Middle-aged Females Research Articles

Patterns of household electricity consumption in Norway as a function of psychological factors, socio-economic constellations and access to electric appliances

To explore the complexity of household living conditions and their relation to electricity consumption, the socio-technical constellations they create for themselves and the perceived ease of saving electricity, we conducted a clustering analysis to categorise Norwegian participants in an electricity-saving programme based on environmental concerns, personal norms and socio-economic parameters. We also explored if the household clusters differed in perceived risk of energy poverty. A sample of 1,135 Norwegians participated in the study in 2023. A two-step cluster analysis resulted in five distinct clusters which we named: (1) older couples with moderate environmental concern; (2) eco-ease in midlife; (3) middle-aged females in medium-sized households; (4) growing families with moderate concerns; and (5) moderate advocates with adolescents. Analysis of variance indicated significant variations in mean scores of environmental concerns, access to energy appliances and perceived behavioural control implement energy-saving tips across clusters (p<0.01), but no difference in perceived risk of energy poverty. The results show that changes in the living situation, especially children moving out, seems to have strong effects on per capita electricity consumption, if the housing infrastructure is not adapted to the new family size. Lower environmental concern particularly impacts electricity consumption negatively in the time after children leave the household, and the same can be concluded for gender roles with females being more motivated to save electricity. Based on these results we recommend to more actively support these transitions of living situations, but also support existing sustainable energy use practices or connect electricity saving to other motivations (like supply security) for clusters where environmental concern is low.

The Incidental Finding of the Senile Isolated Massive Tracheobronchial Calcification After Cardiac Surgery: An Unusual Case Report

Tracheobronchial calcification is a benign radiological finding seen in middle-aged and elderly females, usually of no clinical significance. We report a female with massive tracheobronchial calcification that is found incidentally after cardiac surgery.

The trends of arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease in Lithuanian population (1983-2023)

Abstract Background During the past two decades, in Lithuania, the morbidity and mortality from circulatory system diseases such as ischemic heart disease (IHD) have been increasing. The increasing incidence of IHD can be linked to the IHD prevention program implemented in Lithuania, which was launched in 2005. This study aimed to determine and evaluate the prevalence of IHD, their risk factors, and trends among middle-aged (45-64 years) urban males and females in Lithuania over the last 40 years. Methods During our study, the changes in the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and IHD, among Kaunas city inhabitants aged 45-64 years in six population-based cohorts (1982-1983 (n = 1660), 1986-1987 (n = 1152), 1992-1993 (n = 824), 2001-2002 (n = 978), 2006-2008 (n = 4604) and 2023 (n = 554)) were analyzed. AH was defined when the arterial blood pressure was ≥140/90 mmHg or a person had taken antihypertensive drugs during 2 weeks. IHD was defined when a person had a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and/or ischemic changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) were assessed by Minnesota codes. The prevalence of AH and IHD changes were evaluated using regression analysis. Results During 1983-2023, the prevalence of AH among males aged 45-64 significantly increased from 58.7% (1982-1983) to 72.7% (2023) (p = 0.04), but among females aged 45-64 the prevalence of AH tended to decrease from 63.0% (1982-1983) to 50.9% (2023) (p = 0.18). The prevalence of IHD among males aged 45-64 was without significant changes and was from 14.4% (1982-1983) to 13.6% (2023) (p = 0.7), but among females aged 45-64 the prevalence of IHD significantly decreased from 21.7% (1982-1983) to 16.6% (2023) (p = 0.04). Conclusions From 1983 to 2023, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban males, the prevalence of AH significantly increased, but the prevalence of IHD was stable, meanwhile, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban females the prevalence of AH tended to decrease, but the prevalence of IHD significantly decreased. Key messages • From 1983 to 2023, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban males, the prevalence of AH significantly increased, meanwhile among females - tended to decrease. • Over 40 years, the prevalence of IHD among Lithuanian males was without significant changes, but among females - significant decreased.

