Point Increment Research Articles

Healthy sleep, mental health, genetic susceptibility, and risk of irritable bowel syndrome

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the prospective association of individual and combined sleep behaviors and mental health (psychological distress and neuroticism) with incident irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). MethodsA total of 302,839 participants without prior IBS in the UK Biobank were enrolled. A healthy sleep score was created according to five sleep factors and defined the low-risk groups as follows: sleep 7–8 h/day, early chronotype, never/rarely insomnia, no snoring, and no frequent excessive daytime sleepiness. Psychological distress and neuroticism were ascertained using the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Form, respectively. The primary outcome was incident IBS, based on self-report or linkage to death register and/or primary care and/or hospital admission data. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.0 years, 5574 participants developed IBS. Overall, low-risk sleep behaviors and a healthy sleep score (per one point increment, HR, 0.81, 95%CI, 0.79–0.83) were associated with a lower risk of incident IBS, 29.4 %–32.4 % of which was mediated by mental health. Psychological distress (per one point increment, HR, 1.16, 95%CI, 1.14–1.17) and neuroticism (HR, 1.11, 95%CI, 1.10–1.12) were positively associated with incident IBS, and healthy sleep scores mediated 8.3 %–9.7 % of the association. Moreover, participants with lowest healthy sleep score/highest mental health score and higher genetic risk of IBS showed the highest risk of incident IBS. LimitationsSleep behaviors and mental health were assessed by self-reported questionnaires. ConclusionsHealthy sleep scores and low psychological distress/neuroticism were associated with a lower risk of IBS, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Influence of Thermo-Oxidative Aging on the Properties of SBS-Modified Asphalt Binders

The superior performance of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt makes it widely used in asphalt pavement construction. However, SBS-modified asphalt pavement still faces an aging problem. Aging causes the performance of asphalt materials to decline and many pavement diseases. The dosage of SBS commonly used in industry is generally between 3% and 4.5%, and the performance of SBS with a high dosage needs to be explored. Therefore, in this paper, 12 modified binders were prepared with blending amounts of 3%, 5%, and 7% and the type of modifiers as linear and star. The softening point increment (SPI), viscosity aging index (VAI), rutting factor index (RFI), complex modulus aging index (CMAI), and phase angle aging index (PAAI) were used to study the antiaging performance of SBS-modified asphalt. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used to study the microscopic and structural changes that occur during the aging process of modified asphalt. The result shows that when the amount of the same type of modifier is 3%–7%, the higher the amount of modifier, the better the performance of the modified asphalt. At the same content, a star modifier is not necessarily better than a linear modifier. For the same type of modifier, the larger the amount, the better the antiaging performance of the modified asphalt. Given an increase in aging time, the deterioration of the asphalt performance will deepen. Aging leads to the enhanced high-temperature performance of asphalt. The macroscopic performance of asphalt aging can be explained by the microscopic view. The aging process of modified asphalt is the cumulative process of oxidation products.

Assessing the impact of poverty alleviation programs on poverty reduction in Nigeria: Selected programs

AbstractThe menace of poverty can seem unavoidable in a developing country like Nigeria, with well over half the population under the poverty threshold despite several poverty alleviation programs implemented over four decades. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of selected poverty alleviation programs on poverty reduction in Nigeria, covering the period from 1981 to 2015. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and CBN Annual Reports constituted the main sources of data used in this study. Autoregressive distributed lagged models were used in estimating the relationship. Two categories of social intervention programs—“income and wealth redistribution programs” (a proxy for “longevity” in the Multidimensional Poverty Index [MPI] [Category 1]) and “access and empowerment programs” (a proxy for “education attainment” in the MPI [Category 2])—were used, and both were found to reduce the poverty rate. Thus, a percentage point increment in access and empowerment programs reduces the poverty rate by 1.33%. The Category 1 relationship, however, was found to be statistically insignificant. In conclusion, the provision of credit facilities, social capital, and a congenial business environment should be encouraged by both public and private bodies in the poverty alleviation agenda.

Patient predictors of pathogenic versus commensal Gram-positive bacilli organisms isolated from blood cultures.

