Interaction Effects Research Articles

The Effects of Varying Practice Modes on L2 Learners’ Vocabulary Retention Through Songs: Listening, Singing, and Oral Reading

Singing or listening to songs is one of the most common L2 activities outside the classroom, and many language teachers integrate songs in their teaching; however, the effect of varying song practice modes on L2 learners’ retention of linguistic knowledge is under-researched. Eighty-seven EFL learners of university students were recruited and divided into three subgroups. To avoid different song different effect, the study adopted a counterbalanced designed, in which each subgroup practiced three songs under three modes: listening + singing, listening + reading lyrics orally, and listening only. Three aspects of vocabulary knowledge (aural and written meaning recognition, written form production) were measured in the pre-test, one-week delayed, and eight-week delayed post-tests. HLM was performed to analyze the data. Results showed that the main effects of the four variables (times, practice modes, vocabulary dimensions, songs) had significant effects on L2 learners’ vocabulary retention, but the interaction effects between times and the three other variables were less salient. Overall, students scored higher for singing mode and for written meaning recognition; however, different songs and times seem to have played an important but complicated role on vocabulary retention. Applications of integrating songs in teaching L2 are discussed.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Reduces Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Noncancer Chronic Pain

Objectives: Noncancer chronic pain is a clinical challenge because pharmacological treatment often fails to relieve pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a treatment that could have the potential for pain relief and improvement in quality of life. However, there is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the effects of tDCS on the pain system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 5 days of anodal tDCS treatment on the pain system in patients with chronic noncancer pain using quantitative sensory testing and quality of life questionnaires: (1) Brief Pain Inventory-short form, (2) European Organization for Research and Treatment of Life Questionnaire-C30, and (3) Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Methods: Eleven patients with noncancer chronic pain (51 ± 13.6 y old, 5M) participated in the study. Anodal tDCS was applied for 5 consecutive days, followed by sham stimulation after a washout period of at least 2 weeks. Pressure pain thresholds and pain tolerance thresholds (PTT) were assessed in different body regions on days 1 and 5. Results: Anodal tDCS appeared to maintain PTT at C5 (clavicle) on day 5, but sham stimulation decreased PTT (P = 0.007). In addition, anodal tDCS increased PTT compared with sham at day 5 at Th10 ventral dermatomes (P = 0.014). Both anodal and sham tDCS decreased the Brief Pain Inventory-short form total and interference scores, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Life Questionnaire-C30 fatigue score, but no interaction effect was observed. Conclusion: This study adds to the evidence in the literature that tDCS may be a potential therapeutic tool for the management of noncancer chronic pain.

Glucose Metabolism and Sex Hormones in Male Patients with Medication-naïve First-episode Schizophrenia: A Large-scale Cross-sectional Study.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) usually begins in early adult life. The underlying molecular mechanisms of SCZ remain unclear. There is evidence for the involvement of abnormalities in metabolic and endocrine systems in SCZ, even in drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia patients (DNFES). However, the association between impaired regulation of glucose metabolism and sex hormones was not studied in SCZ. This study aimed to evaluate the interrelationship between sex hormones and high fasting glucose levels in male DNFES patients. A total of 99 patients with SCZ were recruited, and fasting glucose, fasting insulin, the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and sex hormones were measured. We found that some male patients with SCZ had abnormal levels in glucose metabolism parameters and gonadal hormones that were not within the normal range. Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, waist circumference, and body mass index showed that testosterone levels were negatively associated with fasting insulin in male patients (β = -0.21, t = -2.2, p = 0.03). Our findings confirm the abnormalities in glucose metabolism parameters and gonadal hormones at the onset of the illness in male DNFES patients with SCZ. In addition, there was an interaction effect between abnormal glucose metabolism and sex hormones in male patients.

