Population Studies Research Articles

Occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust and first-time acute myocardial infarction - a nationwide register-based cohort study 1976- 2018.

Exposure to air pollution including diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few studies have investigated the risk of AMI according to occupational exposure to DEE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between occupational exposure to DEE and the risk of first-time AMI. The study was a register-based cohort study of the Danish working population and included 903,415 individuals aged 35-50 years in 1995. Exposure estimates of DEE were assigned by linking a quantitative DEE job exposure matrix with the individual job history (1976-2017). National registers provided data on AMI throughout the follow-up period (1996-2018). The incidence rate ratios (IRR) for AMI were computed using Poisson regression while adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, socio-economic factors, ambient air pollution and occupational exposure to noise, physically demanding work, and job strain. 35,511 cases of AMI occurred during the follow-up period of 19,357,326 person-years. IRRs for cumulative exposure to DEE in the fully adjusted model were 1.04 (95%CI: 1.00-1.08) for exposure levels between the 50th and 75thpercentiles and 1.08 (95%CI: 1.04-1.12) for exposure levels ≥75thpercentile. Recent exposure to DEE was associated with an increased IRR in the highest exposed quartile (IRR=1.15 (95%CI: 1.05-1.27)), but only when compared within exposed workers. Increasing exposure to DEE was associated with increasing IRR for first-time AMI across different exposure measures. The results indicate that AMI should be included in risk assessment of DEE when establishing occupational exposure limits.

Prevalence of thoracic degenerative MRI findings and association with pain and disability: a systematic review.

To systematically review the literature on the prevalence of degenerative MRI findings in the thoracic spine and their association with pain and disability. The Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened the articles, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using a modified version of the Hoy tool for articles on prevalence and QUADAS-2 for articles on associations. The review included 23 articles describing 20 study populations: 5 general populations, 2 populations of asymptomatic volunteers, and 13 clinical populations. As the articles were highly heterogeneous, especially regarding study populations and the MRI findings assessed, a meta-analysis was not possible, and the results were presented descriptively. Prevalence estimates were reported in 21 articles, and 5 (3 study populations) had low RoB. The most frequently reported prevalence rates concerned the intervertebral discs, vertebral endplates, and the ligamentum flavum. Estimates varied considerably, with the prevalence of thoracic disc degeneration ranging from 0.2%-89% and vertebral endplate signal changes ranging from 0%-82%, depending on MRI definitions, population characteristics, and recruitment settings. Four articles investigated the association between MRI findings and spinal pain, with the RoB mainly considered low or unclear. Only two of these studies specifically examined thoracic spinal pain. None assessed the association with disability. Due to heterogeneity, few high-quality studies and few studies on individual MRI findings, no definitive conclusions could be drawn about the prevalence of thoracic degenerative MRI findings or their association with pain and disability.

Prevalence of depression and association to socioeconomic position. Results from the Lolland-Falster Health Study.

To describe the prevalence of self-reported depression in a socioeconomically deprived area in Denmark and the association to socioeconomic position (SEP) defined by education, occupation, and being in financial strain. 13,955 adults completing the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) in the Lolland-Falster Health Study questionnaire were included.Multivariate logistic regression on symptoms of depression based on MDI sum score and ICD-10 scores, associated to education, occupation, and financial strain - unadjusted and adjusted for sex and age group. We found a prevalence of depression at 2.7% using the ICD-10 category, at 7.6% using the MDI sum score, and a very strong association between symptoms of depression and SEP.The adjusted odd ratios (aORs) for depression for each socioeconomic group compared to the opposite showed that having no postsecondary education was associated with an aOR of 2.9; being temporarily out of job with an aOR of 7, and being in financial strain with an aOR of 8. Using more strict criteria for depression (ICD-10), showed an aOR of 4 when having no education, an aOR of 8 when temporarily out of job, and an aOR of 10 for positive depression when in financial strain. Symptoms of depression are strongly associated to SEP. Estimations of the prevalence of depressive disorders in population studies should take this into account. We estimate a more accurate prevalence of depressive disorders to be at 7.6% in this socioeconomically deprived area of Denmark.