Gram-positive bacilli represent a diverse species of bacteria that range from commensal flora to pathogens implicated in severe and life-threatening infection. Following the isolation of Gram-positive bacilli from blood cultures, the time to species identification may take upward of 24 hours, leaving clinicians to conjecture whether they may represent a contaminant (inadvertent inoculation of commensal flora) or pathogenic organism. In this study, we sought to identify patient variables that could help predict the isolation of contaminant versus pathogenic Gram-positive bacilli from blood cultures. Retrospective cohort study. One quaternary academic medical center affiliated with the University of Toronto. Adult inpatients were admitted to hospital over a 5-year period (May 2014 to December 2019). A total of 260 unique Gram-positive bacilli blood culture results from adult inpatients were reviewed and analyzed in both a univariable and multivariable model. Malignancy (aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.33-5.91, p = 0.007), point increments in the Quick Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment score for sepsis (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.50-3.47, p < 0.001), peptic ulcer disease (aOR 5.63, 95% CI 1.43-21.0, p = 0.01), and the receipt of immunosuppression prior to a blood culture draw (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.86-8.01, p < 0.001) were associated with an increased likelihood of speciating pathogenic Gram-positive bacilli from blood cultures such as Clostridium species and Listeria monocytogenes. Such predictors can help supplement a clinician's assessment on determining when empirical therapy is indicated when faced with Gram-positive bacilli from blood cultures and may direct future stewardship interventions for responsible antimicrobial prescribing.

The Effect Of Using SDKI And Wilkinson Book On The Accuracy Level Of Nursing Diagnosis by Poltekkes Palu Nursing Student

Nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgement made by a nurse about patients’ respond towards their health condition. Data shows that 40% of nursing students don’t have enough skills to make precise nursing diagnose. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the use of the SDKI book and Wilkinson nursing diagnosis 10th edition book on the nursing students’ accuracy in making nursing diagnoses. We use a quasi-experimental method with the second grade of Poltekkes Palu nursing students as the subject of this study (n=93). The subjects were then divided into 3 groups. The first group was given the SDKI book as the intervention, the second group with the Wilkinson, and the third group was the control. Data were collected and analyzed with one-sample t-test (α&lt;0,05) to assess the students’ nursing diagnose accuracy before and after interventions. Results show that there is a statistically significant increment before and after intervention in the Wilkinson group (α = 0,018). While there are no significant increments both in the SDKI group (9,2 point increment), Wilkinson group (42 point increment), and in the control group (10,8 point of increment). In conclusion, the use of Wilkinson nursing diagnoses 10th edition affects the increment of Poltekkes Palu students’ nursing diagnosis accuracy.

Study on aging resistance and micro characteristics of bio-asphalt/TLA composite modified asphalt binder

With the development of road engineering, non-renewable petroleum asphalt binder is increasingly scarce. It is of great significance to replace part of petroleum asphalt binder with renewable biological asphalt binder in road engineering for sustainable social development. To solve the shortcomings of poor aging resistance of bio-asphalt, 25% of Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) is added into different contents of bio-asphalt modified asphalt binder in this paper to prepare bio-asphalt/TLA composite modified asphalt binder to improve its aging resistance. Then physical property tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) tests are conducted to study the aging resistance and mechanism. The physical property test shows that compared with petroleum asphalt binder, the bio-asphalt/TLA composite modified asphalt binder has lower softening point increment, viscosity aging index, complex modulus aging index and higher residual penetration; The micro test shows that the order of CI growth rate of 6 asphalt binder from large to small is: O > 12B/T > 9B/T > 6B/T > 3B/T > T; Biological asphalt binder, TLA and petroleum asphalt binder have good compatibility and can form a new and more stable system. Bio-asphalt/TLA composite modified asphalt binder has good anti-aging performance.

Healthy sleep score and incident cardiovascular diseases: the Paris Prospective Study III (PPS3)