Suicide in young and middle-aged individuals: lessons from a psychosocial autopsy study

Abstract Background Sociodemographic characteristics of suicides are available from Statistics Netherlands. To improve suicide prevention, it is not only necessary to know who dies but also why people die. A psychosocial autopsy was conducted in the Netherlands to investigate differences in psychosocial characteristics and precipitating factors of suicides of young (<30) and middle-aged (40-70) suicide decedents. Methods Data were collected from bereaved individuals. A questionnaire detailed sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics of the decedents. We reconstructed the suicidal process in the months preceding the suicide in an interview. Findings from the questionnaire and interview were integrated. An independent expert committee formulated recommendations for suicide prevention. Results 162 suicides were investigated. Young decedents showed high levels of substance use and academic pressure. Young adults with developmental disorders were vulnerable in the transition to adulthood. Young males reached out less to support and care. By contrast, suicides of young females were distinguished by comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, frequent suicidal behaviours, high levels of care use, wait lists and a loss of (treatment) perspective, harmful social media use and bullying. Work and financial problems were common in middle-aged decedents. Physical disability and pain were frequently mentioned for middle-aged females. Suicide in middle-aged males was characterized by financial distress, interpersonal conflicts such as divorce, high levels of binge drinking and addiction. Conclusions Our data provide a topology of the needs of individuals at risk for suicide. Suicide prevention strategies can be improved by better transition support and explicit suicide monitoring in young adults with a developmental disorder, active waitlist policies in mental healthcare, and improved collaboration between debt counsellors and mental care professionals based on shared accountability. Key messages • Bereaved individuals elucidated a wide range of psychosocial problems in suicide decedents. • Suicide prevention should adhere to a needs-based approach.

Episcleritis Uncovered: A Thorough Review of Current Research

Episcleritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the episclera of the eye, which is the tissue between the sclera and conjunctiva. It manifests as unilateral or bilateral redness and discomfort. Despite its typically benign course, it may signal underlying systemic disorders, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and personalized management. While most cases are idiopathic, autoimmune diseases and infections may play contributory roles. Epidemiological studies reveal a predilection for young to middle-aged females, with episcleritis being less common in children. Diagnostically, characteristic features include sectoral redness and mild discomfort, distinguishing it from conjunctivitis and scleritis. Treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief, utilizing topical steroids, oral NSAIDs, and artificial tears. The prognosis is generally favourable, with spontaneous resolution within weeks; however, recurrent, or chronic cases may necessitate further evaluation for underlying systemic conditions. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, management strategies, prognosis of episcleritis, and clinical nuances, drawing upon recent literature from 1976 to the present. By consolidating contemporary knowledge, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians on how to treat this ocular condition effectively.

Associations of age and sex with characteristics of extracellular vesicles and protein-enriched fractions of blood plasma.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles that are released by various cell types and play vital roles in intercellular communication. They carry biological molecules reflecting the physiological and pathological states of their source cells and tissues, showing potential as biomarkers. However, the impact of demographic factors like age and sex on the properties of blood plasma EVs remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating how these factors influence the particle count and proteomic profiles of plasma EV preparations and corresponding protein fractions. Plasma samples from 120 healthy volunteers were collected and pooled into six groups: young males (age: 27.6 ± 4.0), young females (27.4 ± 3.8), middle-aged males (48.8 ± 3.8), middle-aged females (48.9 ± 3.9), old males (69.3 ± 3.9), and old females (69.4 ± 4.3). EV- and protein-enriched fractions were separated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Fractions were characterized for particle number concentration and protein composition to identify characteristics affected by age and biological sex. Plasma EVs and corresponding protein fractions exhibited distinct characteristics, with differential enrichment of markers related to EVs and other blood components, including lipoproteins. Proteomic profiles of both EVs and protein fractions displayed sex- and age-dependent differences. Differentially abundant proteins displayed functions previously identified in the context of aging and sex differences, highlighting their utility as biomarkers. Age and sex significantly affect the characteristics of plasma EVs and proteins, potentially influencing their efficacy and interpretation as biomarkers in clinical applications. This study lays the groundwork for detailed mechanistic research to understand how EVs mediate age- and sex-related effects in health.

Acupuncture improves neuroendocrine defects in a preclinical rat model of reproductive aging