Determinants of Between-Person Variation in Shoulder Pain in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate determinants of between-person variation in shoulder pain ("yes"/"no") in individuals with spinal cord injury living in Switzerland. This longitudinal study used data from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort community surveys 2012, 2017, and 2022. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants of between-person variability in shoulder pain while controlling for within-person variability. The prevalence of shoulder pain was 34.4% (95% CI = 33.0-35.9) when studying 4393 completed questionnaires. Significant determinants for between-subject variability revealed higher likelihoods for shoulder pain in females as compared with males (odds ratio: 1.57; 95% CI = 1.21-2.05), and when spasticity (1.49; 1.14-1.95), contractures (2.77; 2.21-3.48), and depression (1.39; 1.02-3.48) were present. In addition, shoulder pain presented highest likelihoods in individuals with incomplete tetraplegia (1.81; 1.32-2.48) versus incomplete paraplegia, in individuals over 26 yrs since injury (1.65; 1.15-2.37) versus up to 5 yrs since injury, and in individuals using a manual (2.17; 1.53-3.08) or electrical (2.16; 1.41-3.31) wheelchair versus no aids. There were significant interaction effects for gender with time since injury, contractures, and depression. Determinants of between-subject variability in shoulder pain were female gender, lesion severity, time since injury, specific health conditions, and wheelchair use.

Toxicity of selected pharmaceuticals and their mixtures to the aquatic indicators Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri.

Despite the benefits derived from the use of pharmaceuticals, these compounds are currently considered contaminants of emerging concern because of their presence and persistence in the environment. This study aimed to determine the toxicity of 27 pharmaceuticals and the interaction effects of binary mixtures of selected compounds towards two model organisms: the microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri (Microtox test). Six compounds, namely polymyxin B, polymyxin E, fluoxetine, diphenhydramine, clenbuterol and ketoprofen exhibited moderate toxicity towards D. magna. Additionally, three compounds (cefotaxime, polymyxin B, polymyxin E) also showed a moderate toxic effect on A. fischeri. The comparison of such results with model estimations showed inaccuracy in the predicted data, highlighting the relevance of experimental ecotoxicological assays. The assayed mixtures contained four selected drugs of high-hazard according to their reported concentrations in wastewater and surface water (diphenhydramine, trimethoprim, ketoprofen, and fluoxetine); data revealed interactions only in the fluoxetine-containing mixtures for D. magna, while all mixtures showed interactions (mostly synergistic) for Microtox. Chronic effects on the reproduction of D. magna were observed after exposure to fluoxetine and diphenhydramine, although higher sensitivity was determined for the latter, while the mixture of these compounds (which showed acute synergy in both models) also affected the reproduction patterns. Nonetheless, all the effects described at the acute or chronic level (for individual compounds or mixtures) were determined at concentrations higher than commonly reported at environmental levels. This work provides valuable ecotoxicological information for the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and their mixtures in the environment.

Understanding factors that impact the acquisition of independent living skills (ILS) among young people transitioning from out-of-home care

Background and AimsIndependent Living Skills (ILS) are essential to support young people as they enter adulthood. Negative outcomes are consistently observed across a variety of different independent living areas of life for care experienced young people. This study aimed to understand ILS measure scores across eight ILS domains and overall, completed by young people from Western Australia (WA), how they differ between participants who were still in-care (n = 49) and who had left-care (n = 73), and what factors (such as care experience and personal characteristics) moderate the acquisition of ILS. For this paper, the overarching concept of ILS is defined by young people’s ILS measure scores, where higher self-reported scores are interpreted as greater confidence and competence in ILS (overall and for each of the eight ILS domains). MethodsParticipants (N = 122) aged between 15 and 25 years completed an ILS measure as part of the Navigating Through Life, longitudinal, mixed-method, population-based study. This present study considers data from wave 1 (of 5) of the NTL study, where eight ILS domains were identified: Financial Management, Knowledge of Accessing Available Supports, Managing Housing, Education Planning, Job Seeking, Health Risk Management, Domestic and Self-help Task, and Managing Relationships. This study explored how dependent variables (the ILS overall scores and 8 ILS domain scores) are associated with participants’ care experience and demographic characteristics (the independent variables) via linear regression and an exploratory multivariate moderator analysis. ResultsThe in-care and left-care groups’ ILS measure scores were comparable. Of the independent variables, care status, self-determination, and regionality were significant (p-value=<.05), predicting greater ILS measure scores across the ILS domains and/or overall. Whereas the independent variables of placement stability, longest placement type, gender, taking part in an enhanced leaving care scheme (ELCS), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status were not significant predictors of higher ILS measure scores. Moderator analyses were conducted for the overall ILS scores, the Health Risk Management, and the Domestic and Self-help Task domain scores (dependent variables). No significant interaction effects were found for care status, self-determination, and regionality, which were identified as significant factors in and of themselves. Discussion and ConclusionThis study emphasises that ILS domains are interlinked, and findings should be utilised to further highlight the significance of the transition to adulthood stage, especially given the similarities in scores for both in-care and left-care groups. Future research could look at transition pathways that prioritise different ILS domains depending on young people’s different needs at different times to support their overall ILS acquisition.