Abstract Background/Introduction Most studies on the association between sleep habits and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have focused on one single sleep dimension, essentially sleep duration and sleep apnea. Purpose To examine the joint effect of several dimensions of sleep habits with incident CVD in a community-based prospective cohort. Methods Between 2008 and 2011, 10,157 men and women aged 50 to 75 years were recruited in a preventive medical center. They underwent a standard physical examination coupled with standard biological tests, and provided information related to lifestyle, personal and family medical history, current health status, and medication use on questionnaires. Sleep habits were self-reported on validated questionnaires that assess sleep duration and insomnia complaints (Pittsburg questionnaire), early chronotype, sleep apnea (Berlin questionnaire) and subjective daytime sleepiness (Epworth questionnaire). Each sleep dimension was assigned 1 point if optimal and 0 point otherwise. A healthy sleep score ranging from 0 to 5 (the higher the better) and reflecting the number of optimal sleep dimensions was computed: early chronotype, sleep duration of 7–8 h/day, never/rarely insomnia, no sleep apnea, and no frequent excessive daytime sleepiness. The occurrence of incident CVD events including coronary heart disease and stroke was followed every two years up to September 2020, and events were validated after review of the medical records. The multivariable association between higher healthy sleep score and CVD events was examined in proportional hazard Cox regression analysis. Population-attributable fractions were calculated to estimate the proportion of CVD cases that could be prevented by healthier sleep habits. Results This study included 7203 participants (62% of men, mean age: 59.7 years±6.2) who were free of CVD at baseline and had complete data on sleep habits and covariates. Among them, 6.9% had a poor sleep score (healthy sleep score of 0 or 1), and 10.4% had an optimal sleep score (score= 5). After a median follow-up of 8 years, 275 participants had incident CVD events. After adjustment for age, sex, total alcohol consumption, socioprofessional categories, smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, family history of heart diseases, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and diabetes status, the risk of CVD decreased by 22% (HR=0.78 [95% CI: 0.71–0.86]) per 1 point increment in the healthy sleep score, and there was a 74% risk reduction in CVD risk (HR=0.26 [0.13–0.51]) between participants with the highest (score of 5) and those with the lowest (score of 0–1) healthy sleep score (Table 1). Under the hypothesis that all the participants would achieve an optimal sleep score of 5, 70.8% of incident CVD could be potentially avoided each year. Conclusion(s) In this community-based prospective cohort, a higher healthy sleep score combining 5 sleep dimensions was associated with a lower risk of CHD or stroke. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The National Research Agency (ANR), The Region Ile de France (Domaine d'Intérêt Majeur)

Predictive Value of Glycosylated Hemoglobin for Post-operative Acute Kidney Injury in Non-cardiac Surgery Patients.

ObjectiveRecent studies have indicated that patients (both with and without diabetes) with elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) have a higher rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery. However, whether HbA1c could help to predict post-operative AKI in patients after non-cardiac surgery is less clear. This study aims to explore the predictive value of pre-operative HbA1c for post-operative AKI in non-cardiac surgery.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent non-cardiac surgery between 2011 and 2020. Patient-related variables, including demographic and laboratory and procedure-related information, were collected, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association of HbA1c with AKI. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement index (NRI), and integrated discriminant improvement index (IDI) were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the HbA1c-added predictive model.ResultsA total of 3.3% of patients (94 of 2,785) developed AKI within 1 week after surgery. Pre-operative HbA1c was an independent predictor of AKI after adjustment for some clinical variables (OR comparing top to bottom quintiles 5.02, 95% CI, 1.90 to 13.24, P < 0.001 for trend; OR per percentage point increment in HbA1c 1.20, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.33). Compared to the model with only clinical variables, the incorporation of HbA1c increased the model fit, modestly improved the discrimination (change in area under the curve from 0.7387 to 0.7543) and reclassification (continuous net reclassification improvement 0.2767, 95% CI, 0.0715 to 0.4818, improved integrated discrimination 0.0048, 95% CI, -5e-04 to 0.0101) of AKI and non-AKI cases, NRI for non-AKI improvement 0.3222, 95% CI, 0.2864 to 0.3580 and achieved a higher net benefit in decision curve analysis.ConclusionElevated pre-operative HbA1c was independently associated with post-operative AKI risk and provided predictive value in patients after non-cardiac surgery. HbA1c improved the predictive power of a logistic regression model based on traditional clinical risk factors for AKI. Further prospective studies are needed to demonstrate the results and clinical application.