AimsClinical data supports electroacupuncture (EA) as an effective treatment for female reproductive disorders especially gonadotropin abnormalities. This study aims to detect the mechanism of EA that improves the neuroendocrine defects particularly the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge failure in early reproductive aging females. Materials and methodsMiddle-aged ovariectomized rats primed with hormone were treated by EA at acupoints CV4 and SP6 and undergone LH assay. Morphological experiments detected the activation of Kiss1 cells in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Using targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and RNA-sequencing, we determined the concentrations of neurotransmitter metabolites and transcriptomics in AVPV. Key findingsEA significantly increased c-Fos and c-Fos-positive Kiss1 cells in the middle-aged AVPV as well as the total and peak LH release. Targeted LC-MS/MS and RNA-sequencing of AVPV identified differential neurotransmitters in the middle-aged females including Acetylcholine chloride, 5-Hydroxyindole-3-aceticacid, Kynurenine, Histamine, L-Histidine and L-Glycine, while EA decreased the concentration of Acetylcholine chloride. Totally 1255 differentially expressed genes modulated by EA were strongly implicated in neurotransmitter transport and KEGG pathways involved neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated synapse. Specifically, the mRNAs associated with the LH surge such as hormone receptor Pgr, adrenoceptor Adra1a, neurotransmitter transporters Slc17a6 and Slc32a1, glutamate decarboxylase Gad2 and Kiss1 were markedly altered by EA. SignificanceThese findings showed that the age-related reduction of LH surge occurred via differential neurotransmitter metabolisms and altered transcriptions in AVPV, which proposed EA-based therapy for improving responsiveness of the hypothalamus to hormone in women with advanced age.

Effect of an 8-week hot spring water exercise program on body composition, knee isokinetic muscle function, range of motion, and the Korean Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities index in middle-age females with osteoarthritis in Republic of Korea: experiment study

Effect of an 8-week hot spring water exercise program on body composition, knee isokinetic muscle function, range of motion, and the Korean Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities index in middle-age females with osteoarthritis in Republic of Korea: experiment study

Sex differences in the relationship of intraindividual difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate by cystatin C and creatinine and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China

BackgroundThe estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine (eGFRcr) may differ substantially within an individual. The clinical implications of these differences (eGFRdiff) for depressive symptoms risk are unknown and whether it differed by sex are also unknown. MethodsThe prospective cohort study enrolled 3343 participants aged ≥45 years from the 2011–2020 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The eGFRdiff was calculated by eGFRcys minus eGFRcr at baseline. Depressive symptoms were measured by the ten-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Unadjusted and adjust logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between eGFRdiff and depressive symptoms. Results1628 (47.3 %) females and 1815 (52.7 %) males were analyzed in the present study. When considering eGFRdiff as a continuous variable, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher eGFRdiff was associated with reduced depressive symptoms in females (OR = 0.993, 95%CI 0.985–0.999, p-value = 0.032), not in males (OR = 0.996, 95%CI 0.988–1.003, p-value = 0.280). The associations remained similar when comparing individuals across different eGFRdiff categories. ConclusionsIn this 9-year follow-up cohort study, baseline eGFRdiff was negatively associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling middle-aged and older females, but not males. Monitoring eGFRdiff could have clinical utility in identifying the risk of accelerated depressive symptoms progression in females.

Global and regional estimates of hip fracture burden associated with type 1 diabetes from 1990 to 2021.

To assess the global and regional burden of hip fractures associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from 1990 to 2021. The population attributable fraction was calculated by combining the published risk ratio with T1D prevalence (age ≥ 20 years) from the Global Burden of Disease study to estimate the T1D-associated hip-fracture burden. Trends were assessed using the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). The global incidence of T1D-related hip fractures was 290 180 in 2021 with an ASIR of 3.96 (95% confidence interval: 1.92-5.87) per 100 000 population and a male-to-female ratio of 0.54. At the super-regional level, the highest incidence (204 610) and ASIR (13.09 per 100 000 population; 6.40-25.53) were observed in high-income regions, in particular in Australasia and Western Europe. Notably, Australasia exhibited the highest EAPC, 2.90% in T1D-associated ASIR, followed by East Asia (2.73%). The incidence among those aged 45-64 years grew significantly in 14 regions over the past decade. Nationally, the ASIR increased in 166 countries from 1990 to 2021. High-income regions experienced the greatest burden of T1D-associated hip fracture, while Australasia and East Asia witnessed the largest increase over the last 32 years. Prioritizing the promotion of T1D treatment and hip-fracture screening for middle-aged females living with T1D is crucial in these regions.