Insights into VTE risk in trauma patients: an observational study in an Irish trauma patient population.

The rate of VTE in trauma patients varies significantly in the reported literature. We aimed to determine the incidence of VTE in trauma patients in a trauma-receiving hospital over a 7-year period. We sought to evaluate the timing and nature of VTE events and explore the patterns of co-occurrence between PE and DVT, while factoring in clinical care and death outcome. Retrospective review of consecutive trauma patients ≥ 18years admitted between January 2014 and December 2020. Data were extracted from the TARN database, picture archiving and communication system, and hospital records. The primary outcome was VTE incidence. Latent class analysis was used to uncover cross combinations of clinical management and VTE outcomes, yielding subgroups of trauma patients. Subgroups were compared for demographic and clinical characteristics. Seventy-three VTE were observed-incidence of 0.0036 cases/people-year (95% CI 0.0 to 3.69). VTE ( +) group consisted mostly of males (75%), had an advanced age, had higher injury severity scores, and had increased length of stay. Most patients (64%) developed a PE only. Most DVT (64%) were proximal. Two subgroups had a high probability of PE/low probability of DVT and two a high probability of DVT/low-to-moderate probability of PE. Subgroup comparisons showed differences in the clinical characteristics which were statistically inconclusive. This is the largest study of VTE incidence in Irish trauma patients and the first to delineate VTE risk in a trauma population. These findings urge reconsideration of VTE risk in trauma patients and implementation of prevention strategies.

The Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Genotoxicity (DNA Damage) Induced by Cigarette Smoke in Humans: A Systematic Review.

The present systematic review aims to put together human population studies that include some relationship between genetic polymorphisms and genotoxicity as well as to evaluate the quality of the published studies induced by cigarette smoke exposure invivo. The present systematic review was built according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Different genotoxicity assays were used by different authors, although the major goal was the genotoxicity assessment by means of micronucleus, comet, sister chromatid exchange, and chromosomal aberration assays. Also, different genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by different authors, being closely related to xenobiotics metabolizing and DNA repair genes. Our aim, therefore, was to collect these data so that a quality assessment could be properly carried out. Out of the 18 included studies, 15 reported genotoxicity due to cigarette smoking, and all of these reported some association between a genetic polymorphism and the aforementioned genotoxicity. Also, 14 studies were classified as either strong or moderate, which suggests the aforementioned findings can be trusted in regard to the studies' quality. Taken as a whole, the results suggest that genes associated with detoxification genes and DNA repair genes play a substantial role in the determination of an individual's susceptibility to genomic damage due to cigarette smoking.

Reoperations as an Outcome Indicator for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treated at Walking Age.

Reoperation is a major adverse event following surgical treatment but has yet to be used as a primary outcome measure in population studies to assess current treatments for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of the present study was to explore the risk factors associated with reoperations following procedures under anesthesia ("operations") for DDH in patients between the ages of 1 and 3.00 years, with the goal of deriving treatment recommendations. This retrospective birth cohort study included children who had undergone closed reduction, open reduction, or osteotomy for the treatment of unilateral DDH between the ages of 1 and 3.00 years, identified using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The children were followed until 10 years of age for reoperations, excluding implant removal and sequential closed reduction within 3 months postoperatively. A comparison between patients with and without reoperations was conducted, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with reoperation. Patients were further stratified by age and procedure for developing treatment recommendations. Among 2,261,455 live births from 2000 to 2009, 701 patients underwent operations for unilateral DDH between 1 and 3.00 years of age (an incidence of 31.0 per 1,000 live births). The initial operations included closed reduction (n = 86; mean age, 1.34 years), open reduction (n = 73; mean age, 1.53 years), pelvic osteotomy (n = 405; mean age, 1.59 years), femoral osteotomy (n = 93; mean age, 1.76 years), and pelvic osteotomy plus femoral osteotomy (n = 44; mean age, 1.84 years). Reoperations were performed in 91 patients (13%) at a mean age of 3.80 years. Comparison between patients with and without reoperations revealed the operative procedure as a significant factor. Logistic regression revealed that closed reduction was associated with a 1.8 to 9.0 times higher reoperation risk than open reduction, depending on age, whereas pelvic osteotomy was associated with 0.34 times the risk of reoperation than open reduction in patients 1.5 to 2.0 years of age. Reoperations may not be directly linked to radiographic and functional outcomes but are important from the patient's perspective and in terms of cost-effectiveness. To reduce the risk of reoperation, the findings of the present study support open reduction to properly reduce the hip joint at walking age and additional pelvic osteotomy for patients beyond 1.5 years of age. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Role of Population Based Studies in Advancing our Knowledge of Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid neoplasms characterized by high molecular and genomic heterogeneity. Accordingly, efforts in risk assessment and therapeutic intervention mostly target unique profiles that individualize specific MDS subtypes. In this review, we explored the contributions of population based studies accounting for MDS as a group. Large population based studies have been critical to define important details of our current knowledge of the disease. We summarized the most important population research contributions in MDS, focusing on its epidemiology, population risk factors, and relevant clinical associations. We discuss how these population data can provide vital insights to inform prevention measures, testing strategies, and treatment decisions. Population studies play an important role in guiding clinical and research efforts in MDS. Despite its complex molecular and genomic landscape, population data is integral to define the burden of disease, identify risk factors and clinical associations, and can help elucidate pathogenic mechanisms.