Investigation on microstructure and aging resistance of bitumen modified by zinc oxide/expanded vermiculite composite synthesized with different methods

By synthesizing zinc oxide/expanded vermiculite (ZnO/EVMT) with a modified hydrolytic precipitation method, the composite could remarkably strengthen the resistance of bitumen to thermo-oxidative and ultraviolet (UV) aging. Nonetheless, the microstructure of the composite synthesized using different methods and their effects on microstructure and aging resistance of bitumen have been insufficiently researched. Thus, a modified sol–gel (SG) method and the hydrolytic precipitation (HP) method were used to produce ZnO/EVMT composite (remarked as SG-ZnO/EVMT and HP-ZnO/EVMT respectively) in this study. Then, the effects of two synthesis methods on the microstructure of ZnO/EVMT composite and its corresponding modified bitumen were characterized with a series of experiments, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible spectrometer (UV–Vis) tests. Finally, the resistance of the two ZnO/EVMT composite modified bitumen to short-term aging, long-term UV aging and long-term thermo-oxidative aging was evaluated with softening point increment and viscosity aging index. Results indicated that the two methods are feasible to synthesize ZnO/EVMT composite, and ZnO particles in HP-ZnO/EVMT have higher crystallinity and purity with the HP method. Furthermore, HP-ZnO/EVMT has a more homogeneous distribution of ZnO particles, higher UV absorption capacity and better bituminous compatibility than SG-ZnO/EVMT. With the addition of the SG-ZnO/EVMT or HP-ZnO/EVMT into bitumen, intercalated phase structures are formed in the corresponding modified bitumen. Additionally, the ZnO particle composition completely separated with EVMT composition in the SG-ZnO/EVMT modified bitumen, but HP-ZnO/EVMT composite in its corresponding modified bitumen still maintained the original characteristics. Based on the above, bitumen modified by HP-ZnO/EVMT has stronger aging resistance than that of SG-ZnO/EVMT regardless of the aging conditions. Therefore, the HP method is recommended to synthesize ZnO/EVMT composite for bitumen modification.

Comparison of Rapid Cognitive Screen against Montreal Cognitive Assessment in screening for cognitive impairment in the old and old-old.

BackgroundThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was developed as a screening tool for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Given the need for a rapid screening test in settings such as primary care, we compare the validity of the Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS) against the MoCA, and determine cut‐off scores in the old and old‐old.MethodsCross‐sectional study involving community‐dwelling ‘old’ (65 to 79 years old) and ‘old‐old’ (≥ 80 years old) without dementia. Cognitive impairment was defined by MoCA score 17 to 22. Validation was done using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis: area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (Sn), and specificity (Sp).ResultsOf the 183 participants (mean age 72.1 ± 5.2 years),15.8% (n = 29) were classified as cognitively impaired. The overall ROC curve had an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.90, P < 0.01) with an optimal cut‐off of 7/8 on RCS (Sn 0.77, Sp 0.72). The ‘old’ and ‘old‐old’ group had AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.74–0.91, P < 0.01) with 8/9 as optimal cut‐off (Sn 0.51, Sp 0.96) and AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.66–1.03, P < 0.01) with 7/8 as optimal cut‐off (Sn 0.71, Sp 1.00) respectively. In multivariate analysis, age was associated with 0.05 (95% CI ‐0.10‐0.00, P < 0.04) point decrement, while >6 years of education was associated with 0.82 (95% CI 0.32–1.33, P < 0.01) point increment in RCS scores.ConclusionThe three‐item RCS is quick and easy to administer. Although RCS met the criterion for good validity against MoCA in predicting cognitive impairment, its utility as a first‐line screening tool needs to be further validated in a large‐scale population study.

Incidence and risk factors for mortality in patients treated with combined ceftaroline for Gram-positive infective endocarditis.

Ceftaroline is a fifth-generation cephalosporin and represents an alternative in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE). The main objective of this study was to describe the incidence of in-hospital and 42-day mortality in patients with IE treated with ceftaroline. An observational retrospective study included adult patients with IE admitted during a 3.5-year period (January 2018-June 2021) and treated with ceftaroline in a single center. All cases were definite or possible IE according to the modified Duke criteria. Seventy cases were analyzed. The mean age was 67.35 ± 16.62 (16-89) and 39 (55.7%) were males. The mean number of days of treatment with ceftaroline was 21.26 ± 16.17 (1-75). Overall mortality at 42days was 30%, 20.7% in the first line, and 36.6% in rescue therapy. Predictors of 42days-mortality were increased Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (OR of 1.7 per 1 point increment, 95% CI 1.2-2.4, P 0.001), presence of methicillin-resistance (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.3-36.8, P 0.026) and evidence of septic shock (OR 8.6 95% CI 1.7-44.2, P 0.01). Predictors of 42days of therapeutic failure were the increase in the CCI (OR of 1.6 per 1 point increment, 95% CI 1.3-2.1, P 0.000) and septic shock (OR 4.5 95% CI 1.1-18 P 0.036). Adverse effects were described in 6/70 (8.6%) of the patients, precipitating in 4/70 (5.7%) the definitive withdrawal of the antibiotic. The incidence of in-hospital and 42day-mortality of IE patients treated with ceftaroline remains similar to literature data. Increased CCI, septic shock, and methicillin resistance are associated with poor prognosis.