Heat pump drying kinetics modeling and prediction for Lentinus edodes based on orthogonal experimental

To accurately understand the moisture variation and drying characteristics of Lentinus edodes (L. edodes) during the drying process, the kinetics model of L. edodes with a wider application range was investigated. First, the heat pump drying kinetics model for L. edodes was fitted, verified and extended based on the orthogonal experimental data. Then, the expression of moisture ratio of L. edodes with respect to drying time, air supply temperature (AST), loading density (LD) and circulating air volume (CAV) was proposed, and interaction effects of the three key parameters on the drying time were studied based on the prediction model. The findings indicated a substantial agreement between the predicted and experimental values. The drying time could be shortened by increasing the air supply temperature and the circulating air volume or decreasing the loading density. Among these three factors, the AST had the greatest impact on drying time, followed by CAV and LD. For every 48 g/m2 reduction in LD and 11.3 m3/h increase in CAV, the drying time could be reduced by 10.5 to 29.9 minutes. Similarly, increasing the AST by 1 °C and the CAV by 11.3 m3/h could decrease the drying time by 13.7 to 100.6 minutes. The research results are helpful to optimize the drying process, improve the drying efficiency, and provide guidance and references for practical production of L. edodes HPD.

Rotary excitation of non-sinusoidal pulsed magnetic fields: Towards non-invasive direct detection of cardiac conduction.

There is a need for high resolution non-invasive imaging methods of physiologic magnetic fields. The purpose of this work is to develop a MRI detection approach for non-sinusoidal magnetic fields based on the rotary excitation (REX) mechanism which was previously successfully applied for the detection of oscillating magnetic fields in the sub-nT range. The new detection concept was examined by means of Bloch simulations, evaluating the interaction effect of spin-locked magnetization and low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields. The REX detection approach was validated under controlled conditions in phantom experiments at 3 T. Gaussian and sinc-shaped stimuli were investigated. In addition, the detection of artificial fields resembling a cardiac QRS complex, which is the most prominent peak visible on a magnetocardiogram, was tested. Bloch simulations demonstrated that the REX method has a high sensitivity to pulsed fields in the resonance case, which is met when the spin-lock frequency coincides with a non-zero Fourier component of the stimulus field. In the experiments, we found that magnetic stimuli of different durations and waveforms can be distinguished by their characteristic REX response spectrum. The detected REX amplitude was proportional to the stimulus peak amplitude (R2 > 0.98) and the lowest field detection was 1 nT. Furthermore, the detection of QRS-like fields with varying QRS durations yielded significant results in a phantom setup (p < 0.001). REX detection can be transferred to non-sinusoidal pulsed magnetic fields and could provide a non-invasive, quantitative tool for spatially resolved assessment of cardiac biomagnetism. Potential applications include the direct detection and characterization of cardiac conduction.

Agglomeration externalities or network externalities? Explaining productivity in Chinese urban regions

ABSTRACT This paper explores the relative importance of agglomeration externalities and network externalities in explaining regional productivity through the lens of a polycentric development framework specific to China. Using enterprise investment data, a spatial econometric model and an instrumental variables strategy, we find that both externalities are important in explaining regional productivity. There are no interaction effects between agglomeration and network externalities, with the latter being more prominent in urban regions with higher levels of polycentricity. Compared to agglomeration externalities, which are geographically confined, network externalities can generate spatial spillovers.