Updating and Advancing Member-Checking Methods: Use of Video and Asynchronous Technology to Optimize Participant Engagement

Member checking enhances the trustworthiness and transformative potential of qualitative research. There are a variety of aims and approaches to reengaging with participants in sharing data or preliminary analysis and soliciting feedback through member checking. Published studies often lack descriptions of member-checking methods or outcomes, and there is a lack of research on the use of technologies for this purpose. Asynchronous video and internet-based technologies can be valuable tools to improve the accessibility, equity, effectiveness, and acceptability of member checking and foster increased engagement. This publication presents a detailed description of member checking in an exemplar study that used readily available technologies to create a video synopsis of preliminary findings and embed that video in a multimedia, mixed methods web-based survey which was emailed to participants. This member-checking method was purposefully selected to advance the specific research aims of the study, reflect the epistemological stance of the researchers and unique considerations of the study population, and address relevant situational factors to optimize participant engagement. This strategy facilitated wide, cost-effective, and timely distribution and resulted in a good response rate with rich feedback. Asynchronous technologies were a useful alternative to in-person or synchronous meetings to facilitate voluntary participation, foster reflection that deepened analysis, and capture multiple voices and perspectives. Findings from this research support the use of video and electronic survey technologies to enhance study credibility, address ethical and methodological challenges related to member checking, and increase equity and engagement. Future studies are needed to expand and refine integration of technologies into member checking to address diverse research aims, contexts, and study populations.

Skeletal Maturity Might Not Be a Factor in Optimizing Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Introduction Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rarely indicated in the skeletally immature population. In these instances, there is concern for implant survival compared to the traditional older population. There has been a steady rise in the use of THA in the pediatric population due to improvements in surgical techniques. While the outcomes in THA for skeletally immature patients have been described in the literature, there are no population studies looking at this procedure in a skeletally immature individual. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare 10-year implant survivability following primary THA in skeletally mature versus skeletally immature patients. Methods Patients who underwent primary THA were identified using a large national database (PearlDiver). THA patients were then divided into presumed skeletally immature male patients (0-16 years), presumed skeletally mature male patients (17-21 years), presumed skeletally immature females (0-14 years), and presumed skeletally mature females (15-21 years). Multivariable analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine differences in the risk of revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), mechanical loosening, dislocation/instability, and periprosthetic fracture (PPF). Results In total, 352 male patients (244 skeletally mature and 108 skeletally immature) and 409 female patients (350 skeletally mature and 59 skeletally immature) were identified. Compared to skeletally immature females, skeletally mature females had no higher risk of 10-year revision for all-cause, PJI, mechanical loosening, dislocation/instability, or PPF (P > 0.05 for all). Compared to skeletally immature males, skeletally mature males had no higher risk of 10-year revision for all-cause, PJI, mechanical loosening, dislocation/instability, or PPF (P > 0.05 for all). Conclusion Although THA occurred more commonly in patients above the presumed age of skeletal maturity, the lack of significantly different surgical outcomes suggests that younger age and presumed skeletal immaturity may not put patients at any further risk of implant failure. While further research is needed to understand the impact of age and skeletal maturity on outcomes of THA, these results indicate that the initial age of a THA may not be a factor in optimizing outcomes, and suggests that orthopedic surgeons need not delay surgery based on age or skeletal maturity alone.