Enhancing pharmacist intervention targeting based on patient clustering with unsupervised machine learning

ABSTRACT Objectives Adherence to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care is low. This study aimed to assist pharmacists in identifying patients for diabetes control interventions using unsupervised machine learning. Methods This study analyzed the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and used a k-mode cluster analysis. Patient features analyzed were adherence to a select set of preventive measures from the ADA Standards of Medical Care (HbA1c test, foot examination, blood cholesterol test, dilated eye examination, and influenza vaccination) and some patient characteristics (age, gender, health insurance, insulin use, and diabetes-related complications). Results The study included 1,219 patients with self-reported diabetes, and the adherence rate to the ADA standards was 33.72%. Five distinct clusters emerged: (A) moderate-complexity, privately insured male; (B) moderate-complexity, publicly insured female; (C) low-complexity, privately insured female; (D) high-complexity, publicly insured female; (E) moderate-complexity, publicly insured male. Groups B, C, and E exhibited nonadherence. Conclusions Pharmacists can target publicly insured elderly (Groups B and E) and privately insured middle-aged females (Group C) for interventions. For instance, pharmacists may help patients in Groups B and E locate existing resources in their insurance program and remind those in Group C of the importance of adequate diabetes care.

From legs to abdomen: Navigating the uncharted territory of pigmented purpuric dermatosis in a middle-aged female.

From legs to abdomen: Navigating the uncharted territory of pigmented purpuric dermatosis in a middle-aged female.

Depression-like behavior is associated with deficits in cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis in a subset of spinally contused male, but not female, rats

Depression and cognitive deficits present at higher rates among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to the general population, yet these SCI comorbidities are poorly addressed. Sex and age appear to play roles in depression incidence, but consensus on the direction of their effects is limited. Systemic and cortical inflammation and disruptions in hippocampal neurogenesis have been identified as potential treatment targets, but a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms remains elusive.We used a rodent SCI model to interrogate these gaps in knowledge. We examined post-injury depression-like behavior and cognitive deficits, as well as the association between affect, cognition, chronic hippocampal inflammation and hippocampal neurogenesis, in young and middle-aged male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Depression-like behavior manifested in male and female subsets of SCI rats irrespective of age, at rates commensurate with the incidence of clinical depression. Changes in components of behavior were driven by sex and age, and affective outcomes were independent of common post-injury pathophysiological outcomes including locomotor functional deficits and spinal lesion severity. Interestingly, however, only male depression-like SCI rats exhibited deficits in hippocampal-associated spatial cognition. Neurogenesis was also disrupted in only SCI males in regions of the hippocampus responsible for affective outcomes. Decreased neurogenesis among middle-aged male subjects coincided with increases in numbers of the pro-inflammatory markers CD86 and iNOS, while middle-aged females had increased numbers of cells expressing Iba-1 and anti-inflammatory marker CD206.Overall, the present data suggest that post-SCI depression and cognition may be affected, in part, by sex- and age-dependent changes in hippocampal neurogenesis and inflammation. Hippocampal neurogenesis is a potential target to address psychological wellbeing after SCI, but therapeutic strategies must carefully consider sex and age as biological variables.

Gender differences in the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index and serum Klotho concentrations among the middle-aged and elderly: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is recognized as a robust indicator for evaluating insulin resistance (IR). Despite the well-documented anti-aging biological functions of Klotho protein, its correlation with the TyG index remains unexplored.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007–2016. The TyG index was computed using laboratory data, while serum Klotho concentrations was determined using ELISA kit. After adjusting potential confounding variables, multivariate regression models were employed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and Klotho protein levels among middle-aged and elderly females and males separately. Additionally, smooth curve fitting and segmented regression model were applied to investigate potential threshold effects and identify the inflection point.ResultsA total of 6,573 adults qualified for inclusion, comprising 3,147 (47.88%) males and 3,426 (52.12%) females. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that females with a higher TyG index exhibited significantly lower serum Klotho concentrations (β=-83.41, 95% CI: -124.23 to -42.60, P < 0.0001). This association was not statistically significant in males (β = 15.40, 95% CI: -19.16 to 49.95, P = 0.3827). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction effect by diabetes status in females (P-interaction = 0.0121), where non-diabetic females showed a stronger negative association between TyG index and serum Klotho levels compared to diabetic females. In the female group, when TyG index was divided into quartiles, individuals in the highest quartile of TyG index exhibited reduced levels of Klotho protein (Q4: -88.77 pg/ml) compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) after full adjustment (P = 0.0041). Segmented regression analysis indicated a turning point value of 9.4 in females. Notably, a 1-unit increase in TyG index was significantly associated with a decrease in Klotho levels by -111.43 pg/ml (95% CI: -157.34 to -65.52, P < 0.0001) when TyG index was below 9.4, while above this threshold, the association was not significant (Log likelihood ratio test: 0.009).ConclusionsThe findings highlight a non-linear correlation between the TyG index and serum Klotho concentrations among females, indicative of a saturation effect. This relationship was particularly pronounced in non-diabetic women. In contrast, no statistically significant association was observed in male participants.