The perceptions of brand coappearance in product placement: cooperation, competition or coopetition?

Purpose Brands increasingly coappear in television programs while research in product placement has primarily focused on the placements of a single brand. Building on research related to product placement and cobranding, this study aims to systematically examine the roles of product competitiveness and brand competitiveness on the effectiveness of brand coappearance on television programs. Design/methodology/approach Extensive pretesting and four experimental studies were conducted. Real stimuli that had been digitally manipulated with fictitious brands were used in Study 1 (laboratory experiment involved student samples) and Study 2 (online experiment with a national sample) to examine the short- and long-term impacts of product competitiveness on brand coappearance. Real stimuli incorporated actual brands were used in Study 3 (involved advertisers’ key demographic) and Study 4 (alterative television program with a national sample) to examine the impacts of brand competitiveness and its interaction effect with product competitiveness. Findings The study found that coappearing with a product of high competitiveness significantly enhanced attitudes and purchase intention toward the coappearing products both in the short and long term. Product competitiveness further interacts with brand competitiveness to influence attitudes and purchase intention toward the coappearing brands suggesting a coopetition pattern for brand coappearances. The effect of brand coappearances did not vary substantially for low or high involvement products with or without character interaction. Research limitations/implications The study develops a useful framework for explaining and understanding the potential spillover effects in brand coappearances. It contributes to the existing literature on product placement and cobranding, while also paving the way for future research opportunities. Practical implications When introducing new brands, marketers are advised to consider coappearance deals with more competitive brands in highly competitive product categories. Conversely, coappearance deals with less competitive brands in less competitive product categories should be adopted to promote well-known brands. Advertisers may also consider product or brand exclusivity arrangements with broadcasters to enhance the effectiveness of the product placement. Originality/value Although brand coappearance in media content is likely to continue to proliferate, little is known about the phenomenon and its effects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to systematically examine the perceptions toward brands coappeared in television programs.

Effect of working remotely on new professionals’ learning and adjustment during the first five weeks after professional entry

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of working remotely on new professionals’ learning and adjustment. Organizational socialization is the process of learning and adjusting to a new professional role. Among new professionals working on-site, this learning and adjustment is indicated by a development of role clarity, task mastery and social acceptance. Less is known about the process when working remotely. This was recognized as a key organizational challenge following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach In this study, with a longitudinal design with 242 graduates and weekly data collections for the first five weeks following professional entry in 2021, the authors compared the learning and adjustment among individuals working on-site, in hybrid or remotely using longitudinal analyses of mean response profiles. Findings The group-by-time interaction effects were not statistically significant (i.e. no differences were found in the adjustment of the new professionals of the three groups). Originality/value These results indicate that working remotely does not jeopardize the organizational socialization process. Furthermore, a marginally statistically significant result indicated that participants working only remotely experienced a greater development of task mastery over time: This suggests that remote work may even benefit learning and professional adjustment. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Emotional Consequences of Infidelity: Guilt and Regret Experiences Among Perpetrators of Cheating in Heterosexual Dating Relationships

Perpetrators of infidelity have to deal with the consequences of their actions, guilt, and regret being a few out of the many. Differences in these outcomes could be based on the kind of infidelity (emotional or sexual) they were involved in and the process of infidelity (spontaneous or planned) they have gone through. To explore the difference, the present study collected data on 196 adults (male = 97, female = 99; Mage = 24.54 years) who had cheated on their romantic partners. Out of the total, 136 participants were involved in self-reported sexual infidelity, and 60 participants were involved in emotional infidelity; 147 participants reported spontaneous infidelity and only 49 participants reported that the process was planned. Results showed that the process of infidelity (spontaneous/planned) significantly affects post-infidelity guilt. However, no role of type of infidelity (emotional/sexual) was found. Furthermore, results showed a significant interaction effect between the type and the process of infidelity on guilt and regret. Sexual-spontaneous infidelity provoked the highest guilt and regret, whereas sexual-planned infidelity led to the slightest guilt and regret. The findings that the emotional consequences of infidelity depend on its nature will help in understanding the aftermaths of infidelity and could apply to helping the perpetrators.