Trends and predictors of modern contraceptive use among married women: Analysis of 2000–2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys

ObjectivesAccessing family planning is a key investment in reducing the broader costs of health care and can reduce a significant proportion of maternal, infant, and childhood deaths. In Ethiopia, use of modern contraceptive methods is still low but it is steadily increasing. Identifying the contributing factors to the changes in contraceptive use among women helps to improve women’s contraceptive use and helps to plan strategies for family planning programs. Thus, the current study aimed to analyze the trends and predictors of changes in modern contraceptive use over time among married women in Ethiopia. Data source and study designSecondary data analysis of the national representative data of 2000–2016 Ethiopian Demography and Health Survey was employed. MethodsThis secondary data analysis was considered using 2000 through 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. The study used data from the four DHSs conducted in Ethiopia (2000–2016). The data from all EDHS was collated so as to follow the trends throughout the period considered for the survey. Married women aged 15–49 years with sample sizes of 36,721 (9,203 in 2000, 8,438 in 2005, 9,478 in 2011, and 9,602 in 2016) were included. The analysis involved three levels, including trend analysis (to see changes from 2000 to 2005, 2005–2011, 2011–2016 and 2000–2016). Bivariate and multivariate analysis were also considered to identify predictors of modern contraceptive use. Data was extracted from the EDHS datasets for which authorization was obtained from the DHS Program/ICF International using a data extraction tool. SPSS 24 was employed for data management and analysis. ResultsAmong married women of reproductive age, modern contraceptive prevalence increased from 6.2% in 2000 to 35.2% in 2016. This 5-fold increment in modern contraceptive use was due to being in the age group of 25–29 years (AOR = 1.4; 95%CI (1.1, 1.7)), having two children (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI (1.1, 1.6)), the richest wealth category (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI (2.5, 3.5)), currently working (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI (1.2, 1.5)) and attending secondary and above education (AOR = 1.2; 95%CI (1.1, 1.6)) were found to be predictors. ConclusionsOver the past 15 years, an annual average of a 1.9% point increment has been observed in modern contraceptive use, but the country lags behind the SDGs's 2030 target of achieving zero unmet needs for contraception. Program interventions, and continued education of women, are mandatory, as education is one of the major factors contributing to increasing contraceptive use.

Research on the Influence of the Pitch of the Spiral Toolpath on the Forming Quality of Single Point Increment Forming

In order to study the influence of the pitch of the spiral toolpath on the forming quality in the single-point incremental forming, three kinds of spiral toolpath with pitch of 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm and 1 mm were generated by using the UG software, and the thickness distribution, contour dimensional accuracy and equivalent stress of the formed parts based on the spiral toolpath with the three kinds of pitch were compared and analyzed through numerical simulation by using the ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The research result show that the smaller the pitch of the spiral toolpath, the better the forming quality of the formed part.

Monetary policy decisions and bank profitability: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study provides empirical evidence for the first time on how different measures of monetary policy affect banking profitability in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachProviding empirical evidence on how different measures of monetary policy affect banking profitability in Ghana using 29 banks for period between 2006 and 2016, new monetary indexes are developed and a robust panel random effect models is employed with year effect controls.FindingsThe results show that while increase in monetary policy basis point reduced banking profitability, average monetary policy rate stimulated banking profitability. Interestingly, the monetary policy basis point and rate indexes developed reduced and enhanced banking profitability, respectively. While these results may sound contradictory, they have both theoretical and empirical backing. Thus, basis point increments serve a monetary policy tightening condition which leads to higher loan prices, lower borrowing and declined profitability in the short run. However, in the long run, banks adjusted their loan prices and deposits to reflect basis point changes in their favor, hence the positive effect of average monetary policy rate on banking profitability. Additionally, monetary policy easing which represents decline in monetary policy basis point and rate enhances banking profitability.Practical implicationsThese findings imply bank managers may take advantage of monetary policy easing to maximize profits in the banking sector of Ghana. Also, the monetary policy committee must be mindful of monetary policy tightening through basis point change since upward basis point increments reduce banking profitability.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence for the first time on how different measures of monetary policy (developing indexes from monetary policy basis point and monetary policy rate) affect banking profitability in an emerging economy as Ghana.