EP592 - A surgical case report of an epiploic hernia - A mobile right colon herniating through the foramen of Winslow

Abstract Introduction An Epiploic Hernia is an extremely rare type of abdominal hernia with &amp;lt;0.1 % incidence where the bowel or other intra-abdominal contents herniate through the Foramen of Winslow. A case of an Epiploic hernia in a middle-aged female is presented here. Presentation of case A woman in her 60s was admitted to a tertiary level hospital with severe right sided intermittent upper abdominal pain associated with nausea, bloating and constipation. The symptoms were thought to be due to biliary colic and managed conservatively. Since the symptoms persisted and a computed tomography scan of abdomen was organized. CT scan showed that the caecum was in the upper left quadrant. A laparoscopy was performed and demonstrated that her right colon was mobile herniating through the Foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac. The hernia was reduced, and the bowel was viable. The patient was discharged with no complications. Discussion There have been case reports of small bowel as the content of the hernia with lesser occurrences of caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, gall bladder, omentum, or Meckel's diverticulum. A caecal herniation through the Foramen of Winslow is reported only with an incidence of 0.02 %. &amp;lt;10 % of these Epiploic hernias are diagnosed preoperatively making it a potentially life-threatening condition if not treated promptly due to high risk of bowel strangulation and mortality of up to 50 %. Conclusion A high index of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis of this internal hernia and radiological investigation is fundamental in making this diagnosis for allowing prompt surgical treatment.

EP165 - It is not just a perianal wart! A rare case of perianal lesion

Abstract Perianal skin lesion is a common presentation with a wide range of differentials, including thrombosed external haemorrhoids, perianal abscess, perianal warts, lipoma and sebaceous cysts. Malignant lesions such as squamous cell carcinoma are uncommon but should be considered. Hereby, we present a diagnostically challenging case of a benign looking perianal lesion that ultimately revealed a rare condition. A 50-year old lady presented with a one-year history of perianal lump accompanied with intermittent pain, fresh bleeding and pus-like discharge. A digital rectal examination revealed a well-demarcated 4mm fleshy skin lesion, 2cm from anal verge at 7 o’clock position without surrounding area of inflammation. No lymph nodes were palpable on both groins. Differentials as mentioned above including an infected granuloma and fistula in-ano were considered. Pelvic MRI revealed a well-demarcated, benign-looking subcutaneous lesion. The lesion was excised under general anaesthesia and interestingly, the histopathology report revealed a diagnosis of Hidradenoma Papilliferum (HP) with no dysplasia or malignancy. Patient recovered well, reassured with the above findings and discharged home. HP is an uncommon, benign tumour that occurs in the anogenital region. It is more prevalent in Caucasian middle-aged females, as illustrated in our case. A definite diagnosis necessitates histopathological examination. The management includes a local excision of the lesion, and it is associated with good prognosis, with low chances of recurrence or malignant transformation. HP, although rare, should be included in the differentials of a perianal lump. A surgical excision or diagnostic biopsy should be performed at minimum.

High-risks drug adverse events associated with Cetirizine and Loratadine for the treatment of allergic diseases: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system database.

Cetirizine and Loratadine are the two best-selling second-generation antihistamines for allergic diseases. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of the differences in adverse drug events (ADEs) between these two medications, which can assist clinicians in making appropriate treatment decisions. ADE reports related to Cetirizine and Loratadine obtained from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database were analyzed using disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis to evaluate and compare the ADE signals of both drugs. A total of 28,051 and 28,073 ADE reports were retrieved from the FAERS database related to Cetirizine and Loratadine, respectively, with both drugs showing a predominance of middle-aged females. Specifically, Loratadine was associated with respiratory symptoms, mainly nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea (n=326, ROR 6.75), sneezing (n=251, ROR 15.24), and nasal congestion (n=185, ROR 4.25), while Cetirizine did not show this association. Notably, both drugs exhibited strong signals for somnolence in the nervous and psychiatric systems, especially Cetirizine (Cetirizine, n=2556, ROR 10.52 vs. Loratadine, n=1200, ROR 7.76). Additionally, Cetirizine itself showed strong signals for attention disturbance (n=233, ROR 3.3), while Loratadine was associated with nervousness (n=145, ROR 3.3). Further exploration revealed more severe adverse reactions closely associated with Cetirizine, including hallucinations, aggression, and abnormal behavior. Importantly, Cetirizine was significantly associated with the occurrence of pericarditis (n=138, ROR 8.13), potentially leading to serious adverse consequences. Compared to Loratadine, Cetirizine poses a greater potential risk in the nervous and psychiatric systems. Additionally, this study reveals previously underestimated potential cardiac toxicity of Cetirizine; albeit at a relatively low incidence rate, the high signal intensity warrants further attention and exploration. These findings highlight the need for enhanced patient monitoring and therapy optimization when prescribing these medications, ensuring better management of allergic diseases while minimizing risks.