Experimental investigation on tailoring compressive properties and energy absorption of 3D printed gradient star re-entrant hybrid auxetic structure

Purpose Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used 3D printing technique for the fabrication of mechanical metamaterials with intricate geometries. Gradient strategy is applied to geometric parameters of gradient star re-entrant hybrid auxetic (GSRA) structure. Deformation behaviour is studied under compressive loading. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of gradient geometric parameters on mechanical properties, namely, specific strength (SS), specific modulus (SM) and specific energy absorption (SEA). Design/methodology/approach Response surface methodology (RSM) is implemented for the design of experiments of gradient geometric parameters to minimize the number of experimental tests. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material is used for the fabrication of GSRA structures by FFF technique. The best set of gradient parameters has been optimized maximizing all three responses using RSM and artificial neural network optimization technique. Findings During compressive testing, row-wise deformation is observed with two-stage plateau regions, which results in increase in SEA of the structure. Furthermore, based on analysis of variance and 3D response plots, it is found that height gradient is the most influencing gradient geometric parameter on SS and SM, whereas the wall thickness gradient has maximum influence on SEA. Meanwhile, the interaction effect of wall thickness gradient and height gradient has maximum influence on SS, SM and SEA. Research limitations/implications This study of applying gradient strategy to geometric parameters is limited to GSRA structure under compressive loading. In addition, findings are valid within the selected range of gradient geometric parameters. These findings are useful for the selection of gradient geometric parameters to maximize SS, SM and SEA of GSRA structure simultaneously. These outcomes pave the way for designing light-weight gradient hybrid auxetic structures in the field of construction, aerospace, automobile and biomedical engineering. Originality/value Limited experimental study is available on investigating the influence of gradient geometric parameters on mechanical properties, namely, SS, SM and SEA, and deformation behaviours of hybrid auxetic structures. This study directly addresses the above research gaps.

Exceptionally Short Tetracoordinated Carbon-Halogen Bonds in Hexafluorodihalocubanes.

Molecules that contain bonds whose length significantly deviates from the average are of interest in the context of understanding the nature and limits of the chemical bonds. However, it is difficult to disentangle the individual contributions of the multiple factors that give rise to such bond-length deviations as reports on such molecules remain scarce. In the present study, we have succeeded in synthesizing hexafluorodihalocubanes of the type C8F6X2 (2) (X = Cl (2Cl), Br (2Br), I (2I)), which represent a new series of molecules with unusual C(sp3)-halogen bonds. The C(sp3)-halogen bonds of 2Cl, 2Br, and 2I, determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, are approximately 0.07-0.09 Å shorter than typical C(sp3)-halogen bonds. In particular, the carbon-iodine bonds of 2I are the shortest C(sp3)-I bonds reported to date. The solution-state structures and electronic states of the C(sp3)-halogen bonds in these hexafluorodihalocubanes were analyzed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which revealed detailed information on the length of these C(sp3)-halogen bonds in solution and the solid state as well as on the electron-deficient nature of 2. Detailed theoretical calculations and a comparison with halotrinitromethanes (1), which represent another series of molecules with shortened C(sp3)-halogen bonds, revealed that the factors responsible for the shortening of the C(sp3)-halogen bond vary among the different C(sp3)-halogen bonds, i.e., for C(sp3)-Cl and C(sp3)-Br, the s-character and hyperconjugation effects predominate, whereas for C(sp3)-I, the interatomic Coulombic interaction effect prevails.