Depression and Incident Hypertension: The Strong Heart Family Study.

Compared with White Americans, American Indian adults have disproportionately high depression rates. Previous studies in non-American Indian populations report depression as common among people with uncontrolled hypertension, potentially interfering with blood pressure control. Few studies have examined the association of depressive symptoms with hypertension development among American Indians despite that population's high burden of depression and hypertension. We examined the association of depressive symptoms with incident hypertension in a large cohort of American Indians. We studied 1,408 American Indian participants in the Strong Heart Family Study, a longitudinal, ongoing, epidemiologic study assessing cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among American Indian populations. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, 2001-2003. At each study examination in 2001-2003 and 2007-2009, blood pressure was measured 3 times. The average of the last 2 measurements taken at baseline and follow-up examinations was used for analyses. Incident hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg, or use of hypertension medications at follow-up. To account for within-family correlation, we used generalized estimating equations to examine the association of depressive symptoms with incident hypertension. During follow-up, 257 participants developed hypertension. Participants with symptoms consistent with depression (CES-D ≥16) at baseline had 54% higher odds of developing hypertension during follow-up (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.06-2.23) compared with those without depression (CES-D <16) at baseline after adjustment for other risk factors. These data suggest that participants who experienced symptoms consistent with depression were at increased odds of incident hypertension.

&lt;u&gt;Assessment of Glucosuria and Ketonuria in Diabetic Patients Attending Gitwe District Hospital&lt;/u&gt;

Background: Glucosuria and ketonuria are serious condition which mostly occur and affect in diabetes mellitus. Glycosuria is a rare condition in which kidney excrete glucose into the urine, nearly always caused by elevated blood glucose levels, most commonly due to untreated diabetes mellitus. while Ketonuria is a medical condition in which ketone bodies are present in the urine. It is seen in conditions in which the body produces excess ketones as an alternative source of energy. It is seen during starvation or more commonly in type I diabetes mellitus. Aim: This cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of assessing the levels of glucosuria and ketonuria in diabetes patients attending Gitwe District Hospital. Methodology: The glucosuria and ketonuria in diabetes patients were tested. The study populations mainly comprised of diabetes patients, 116 study participants were included, the majority were 64.7% female while 35.3% were male. Urine sample was collected from diabetes patients and samples analysis was performed in biochemistry service of Gitwe District Hospital for glucosuria and ketonuria analysis using urine chemistry strips. Results: During data analysis, the highest frequency of participants present in this study were (34.6%) between 51-60 years old. The mean age was 51years ± 10.787 SD (ranged from 26 – 79 years). 21.5% patients experienced glucosuria and 11.1% lived with ketonuria. correlation between glucosuria and ketonuria was found to be highly positive and statistically significant of 0.001 with Correlation Coefficient (r) of 0.886, which indicates that when glucosuria increase leads to increase of ketonuria too. Conclusion: There are very few studies on glucosuria and ketonuria in diabetes patients, researchers are recommended to conduct researches related to this. Further researches are recommended to study the effects of change of glucosuria and ketonuria especially their association in diabetes patients. Keywords: Glucosuria, Ketonuria, Diabetes, Insulin

Biochemical markers of renal functions in hypothyroidism – A study in Indian population

