in China, especially after important public events.

The mediating effect of the built environment on the relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health: findings from the 2019 Shanghai Community Survey

Abstract Objective: Based on the theory of spatial production, the built environment is considered a mediating mechanism for health inequality. This study tested the hypothesis that communities, where populations with a higher socioeconomic status live, have a higher-quality built environment, which, in turn, promotes their mental health. Methods: Based on data from the 2019 Shanghai Community Survey (n = 3233), the general linear regression model (Ordinary Least Squares) and the classic three-step method developed by Baron and Kenny (1986) were used to test the mediation effects; subsequently, a structural equation model (bootstrap) was used to examine average direct effects and average causal mediation effects. Results: There were fewer types of aversive facilities, more green spaces or sports fields conducive to leisure and exercise, and better environmental hygiene in communities with higher-income populations, all of which improved their mental health. The total effect of income on mental health was 0.145 (P &lt; 0.001), of which the average causal mediation effect through the built environment was 0.013 (P &lt; 0.05), accounting for ~8.97%. Among the 3 dimensions of the built environment, the sanitation environment had a greater effect, accounting for 55.07% of the total mediation effect. Surrounding facilities accounted for 34.73%, whereas community green and sports spaces accounted for ~10.19%. Conclusions: The built environment quality of communities where low-income groups reside is worse, resulting in lower levels of their mental health. In the spatial planning of built environments, the socioeconomic characteristics of different residential groups should be considered, and the environmental quality of low-income communities should be improved using targeted measures.

Female Reproductive Events and Subclinical Atherosclerosis of the Brain and Carotid Arteriopathy: the Ohasama Study.

Few studies have investigated the subclinical atherosclerotic changes in the brain and carotid artery, and in East Asian populations. We sought to investigate whether gravidity, delivery, the age at menarche and menopause and estrogen exposure period are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis of the brain and carotid arteriopathy. This cross-sectional study formed part of a cohort study of Ohasama residents initiated in 1986. Brain atherosclerosis and carotid arteriopathy were diagnosed as white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and lacunae evident on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and carotid intimal media thickness (IMT) or plaque revealed by ultrasound, respectively. The effect of the reproductive events on brain atherosclerosis and carotid arteriopathy was investigated using logistic regression and general linear regression models after adjusting for covariates. Among 966 women aged ≥ 55 years in 1998, we identified 622 and 711 women (mean age: 69.2 and 69.7 years, respectively) who underwent either MRI or carotid ultrasound between 1992-2008 or 1993-2018, respectively. The highest quartile of gravidity (≥ 5 vs. 3) and delivery (≥ 4 vs. 2), and the highest and second highest (3 vs. 2) quartiles of delivery were associated with an increased risk of WMH and carotid artery plaque, respectively. Neither of age at menarche, menopause, and estrogen exposure period estimated by subtracting age at menarche from age at menopause was associated with atherosclerotic changes of brain and carotid arteries. Higher gravidity and delivery are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis of the brain and carotid plaque.