Longitudinal associations between accelerometry-assessed sleep clusters and obesity in adolescence and young adulthood: the German GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts study

Abstract Background Some studies have identified diverse sleep patterns in adolescents and adults by considering multidimensional objective sleep parameters. However, whether sleep patterns are consistent from adolescence to young adulthood and their long-term associations with obesity remain unknown. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations of objectively measured and clustering-identified sleep patterns with body mass index (BMI) and overweight/obesity in adolescence and young adulthood, and to test whether these associations change over time or are modified by genetic risk. Methods A total of 1973 participants wearing 7-day accelerometers in either 15-year (n=1347, aged 14.3-16.4 years) and/or 20-year (n=1262, aged 19.5-22.4 years) follow-ups of German GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts were included. Sleep clusters were identified by K-means cluster analysis on 12 accelerometry-assessed sleep characteristics at each follow-up. BMI and overweight/obesity were measured by physical exams or self-/parent-reported questionnaires. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were tested. The interaction effects with time of follow-ups and polygenic risk scores (PRS, n=1087) for BMI were further examined. Results Although sleep characteristics changed from adolescence to young adulthood, such as shorter total sleep time (mean 7.2 to 6.6 hours), the consistent five sleep clusters were classified in both periods: good sleep, delayed sleep phase, sleep irregularity and variability, fragmented sleep, and prolonged sleep latency. Compared to the "good sleep" cluster, the "prolonged sleep latency" cluster showed significant associations with higher BMI (β=0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.06, 1.05]) and increased odds of overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR)=1.55, 95%CI= [1.02, 2.34]). PRS was associated with higher BMI (β=0.65, 95%CI= [0.39, 0.91]) and overweight/obesity (OR=1.52, 95%CI= [1.15, 2.00]), with no significant gene-sleep cluster interaction effect. Only among males, the interaction effects with time of follow-ups on overweight/obesity were observed in the "delayed sleep phase", "sleep irregularity and variability", and "fragmented sleep" clusters (p-interaction &amp;lt;0.05), showing more harmful effects with increasing age. Conclusions Five sleep patterns were identified consistently across adolescence and young adulthood, and the "prolonged sleep latency" pattern was associated with higher BMI and overweight/obesity, independent of genetic risk. For young adult males, "delayed sleep phase", "sleep irregularity and variability" and "fragmented sleep" patterns seemed to have more unfavorable impacts on overweight/obesity.

Diabetes worsens the adverse association between myocardial diffuse fibrosis and left ventricular strain

Abstract Background Heart failure is a common cardiovascular complication to diabetes. Increased fibrosis of the myocardium has been suggested to be a mechanism, however, no convincing clinical evidence has so far been presented. A better understanding of how myocardial tissue characteristics influence functional aberration in diabetes could aid diagnosis, risk assessment and guide treatment. Native T1 is a CMR marker of diffuse fibrosis with diagnostic and prognostic value (1,2), and feature tracking (CMR-FT) strain is a sensitive measure of myocardial systolic function. In this study, we evaluated the association of CMR markers of fibrosis with markers of systolic function in individuals with and without diabetes. Purpose To understand the relationship between native T1 and myocardial strain and how diabetes may affect this. Methods Participants from the UK Biobank population imaging study were included. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was derived using a semi-automated batch processing software tool. Native T1 was derived from segmentation of the entire short axis slice using an automated quality control tool, excluding scans with predicted dice score of &amp;lt;0.7. Multivariable linear models were used with the strain metrics as the outcome variable and native T1 and diabetes as the exposure variables. These models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, ethnicity, smoking and alcohol status, prevalent hypertension hypercholesterolaemia and coronary artery disease. The effect of interaction between diabetes and native T1 on GLS was examined by introducing an interaction term. Results In total 41,533 participants were included, of which 1957 had diabetes – see Table 1 for baseline characteristics. The average GLS measured for those with diabetes was -17% and was -18% for those without. The average native T1 in those with diabetes was 935ms and 933ms for those without on the background of greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in those with diabetes. In model adjusted for all relevant co-variates, individuals with diabetes had worse GLS measured compared to those without diabetes (β-coefficient: 0.51, p value &amp;lt;0.001). Increasing fibrosis (native T1) was associated with worsening GLS (β-coefficient: 0.005, p value &amp;lt;0.001) in all participants. However, in those with diabetes, increasing native T1 was associated with a greater decline in GLS compared to those without diabetes (interaction term β-coefficient: 0.005, p value &amp;lt;0.001), with a relative impairment seen within normal ranges for native T1 - see Figure 1. Conclusion(s) This is the largest study of its kind to demonstrate a dose dependent relationship between increasing native T1, representing potential myocardial fibrosis, and myocardial strain, representing cardiac dysfunction. Our findings indicate that increased fibrosis alone does not explain the higher risk of HF in diabetes, other mechanisms, perhaps intracellular, might be at play.