Abstract 10959: Phenotypic Age Mediates the Effects of Life's Simple 7 on Reduced Mortality Risk in the US Adults

Background: Phenotypic age, a newly developed marker for biological aging, improves risk prediction for adverse health events than chronological age. "Life’s Simple 7" (LS7) is a set of 7 recommended healthy lifestyle metrics proposed by the AHA to improve cardiovascular health. It is unknown, however, whether phenotypic age mediates the protective effects of healthy lifestyles on cardiovascular disease (CVD)- and all-cause mortality. Methods: Prospective analyses were performed using NHANES 1999-2010 data (6 cycles) on 9842 adults with linked death records till Dec 31, 2015. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were estimated for phenotypic age, LS7-score, and LS7’s individual components for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Mediation analyses were performed using structural equation modeling. Results: One point increment in LS7-score was associated with a 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.98) year younger in phenotypic age, independent of general demographic characteristics and chronological age. During a median of 10.33-year follow-up, 1616 deaths were recorded, 323 being cardiovascular. One year increment in phenotypic age was associated with a higher risk of all-cause (aHR=1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.05) and cardiovascular (1.04 [1.03-1.06]) mortality. The mediation analysis revealed that phenotypic age was estimated to mediate 66% and 42% of the total effects of LS7 on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Conclusion: Our data indicate that adherence to LS7 guidelines significantly slows down biological aging, which results in a prolonged lifespan as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Chemical, Physical, and Rheological Evaluation of Aging Behaviors of Terminal Blend Rubberized Asphalt Binder

Terminal blend rubberized asphalt (TBRA) is widely used as binder of asphalt mixtures due to its technical characteristics of storage stability. However, its road performance deteriorates due to the aging process of TBRA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the aging characteristics of TBRA binders containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% content of crumb rubber (CR) by weight of the neat binder. All the binders were treated with rolling thin-film oven test (RTFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV), respectively. The chemical compositional changes were monitored by attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and physical and rheological properties were tested on neat asphalt and TBRA binders. FTIR test results show that TBRA binders offer greater long-term aging resistance than the neat asphalt binder, and E10TB (10% by weight CR) exhibits the highest long-term aging resistance. With the increase of CR, the temperature sensitivity property of the TBRA binders increases, whereas their high-temperature stability decreases. After PAV aging, blending CRs into neat asphalt causes a higher phase angle aging index and Jnr aging index, and lower critical temperature aging index, complex modulus aging index, softening point increment, and rutting factor aging index, indicating their superior long-term aging resistance. Moreover, based on the correlation analysis, the critical temperature aging index (CTAI) has a good linear relationship with the physical aging index (SPI) and chemical aging index (ΔICA).

Quantity and variety of food groups consumption and the risk of diabetes in adults: A prospective cohort study

Evidence remains inconsistent regarding the association between quantity of food groups and diabetes, and remains scarce regarding the relation of dietary diversity with diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the prospective relation of variety and quantity of 12 major food groups with new-onset diabetes. A total of 16,117 participants who were free of diabetes at baseline from China Health and Nutrition Survey were included. Dietary intake and variety score were measured by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory in each survey round. The study outcome was new-onset diabetes, defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and dose-response relation, respectively. During a median follow-up duration of 9.0 years, a total of 1088 (6.7%) participants developed new-onset diabetes. Overall, there was a significant inverse association between dietary variety score and the risk of new-onset diabetes (per one point increment; HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.90). In addition, there were U-shaped associations of refined grains, whole grains, nuts, red meat, poultry, processed meat, dairy products, and aquatic products intake with diabetes, and L-shaped associations of legumes, vegetables, fruits, and eggs intake with diabetes (all P values for nonlinearity <0.001). Our results suggested that greater variety of food groups consumption was associated with significantly lower risk of new-onset diabetes. Furthermore, when the quantity of food groups intakes was relatively low, there was a negative correlation between the quantity of each different food group consumption and diabetes risk; however, when intake exceeded certain thresholds, the risks of new-onset diabetes increased or reached a plateau.