The global burden of hypothyroidism is significant among the disorders of thyroid gland. In the developed world, hypothyroidism prevalence is approximately 4-5% and that of subclinical hypothyroidism is approximately 4-15%.The present study was done to evaluate the association between thyroid function and renal parameters among euthyroid, subclinical and overt hypothyroid individuals. To evaluate the renal functions in hypothyroid patients. To estimate &amp; compare, freeT3, freeT4, TSH, serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, eGFR, urinary microalbumin, urinary creatinine levels in euthyroid (control group) &amp; hypothyroid patients (study group).To calculate &amp; compare urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) in both groups (control group and study group). This is a Cross sectional analytical study carried out at Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, at Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (S.S.G.H) and Medical College Baroda, Vadodara. Study subjects were divided into three groups depending upon the levels of the TSH and free T4.The Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) was used to measure: S.TSH, fT4 and fT3 levels by micro particle enzyme immunoassays.The Fully automatic Erba XL 640 was used to measure-Serum Creatinine, Serum Urea, Serum Uric acid were measured on Erba XL 640. The semiautomatic Microlab RX-50V was used to measure-Urinary Microalbumin.All statistical analysis was done by using MedCalc statistical software. ANOVA comparison analysis, we found significant differences in mean results of several parameters in three thyroid groups. In overt hypothyroid subjects, free T4 levels showed significantly moderate strong negative correlations (p=0.002, r= -0.412 &amp; p&amp;#60;0.001, -0.539) with UACR &amp; urinary microalbumin. In overt hypothyroid group, Serum TSH: levels showed weak positive correlations (p=0.04, r=0.28) with urinary creatinine, moderately strong positive correlations with UACR and urinary microalbumin (p=&amp;#60;0.001, r=0.57 &amp; p=&amp;#60;0.001, r=0.72). Serum TSH: In subclinical hypothyroid groups, TSH levels showed positive correlations with serum uric acid urinary creatinine, UACR, and urinary microalbumin (p=0.01, r= 0.32, p=0.00, r= 0.46, &amp; p=&amp;#60;0.001, 0.43). Present study were found increased levels of serum creatinine, uric acid, urine albumin creatinine ratio, urinary microalbumin and decreased eGFR levels in hypothyroid group as compared to euthyroid group. The prevalence of microalbuminuria and urine albumin creatinine ratio is high in overt hypothyroidism.

Edible Insects as an Alternative Source of Nutrients: Benefits, Risks, and the Future of Entomophagy in Europe—A Narrative Review

According to projections by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global population will reach 9 billion by 2050. This raises concerns about the ability to feed such a population. In view of the above, it is necessary to search for alternative food sources. Edible insects are rich in complete protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and micronutrients. Despite this, entomophagy is not common in Europe. In 2021, the European Union approved Acheta domesticus, Tenebrio molitor, Locusta migratoria, and Alphitobius diaperinus for consumption. However, their consumption may also be associated with certain hazards, e.g., food allergies. The purpose of this review is to present existing knowledge, discuss the possible dangers of consuming insects, and identify areas for further research. Studies in Asian populations indicate that edible insects may be responsible for 4.2–19.4% of food allergies and 18% of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. There are also increasing reports from Europe of food allergies to edible insects. A thorough understanding of allergens, their properties, and the mechanisms of food allergies associated with edible insects’ consumption is essential for ensuring consumers’ safety. In the future, it would be worthwhile to investigate the effects of heat treatment on the allergenicity of insect proteins.

The Development and Initial Validation of the REST Questionnaire: A Multidimensional Tool for Assessing Fatigue in Individuals with and Without a History of Cancer

Background: Fatigue is a prevalent and complex condition with significant impacts on well-being. Existing fatigue assessments often lack comprehensiveness or practicality for general population studies. Methods: This study validated the REST Questionnaire, a novel fatigue assessment tool, in a sample of 268 adults. Psychometric properties, including internal consistency and construct validity, were evaluated. REST scores were correlated with WHO-5 well-being, BMI, self-rated health, and chronic conditions. Exploratory factor analysis identified underlying dimensions of fatigue. Results: The REST Questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.918) and construct validity. Higher fatigue scores were associated with lower well-being, female gender, and the presence of certain chronic conditions (cancer, kidney stones, gastric ulcers). Two distinct fatigue dimensions, “physical fatigue and functional impacts” and “emotional and social consequences”, were identified. Conclusions: The REST Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing fatigue in the general population. Its multidimensional framework and sensitivity to comorbidities offer valuable insights for research and public health applications, with the potential to inform targeted interventions aimed at improving well-being.