A longitudinal study of the impacts of area-level social cohesion on multimorbidity in Scotland

Abstract Background Multimorbidity is a growing global public health challenge, commonly referring to the co-occurrence of 2+ conditions but with varying measurements. Prior evidence has linked social cohesion with single health conditions; however, its impact on multimorbidity remains unclear. This study aims to examine the association between area-level social cohesion and multimorbidity and to explore whether this association will vary across multimorbidity measurements and levels of urban-rural classification. Methods Using a dataset that links the Scottish Longitudinal Study (5.3% of the Scottish population) with hospitalisation records (2001-2019) and an index that reflects area-level social cohesion (2012), focused on the cohorts of adults aged 40+, we used 3-level logistic regression to account for the clustered data structure of diagnosed chronic conditions over time within individuals within neighbourhoods. Results Areas with the highest social cohesion were observed to have the lowest risks of multimorbidity (p &amp;lt; 0.001), even after adjusting for area-level income deprivation. Varying by multimorbidity measurements, an inverted U-shaped pattern was observed between reduced area-level social cohesion and increased risks of having 2+ co-occurring chronic conditions; while a linear pattern was found for mental-physical multimorbidity. Moderated by levels of urban-rural classification, as compared to rural residents, urban residents were more sensitive to the impact of social cohesion on the co-occurrence of 2+ conditions; however, for mental-physical multimorbidity, no interaction effects between area-level social cohesion and urban-rural classification were found. Conclusions Although varying patterns were seen for different multimorbidity measurements, people living in areas with the highest area-level social cohesion were less likely to be multimorbid. This study offers new insights for developing effective place-based public health interventions. Key messages • This is the first longitudinal study that analysed the association between area-level social cohesion and multimorbidity using a nationally representative dataset based on secondary care data. • Area-level social cohesion affects multimorbidity, but its impact may vary by multimorbidity measurements and by urban-rural classification.

Beyond the change: exploring age of menopause, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk in women

Abstract Background Premature/early menopause increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, whether lifestyle can offset this risk is unknown. Purpose Investigate the association between premature/early menopause and incident CVD and whether a healthy lifestyle modifies this association. Methods The 45 and Up Study prospectively recruited participants aged ≥45 years (n=267,357) between 2005-2009. Our study included women without prior CVD and those reporting menopausal age at baseline. Primary outcome was incident CVD (self-reported heart disease/stroke) based on survey data1 at Wave 2 (2012-2015) and/or Wave 3 (2018-2020). Logistic regression models assessed associations of premature (age &amp;lt;40 years) and early (age 40-44 years) menopause with CVD, compared to standard menopause (age 50-52 years), adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Healthy lifestyle adherence was assessed using a score of five factors: smoking, physical activity, sitting, sleep, and diet. Interaction effects were analysed between menopause and healthy lifestyle adherence on CVD. Results We included 46,273 women (mean age 62.1±8.2 years), with 5,425(11.7%) incident CVD over 15-year follow-up. After adjustment, the CVD risk was higher in women with premature menopause (odds ratio (OR): 1.36, 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.17-1.59; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and early menopause (OR: 1.15, 95% CI, 1.03-1.28; p=0.013) compared to standard menopause. Among all menopausal women, high versus low healthy-lifestyle adherence led to 20% lower CVD risk (OR: 0.80, 95% CI, 0.71-0.90; p=0.0003). In the subset of high-risk women with premature menopause, high versus low healthy lifestyle adherence led to 50% lower risk of CVD (OR: 0.50, 95% CI, 0.31-0.80, p=0.0040). The healthy lifestyle effect was not significantly different across menopause groups (p=0.71). Conclusion Early and premature menopause were independently associated with increased CVD risk. Healthy versus unhealthy lifestyle significantly attenuated the risk of CVD in all menopausal women, particularly in the highest risk group of women with premature menopause, reducing this risk by 50%. 1 Secure data access was provided through the Sax Institute’s Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE).