Two-month ketogenic diet alters systemic and brain metabolism in middle-aged female mice.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that reduces glucose catabolism and enhances β-oxidation and ketogenesis. While research in female rodents is limited, research in male rodents suggests that ketogenic interventions initiated at midlife may slow age-related cognitive decline, as well as preserve muscle mass and physical function later in life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a KD on global metabolic changes in middle-aged females to inform potential mechanisms behind the anti-aging effects of this diet in an understudied sex. Targeted 1H-NMR metabolomics was conducted on serum, the liver, the kidney, and the gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the cortex and the hippocampal brain regions in 16-month-old female mice after a 2-month KD. Analysis of the serum and livermetabolome revealed that the 2-month KD resulted in increased concentrations of fatty acid catabolism metabolites, as well as system-wide elevations in ketones, consistent with the ketogenic phenotype. Metabolites involved in the glucose-alanine cycle were altered in thegastrocnemius muscle, serum and the liver. Other tissue-specific alterations were detected, including distinct effects on hepatic and renal one-carbon metabolism, as well as region specific differences in metabolism across hippocampal and cortical parts of the brain. Alterations to hippocampal metabolites involved in myelinogenesis could relate to the potential beneficial effects of a KD on memory.

Effects of early age of menarche on the health of Indian middle-aged women: A survey study

The age of menarche, which is a sign that a female has reached reproductive maturity, has a significant impact on the health of women. Numerous components, including nutritional status, socioeconomic status, diet, environment, sibling relationship, hereditary and genetic factors, religious group, ethnicity, psychological stress, migration, and chronic illness, have been postulated to influence the age of menarche. Opinions on these theories have varied, both for and against the theory. In a survey it was reported that women complaints joint pains /stiff shoulder and LBA. Risk of musculoskeletal problems and the perception of pain could increase with obesity.To find the prevalence of physiological and psychological health problems in middle-aged females due to early menarche.Women matching the study criteria and willing to participate in the survey were approached and informed consent was taken. An interview was conducted on either a physical or virtual mode by a trained therapist as per the check list designed for this study.The content of the checklist was validated with the help of experts in this study domain and subjected to statistical tests which yielded a Cronbach’s score of 0.967. The participants response on this checklist was analyzed and a strong association of physical and psychological health issue was documented particularly among working women, multiparous women, and with type of delivery women had undergone during 1 pregnancy.The present study documented significant findings with the early age of menarche and its association with physical and psychological health of the women.

Association between depressive duration and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study 2010–2018

BackgroundDepression has been found to be associated with cognitive decline, but whether longer depressive durations lead to more severe cognitive declines has not been investigated. We aimed to estimate the association between depressive duration and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older Americans based on a large-scale representative population study. MethodsWe included 27,886 participants from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in 2010–2018. Four datasets with 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-year consecutive interviews were further derived which involving persistent depressed and persistent depression-free individuals. Multiple linear regressions were constructed to estimate the effects of each depressive duration on the decline in global cognition, memory and mental status. Meta-regressions were performed to test the linear trends and to explore the heterogeneity between sex, age and baseline cognitive function along with subgroup analyses. ResultsDepressive durations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 years were associated with reductions in global cognitive scores of 0.62 points (95% CI: 0.51–0.73), 0.77 points (95% CI: 0.60–0.94), 0.83 points (95% CI: 0.55–1.10), and 1.09 points (95% CI: 0.63–1.55), respectively, indicating a linear trend (P = 0.016). More pronounced associations were observed in middle-aged adults and females. Similar patterns were found in the associations between depressive duration and two subdomains, i.e., memory and mental health. LimitationsThis study is essentially a cross-sectional study and therefore cannot provide causal associations. ConclusionsLonger depressive durations were linearly related to more severe cognitive declines. Timely intervention for depression targeted middle-aged adults can more effectively alleviate cognition-related burdens.