Association of e-health literacy with lifestyle among 18 – 59 years old residents in Taian city

Objective To investigate current status of lifestyle and e-health literacy and to explore the association of e-health literacy and lifestyle among 18 – 59 years old residents in Taian city of Shandong province. Methods Using stratified multistage random cluster sampling, we recruited 4 580 residents aged 18 – 59 years in 6 districts/counties of Taian city, Shandong province and conducted face-to-face interviews with eHealth Literacy Scale – Chinese Version during August, 2020. Results For all the participants, the e-health literacy score was 22.55 ± 12.69; the self-reported prevalence rates were 12.10% for smoking, 17.29% for alcohol drinking, 12.29% for not eating vegetables/fruits frequently, and 53.10% for inadequate physical activity, respectively. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a one point increment in the score of e-health literacy could be associated with 1.5% decrease in smoking prevalence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.985, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.975 – 0.995), 1.9% increase in the prevalence of eating vegetables/fruits frequently (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.010 – 1.029), and 2.3% increase in the prevalence of adequate physical activity (OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.017 – 1.030). Conclusion Higher e-health literacy may associate with decreased smoking and increased healthy dietary behavior and physical activity among 18 – 59 years old community residents.

COVID-19 mortality and the overweight: Cross-Country Evidence

Objective(s)The objective is to study the role, if any, of excess body weight in COVID-19 mortality. Study designThis is a cross-country study of plausible associations between COVID-19 mortality and the proportion of overweight among adults, controlling for age, gender, and income. MethodsParametric and non-parametric regression analysis. ResultsWe observe a statistically significant positive association between COVID-19 mortality and the proportion of the overweight in adult populations spanning 154 countries. This association holds across countries belonging to different income groups and is not sensitive to a population's median age, proportion of the elderly, and/or proportion of females. The estimated elasticities of COVID-19 mortality, with respect to the proportion of the overweight in adult populations, are consistently higher for sub-samples of countries that belong to a higher income group. On an average, every percentage point increment in the proportion of the overweight in adult populations contributes to an additional 3.5% points to COVID-19 mortality for high income countries: the limits of confidence intervals around this point estimate range between 1.5 and 5.4. ConclusionsA positive association between COVID-19 mortality and the proportion of the overweight in a country's adult population is robust, subject to alterations in the conditioning information set on age, gender, and income. Our findings call for an effective alignment of public policy regulations with public health priorities.

Mediterranean Diet is Associated with Reduced Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Smokers: Results of Two Prospective Cohort Studies

Smoking is a strong risk factor for the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It was hypothesised that a Mediterranean diet via its anti-oxidative properties would decrease the risk of AAA, particularly among smokers. The study population included the Cohort of Swedish Men (45 072 men) and the Swedish Mammography Cohort (36 632 women), aged 45 - 83 years at baseline. A modified Mediterranean Diet (mMED) score, including eight food groups, was calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 17.5 years of follow up (1 427 841 person-years), 1 781 AAA cases (1 496 in men, 285 in women; 1497 non-ruptured, 284 ruptured) were ascertained via Swedish registers. The mMED score was inversely associated with AAA incidence in men (per each one point increment in mMED score HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 - 1.00) and in women (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77 - 0.90), for non-ruptured (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 - 0.99; in men with infrarenal aortic diameter ≥ 30 mm HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81 - 1.00) and for ruptured AAA (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 - 0.93). In current and ex-smokers with low (< 20) and moderate (20 - 39.9) pack-years of smoking, a statistically significant inverse association was observed. HRs for each one point increment in the mMED score in current smokers were 0.83 (95% CI 0.75 - 0.91) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84 - 0.97), respectively; in ex-smokers 0.89 (95% CI 0.81 - 0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.85 - 1.01), respectively. No association was observed among current or ex-smokers with ≥ 40 pack-years; HRs 1.02 (95% CI 0.91 - 1.13) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.83 - 1.10), respectively. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced AAA risk in current and ex-smokers with low pack-years of smoking.