Will controlled monitoring of biochemical profile help in better prognosis of diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetes Mellitus affects more than 400 million people worldwide and that number is growing rapidly. India is the country with largest number of diabetic patients in the world. Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the common causes of hospital admissions among diabetics in India.This study was aimed at creating a database on biochemical profile of diabetic foot ulcer patients and to see if they can be used to detect and prevent progressing complications and also to monitor treatment progress. A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 50 diabetic foot ulcer patients, biochemical parameters such as HbA1c, S. urea, S. creatinine, S. electrolytes, S. protein, S. albumin, S. SGPT, S. acetone, S. cholesterol, S. triglycerides and S. HDL were estimated from the time of hospital admission and in successive follow up. The population study group age was between 40 to 65 years with 60 percent being males. Among 50 patients there was a relative and gradual increase in values of HbA1c, Creatinine, Cholesterol and Triglycerides. whereas there is a decrease in values observed in parameters like Protein, Albumin and Sodium. Novel diagnostics are able to rapidly detect some of the most dangerous consequences of diabetic foot ulcer and can help to guide therapy. Therefore, preventive and evidence -based guidelines should be followed for diabetic wound management. Diabetic foot ulceration is a major health problem along with wound healing. Its management must also focus on identifying and correction of these biochemical changes and other contributing factors.

Digital Simulations in STEM Education: Insights from Recent Empirical Studies, a Systematic Review

This study explores the use of digital simulations in STEM education, addressing the gap in systematic reviews synthesizing recent advancements and their implications for teaching and learning by focusing on their impact on learning outcomes and student engagement across general and special education settings. The review includes 31 peer-reviewed empirical studies published in the last five years, sourced from ERIC, Scopus, and Web of Science, and adheres to the PRISMA methodology to ensure transparency and rigor. The findings reveal that interactive simulations are the most widely used type of digital tool, accounting for 25 of the 31 studies, followed by game-based simulations and virtual labs. Quasi-experimental designs dominate the research landscape, often employing pre- and post-tests to evaluate intervention effectiveness. While inquiry-based learning emerges as the most frequently implemented instructional strategy, hybrid and simulation-based approaches also feature prominently. Despite the evident benefits of digital simulations in enhancing conceptual understanding, engagement, and problem-solving skills, research gaps remain, particularly regarding their application in primary and special education contexts. This review underscores the need for diverse research methodologies and broader population studies to maximize the potential of digital simulations in STEM education.

Association Between Herpes Simplex Virus Type II and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections: A Population Study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2016.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer, with 14 subtypes classified as high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Despite the availability of vaccines, certain regions still experience limited access. Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-II), a common sexually transmitted infection, is hypothesized to increase the risk of HR-HPV infections. This study aims to individually analyze whether HSV-II infection increases the risk of each high-risk type of HPV infection in a representative sample of American adults. Data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2016, involving 4076 female participants. The study utilized logistic regression to estimate the link between HSV-II infection and HR-HPV infection. And we conducted a further stratified analysis to evaluate the impact of HSV-II on HR-HPV infections in different subgroups. After adjustment, the odds of having HR-HPV infection were 1.46 (95%CI, 1.24, 1.71) for those with HSV-II infection. Moreover, women with HSV-II infection had higher odds of HPV18 infection (OR=3.01, 95% CI: 2.05, 4.41) and HPV58 (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.32) infection even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The results remain significant in subgroup analysis and in the interaction test. The study found a significant association between HSV-II infection and HR-HPV infection, particularly with HPV types 18 and 58, highlighting the importance of preventing HSV infection and advocating for early vaccination with HPV vaccine for those vulnerable to HSV infection. Further prospective studies are needed to validate their causal associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Lipocalin 2 in Obesity and Diabetes: Insights into Its Role in Energy Metabolism