Interaction of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure, lifestyle and genetic risk in dyslipidemia

Abstract Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been associated with various adverse health conditions. However, the interaction effects between PCBs, lifestyle, and/or genetic susceptibility on dyslipidemias are still unknown. Methods Six serum PCBs including PCB-28, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180 were determined in 3,845 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. Dyslipidemias, including hyper-total cholesterol (HyperTC), hyper-triglyceride (HyperTG), hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HyperLDL-C), and hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HypoHDL-C) were classified based on serum lipids levels, which were examined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Besides, we constructed lipid-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) and healthy lifestyle scores, and used Logistic regression models to explore the relationships of serum PCBs, lifestyle, and PRS with dyslipidemias. Results We observed that all six PCB congeners were positively associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemias to varying degrees. In particular, dose-response manners were observed between ΣPCB levels and odds ratios (ORs) of HyperTC, HyperTG, and HyperLDL-C, respectively. Besides, we found that PRSs and unhealthy lifestyles were both positively associated with dyslipidemias. For the combined effect of ΣPCB, lifestyle, and PRS, participants with high ΣPCB, unfavorable lifestyle, and high genetic risk had the highest odds of HyperTC (2.285; 1.533, 3.417), HyperTG (7.944; 5.169, 12.329), and HyperLDL-C (3.523; 2.311, 5.394) when compared with those with low ΣPCB, healthy lifestyle, and low genetic risk. Conclusions Our study provided evidence that PCB exposure potentially increases the prevalence of dyslipidemias, which may be exacerbated by genetic susceptibility and unhealthy lifestyles. Key messages • Our results highlighted the importance of reducing PCB exposure, adopting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of dyslipidemia. • Our work might facilitate the emergence of reducing or regulating PCB pollution to control blood lipids and the resultant dyslipidemia epidemic.

Modifying effect of obesity status on the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with incident hemorrhagic stroke: evidence from a community-based longitudinal cohort study in China

Abstract Background Previous results on the association between lipids and hemorrhagic stroke were controversial. Modifying effect of obesity on the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hemorrhagic stroke risk in the Chinese community-based population remains unclear. Objectives We aimed to investigate the association between LDL-C and hemorrhagic stroke risk in the Chinese community-based population. In addition, we aimed to explore the potential modifying effect of obesity status, particularly abdominal obesity, on this relationship. Methods A total of 7899 eligible subjects, without history of stroke and myocardial infarction, and any use of lipid-lowering medication at baseline, were enrolled in this study. Levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assessed at baseline. The primary endpoint was the hemorrhagic stroke. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference &amp;gt; 90 cm in men and &amp;gt; 85 cm in women. Results Of all participants, the mean age was 56.13 ± 8.87 years, 2848 (36.1%) were male. During a mean 9.71-year follow-up, 66 hemorrhagic strokes occurred. After multivariable adjustment (Figure 1), compared to participants with LDL-C levels 2.6 – 3.4 mmol/L, those with LDL-C levels &amp;lt; 1.8 mmol/L had 3.32 times the risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24, 8.84) of incident hemorrhagic stroke. Compared with participants with TC levels 3.1 – 5.2 mmol/L, HR (95% CI) was 7.82 (2.36, 25.90) for hemorrhagic stroke in those with TC &amp;lt; 3.1 mmol/L. We observed no significant associations between TG or HDL-C levels and hemorrhagic stroke risk. Interaction effects were found between obesity and LDL-C for incident hemorrhagic stroke. Accordingly, significant associations between low LDL-C level (&amp;lt; 1.8 mmol/L) and the risk of incident hemorrhagic stroke were found only among abdominal obesity participants (HR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.01, 13.97), or those with body mass index (BMI) &amp;gt; = 24 kg/m2 (HR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.24, 11.34) (Figure 2). Conclusions LDL-C levels &amp;lt; 1.8mmol/L and TC levels &amp;lt; 3.1mmol/L were associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Modifying effect of obesity status on the association between low LDL-C level and hemorrhagic stroke was observed in our study.