Background: Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, is a 25 kDa protein involved in immune defense, inflammation, and metabolism. Results: LCN2 is widely expressed across various tissues, including immune cells, bone, adipose tissue, liver, kidneys, lung, spleen, and epithelial cells, and exhibits sex- and fat depot-specific expression patterns. Structurally, LCN2 contains a hydrophobic lipid-binding pocket and glycosylation sites, enabling it to interact with diverse ligands and form dimers. In innate immunity, LCN2 plays a critical role by sequestering iron-laden siderophores, thereby restricting bacterial growth. Beyond its role in infection control, LCN2 is implicated in metabolic inflammation and diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Recent research has highlighted a pivotal role for LCN2 in mitochondrial phospholipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. In metabolic diseases and mitochondrial metabolism, LCN2 appears to display paradoxical effects. While some studies link it to improved insulin sensitivity, glucose regulation, and mitochondrial function, others associate it with insulin resistance, obesity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These inconsistencies may arise from differences in experimental conditions and study populations. Conclusions: This review provides an up-to-date summary of LCN2’s multifaceted roles in obesity, diabetes, energy balance, and mitochondrial function, emphasizing its context-dependent effects. LCN2 appears to have dual roles, exerting both protective and detrimental outcomes depending on the physiological or pathological context, sex, cell types, and experimental conditions. Further research is necessary to unravel its complex functions and resolve conflicting findings, particularly in metabolic disorders.

Rethinking ‘rare’ PINK1 Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis of geographical prevalence, phenotypic diversity, and α-synuclein pathology

PTEN-induced kinase 1 ( PINK1)-related Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally considered a rare autosomal recessive form of early-onset PD (EOPD), lacking classical Lewy body pathology. However, this characterization underestimates and oversimplifies PINK1-PD, largely due to a lack of extensive studies in diverse ethnic populations. This review and meta-analysis explores considerable variations in PINK1 variant rates and the wide heterogeneity influenced by patient- and variant-specific factors, delineating a more precise disease profile. Our findings reveal that PINK1-PD is more common than previously thought, with geographic ‘hotspots’ where up to 9% of EOPD cases are linked to PINK1 variants, including the pathogenic p.Leu347Pro variant affecting 1 in 1300 West Polynesians. Homozygous PINK1-PD typically manifests around age 35, predominantly affecting the lower limbs, with an excellent response to levodopa. Heterozygous PINK1-PD presents an ‘intermediate’ phenotype, with a later onset age (around 43 years) than homozygous PINK1-PD but earlier than idiopathic PD (typically after age 65). The severity of the phenotype is influenced by variant zygosity and pathogenicity, interacting with genetic and environmental factors to push some individuals beyond the disease threshold. Notably, females with PINK1-PD have earlier onset age than males, particularly in homozygous cases and when variants occur in the first half of PINK1's kinase domain. Contrary to traditional views, α-synuclein pathology is present in 87.5% of PINK1-PD postmortem cases across ages and variants. We challenge conventional views on PINK1-PD, highlighting distinct phenotypes influenced by zygosity, sex, and a role for α-synuclein pathology, urging for increased recognition and research of this not-so-rare disease.

Regular Smoking Accelerates the Decline in Masticatory Performance in Japanese Men: The Suita Study.

Smoking is presumed to cause a decline in masticatory performance by worsening the intraoral environment in various ways. However, no longitudinal study has examined the relationship between smoking and masticatory performance. To clarify how smoking affects future decline in masticatory performance through a 5-year follow-up study of a general urban population. The study participants were 494 men (mean age at baseline: 65.8 years) who participated in baseline and follow-up dental examinations in the Suita Study. The masticatory performance of the participants was evaluated using a test gummy jelly. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow-up period was calculated by subtracting the masticatory performance at baseline from the masticatory performance at follow-up and dividing this by the masticatory performance at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence or absence of a decline in masticatory performance as the objective variable and age at baseline, number of functional teeth, periodontal status, salivary flow rate, maximum bite force, smoking status, utilisation of dental services, and follow-up years as the explanatory variables. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow-up period was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, maximum bite force, and smoking were significant explanatory variables for a decline in masticatory performance. A 5-year follow-up study showed that smoking causes a decline in masticatory performance in men, even after adjusting for confounding factors.